Guest Post
Author: Our Best Friends
Cleaning a house populated by dogs can be a chore; even if they don’t purposely make messes, pets often leave behind excess hair, drool-soaked toys, and dirt and debris that they bring in from outside. Not only can it be difficult to keep your floors and furniture clean, but the air quality in your home can also suffer greatly due to dander and outdoor allergens that come in on your animal’s paws. For pet owners living on a tight budget, finding a way to keep up with everything without spending a fortune on cleaning products can be a real challenge, especially when the house is a good size or when there’s more than one pet.
The good news is that there are several things you can do to keep your home spick and span without breaking the bank. Preventative care is essential and can include keeping your pet well-groomed, preparing your furniture and flooring to withstand your pet’s lifestyle, and making sure he gets enough exercise and attention to keep him from acting out destructively.
Below are a few things you might want to think about if you own a dog.
Grooming
Keeping your pet well-groomed will help prevent fur and dander from taking over your furniture and carpets. Thankfully, you don’t have to spend a ton of money at a professional groomer; using a good brush suited to your pet’s breed will work wonders, especially if you do it several times a week. If your dog has long hair or tends to get a full coat during colder months, trim it up to prevent tangles and make grooming easier. It’s also a good idea to keep your dog’s nails trimmed to help prevent damage to your furniture and floors. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this yourself, many pet stores offer the service for under $20.
Clean the Air
The air quality in your home may suffer due to your pet’s fur and dander, and while grooming can take care of some of it, these are things that can affect your family’s allergies. Help everyone breathe easier by using an air purifier to keep allergens at bay; just make sure you have the right purifier for your needs, as there are many different kinds to choose from.
Keep His Paws Clean
Your pet can bring in all sorts of things on his feet, so it’s a good idea to keep pet wipes or a small bowl of water and a towel by the door he typically uses, especially in the winter. During colder months, his feet can be exposed to ice, antifreeze, and muddy slush that will not only track up your floors but could also damage his tender pads or create a fall hazard. Give his feet a quick swipe after every walk to help keep your carpets tidy and prevent costly cleaning bills.
Use the Right Vacuum
Whether you have carpets or hardwood, your floors will take a lot of hits throughout your dog’s life simply from excess hair, saliva-covered toys, and foot traffic, so it’s a good idea to invest in a quality vacuum cleaner that will pick up everything he leaves behind. Look for one that includes a HEPA filter that will pull allergens and dirt up without throwing them back into the air. You may need to lay out a bit of money in the beginning, but it will end up saving you quite a bit in the long run when it comes to keeping things clean and extending the life of your flooring.
Keeping your home clean when you have pets can be a daily challenge, but it doesn’t have to be a stressful endeavor — and it doesn’t have to cost a ton of money. With some preventative measures, you can keep things tidy while ensuring your dog is safe and comfortable.
