Clean-house tips for pet owners

CEBU, Philippines - Dog are definitely so cute - and so messy. The following tips can help to avoid the frustrations and for canine-proofing your home.

Manage Dog Hair

One of the most persistent issues pet owners face is animal hair - on floors, furniture, and clothing. Place an old towel or sheet wherever your puppy likes to rest, and periodically shake it outside to remove most of the hair before tossing it in the washing machine. Grooming your pup regularly will help diminish the problem of unruly hair.

Pet Hair on Floors

To remove dog hair on carpeting, vacuum several times a week using full suction. Pick a vacuum with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. On wood and other hard floors, use an electrostatic mop; they're more efficient than vacuums since they don't blow the hair around.

Pet Hair on Clothing and Upholstery

For clothing, your best bet is to use a tape roller. Loop a ribbon through the handle and hang one from the doorknob inside closets throughout the house so they're always available to use. For furniture, use the vacuum's upholstery tool or a hand vacuum with a motorized beater-bar attachment. Lint brushes designed for clothing and dry sponges (sold at pet-supply stores) also work well.

Keeping Paws Clean

Keep a towel or Spotless Paw glove and a shallow container filled to one-third of the way with room-temperature water by your door prior to walking out the door. Once the walk is over, dip each of your dog's paws into the water. Dry them off and let your dog go about its business. This practice is especially useful during the wet months when sidewalks and driveways are often drenched and muddy.

Work Quickly on Stains

The sooner you can get to a pet stain, the better. Canine urine left on carpets can permanently alter the dye. Remove any solid residue with a dull knife. Blot fresh stains with a clean, white cloth. After absorbing as much moisture as possible, apply a solution of 1/4 teaspoon clear dishwashing liquid mixed with one cup tepid water; blot with another clean, dry towel. Rinse by blotting with a towel dampened with tepid water. Continue alternating with a soapy towel and a clean, damp towel until the stain is gone. For stale stains or persistent odor, call a professional carpet cleaner.

Pup-Safe Upholstery

For furniture that repels hair, resists tearing, and can be cleaned easily, look for top-grain, semi-aniline leathers; scratches are disguised on such pieces because the hide is dyed through and then treated for additional protection and color consistency. If you prefer fabric, look for microfiber or micro-suede. Avoid materials that feel loosely woven or thin, and look for terms like "high grade" and "tightly woven" on labels. Consider hues similar to your dog's hair as well as patterns which can camouflage spots. Finally, place an old towel or sheet where the family dog likes to lounge, and simply toss the cover in the wash as needed.

Protecting Surfaces from Puppy Scratches

For starters, have your dog's nails trimmed regularly. Dogs often scratch doors to let you know they want to go outside or into another room, so cover the area with a Plexiglas sheet as wide as the door and as tall as the space from floor to doorknob. Then, provide an alternate way for your dog to signal you, such as a jingle bell hung from the doorknob. Show him how to nudge the bell, and open the door quickly when he rings it; do not respond to scratching. After the new behavior has set in, remove the Plexiglas.

Puppy Place Mat

Your pup may not mind dining informally, but for easy cleanup, you'll want it to eat with a place mat under its bowl. This do-it-yourself option is decorated with animal-print paper and then laminated, the mat looks charming and can be wiped clean almost effortlessly. (FREEMAN)