\n\n\n\nWash Those Toys\n\n\n\n
Let’s face it \u2014 dog breath is gross. Now imagine all the germs those slobbery chew toys are carrying. OK, now that you’re properly skeeved out \u2014 relax. Just toss soft toys into the washer with one tablespoon of baking soda, and toss the plastic or rubber toys into the dishwasher for a thorough cleaning. Just be sure to check for loose parts before returning them to the toy box. (If you have a sanitize setting on your washer and dishwasher, use it!)\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nSqueegee for Shedding\n\n\n\n
A fluffy coat is adorable on your pet, but when it starts showing up all over your rugs and carpets? Well, not so much. Simply pull a rubber squeegee across hairy carpets and rugs for a fast fix.\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nHoly Hairballs!\n\n\n\n
Cleaning a few too many hairballs these days? Keep some cat grass or catmint on hand. The fiber will do kitty’s digestive system good and, of course, she’ll love the extra burst of energy catnip gives.\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nNatural Supplements\n\n\n\n
Adding a teaspoon of coconut oil to kitty’s food can also reduce shedding and hairballs by helping her maintain a digestive tract, skin and coat. But it’s always smart to check with your vet before supplementing your pet’s diet.\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nDIY All-Natural Room Deodorizer\n\n\n\n
Create your own natural deodorizing spritz for use on rugs and soft furnishings. Use it where pets love to laze around (hello, sofa!) or have accidents frequently. To make a 16-ounce bottle, mix 1\/2 cup of warm water, 2 tablespoons of baking soda and 1\/2 cup of vinegar into a bowl (it will get fizzy). Pour the mixture into a spray bottle, then add 12 drops of peppermint essential oil. Once the vinegar dissipates, you will only smell the fresh peppermint. Lightly spray the offending areas, then let it sit for a few hours before vacuuming.\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nPaws Off!\n\n\n\n
If you have a pet that\u00a0lives\u00a0to shred toilet paper, this tip is for you. For cats, add a few drops of lavender or rosemary essential oil inside the cardboard tube. For dogs, cinnamon or citrus-based essential oils (lemon, orange or lemongrass) will help ward off playful paws.\n\n\n\n Whether it’s in the car or in the house, stubborn pet hair in tight spaces doesn’t have a chance against a damp, textured rubber glove. Create a small pile, then vacuum up the hair in a snap.\n\n\n\n Not unlike kids’ toys, if left unchecked your pet\u2019s toys can quickly take over the entire house. Avoid the chaos with lidded storage. It’s easier to wrangle all those plush hedgehogs and squeaky bones when YOU are in control. Leave two toys out at a time, and rotate through the stash to keep your furry friend from getting bored with too many choices.\n\n\n\n Another easy way to keep pet hair off your furniture and rugs is to brush your pets weekly and do it outdoors. They’ll love the bonding time and you’ll love less shedding indoors. Go with a grooming mitt or a fine-toothed comb for heavy shedders.\n\n\n\n When you’re picking out that perfect bed for your fur baby, keep in mind that you\u00a0really\u00a0want one that can be tossed in the washing machine. For larger beds, make sure you can remove the cover for a quick and easy refresh. Your house will smell better, and the bed will likely last longer, too.\n\n\n\n An easy way to keep kitty from trailing litter throughout the house is to create a landing pad outside the box. Make it cute by spray-painting a baking pan and cooling grid a fun color, then lining the pan with a pretty contact paper that’s easy to wipe clean.\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nNooks + Crannies\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nClutter Control\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nGet Outdoors\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nEasy-to-Wash Pet Beds\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nNo Loose Litter\n\n\n\n
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