naturalpet


Happy Furry Home Tips for Keeping a


Pet-Friendly Home Clean by Sandra Murphy


H


ouseholds with multiple pets abound as families often opt for a mix of companion animals. Currently, more than 70 million dogs, 75 million cats and 6 million birds are kept as pets in the U.S., according to a recent American Pet Products Association survey. While we cherish their affection, downsides in- clude pet hair dust bunnies, scattered litter, spilled seeds and potty accidents. Cleaning up can be easier with training and planning. “Living on the beach, it’s easy for the dog to bring sand in- doors, so I taught him to shake it off,” says dog expert and trainer Amy Robinson, in Vero Beach, Florida. “I put water in a bottle and misted it lightly on his head, then gave the cue, ‘Shake,’ and shook my shoulders. He mimicked me and got rid of most of the sand. Brushing him with a towel got the rest.” Once the dog understands the cue, retire the water bottle. “I have a Newfoundland/poodle, a great Pyrenees/poodle


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and a Labradoodle, so I keep old towels outside the door to wipe dirty feet,” says Kathleen Thometz, owner of Doodle Art & Design, in Western Springs, Illinois. “The Newfoundland can open the door, so I have to catch him before he tracks in muddy paw prints.” Thometz keeps their hairbrush with the towels. “I have them groomed regularly, but a quick brush after a walk means I don’t have to vacuum between weekly house cleanings,” she says. “Short hair can be even harder to pick up,” reminds Ryan


Riley, co-founder of BizBagz.com, in Los Angeles. “We brush our 50- and 70-pound pit bull mixes outside after play time and they love it.”


“Carpets and pets are a challenging combination, especially


when pets get older and accidents happen,” observes Amy Bell, an interior decorator at Red Chair Home Interiors, in Cary, North Carolina. “I recommend hard surface flooring, washable slipcov- ers for furniture and keeping lint brushes by the door.” All-natu- ral, sustainably sourced area rugs or hall runners make it easier for dogs to get around on slick surfaces; be sure the backing can


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