10 Tips for Keeping Your Home Clean... with Pets!

 

One positive thing that has come out of this quarantine period is that animal shelters have found that many – or in some cases all – of their pets have been adopted! While people shelter in place and have reduced or eliminated contact with others, many are turning to a new furry friend for connection. While this news is a silver lining in an often bleak story, as people (eventually) get back to work and daily routines, they may find some pet ownership realities aren’t what they expected. Check out our top 10 tips for keeping your home clean with your new furry friend. Pet Hair #1: Maintenance

Some pets – like our Matti – shed tumbleweeds of dog hair that roll across the floor (yes, she sheds!), while others shed small individual hairs that infiltrate every small space. Either way, pet hair can be one of the biggest challenges of pet parenting. Regular grooming will help reduce shedding and if your pet has an undercoat, you may want to use a de-shedding tool as well. Check out our website for more grooming tips! Pet Hair #2: Rugs & Carpets

Vacuum frequently and in multiple directions to pick up as much hair as possible. You may want to use a rubber rake or squeegee to capture every bit of hair. Before you vacuum, sprinkle a carpet deodorizer to help reduce odors throughout your home. Pet Hair #3: Clothes and Upholstery

For your clothes, the easiest thing to use is a tape roller. But honestly, during a pandemic, we’re all wearing pajamas anyway so what’s a little pet hair? For furniture, if your vacuum has an upholstery tool, use that for best results. In a pinch or for smaller spots, grab your tape roller and use that instead. Wipe Your Paws

Keep a towel or mat at entry/exit points for your pup or kitty. Let them walk on it as they enter your home to help remove dirt and dust left from their outdoor adventures. If you think your pup is going to have particularly dirty paws after a walk, leave a shallow container of water at the door so when you return, you can dip your dog’s paws in the water, then dry them off before they climb back on the couch with you for another movie marathon. Stinky Stains

Accidents happen and the sooner you can get to them, the better. Pick up any solid waste, then blot stains with a clean cloth to absorb as much moisture as possible. Use a few drops of dishwashing liquid mixed with a cup of warm water and blot with another clean cloth. It is best to blot and not rub, which sets the stain in further. Rinse by blotting with warm water. Alternate until the stain is removed. For particularly tough or old stains, call a professional carpet cleaner and ask for a pet stain treatment. Upgrade Upholstery

When you’re ready to upgrade your couch after all this SIP sitting around, look for fabric that repels hair, resists tearing, and can be easily cleaned. Consider investing in semi-aniline leathers, microfiber, or microsuede. Look for terms like “high grade” and “tightly woven” when considering materials. You may want to consider colors that match your pet’s fur, but if your pet is like Matti – you probably don’t want a black and brown and white couch! Protect your Floors and Surfaces

Trim your pet’s nails regularly to reduce damage to floors. For dogs who need to go “out,” you may want to try a friend’s approach. Their dog grabs a particular bear and waits by the door every time he needs to go outside. Until your dog has mastered this, consider mounting a piece of Plexiglas next to the door to protect the frame and walls from any scratching. Mealtime

Matti is a tidy eater, but if your pet dribbles kibble, you may want to use a placemat to help speed clean up after mealtime. Protect your floors from a kibble mess and spilled water with a DIY laminated mat or you can get fancy and purchase a placemat in a variety of colors and sizes. Grooming #1: Scheduling

Grooming mostly depends on your pet’s breed. Generally, regular grooming should be done once a month. For young puppies or dogs and cats that haven’t had regular grooming, frequent brushing at home may help your pet get used to being handled which will make grooming for you or a professional groomer easier in the future. Grooming #2: Tips

One of the most important things to consider when grooming your pet at home is to pick the right brush for your pet. Pin brushes work well for straight, long coats; use a wire brush for medium length coats or for pets with an undercoat, and rake-style brushes work well for undercoats during shedding season. For short coats, use a grooming mitt or rubber curry brush. When bathing your pet, use warm water, even during hot summer months. A pet who is given a cool, icy bath will likely try to avoid their bath next time. Keep a hand under small pets to support them from slipping and sliding in the tub. Don’t forget to use a conditioner for long-haired pets to ease brushing. Nails, Teeth, plus Ears: When trimming nails, start by picking up each paw and prep your pet by squeezing the nail as if you were clipping. Be careful to avoid cutting the nail into the quick or it will bleed. If that happens, cover the nail end in styptic powder and put pressure on the nail until the bleeding stops. To get pets used to nail trimming at home, you may want to start by trimming one nail each day and rewarding with a treat. Mouth health is important for pets too. Massage your pet’s gums to help them get used to having your hands in their mouth. This will help you notice any dental work that may be needed. Then, use animal toothpaste and brush your pet’s teeth. You and your pet will love their fresh breath! When grooming, be sure to check your pet’s ears. Using a warm, damp cloth or cotton ball, gently clean the folds of the skin out to the tip of the ear. Then spend a few moments massaging your pet’s ears – this is one of Matti’s favorite things ever! Then, after all this, snuggle up with your super-clean pet and watch your favorite movie while we continue to SIP!