Any pet owner will tell you that their house has seen its fair share of hair, spills, scratches and stains to remember the memories by. Our furry friends can be quite messy sometimes and without the right tricks we can feel overwhelmed by the chaotic energy. If you’ve ever struggled with keeping your home fresh with pets around, stick around because this guide is for you.
Housekeeping...smell ya later!
You are the boss of your house and your space should reflect that. This goes without saying, but cleaning your home (very) frequently is one of the most basic ways to ensure that it is always a healthy and enjoyable environment.
Even though our pets are a huge part of our world, their presence should be felt; not smelled. One of the first things we notice in any space is how it smells and animals are known to carry strong odors that take control.
The first trick in the book is of course, opening a window to let that natural air flow keep things moving. An air purifier is a great gadget to have in general; but especially when you have pets because it filters the air as long as you have it running. Diffusers have become very popular in recent years and although they are spiffy, some oils are potentially harmful for your pets so consult their vet before investing. Candles and plug-in air fresheners are great quick fixes but they only mask the issue instead of getting to the heart of the matter.
If it’s not possible to go carpet free in your space, then monthly(at least) carpet cleanings will make a difference. If you’re carpet free but want to warm up your space, rugs are an amazing way to achieve this but they also hold odor, dust, and stains so choosing “low pile” for shorter fibers and tighter loops will help make sure they are easy to clean. When vacuuming, sprinkle a little bit of baking soda onto your carpets or rugs; it is known for pulling out lingering odors.
When thinking about furniture, focus on easy maintenance by sticking with metal and fabric because they are more durable to wear and tear. Research the best materials for all your pet related things such as their dog bed, towels, toys, and even removable couch covers as some pick up scent and hair more than others. A really cheap and functional tool that you can never have enough of, is a lint roller to use to pick up the trail of hair they will inevitably leave everywhere! Wash their beds, linens, toys, and accessories, as often as humanly possible. This will not only keep everything clean but it will also keep them in tip-top shape. Although often overlooked, washing their collars, leashes, and harnesses should be in your rotation as well. Even though they might not use their crate too often, it’s important to make sure to give it a detail every time it is used.
Accidents happen while in potty training mode and even as they get older; be sure to tend to it immediately to avoid any odors soaking into the floor. Cleaning with pet-safe products like sprays and wipes is important for their health, so do your research for the best ones on the market. When it comes to dog or cat food, they don’t always smell great; especially the wet kind. Storing their food in the refrigerator is fine, as long as you remember to keep it covered. You don’t need a vault or anything - plastic or glass container will do just fine :)
Hygiene is Key
Healthy habits start at home and depending on your dog and their habits you’ll want to bathe them anywhere from 4 - 8 weeks. Make sure to dry them completely before letting them roam around the house; there is nothing quite like the smell of a wet dog to really ruin your appetite. Sticking to a grooming schedule is also important and can range anywhere from 8-12 weeks. Some breeds require more washing because of their natural oils, while others require less based on their coats and skin sensitivity; check with their vet to determine what is best for your buddy. If leaving your house is not your jam (for obvious reasons) just download the Petlox app and we will have a mobile groomer come to you in no time!
Even the most well groomed dogs can still smell if their oral health is not under control so brushing their teeth is a must. To help with maintenance, you can give them dog dental treats at least once a day which will work to keep their pearly whites on point in between brushing. If it is truly out of control, it may be an indication that there is an underlying issue for which there are pet dentists - yup, it’s a thing!
It is often surprising to people when they find out that the scent glands located in dogs’ ears can cause the unpleasant odor. Make sure to clean the area often by wetting a cotton ball with hydrogen peroxide.
As they explore the outside world, they encounter all sorts of things like grass, mud, poop, and dirt. Make sure to wipe their paws at the door or get them little booties they can wear for protection.
Number One, Number Two
If you have a cat, you know that the litter box is way more high maintenance than them. When choosing a spot, decide on the area that is the most contained in your home. Some brands of litter work differently than others at neutralizing odors so it is best to try out a few and see which is the winner. Baking soda makes yet another cameo as it is the champion of the all-purpose department; just sprinkle some evenly and smell the magic happen. The litter box should be scooped frequently and if you’re not able to tend to it multiple times a day then try aiming for at least once each day.
It might sound like too much to take on at once but we at Petlox are here to help integrate these tips into your life so you can discover the pro that you are. Keep checking back for more guides like this to keep your life as a pet parent purrrrrfect!