Dirty paws. Funky smells. Pet hair everywhere! Keeping a home clean when you have a dog can be challenging. But it's not impossible.
On top of regular cleanings, these surefire solutions seriously reduce the mess a fur baby creates. Even better, all of these tips stand to make life at home better for the whole family.
Get Your Pup Tuckered Out
If your dog becomes a little homewrecker when left alone, some extra exercise each day may make your pup less prone to destructive indoor behavior according to the Human Society.
How much exercise does your dog need? It varies based on your puppy's size, age, breed, and personality. Some dogs may need to be walked three to four times per day, or require an hour of dedicated play time in the dog run.
What to Do If Your Dog Has Separation AnxietyClean (and Toss) Dog Toys Often
Dog toys can quickly become breeding grounds for nasty bacteria that can affect your dog's health. Washing them, especially after being used outside, will eliminate harmful germs while cutting down on the amount of dirt tracked around your home.
To remove grime on plastic toys, scrub them using warm water and mild dish soap. After cleaning, you can disinfect them by soaking toys in one part water mixed with one part white vinegar for an hour. Afterward, rinse toys with fresh water and pat dry.
Cloth toys can be washed in a washing machine using a small amount of hypoallergenic laundry detergent. Next, toss in the dryer on a low setting.
Periodically check your dog's toys for signs of wear. Toys on their last legs not only create debris - bits of fabric and string or pieces of plastic all over the floor - they can also become a choking hazard for your pet.
Groom Him Regularly
A dirty, smelly dog can make your home equally messy and stinky. Regular grooming, like bathing and brushing, will keep your home tidier while preventing serious canine health issues associated with poor doggy hygiene.
How often should you bathe your dog? At least once a month but before doing so consult with your veterinarian.
Here's another grooming tip. You already know how filthy and germy the local park, sidewalks, and streets are in your area. But you may not be aware that when you walk your dog, his paws will track those outdoor nasties all over your home. Worse, the pollution can make your dog sick if he licks it.
Wiping your dog's paws with a clean damp rag as soon as you enter the home helps. Even better, try training your dog to jump in the tub after every walk so you can rinse the paws with a handheld shower head and pat dry.
How to Give Your Dog a BathDog Proof Your Space
Dog-proofing your space with washable rugs and cotton canvas drop cloths will help keep floors and furniture clean.
An easy-to-clean rug in the entryway can be a drop zone for dirty stuff entering your home, including the dog. Keep towels or wipes stowed nearby so you can quickly wipe him down .
Do you let your dog on the furniture? Keep your sofa and bed covered with washable canvas drop cloths. They're durable and also a lot cheaper than traditional furniture pet covers. Just throw them in the wash every two weeks.
Invest in Outerwear
When foul weather strikes, a winter coat and waterproof booties fit for your pet will help keep rock salt and outdoor wetness out of your home-just remove right before re-entering your home.