Pet Clean Up — Interior Design Hound

#1 DOGS DROOL

Yes, I know a few people that drool too, but Dogs rule when it comes to drool…

Take the big guy snoozin’ in the comfy chair above.

Thank Gawd, that chair is slipcovered! When Mr. Bulldog awakes from his fifth nap of the day; you can toss that puppy right into the washer.

While Dogs teach us to relax and live happily with imperfections, sittin’ in a drool wet spot isn’t cool.

So remember when selecting upholstery, you’ll need a fabric that’s both durable & easy to clean. (You’ll find more details on the subject, here.)

Not in the market for a new chair or sofa? Cover your Dog’s favorite spot with a washable throw or slipcover.

#2 DOGS LOVE TO HUNT

Puppy & Dog Treats. Image: Albert & Dash

Our Dogs are natural born hunters…they’ve got great noses for adventure.

So plan ahead when designing your home to create a Pet-friendly décor that is easy to clean and safe for all of the design animals in your life.

Trash cans, bags of Dog food, even your daughter’s box of crayons can be an endless source of fascination for the four-legged members of your family. Their fascination with their surroundings can turn dangerous or leave a big mess for you to clean up.

Keep pantry doors & kitchen cabinets closed and secure to avoid trouble. Store Pet food and other goodies in sealed containers and out of the reach of paws, noses & wagging tails.

If Dogs aren’t exploring inside, there’s lots of fun to be had outdoors…and whatever your Dog finds outdoors, you can bet he’ll drag it inside.

Albert & Dash’s Top Dog Annie Selke with her

Clumber Spaniel Puppies. Image: Country Home

The striped rug covered in Dog Treats above was designed by Anne Selke, the founder of a trio of home décor companies. Her rug comapany is named after her beloved Dogs Albert & Dash.

Anne shares her busy life & home with Clumber Spaniels, so she’s no stranger to muddy paws, Dog hair and other Canine calamities.

Anne named the striped rug “Kitchen Sink.” The rug, from her Albert & Dash line, will take just about anything you throw on it. (Including the kitchen sink.) The rug cleans up beautifully. You can even wash off the indoor-outdoor rug with a garden hose!

#3 BORED DOGS CHEW

Pet Friendly Furniture. Image: IDH

If your Dog eats the furniture, you’ve got a behavior problem.

Dogs get bored when left alone for hours, so they will find something exciting to keep them occupied…like chewing on your favorite chair.

A Dog needs plenty of exercise and activity, so try not to leave them alone for long periods of time and invest in a few challenging Dog toys for your Pet to play with while you’re gone.

If possible, create a special spot in your home for your Dog to stay in while you’re out. (A laundry room is a good choice.)

#4 Accidents Happen

The Dog Sniff Test. Image: Albert & Dash

Even the best trained Dog will have accidents.

Your Dog will get sick or a housebroken Pet will slip up every once in a while. Count on it.

No matter what kind of flooring or finishes are in your home, you’ll need to take care of the clean up as quickly as possible to avoid unsightly stains on your furniture & flooring.

Even if your Dogs never have an accident, your home can acquire that eau de Dog scent from animals being cooped up in the house. This is especially true in the winter months.

And no one wants to live in a home that will not pass the sniff test.

Pet Friendly Decorating Drama. Image: IDH

Today, Dog owners are lucky because advances in technology have made cleaning up a breeze.

I’m a BIG fan of products made by Lambert Kay. I’ve used them for years and they are one of the few on the market that scientifically test their products independently. In other words, no one gets paid to say they work…it’s proven.

The entire Fresh ‘n Clean line tackles every odor problem whether in the air, upholstery, carpeting or even when the odor is combined with Pet stains, Pet hair, allergens & dander. They’re amazing.

Without getting into all of the technological mumbo-jumbo, the products remove the odors, not mask them. Believe me, if you’ve got a Doggie odor or stain problem, Lambert Kay has a solution.

#5 DOGS LOVE WATER

Dock Diving Dogs. Palm Press, Albert & Dash

I dunno, I think Dogs evolved from fish. They love splashing around in lakes, puddles, the water bowl, the beach, and the toilet.

But can you get them to pee when it’s raining? What’s up with that, really?

Anyway, wet Dogs stink. (See # 4.) Not only do wet Dogs smell, they can drip water and leave paw prints on the floor, rugs and the furniture.

Choose your finishes & fabrics wisely.

Remember Anne Selke’s rug I mentioned above from Albert & Dash? Well that’s her adorable Clumber Spaniel named Dash performing his quality control duties. What a mess!

The Albert & Dash runners are washable, and her selection of stripes in every color combination always look beautiful on stairs.

#6 DOGS SHED

Pomeranian Fur Baby. Image: IDH

Everyone of ‘em. Yep, even the “hairless” Dog breeds shed.

Once again select your finishes & fabrics wisely. What is appropriate for a lap Dog might not be the best choice for a Labrador Retriever, so do your homework. (You’ll find more detail on the subject, here.)

Allergies are aggravated by Pet dander, so shedding Dog hair is more than an aesthetic problem.

Pet hair is not a fashion accessory to be worn on clothing and no matter what your guests might say; company doesn’t appreciate leaving your home with a new fur coat.

Pet Friendly Decorating Drama. Image: IDH

You’ll find loads of products on the market to help reduce the problems that result from a Dog shedding its fur.

There are even Pet CFL light bulbs that claim they “help control dander.” (Purely Products) If anyone has used one, please drop me a line. I’d love to know your impression.

Two products in the Fresh ‘n Clean line actually break up the Pet hair’s static electricity charge. The charge is what makes the Dog hair stick to the fabric or carpeting, so after spraying it on, the Dog hair is easy to remove. Your carpet & upholstery will smell better, too. (See # 4.)

#7 DOGS ARE SMART

Labradors “Sister & Sadie” are Dog Tired.

Image: Charles Faudree

Later, I’ve got to take the Dog out,

You’ll find more information on Lambert Kay’s Dog odor, stain and other products here. I’m not affiliated with the company in any way and their products are readily available online and in Pet stores.

The Albert & Dash rug line can be viewed here.