Pets and a clean house? No way!

Pet owners everywhere face the ongoing challenge of loving their pets and keeping their homes clean. While some pet owners simply give in and let their pets have free rein within the house other pet owners are constantly trying to find ways to integrate their pets into their lives and still have a fairly clean home. For purpose of the discussion here we will focus on pet owners who have cats and dogs since those with fish, birds and other caged pets do not face the same challenges. So if you are a pet owner who is looking for ways to love your pet and keep your house clean here is what you need to know about whether those two things can coexist-

• Understand the reality of the situation-It is crucial that pet owners understand the condition of their pet and the reality of the situation long before the pet comes into your home. For example: while you may love the exotic look of a long haired cat it is important to realize that these cats shed a lot and not tiny little cat hairs but long almost human like hair. The same goes for dogs-the larger the dog the more hair they typically have and typically shed. While shedding tends to be the major problem pet owners face they must also understand that if their large pet is coming indoors the larger the pet is the more mud, debris and other dirt that can be tracked into the house. The bottom line is that while your pet won't care-you will.
  
• Make an informed choice-Understanding that no matter how much you love your pet they really are just an animal is a good first step. This way you can make an informed choice about what kind of pet you want to have. If shedding is a problem you can choose a breed (either cat or dog) that does not, if tracking in dirt could be a problem then you can choose a smaller dog or cat. Making an informed and rational choice is much easier before you go to the rescue and fall in love with that adorable face that may not be the right pet for your situation.

• Rationally decide if you have enough room for a pet.  Many pet owners find that when moving from a condo to a house having a pet is a lot less stress.  There generally is more room for everyone (pets and people alike) that make keeping a house clean from pet dander and mess a lot easier.  The bottom line is that if your space is limited the mess from your pet may seem a lot worse then it really is.
  
• Be willing to make some choices-If having a clean (pet-free) zone in your home is important to you then you must begin from the moment you bring your pet home to limit their access to certain rooms or areas in your house. Many pet owners will report that this can be done but it takes a lot of work and effort to train their pet not to enter certain rooms.  You can also barricade certain rooms and leave pet friendly areas throughout the house but again this will take a certain level of effort on your part.

While the issues of pet and home ownership can be complex many people who love their pets would not exchange that friendly greeting they get at the front door for anything else.  The bottom line is that if you want to have a pet and a clean home you must be willing to make some trade offs, choose the right pet and be willing to put in some time and effort to train your pet.