Having a dog is fantastic, but it also comes with challenges. One of these can be the seemingly never-ending task of keeping a clean house. It is often common for a pet owner to have managed to get everything looking nice and smelling fresh when inviting those guests around no longer seems an idea.
This can be particularly the case if your dog is a heavy springtime shedder, and if so – will hit you most during this time. Here is a quick guide for getting your dog groomed and your house clean, before you invite the neighbours around.
Dogs that shed in the Spring
Pooches with undercoats (that is – an extra layer beneath) will shed, and those with only a single layer will not. So or example, Labradors, German Shepherds, Welsh Corgis, Chow Chows, and Malamutes will all shed a lot. Poodles, Shih-Tzus and most of the ‘toy’ breeds won’t.
Brush your dog regularly
Dog hair/fur is the #1 cause of owner/cleaner stress. and particularly so for those furry types in Spring. A new coat typically takes 2 weeks to grow, and people who call in professional groomers do so every 4-6 weeks
Brushing your mutt a few times a week will get rid of excess hair and reduce the amount you will have to gather up. You don’t need to do it every day, but a few times a week will help collect fur that might have gone over the furniture.
Reaching the undercoat as well as the top
For double-coated dogs, it is important to brush the undercoat as well as the top. In fact, if you only comb the top coat, it is likely you will push loose fur closer down towards your dog’s skin. This can create matts. A grooming or undercoat rake can help with this process.
Dealing with matts and tangles
Give your dog a bath, and then use a detangling conditioning spray on their damp coat before drying. This should help with removing matts and tangles.
Automatic hoover and other devices
Once you’ve worked on your dog, you’ll want work on carpets and other items. An automatic / robot hoover will be an alternative to having to do it yourself constantly. This can hoover in various directions, and you don’t need to be in the room at the same time as it hoovers.
Other devices for removing hair/fur:
Using a grooming rake (other than the one you use on your dog) can help pick up carpet hairs that the robot hasn’t managed.
Tape roller – gets the hair out of clothes and other upholstery. Make sure you one near at all times.
Removing smells and stains
Once you have furry stuff under control, you now put your attention into reducing stain and reducing the likelihod of more.
As soon as you spot a stain, try to act on the stain as soon as you can. Place paper towels on a wet area to soak up what you can. Repeat the process until this area isn’t so wet. Then rinse area: Stain and odour remover of various types are available. After this, use a sponge cloth or more paper towels to dry the area.
For large stains that have already set, it is probably best to hire a carpet cleaner for the day.
For anything that washes in the machine…
Add baking soda to your regular washing machine detergent. This will help reduce acid content and also eliminate lingering smells.
Clean paws
Keep a dog paw cleaner and a towel by the door. As soon as your friend comes into the house from a walk, dip her paws in, then dry them with the towel.
Now you done all Remember – only bathe your pup every 6 weeks (not more than).
Some other of our Spring related articles: Springtime poisons in your garden, Music for dog walking.
Looking to give your dog something amazing each month? Try our themed boxes!
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