From cleaning up fur to keeping dogs off furniture, there are plenty of essential tidying tips to help your home stay free from muck, dirt, dust and pet hair.
“Adoring our dogs means embracing the mud and fluff of their rock and roll-over lifestyle, from mucky park rambles to the lost fur that leaves our carpets in desperate need of a dog-friendly vacuum cleaner,” say the Dogs Trust.
Need some help on where to start? Keep reading to find out the cleaning tricks every pet lover should know to keep their home spotless and dirt free…
1. Keep your dog clean
If your dog gets mucky on a long walk, always give them a gentle clean to make sure they are comfortable. Not only will this remove dampness and dirt, but it will protect your home from any grime they may have trodden in. To do this, simply take a damp cloth and wipe down their legs, feet and stomach. During wetter seasons, it’s advisable to give your dog a rinse using warm water — over-washing with shampoo can irritate their coat.
The Dogs Trust add: “Gentle and regular brushing helps keep your dog’s coat healthy and can support them to feel more at ease with being handled, as well as giving you the opportunity to check them for any lumps or bumps. Brushing will also gather up excess dog hair before it gathers on your carpets.”
Eva Blanco / EyeEmGetty Images
2. Deep clean toys in the dishwasher
Clean hard rubber or plastic dog toys in the dishwasher to reduce the spread of germs and bacteria. Arrange toys on the top rack and run on the full cycle, before allowing the toys to dry throughly. Instead of harsh dishwasher detergents, opt for all-natural vinegar instead. To clean cloth or fabric toys effectively, try popping them in the washing machine.
3. Think about your dog’s bed
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From wicker baskets to bean beds, there are heaps of luxurious options available. While it might be tempting to choose the most stylish one, consider a bed that is easier to clean more regularly. Hardwearing options, such as waterproof styles, are great for messy pups.
4. Upgrade your vacuum cleaner
Got a moulting dog? Our four-legged friends are important members of the family, but it can be frustrating when their fur sheds onto your carpets, sofa and car. One of the best ways to banish pet hair from your home is to invest in a vacuum cleaner for pet hair, such as the Dyson V11 Absolute, Hoover H-Free 500 and the Miele Triflex HX1 Cat and Dog — all tried and tested by our team.
If you’re getting a new vacuum, make sure to be careful around your pup. “Many dogs can find the vacuum frightening, so it’s best to introduce them to it carefully and gradually. Try building up their confidence around the vacuum one step at a time, using our guide,” the Dogs Trust say.
Nipitphon Na Chiangmai / EyeEmGetty Images
5. Have a clean-up kit ready
If you’re adding four paws to your family soon, be prepared to have a clean-up kit ready. From surprise grass stains on carpets to scooping up poop, you never know when you might need to reach for that bag of essentials. Some of the things to have on hand include carpet cleaner, stain remover, air freshener, or special products formulated for cleaning pet urine.
6. Pooch-proof your furniture
“If you decide you’re happy for your dog to relax on your furniture, stock up on a good supply of dog blankets that you can swap in and out whenever necessary,” the Dogs Trust advise. “These will allow you to protect your soft furnishings while helping you to keep your training easy for your four-legged friend to follow.
“As with all things dog-related, it’s best to plan ahead so that you can relax and have fun with your pooch. Follow these simple steps and help your dog live their happiest life, bog-snorkelling their way through every puddle in the park.”
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Designed for comfort, Bedsure beds are filled with premium microfiber in separate chambers and ultra soft reversible design. This pet bedding creates the ultimate place for your pet to rest and relax. The beds have a durable scratch-resistant surface and designed to resist water like dog sweat or urine.
Danish Design – Blue Maritime Box Duvet
This Danish Design Maritime Blue Box Duvet bed features combinations of linen look stripes and denim look textures in three relaxed colour-ways, all highlighted by a special nautical edition of the Danish Design embroidered paw.
Ellie-Bo Waterproof Dog Beds in Green – Tailor made to fit cages and crates (34″ – Fits 36″ Large Dog Cage)
This Ellie-Bo Waterproof Dog Bed features a removable and machine washable waterproof outer cover made from Oxford weave. It also has a waterproof and breathable inner cover.
Dog Bed Mattress Cushion Waterproof Double Sided Puppy Pet Pillow Mat Washable (Medium, Red)
This popular paw print pet mattress has a double sided waterproof pet cushion with carry handle and paw print motif. Both sides are waterproof but only one side has the printed motif. It has a zip fastening with removable cushion.
AllPetSolutions Dexter Beds Soft Waterproof Washable Hardwearing Basket Dog Bed (M, Grey)
The waterproof hard wearing Oxford fabric is easy to clean, highly durable and is suitable for dogs of all breeds and sizes. The bed cover zips off, making it easy to remove for cleaning. The cover is 100% machine washable. Non-slip backing, ideal for use on polished floors and tiles.
Orvis ComfortFill-Eco™ Bolster Dog Bed
This Orvis bed has a soft quilted sleep surface, and a streamlined bolster make it comfortable for your dog. The ComfortFill-Eco cushion is made entirely from recycled plastic bottles and doesn’t flatten or clump.
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YELLOW Dog bed with removable cover / bright dog nest MUSTARD / XS – Xxl size mat for dog, Gift for dog owners
This best-selling yellow dog bed comes with a machine washable removable cover. It’s made of high-quality furniture fabrics, which allows your pet to feel very comfortable inside. Elastic pillows provide pets safety and comfort.
Waterproof Large Pet Mattress
This waterproof pet mattress helps your dog relax and sleep comfortably by keeping them supported, warm and dry. The laminated fabric of the bed helps to repel water and although the bed is strong and durable, it is still comfortable for them to sleep or rest on. The removable cover and removable internal pad are both machine washable for when you need to clean it.
Petface Waterproof Mattress
This Petface water resistant mattress is designed to help keep your dog’s bed clean. It comes with a removable berber fleece top cover which you can easily take off and reattach with the poppers. The removable cover is machine washable and the wipe clean base makes cleaning super easy. The non slip backing helps to keep the bed still as your dog gets on and off.
P&L Country Dog Tough Heavy Duty Rectangular High Sided Waterproof Dog Beds in 3 Sizes Medium, Large & XL/Jumbo
The ideal dog bed for country dogs who get wet and dirty on a regular basis. The tough, heavy duty, hard-wearing, 100% polyester, waterproof material is easy to keep clean. The thick base cushion is removable and the high walls of this bed are filled with bonded thermal polyester fibre to insulate your pet from the cold floor and keep it out of draughts.
Joules – Bee Print Box Dog Bed
This dog bed is thickly padded on all sides to provide warmth and extra comfort with reversible cushions. It’s also machine washable and has a non-slip base.
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