Are you the proud parent of a fur baby? Your love for your four-legged friend is no doubt as boundless as the mess they create in your home!
Hair everywhere, claw marks, persistent odours, bits of food around their bowl … despite thorough cleaning sessions, you never feel like you can get on top of it! Cohabitation with a dog does require a bit more discipline when it comes to household chores. And if your house is for sale, you no doubt want it to look spotless during visits. Thankfully, it is possible to make your home sparkle despite living with a canine friend. Follow our tips and tricks!
Potential Buyers Are Coming Over… What to Do?
Sometimes, dog owners don’t realize that there is an unpleasant smell floating around their house, the heart of the problem being that they have become accustomed to their furry friend’s “fragrance.” Is your property for sale and you’ve just been advised of a last-minute visit? Here are four lightning fast things you can do to make it a success:
- Wash your dog with a canine-formulated shampoo
- Air out the house by opening the windows, even in winter
- Buy a fabric refresher and spray it on all textiles: curtains, pillows, couches, throws
- Light a scented candle
Avoid Non-Washable Furniture and Accessories
Does Fido like to loll on the loveseat, roll around on the bedspread and cozy up under the drapes? It would then be preferable that it all be easily washable. Leather couches (or imitation leather) are easy to maintain, but if you prefer fabric upholstery, choose a model with a slip cover that can be removed for a deep clean. Stay away from cushions that cannot be laundered (opt for those with a washable shell!).
Provide With Their Own Bed
Dogs spend hours dozing inside the home. Their favourite spot is usually a cozy corner (or spaces with sides like a couch) where they feel safe. If you want to spare your furniture, purchase a large pillow that they can use as they please. Stores offer some very stylish options that will not ruin your decor. Take care! The dog bed must take a trip into the washing machine regularly to prevent it from becoming a stinky monster! Is the pooch not interested in their new bed? Bunch up some sheets you don’t use anymore and stuff them into a corner. Your dog may more readily adopt this option for nap times as the sheets smell of you.
Protect as Much as You Can
It is possible to stop canine odours from permeating fabrics by covering your dog’s favourite spots with chair and sofa covers or throws and blankets. These protectors also collect hair and prevent damage caused by claws. Once a week (or more), run them through the washing machine to keep your home smelling fresh. Additionally, place an absorbent washable mat underneath your dog’s food and water bowls to protect the floor.
Damage Caused by Claws
It is almost impossible to keep your dog from scratching the wood flooring and the furniture (unless they are made of very durable materials). However, you can trim your best buddy’s claws to stop them from getting too sharp. There are also accessories you can place over each claw. These nail caps can stay in place for up to eight weeks without causing your animal any pain (unlike declawing).
Frequent Light Cleaning
Dog owners (just like the parents of small children!) known how quickly a house can go back to being messy even after a good cleaning. To keep the house spic and span despite the presence of these adorable fur balls, it is best to do a little cleaning every day instead of a top to bottom onslaught once a week. Why? Because dirt and hair are constantly being generated. Your vacuum cleaner is your best friend (or, at least, second best). What we wouldn’t do for them!
Brush Fido (To Excess!)
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! To avoid finding dog hairs in your soup, on your new suit or as a growing herd of dust bunnies under your bed, why not get them at the source? Some owners brush their pet every day (ideally outside) or even rub them down with the vacuum. Many dogs really look forward to this kind of massage!
What to Do After an Outdoor Walk
Imagine the amount of dirt you would bring into the house if you walked barefoot outside. And yet, this is what your companion is doing! One trick is to have them wear booties, which will also protect their paws and pads from the cold or debris on the ground. Alternatively, you can set up a station at the front door containing a rag, damp towels or even a water basin to clean their paws when they come in. Adding a door mat both outside and inside the front door can also work miracles against dust and soil.
With all this advice, your property will be as welcoming as your dog when you come home in the evening!