Spring cleaning may be behind us, but our pets don't know for seasons. They can shed, track litter or lay down a trail of muddy pawprints any time of year.
Thankfully, Dr. Ruth MacPete, a veterinarian and author who has appeared on The Doctors, Good Morning America, The Weather Channel, and more, has some ways to minimize the mess and keep your house neat and clean.
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Pet Hair
With the exception of a few breeds like poodles and Sphynx cats, all dogs and cats shed. Get the upper hand with a vacuum that's strong in the pet hair department. One is the new Dyson Ball Animal 3 vacuum. Dyson says it's engineered to drive deep into carpet fibers, and it has detangling brush-bar technology. It even includes a grooming tool you can use to remove loose hair and dander directly from the pet. Not sure if my cat would sit still for that. If you want a cordless option, the Dyson Outsize + has the capacity of an upright plus a laser that Dyson says reveals all those pesky hairballs floating across the floor.
Litter
To make clean-up easier, pick a low-mess product, like ökocat Less Mess Clumping Low-Tracking Mini Pellets Wood Cat Litter. It's all-natural, made from reclaimed wood, and contains no synthetic chemicals, dyes or fragrances. It's claimed to help keep litter in the box where it belongs. Also, use a litter mat to trap loose litter.
Dirty Paws
Use doggy booties if your dog goes outside when it's wet or muddy. They can be removed at the door. Or, keep pet-safe wipes by the door. A quick wipe will keep their paws and your home clean.
Accidents
It is inevitable you will need to clean up after your pet. Choose a product that is safe to use around them and is formulated to neutralize pet odors. And take a look at Ruggable rugs, which are machine washable. They are stain- and water-resistant and come in several styles and colors.
And Dr. Ruth has a word of caution regarding cleaning products and pets. Always keep them stored safely away from animals and children. After cleaning, make sure the floor or surface is dry before you let your pets walk on it - pets often lick their feet and can ingest chemicals that get on their paws.
You'll find more pet health tips at www.DrRuthPetVet.com/pet-tips.