Liked our previous article and looking out for more clean hacks for your fur-kid? Look no further, here’s part 2!
Hack 1: Stay away from steam cleaning
While it can be extremely tempting to use a steam vacuum or steam cleaner to immediately take care of any stains or urine odours made by your pooch, it would actually be counterproductive to do so. In fact, the heat from these appliances would actually bind the waste and set any stains into any man-man fibres, making it even harder to remove.
Hack 2: Drool solutions
Dogs don’t sweat like we do. They do it through panting, which is when they breathes in through their nose and out through the mouth. This often leads to drooling. In fact, certain dog breeds such as Great Danes and Boxers tend to produce a high amount of drool. And this can sometimes lead to buildup which produces a sour odour. Consider investing in a drool bib to help catch drool from your puppy when it eats or is out and about. They help to keep your dog’s chest as well as fur clean.
You could also consider getting your dog a bandana. This would help to capture some of the drool. It can also help alleviate any potential hygiene issues caused by dogs who are messy eaters. Additionally, it can be easily washed, is inexpensive, and keeps your puppy looking in style!
Hack 3: Invest in a UV light
We would not always be able to locate where your dog has had an incident indoors, and a UV light can go a long way towards providing invaluable help. The wavelengths in UV light results in proteins and phosphorous in urine to glow, making it easy and convenient to spot any stains. In fact, even stains that were previously not cleaned properly will show up as well. Removing those stains will help to prevent your dog from continually marking the spot. Best of all, a UV light is relatively affordable!
Hack 4: Clean paw prints the right way
Cleaning up after your dog’s muddy paw prints can be a tedious task. So here’s how you can make an easier time out of it.
First and foremost, you should allow for the muddy paw prints to dry out first before cleaning them up with a scrub, wipe or vacuum. This is due to the simple fact that hardened mud is easier to clean away. And if some stains still remain after this process, you can blot it repeatedly with a cloth that has been soaked in a soapy detergent mix. For the mix, we recommend it to have a 1 tablespoon of detergent to 2 cups of water ratio.
Additional tip: another way to handle your dog’s muddy paw prints is through prevention. And that can be achieved through having your puppy take a foot bath before entering your home. Simply have a bowl of water with a little pet-friendly soap added to it, and dip your dog’s paws into it to remove mud and dirt. Before drying their paws with a cloth. Alternatively, you can simply wipe your dog’s paws with pet-friendly wipes or a clean and damp cloth.
Hack 5: Clove oil
Some dogs and puppies have a habit of chewing furniture or items, which can end up causing damage or making a mess. Instead of punishing them, we have a much better natural remedy to prevent such occurrences, through the magic of clove oil. Most dogs and puppies are not huge fans of the smell of clove. With that in mind, simply rub a little bit of clove oil onto your belongings or furniture that you wish your canine companion to stay away from.
Do note not to use it in excess as clove oil, or essential oils in general, can potentially cause liver and kidney toxicity in sensitive species if overused. And if you are ultimately uncomfortable with the idea, it might be better to invest in an anti-chew spray instead.
Hack 6: Utilise your dishwasher
Your dishwasher can contribute immensely to helping you keep pet odours at bay. A lot of pet items are, in fact, dishwasher friendly, such as toys and food bowls. Simply wash these items on a hot setting to eliminate odour-causing bacteria.
But to be safe, you can first check if the manufacturer has stated the item to be dishwasher safe. For example, it may be tempting to simply dump hard rubber, nylon or plastic dog toys into the dishwasher. But it is important to know that certain toys will lose shape and structure upon coming into contact with the scalding water and heat of the dishwasher’s drying cycle.
And if the idea of stacking your dog’s food or water bowl next to your dishes makes you unforgettable even though your canine companion is healthy, you can simply do it separately.
Hack 7: Get pet-friendly pot plants
Even though it is common knowledge that several common household plants, such as aloe vera, certain types of lilies, and sago palm can be toxic to your dog or even cat, not all plants are. Having pet-friendly plants, such as the spider plant and bamboo palm, in and around your home can help to filter the air and neutralise odours from your dog.
Spider plants are not only non toxic for your dog. They require minimal care, with no need for exposure to direct sunlight, and are renowned for their ability to function as effective air detoxifiers. Bamboo palms can help to purify the air as well, with their ability to filter formaldehyde out of the air.
Hack 8: Consult the experts
If you are unsure of anything when it comes to your dogs, or like to know more about some of these tips, be sure to consult the experts at The Pup Life! We will be more than happy to help you and answer any of your queries.
