Dog Owners Tips: How to Keep Your Home Clean for Your Newborn Baby
If you are at a stage in your life when you are expecting your very first baby (or maybe your third or fourth) it is certain that you will experience some amount of anxiety as soon as the due date approaches. Of course, all of this gets more complicated when you are already a passionate dog owner.
For most pet owners out there, a dog is the part of the family as much as every other member. However, when you have a newborn in the family, things might get a tad bit complicated and you will definitely have to make some new adjustments.
If you are looking for ways to keep your home clean and baby safe while owning a dog, then keep on reading. 
1. Groom Your Pet Regularly
Dog's shed, a lot. Owners who are moms or dads to Labradors, corgis, or huskies know the daily struggle of having to keep the home clean and tidy from all the hair and muddy paws. Firstly, get used to the fact that you will have to keep up with the grooming more frequently than before when you have a newborn on your hands.
So, if you have to deal with hair on the floors, the carpet, or the couch, get rid of it immediately! The best way to do this is by preventing the whole thing from happening. More importantly, make sure to take your pet to the groomer on a regular basis or do it by yourself outdoors. However, if you decide to groom your dog by yourself, make sure to use a pet-safe shampoo that does not contain any additives or harsh ingredients.
A lot of regular shampoos or conditioners made for humans cannot be used for bathing your pets. Alternatively, consider an all-natural method, such as a bit of apple cider vinegar mixed with honey and water.
2. Use Smarter Cleaning Methods
Our canine friends bring a lot of joy into our lives, but they are also known for causing huge messes. Plus, some of us have truly stinky dogs on our hands. Thankfully, there are clever ways to clean up after your pet and keep your house smelling fresh for the baby. One way your dog can create a big mess is by tipping over the water or food bowl. A great solution for this is to get your hands on a quality rubber-backed mat which will stop the bowl from sliding.
Also, experienced dog owners recommend investing in a couple of jumbo-sized baby wipes, which come in handy when you are stuck with a stinky dog in between regular grooming appointments. Just give your pet a quick swipe with the alcohol-free swipe and get rid of the surface dirt (And smell!).
3. Keep an Eye Out for Muddy Paws
Rainy weather is one of the biggest nightmares for any pet owner due to the fact that it means cleaning up after muddy paws. So, instead of letting your dog run around the house and getting dirt everywhere before you let him in, take a wipe and make sure to rub the paws clean. By taking some extra effort in doing this, you are able to save yourself from major headaches.
In addition, it is recommended to keep a microfiber cloth somewhere near the back door just in case you need to grab it quickly before the pup gets its way into the house unnoticed. It is not possible to keep your home completely clean by yourself the whole time. But still, the house needs to be extra clean when a newborn baby enters the house.
You do not have to worry about cleaning the stains from muddy paws so much, due to the many options that they are able to choose from. One of them is certainly taking cleaning services from pros from time to time. They will make sure that every home is baby safe in the long term. Gone are the days of mopping and scrubbing endlessly thanks to trusted professionals.
4. Get Rid of Smell
Are you having friends and family over to see the newborn baby? Did your dog suddenly take a large dump in the center of your living room? Nothing can be as frustrating as trying to find ways to get rid of the terrible smell just before your guests arrive. Luckily, there are quick tips and hacks to eliminate (or camouflage) the bad odor in a matter of minutes.
Firstly, open the doors and windows immediately and let some fresh air in. In fact, airing out your home will help reduce all kinds of pet-related odors, and, of course, it is free. Also, try investing in different scented candles or luxurious essential oils such as sandalwood, which will mask the stink and leave your home smelling like paradise.
Ultimately, by following these tips and tricks, anyone is able to welcome a newborn without getting rid of the family pet. Make sure to give your pup extra love when the baby arrives; pets get jealous, too!
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Patrick Adams is a freelance writer and rock-blues fan. When he is not writing about home improvement, he loves to play chess, watch basketball, and play his guitar. More than anything, he loves to spend his time in his garage, repairing appliances and creating stuff from wood.
