Living with dogs is an absolute joy until they track mud through the hallway, shed on your favourite chair, or turn the living room into their personal toy box. But having pets doesn’t mean waving goodbye to a beautiful, tidy home. With a few smart strategies, it’s perfectly possible to enjoy both a spotless space and a happy pup.
Beating the Shedding Battle
Let’s face it, dog hair has a magical ability to appear everywhere. Even breeds that don’t shed heavily still manage to leave traces behind.
Invest in the right tools: A quality pet vacuum with anti-tangle brushes and HEPA filters is a game-changer. Look for one designed specifically for pet hair to really get into those corners and upholstery.
Grooming is your secret weapon: A regular brushing routine massively reduces shedding indoors. Bonus: it’s bonding time with your pup.
Blanket the situation: Stylish throws on the sofa not only protect the fabric but are easily washable. Go for patterns and textures that camouflage pet hair between washes.
Use flooring to your advantage: Hard flooring like LVT, engineered wood or laminate is far easier to clean than carpet, and dog hair doesn’t cling. Go for mid-tones if you want to hide a bit of fluff between hoover runs.
How to Keep Things Smelling Fresh
Even the most beloved hounds can leave behind an unmistakable ‘doggy’ aroma, especially in rainy weather.
Baking soda is a wonder: Sprinkle it on rugs or beds, leave it for 15 minutes, then hoover it up. It neutralises smells naturally.
Wash pet bedding regularly: It’s easy to forget, but your dog’s bed is usually the main offender. Go for machine-washable covers and wash weekly.
Diffusers over sprays: Pet-safe essential oil diffusers add fragrance without being overpowering. Think lavender or eucalyptus, but always double-check they’re dog-friendly.
Open windows when possible: Nothing beats a bit of fresh air to shift musty smells. A 10-minute blast can work wonders.
Muddy Paws & Doorway Disasters
That fun combination of a rainy day and a dog walk will always cause some chaos in the house. But with a bit of planning, muddy footprints don’t need to leave a lasting impression.
Create a ‘doggy entrance’: Even if it’s just a mat and a towel by the back door, having a designated clean-up spot makes life easier.
Use washable runners in high-traffic zones: Hallways and kitchens are most at risk. Go for rugs you can pop in the washing machine or hose down outside.
Paw-cleaning routines: Keep an old towel, pet wipes or even a shallow tray of water near the door. A quick dip and dry makes a big difference.
Protect your floors: Mud and grit can scratch hard floors. Underlay and rugs can act as protective barriers, especially near entry points.
Stylish Storage for Toys & Treats
Squeaky toys, half-chewed bones, and a rogue tennis ball under the sofa. Dogs don’t care for minimalism, but that doesn’t mean your home has to suffer.
Woven baskets or vintage crates: They blend beautifully with most décor styles and are perfect for stashing toys out of sight.
Wall hooks for leads and coats: A set of attractive hooks near the door keeps everything in one place, and prevents the classic ‘where’s the lead?!’ panic.
Use stylish tins or jars for treats: Swap out ugly packaging for glass or ceramic jars that double as counter décor.
Rotate toys: Keep a few out at a time and store the rest. It helps reduce clutter and keeps your dog excited about ‘new’ toys each week.
Design with Dogs in Mind
One of the best ways to maintain harmony between home style and pet life is to design for the dog. Incorporate them into your home rather than working around them.
Choose durable materials: Leather, tightly woven fabrics, and indoor-outdoor textiles are more forgiving of paws and claws.
Create a designated dog zone: Whether it’s a corner with a plush bed or a built-in nook under the stairs, giving dogs their own stylish spot helps keep the rest of the house neater.
Think colour: If you’ve got a golden retriever, a navy velvet sofa might not be the wisest choice. Choose tones that work with your dog, not against them.
Style Meets Snout
It’s more than possible to have both a chic home and a happy dog. With a few clever swaps, thoughtful routines, and pet-smart design choices, furry chaos doesn’t have to take over. Homes with dogs can still be among the most inviting, joyful, and beautifully lived-in spaces around.
Because let’s be real, dog hair may not be ideal on the furniture, but there’s nothing quite like a happy tail wagging in the hallway.
