As much as we love our pets, there are times when we really do wish that they could clean up after themselves. Like the occasions when we come home from work to find that the puppy has chewed a cushion and the stuffing is everywhere, when there are muddy paw prints all over the freshly washed floors, the cat has upturned her litter tray and there is enough pet hair lying about on the carpets and furniture to re stuff that cushion that the puppy destroyed!
At times like these, it’s important to remember that things don’t have to be that way; there are things you can do to limit the damage that your pets can cause and the mess that they might leave behind them:
Set clear boundaries as to where your pets can and cannot go in your home:
While it might be tempting to allow your pets to have a free run of your home, you will almost certainly end up regretting the decision.
A pet who is aware that nowhere in the home is off limits to it, will take full advantage of this, and you could quickly end up having to do twice as much cleaning. Restricting your pets to one area of the home (and ideally somewhere outside but sheltered when you have to leave your pet home alone), will make your cleaning work so much quicker and easier. We can’t magically make them clean up their poop or hair, but we can ensure that this kind of mess is only ever going to be in one place in the home.
It’s important to make visitors to your home aware of your pets’ boundaries, too, so that everybody follows the rules.
Make grooming a priority and keep on top of loose fur:
Regular grooming of your pets should help to minimize the amount of hair that can attach itself to your furniture, rugs and carpets. Hair caught in a brush, is hair that isn’t on the floor and your pets will doubtless enjoy the experience to.
For unavoidable hair loss, simply vacuum it up and use the attachments for furniture and harder to reach areas.
Donning a pair of rubber gloves and collecting the pet hair with your hands, can be almost as effective.
Be mindful of where you feed your pets:
Pets can be messy when they tuck into their food, and instead of getting all edgy and upset when they spill it or scatter biscuits all over the floor, simply accept that it will happen, but have them eat in an area of your home that is easy to clean and doesn’t interfere with the running of your household. Slip proof mats help prevent the bowls from sliding about and regular cleaning of the bowls and the entire feeding area with hot water and an antibacterial solution, will help keep things hygienic.
Get somebody else to clean up after them!
If you want the pleasure of keeping pets, without the hassle of cleaning up after them, then why not try hiring a professional cleaning service to do it for you? They often cost less than you think, and can be hired for whatever hours and timings suit you best; they could even be working their cleaning magic while you take Fido for his walkies!