When you are the proud owner of a pet
dog, you may feel like you will have to resign yourself to a few ragged sofas
and carpets that had been damaged by your pet. However, this potential damage
can be minimized with a lot of outdoor exercising. Even dogs that are older
will need to get out and enjoy the fresh hair on a regular basis, even if they
won’t need to exercise as much. Most pet dog owners will agree that this is
preferable than taking out their boredom on your favourite couch.
Setting
Boundaries
When it comes to your dog, it is
generally up to you to set boundaries. Firm but gentle rule-making will let
your pet know that it is not okay for him or her to go in the bedrooms or upstairs.
Keep in mind that if your dog can go in all areas of the house, you will need
to keep more areas clean on a daily basis. While your pet is getting used to
the area, you can use makeshift barriers or stair gates to mark areas he or she
is not allowed to be in. Your dog can be housetrained this way.
Which
Floors are Best?
Easy to wash, hard wearing floors are
best for a dog. Flooring that is vinyl, tiled or made of wood work well. For
hallways, the kitchen and other areas your dog frequents, floors with mats that
have rubber backs are recommended. If your dogs are allowed to go into your
other rooms, carpets treated with stain resistant sprays will work well.
Varieties of rugs made of synthetic fibre rather than deep shag or natural wool
types are recommended for homes with a pet dog.
Using
a Pet Safe Cleaner
Not all cleaners are safe for pets. When
you need to clean up messes that your dog had made, ensure that you find a
cleaner made to do this job that is safe for pets. Ammonia-containing cleaners
are not suitable for pets. When your cleaner gets rid of the smell, your dog
will not be able to associate the location with his scent and won’t repeat the
mess in that area.
De-Flea
Your Carpet
In the home, it is important that you
de-flea all the different areas rather than just getting your pet treated for
fleas at the vet and leaving it at that. To get around and in the lower parts
of your carpet and furnishing, you can use a fogger. Remember that it is
important to keep all the members of the family safe from the fumes. For this
reason, it is important that you follow the instructions of the manufacturer.
Mark
Perissinotto has been a practicing
veterinarian for over 20 years, 14 years of which he was the owner and
principal of a busy multi-vet mixed animal hospital. One of the two co-founders
of Vet Shop
Australia, graduated from the University of Queensland
with Bachelor of Veterinary Science and one of the best retailer of pet
supplies Australia.