House Cleaning Tips for Dog Owners

According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers
Association, more than 40 million American households share
their lives with more than 68 million dogs.

Obviously, dogs are a very popular pet.

Unfortunately, as much as we love them, they can leave us with
more mess to clean up. Your dog can “accidentally” leave stains
and odors. It would be fantastic if you can find easier ways to
keep your home looking clean and non-smelling.

If you have to constantly fight with pet hair, paw prints,
chewed-up bits of knick-knacks as well as things dragged in,
thrown up or otherwise deposited on previously clean surfaces,
here are some of the ways to dog-proof your home and keep pet
mess and smell to a minimum:

* Choosing flooring surfaces that are easy to keep clean and
stand up better to canine nails.

* Do not delay cleanups. Messes are easier to clean when they
are fresh, and are less likely to leave a permanent stain.

* Do not use ammonia-based cleaners on dog messes as they smell
like urine.

* Use an enzyme-based dog odor neutralizer to kill the urine
scent.

* Focus on areas where odors lurk. Spots where dogs sleep eat
and play can harbor stinking smells. Thoroughly clean up these
areas at least twice a week.

* Saturate the area with a product for removing stains and
odors. Wait a few minutes then vacuum it with a wet-and-dry shop
vacuum.

* Pick appropriate carpet and upholstery to ensure easy clean
up.

* Avoid wool or cotton fibers for carpets and instead opt for
synthetic carpets that have a stain shield.

* Choose tightly woven fabrics and avoid loose or open weaves,
when selecting upholstery fabrics. Tight fabrics would resist
tears and rips from claws.

* There is no guarantee that every dog is flea-free. Boric acid
(100%) powder is odorless and non-staining and is an excellent
flea-killer.

* Shedding is a normal process that occurs seasonally in dogs.
Dogs typically shed their coats in spring and fall. Keep pets
well groomed. Brush and comb your pets regularly, and do not
delay regular bathing. Your pets will smell better, and the hair
you catch in the grooming process will not end up floating
around your home.

Shedding of hair can cause an allergic reaction in dog owners.
Tolerance levels to allergens vary from person to person. It is
well known that people who own dogs and have allergies are not
about to give them up. Dog owners can lower their risk of
reaction and reduce allergens in their homes. The following are
some tips to help you.

* Always wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least
15 seconds after handling your dog and before touching your eyes
or face. Alternatively, use a hand sanitizer or antibacterial
hand wipes.

* Use allergen-resistant covers on mattresses and pillows.

* If possible, reduce the amount of carpet in your home,
especially in bedrooms and sitting rooms.

* Restrict your dog to certain rooms of your home to create
allergy-free areas. Bedrooms, especially, should be a no-no area.

* Use vacuums with high-efficiency air filters to help clean the
air.

* Use air purification devices to reduce allergens and eliminate
household odors.

* Get a non-allergic family member to bathe your dog weekly and
groom him regularly – outside the house.

* Keep your home well ventilated.

To maintain a clean environment for you and your dog all that is
required is vacuuming twice to remove pet hair and frequent
washing of bedding and draperies. If you have any sort of a dog
that sheds – say a shaggy dog – it would be a good idea to
hand-vacuum him frequently.

Keeping a clean home when dogs are around is not that difficult.
Of course, a constant effort, right products and good planning
is required. It all comes down to knowing how to clean and doing
it right.