Maintaining a Breathtakingly Gorgeous Home as a Dog Owner

Guest post by Lance Cody-Valdez

Having a gorgeous home and owning an amazing dog are not mutually exclusive. Dog lovers around the globe are able to balance the responsibilities of maintaining their breathtaking homes while also welcoming their fur babies inside the house. Now, this might sound daunting at first, especially if you’ve got a dog that sheds a lot or suffers from separation anxiety. However, there are many things you can do to keep your home looking clean and your dog feeling healthy and happy.

The Floors

One of the biggest considerations is your flooring. It’s easy to sweep pet fur off hardwood flooring, making this type of flooring a top choice among pet owners. It’s also more beautiful than some alternatives, like vinyl or laminate. However, hardwood floors are also easily damaged by sharp nails and claws. To avoid this, keep your pet’s nails regularly trimmed. It’s better for your pet and for your floors.

The Furniture

Whether to allow dogs on furniture has been the topic of long-lasting debate among pet owners. If you do decide that puppy snuggles on the couch or bed are your number one priority, there are a few things you can do. Consider switching to a microfiber couch, which is a less sensitive material that is also easier to clean. Microfiber fabric really comes in handy, especially if you have a younger (or older) dog that isn’t housebroken and is prone to accidents. A handheld vacuum can take care of any fur and small messes that show up on the furniture, and it’s a quick and portable way to clean hard-to-reach places like under the couch.

Also, it might be a good idea to have a number of trustworthy furniture cleaners on hand in case your new dog accidentally makes a mess on your favorite sofa. It’s also a good idea to look through a website like Angi to check reviews on local furniture cleaners you’re considering. Try to avoid cleaners who use all-in-one cleaning tools.

Of course, if your dog isn’t housebroken, it’s best to just keep him or her off the furniture altogether. You may not want to risk having to clean puddles off your couch or even dealing with potential stains on family heirloom furniture. Even housebroken dogs might still be prone to chewing, accidentally scratching, or shedding all over your furniture. In addition to reducing the pleasant look of your home, dog fur can trigger allergies and asthma in some people, says the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI).

If you’ve made the difficult decision to ban your dog from the furniture, you’ll need to make sure your pup has a comfortable place to sleep. This keeps them cozy and happy while reducing the temptation to sleep on your furniture. Dog beds are an excellent option and are available in a variety of sizes to suit almost any breed. Be sure to choose the right dog bed for your pet, which should be big enough for your dog to comfortably sleep in and at the right height off the ground. For older dogs, choose a thicker bed with better insulation to protect any stiff or arthritic joints.

Separation Anxiety

According to the ASPCA, one of the most common complaints that many pet owners make about their dogs is that they are too destructive. This could mean chewing, clawing, or even urinating and defecating inside the house. Sometimes, these are all symptoms of an underlying condition known as separation anxiety. If your dog tends to destroy furniture, flooring, doors, or other parts of your home, you may consider crate training your dog or talking to your vet about possible anxiety medications.

If you’ve tried crate training and speaking to your vet with no luck, you still have options. You might work with a trainer or even a specialized animal behaviorist who is trained in animal psychology to help relieve your dog’s separation anxiety. By being patient and consistent, you can gradually reduce this common problem.

Of course, there are many other ways to keep your home clean, tidy, and beautiful besides what’s listed here. However, these common concerns among dog owners are a logical place to start. If you’re one of the nearly half of Americans who own dogs, don’t give up on your dreams of having a stunning home. You can keep things tidy, clean, and stylish while also keeping your faithful companion at your side.

Selling or buying a home in Birmingham? Work with experienced and trustworthy real estate professional Krispin Watson! 662-417-1176