How to Live With Your Pets and Love it!

Let’s face it - pets can enrich our lives beyond measure, but they can also be messy. Potty training accidents, spills, dirty paws, and other pet inspired stains can leave a permanent mark (and odor) in your home. If you’re one of the thousands of Regina residents who love their pets and want to live in a home that is beautiful and fresh-smelling, follow some of these tips and your house won’t go to the dogs. Well, unless you want it to! And, if you want to sell your Regina home, you'll want to be sure to take some action to avoid having your pets (and their odors) keep your home from making a great impression to buyers.

First of all, take potty training seriously. If your beloved Fido has begun having accidents when he was previously well trained (or you are still working through training the first time), you will need to focus on re-housebreaking him. To do so, you’ll have to clean your home and clean it well. The key is to avoid using ammonia based cleaning products, as urine smells like ammonia and will only encourage pets to mark wherever it is used. Your best bet? Use one part white vinegar to three parts water to cover any wiped up mess. Let it soak in, then blot it up. If you can smell the spot, but can’t see it - try using a black light, it will make the urine glow.

Secondly, think about the flooring in your home. Hard floors like hardwood and tile are easiest to clean, but some wood floors are easier for claws to mark up. Carpets are comfortable and warm, but tend to trap odors and stains. If you must have carpet, choose a shade that matches your pet’s fur, or one that will easily hide the fur - not reveal it. Also, stay away from berber carpets, as claws can catch in the loops and unravel the rug.

When choosing furniture and bedding, if you allow your pet to lounge with you, be sure to choose fur-friendly fabrics, like Crypton (a synthetic stain-bouncing fabric available online at www.cryptonfabric.com). Leather couches and chairs are easily wiped clean and do not hold on to fur, but be careful of claws accidentally puncturing expensive leather furniture.

Finally, keep all pet toys and chews in a basket or bin that your pet can get to himself. Also, put pet treats in a nice cookie jar or canister that is airtight to lock in the smell. A little organization can go a long way toward helping your home to look its best.

Whether you’re looking to buy your first home for yourself and your pet, or want to change your residence to better suit your needs, give me, Clair Whittington, a call. I’m an expert in the Regina neighborhoods of Albert Park and Grand Coulee, and can help you and your beloved pets find the right home in any area of our great city. I’d love to work with you!