3 essential household care tips for dog owners

Bringing a dog into your home is a decision that will change your life forever. Dogs offer companionship, they can reduce stress, and even help you stay more active. But, as you bring a four-legged friend in, there are new responsibilities you and your family have to lean into.

That starts by maintaining a clean and safe home environment for the benefit of your pet and your family. Everyone’s well-being should be a top priority, including your new canine companion.

Thankfully, taking care of your house and making it a safe haven for your new pet is easier than you might think. Let’s cover a few tips to get you started.

Improve air quality

Having good air quality at home is important for everyone, especially if you have a family member with respiratory issues.

Everything from pollen to pollution can impact your indoor air quality, but bringing in a pet can add even greater concerns.

Pet dander can irritate people with allergies. Plus, dogs tend to go in and out frequently, and you never know what other allergens or pollutants they might bring back in with them.

Cleaning regularly, especially vacuuming carpets and rugs, can help to keep these pollutants at bay, but if you really want to keep the air as clear as possible, try things like:

• Getting a media filter;
• Installing a HEPA filter;
• Diluting pet odor with an energy recovery ventilator;
• Purchasing a dehumidifier.

Clearing the air inside can be an investment, but it’s worthwhile when it comes to your family’s health and safety.

Prevent poisonings

There’s no denying that dogs are curious. Your canine companion is going to want to sniff around the house and explore as much as possible. While you undoubtedly want them to feel at home, there might be some things in your house that should be off-limits. Your home might contain more toxins than you think, and if your dog gets into them, they could end up getting very sick.

Do your part to prevent poisonings by locking cleaning supplies in a place where your dog can’t reach them.

If you have a garbage can in the kitchen, make sure it has a lid and can’t be opened by your furry friend. Household cleaners and garbage are major risks to the health of your pet, so take a few extra steps to ensure they’re secure.

Some of your home decor might also pose a threat. Houseplants, for example, can make great additions to any home.

Many of them naturally filter the air, and they can reduce stress. But, if your dog were to take a bite out of one, it could spell disaster. Some of the most toxic indoor plants for dogs include:

• Angel Plant
• Sago Palm
• Dieffenbachia
• Philodendron
• English Ivy.

If you have any of these plants, consider putting them on a shelf or hanging them from the ceiling to prevent your dog from ingesting them.

Finally, keep your dog safe from bacteria as much as possible by maintaining a clean home. Dogs can get viruses and infections as easily as humans.

Even things like their toys can become very dirty and potentially dangerous over time.

By creating a routine to keep their toys clean, you can reduce that risk while ensuring greater longevity for their favorite playtime items.

Some toys can get disinfected in the dishwasher. If that’s not possible, use white vinegar as a natural cleaning option, and avoid traditional detergents and chemical-laden cleaners.

Create a dog-friendly yard

Your dog will probably spend most of their time inside your home.

But almost every dog loves the freedom of being outside. Whether you let them out for an hour to run around the yard or just a few minutes to “do their business,” making sure your backyard is as risk-free as possible will give you peace of mind.

You can’t eliminate certain risks completely, like certain insects and wildlife. But, if you notice those critters are becoming a problem, you can invest in a pest-control treatment.

Make sure that you work with a pest control company that uses pet-friendly practices. Ask about the chemicals they use, whether you’ll have to vacate the premises, and how long you should wait before letting your dog explore the yard again.

Making small changes and swaps can make a big difference to the safety of your yard. It’s just as important to make sure the plants you have outside are as safe as the ones you have inside. Plant non-toxic flowers and plants, and avoid using fertilizers and mulch that aren’t deemed pet-safe.

If you’re going to be letting your dog out for more than a few minutes, invest in high-quality fencing. A fence will keep your dog safe within the yard. They won’t be able to run away and potentially get injured by a car or stolen by someone. A fence also keeps potential threats out.

Final thoughts on household care tips

Finally, provide shade and shelter for your dog outside. Your dog might like to play in the summer sun, but it can overheat quickly. Make sure your dog has a shady, cool spot to go to so it doesn’t get sick.

It can seem like there are a lot of things to consider when you’re bringing a dog into your home.

But they’ll quickly become a part of the family, and you’ll want what’s best for them. Taking extra steps to ensure your home is safe, secure, and comfortable for them will make a big difference for everyone.

Miles Oliver is a proud dog lover and an outdoor enthusiast. He often writes on his patio with a hot cup of tea and his 4-year-old border collie mix by his feet. When Miles is not working as an independent freelance writer, he is most likely mountain biking and roaming the great outdoors with his four-legged companion. 

Unlock the secrets to your furry friend’s health with our roadmap to optimal dog health guide! 🐾