Dog owners adore their furry companions and want nothing but the best for them. Because of this, most dogs are housepets, living among their human family members. No matter the breed, owning an indoor dog can pose some challenges when it comes to maintaining a clean home due to their shedding and drooling habits.
It’s entirely possible to keep your house spick and span even with a four-legged friend. It doesn’t matter if you own a Shiba Inu puppy or an Australian Cattle Dog; living with them doesn’t need to mean living in chaos. You just need to take proactive measures towards cleaning and maintenance.
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Keeping Your House Clean as a Dog Owner
There are a number of different ways you can stay ahead of the mess. Most of these measures only take a little time out of your day – what’s really important is that you stay consistent.
Regular cleaning
Having a dog in the house means there will be more dirt, hair, and dander that accumulates over time. Regular cleaning is essential to keeping your home clean and hygienic. Vacuuming at least once or twice a week will help remove loose fur, dirt, and dust from carpets, rugs, and floors. Dusting surfaces like shelves, mantles, and countertops will keep them free of pet hair.
Groom your dog
Brushing your dog daily or at least twice a week will help control shedding and prevent hair from getting all over the house. Use a brush that’s suitable for your dog’s coat type to remove loose fur before it falls off on its own. That’ll mean you collect more of their fur in the trash instead of on your belongings.
Use a lint roller
Dog owners who keep a dark wardrobe will already know this tip, but it bears repeating for everyone. Keep a lint roller handy in different parts of the house to quickly pick up any stray hairs or debris on furniture, clothing or floors.
Train your dog
Dogs can make messes by jumping on furniture or running around where they shouldn’t. There’s much less chance of your dog getting your couch or bed dirty if they know they aren’t allowed there in the first place. Training your dog in basic obedience commands like “stay” and “off” can prevent these habits from forming.
Use odour-neutralising products
Dogs can leave behind unpleasant odours in the home, especially if they are not regularly bathed or groomed. Some dog breeds (particularly working breeds) may simply have a greasy, doggy odour. Odour-neutralising sprays can be very useful in keeping your home smelling fresh.
Designate specific areas for your dog
Create designated areas for your dog so that they do not roam around the house freely. You can use baby gates to block off certain rooms or areas that have to be kept clean. This will help contain their messes instead of lettering them spread throughout the house.
Clean up accidents immediately
If any toilet accidents happen inside the house despite your training efforts, clean them up as soon as possible using an enzymatic cleaner designed for pet stains to prevent lingering smells. Dogs have extremely sensitive noses and if the stain isn’t destroyed completely, they may think it’s okay to go to the toilet in the same place again.
Wash bedding regularly
Your dog’s bedding should be washed regularly to keep it free of bacteria and smells. This doesn’t just keep your house smelling fresh, it’ll help your dog be more comfortable as well. Around once a week is fine, so long as your dog isn’t particularly dirty.
Invest in air purifiers
Air purifiers are helpful in removing pet dander and other allergens from the air which helps improve indoor air quality for you and any family members with allergies. Look for purifiers with HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters for maximum effect.
Hire professional cleaners
Professional cleaners have equipment designed specifically for deep cleaning carpets, upholstery, and other hard-to-reach areas where pet hair may accumulate even after regular vacuuming sessions. They’ll help ensure that every corner is cleaned properly – which is well worth it to do every once in a while.
