The weather is warming up and now it's time to open some windows and let the breeze in. If that means pet hair filled tumble weeds may start stirring we have a few cleaning tricks we have acquired over the last 15 years with a house full of all the critters we love so dearly.
First starting at the source to make the following tasks run much smoother- bath time, the most dreaded task every dog and dog owner has. Both parties hate the process before, during, and the clean up after. As weather warms up we make the clean up after easier by using an outdoor tub, a portable hot water heater, and a battery powered shower head (most use for camping). This keeps all the mess outside instead of in the bathroom, down the hall, etc. You can just hose everything off and let dry after you are finished.
During the bath (inside or outside) we use a Licki mat attached to the tub covered in frozen peanut butter, cream cheese, or bananas. We smear it on a few hours prior to bath time so it is ready to go. Freezing allows it to last much longer.
Before bath time actually begins we spend a few times a week tossing treats in the tub and cuing the dog inside it. This makes the transition run smoother once real bath time occurs. All 9 of our dogs were taught to jump in on cue which saved our backs and created more cooperation.
After we finish up bathing we also do a weekly blow out with a force dryer. We have used the force dryer for the last 4 years and it has made a huge difference in the amount of hair our vacuum picked up daily. We went from running our robot vacuum 3x a day to once daily.
We also have a collection of vacuums all for different purposes. We run the robot vacuum daily on the days we work long hours. The robot one really changed the game when we began coming home to already cleaned floors after work so we highly recommend one. We use our Bissell Clearview for a weekly deep clean and in the sunroom where the robot vacuum can't reach. We also use Crosswave for mopping or accidents (we had some struggles with incontinence and acid reflux so never know what we come home to).
We also deep clean the beds weekly with Downy Rinse and Refresh; it eliminates all the dog odor built up from the week. If we have accidents on bedding (incontinence with sleep sometimes) we use Odoban- it removes any odors and disinfects. We also strip the couches and covers each week and wash as well. We have had these covers for a year and they have held up pretty well to weekly washing and Diana parkouring nightly on them. After the dog bedding is washed we use Tide Washing Machine Cleaner to prevent any yuck build up in the washing machine. We use Bounce Pet Hair Dryer Sheets to remove any excess hair on clothes in the dryer.
Air filters are another way we combat dander and hair. We have one air filter in the sunroom where foster kitties usually hang out and one air filter in the dogs room where the rabbit spends a lot of her time. We also use Spider Plants to help filter air as well and they are safe for cats and dogs. In the Spring and Fall we open our windows daily as well which has been shown to reduce cancer causing toxins in dogs.
To keep the backyard from smelling like animal, we scoop at least twice a week. We also use lime in high urine areas and dog rocks to prevent urine spots from females. The best thing about the dog rocks is you just place them in water bowls and forget about them.
For the remaining creatures in our home we use a vacuum that comes with all the needed attachments. We do bathe the cats once a week and use Pro Plan Live Clear which has allowed us to let the cats sleep in the bed without any allergic reactions. We use the vacuum on Hiccup twice a week during shedding season. She doesn't mind it at all as long as cilantro or pellets are involved.
With all of these tasks we are able to have all our creatures happy and healthy indoors together. We love them and managing the mess they bring has been much easier since we implemented all the tasks we have mentioned above. We would be a mess without all the creatures we love so dearly.
As a force free dog trainer, I am constantly asked, "well...what do YOU use for your dogs?" These are the exact products I use to keep the seniors in my pack as healthy and comfortable as possible. Full disclosure- as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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