Top 7 Tips for Dog-Proofing Your Home
Dogs are known as man’s best friend for a reason! If you’re an adoring pet owner, you already know that having furry four-legged friends around can bring an incredible spirit of joy and companionship into your home. Unfortunately for pet owners, however, dogs also bring lots of messes right along with them, especially if you have more than one pup.
Because it’s National Canine Fitness Month this April, our cleaning experts are sharing 7 of the best tips for puppy-proofing your home, and ensuring it stays clean and tidy in the chaos. Whether you’re a veteran canine caregiver or a brand new dog parent, our professional cleaning services will ensure that your home is a welcoming haven for pooches and people alike – and help you keep your sanity.
7 Puppy-Proofing Tips for Pet Owners
Tip #1: Think like a canine.
It may sound silly, but experts recommend that you start the dog-proofing process by imagining how your dog sees the world. Get on the floor and look for anything that might catch a puppy’s eye, like unattended food sources, uncovered trashcans, or enticing “human toys” like electronics. Then, make sure there are no easy routes for your pal to paw these treasures, or install special shelving high off the ground.
Tip #2: Keep lint rollers close at hand.
You can never have enough lint rollers when you have a dog! Consider keeping a few within reach of your front doorway so that guests can dust off when they leave. It’s also worth purchasing a heavy-duty fur remover broom for your hardwood flooring, and medium-sized lint rollers to trap hair on couches, chairs, and beds.
Tip #3: Choose the right doggy bed.
Your puppy spends a lot of time in her doggy bed, so it’s best to choose one that won’t trap unwanted odors and hair! Whether you’ve got one dog or lots of furry friends, thinking ahead on pet beds will save you a lot of time and money down the line. Find a bed with a removable cover made from bacteria-fighting fabric — that way, you can simply throw it in the washing machine every week or so.
Tip #4: Put down a towel (or two, or three!)
Wherever your canine friend likes to play, there’s sure to be plenty of fur and dirt. Luckily, you can stop dirt in its tracks by keeping an older towel near your back door, along with a bucket of cleaning supplies and a shallow container of water. If your puppy likes to sit in specific spots throughout the house, you may want to throw down a few extra towels or machine-washable blankets there, too.
Tip #5: Add an air purifier to your shopping list.
Dog dander can cause severe allergies and invite unpleasant odors. Aside from observing a regular dog grooming schedule, you can also invest in a high-quality air purifier to combat your pup’s shedding habit and keep your house smelling fresh. Look for a purifier that has a True HEPA Filter, as this means it’s certified to remove 99.97% of allergens.
Tip #6: Perform a full “plant audit.”
Need to have some greenery around the house? Love to garden in your backyard? Before letting your dog stroll through the proverbial daisies, you’ll need to double and triple-check that your plants are safe for dogs. Common flower varieties like tulips, daffodils, and lilies are actually poisonous to canines, and even safe plants can cause gastrointestinal distress when ingested. Once you’ve identified any potential hazards, either replace the offending plants or find a way to block your dog’s access.
Tip #7: Invest in a few dog deterrents.
No matter their age, dogs love to chew on almost anything they can reach. To protect your home—and your canine’s teeth— from damage, you should think about investing in a few easy dog deterrents. One popular solution is bitter apple spray, which uses all-natural ingredients to keep dogs from chewing on table legs and furniture. You can also install baby gates throughout the house to control access to certain rooms.
Want More Pet-Related Cleaning Tips? We’ve Got You Covered!
Even if you dog-proof your entire home from top to bottom, it’s pretty much inevitable: Your pet will eventually make a mess. When that happens, there’s no need to fret. With the help of our regular cleaning services, you’ll be well on your way to managing a beautifully dog-proof home.
Already having some pet cleaning issues? You’re not alone! We’ve also created a few online resources to help you remove pet stains, pet hair, and more. Check out these other posts that will help you clean up the mess and begin puppy proofing — or give Merry Maids® a call, and we’ll handle the clean-up for you.
For more information about our professional cleaning services, contact us at (888) 490-4227 today.
.2004161450550.jpg)
