| They woof, gurgle, hiss, chirp and meow their way | | | | "Animal." They have a small motorized attachment |
| into our hearts. And their warm welcome home to us | | | | for upholstery that goes with the Animal and is |
| isn't dependent on our mood; they're happy to see | | | | perfect for cars and furniture. |
| us whether we're happy to see them or not. Maybe | | | | Oops! |
| that blind acceptance and complete adoration is what | | | | Even the best trained pet can have an accident from |
| makes us love our pets so much. Studies have | | | | time to time. Cleaning accidents quickly and well is |
| shown that people who have pets live longer and | | | | critical and will keep an accident from causing an odor |
| that just petting a cat or dog or watching fish can | | | | problem in the home. The Carpet and Rug Institute |
| lower blood pressure and relieve stress. However, | | | | recommends blotting and then cleaning and rinsing the |
| keeping your home comfortable and clean for both | | | | affected area. The problem with accidents, especially |
| pets and people can sometimes be a challenge. Even | | | | with cats, is odor. Getting odor out is important and |
| so, you don't have to give up your pets to live in a | | | | fortunately there are now enzyme-based products |
| clean, undamaged home. With a little extra effort, | | | | on the market that can help reduce the odor, but it's |
| you and your pets can live comfortably together in | | | | important that you have them on hand for just such |
| your house. | | | | an occurrence. If a cat urine stain is allowed to set |
| Indoor vs. outdoor | | | | and dry, you can pretty much count on the odor |
| If your pets are indoors all the time, it's important to | | | | remaining as well. So make sure that you have a |
| take steps to keep your home livable. When it | | | | bottle of enzymatic cleaner for just such an occasion. |
| comes to our comfort and theirs, cleanliness is key. | | | | Cozy pets |
| Because most of us live with either a dog or a cat, | | | | Keeping your dog or cat in one spot is one of the |
| we need to be concerned with hair, which most dogs | | | | best ways to contain hair and damage. So it's a good |
| and cats shed profusely. That means we need extra | | | | idea to invest in a quality bed that will become "their |
| help picking up that extra hair. With its electrostatic | | | | space." This encourages your pet to curl up in their |
| properties, a microfiber mop is the best and easiest | | | | designated area and that will help keep them from |
| way to pick up hair off the floor quickly and | | | | curling up on your couch, the bed, or another space. |
| conveniently. | | | | For dogs, I like Coolaroo dog beds - whether my dog |
| Worried about scuff marks on your wood floors? | | | | is indoors or out. It's made of a cool, breathable (and |
| Get Fido some house shoes. Yes, even doggies can | | | | cleanable) mesh that my dog just loves. For cats, a |
| wear little booties indoors if you want to keep your | | | | simple round cat bed is a good bet or a basket with |
| floors scratch-free. If you have a cat-hair chair, you | | | | a pillow. Whatever you choose, do try to have a |
| can remove the hair easily with coated sheets that | | | | designated spot for your pet because that can go a |
| pick up hair from large surfaces like chairs and car | | | | long way toward a cleaner house that's less work for |
| upholstery. Even Dyson vacuums recognized the | | | | you and more enjoyable for you and your beloved |
| cleaning challenges of pet ownership and developed a | | | | pet. |
| vacuum just for pets called, appropriately, the | | | | |