There is no doubt that having a dog is a fulfilling and enriching experience, but it does come hand-in-hand with mucky paw prints, shedding hair and a wet dog smell. You can keep all these delights at bay with 7 top tips to have a clean house with a dog – it really is possible!
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When you have a dog, they become an integral part of the family, offering selfless love and unadulterated innocence. But, all of us dog lovers will also know that sometimes your furry friend can make it a cumbersome job to keep a clean house.
Rest assured – it is still possible to have a clean house with a dog, and all it takes is a few simple steps.
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How Can You Keep a Clean House With a Dog?
Vacuum Regularly
Vacuuming your house is of utmost importance when you have a dog. Most dogs are prone to shed their fur or hair everywhere, whether it be the sofa, your bed or on the floor.
Anything other than vacuuming will just shift the dirt from one place to another, with chances of some being left behind. On the other hand, vacuuming sucks in everything. For dogs who shed quite substantially, you may need to vacuum daily to ensure no trace is left behind.
If it is becoming too hectic for you to vacuum all the time, you could get an automatic machine set up. The upside is that they don’t need to be controlled manually and they clean up the entire house following the parameters you have set. It even works automatically when you are not at home or while you’re sleeping, making cleaning even easier!
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Set Up a Dog Cleaning Station
Do you have a mucky pup? If every time your dog steps outside he splashes in a puddle or rolls in the mud, you may want to assign a particular area in the house which will exclusively be for cleaning your dog.
You can bring your dog to this area and clean him there so that you are aware where the maximum dirt will be.
Opt for Durable Materials
A smart thing to do would be to buy durable, hard-wearing material that will be able to withstand any damage that your dog could possibly do – like staining, biting, tearing or clawing at it. You should especially use durable items in the area where your pet frequents.
Keep Stain Remover Close By
No matter how well you train your dog, sometimes they may get hit by a stomach bug or eat something that they should not have and fall sick. You should be ready for such situations and have a stain remover handy for when accidents happen. Use it as soon as you see a stain because the product works best when you use it as early as possible.
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Regularly Clean Your Pet’s Things
Just like your own everyday things, your pet’s things will also get dirty eventually, so it is a good idea to clean them regularly. Anything dirty is not hygienic at all, whether that is the food and water bowls, the dog’s bedding, a rug, or cushions on the couch. Not only is this important for keeping a clean house, but also for maintaining the health of your dog.
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Wipe Those Paws
Whenever your dog has been out for a walk or a run around the garden, wipe his paws before letting him back in to the house. Keep a dedicated ‘dog’ towel or suitable cloths near the door to wipe them.
Air the House Out
Keep the air moving – it’s important for your health, and will also help to freshen your home and get rid of certain odours that your dog carries and causes.
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Having a clean house with a dog is entirely possible, it’s not a myth. Find a cleaning routine that works for you, and it will become easier!
Do you have any top tips to share with our readers? How do you manage a clean house with a dog? Leave a comment below and let us know – we’d love to hear from you!