When you're a dog lover, sometimes the only thing better than having a pup pal is having two (or three or four). A bunch of dogs under one roof can get a little chaotic. However, several products make multi-dog households run much more smoothly.
Make Life Easier With These Products for Multi-Dog Homes
Typically, the more dogs you have, the more work. You have more food to store, triple the fur to sweep, surplus toys to collect, and increased chances for stains and damage. But certain things make it a lot easier to handle the extra doggy drama.
It probably goes without saying that whether you have two dogs or ten, keeping your pup on heartworm and flea prevention is critical. However, it's even more vital in a multi-dog household, especially if you bring your canine companions to dog parks and other public places. Staying up-to-date with pet vaccinations is also imperative for your dogs' well-being.
But what about the little things? We're talking about the messy meal sessions, accidental indoor potty moments, dirty paw prints, and tufts of fur scattered about the floor and furniture. How do you stay on top of all the day-to-day pet problems that increase exponentially when you have multiple dogs?
Sure, it will take more time and effort than having only one pooch, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. These products make multi-dog households much easier to manage.
1. Robot Vacuum
A robot vacuum saves tons of time when you have multiple dogs. You don't spend precious minutes pushing a vacuum back and forth to combat endless pet hair.
Instead, schedule your robo-vac to run once or twice daily, depending on how much your dogs shed. This will help you manage the pet hair problem without exerting too much physical effort.
Dyson, Shark, and Roomba are some stand-out brands, but many different models and options are available these days. Robot vacuums can range from $100 to over $1,000, so research to find one that best suits your needs and budget.
2. Multi-Surface Pet Stain and Odor Remover
The more pets you have, the more likely stains and odors will take over, so a good cleaning product makes a huge difference. Look for enzyme-based cleaners that target pet odors, and avoid anything with ammonia, which can exacerbate the problem.
Many cleaners are designed specifically for carpets, hardwood floors, furniture, etc. However, a quality multi-surface option simplifies your cleaning routine. A couple of good picks for multi-surface cleaners are Nature's Miracle and Rocco and Roxie Supply Co. Stain and Odor Eliminator.
3. Air Purifier
An air purifier helps decrease pet odors and allergens, making your home healthier and fresher for you and your pups. There are freestanding models, table-top styles, and whole-house purifiers that connect to your HVAC system. Look for purifiers with HEPA filters, which reduce dog-produced allergens.
4. Licking Mats
Keep your dogs mentally stimulated, engaged, and out of trouble with treat licking mats. Spread some wet food or a tasty treat, like peanut butter, onto the mats and give one to each dog during high-stress times like thunderstorms or loud construction.
The mats encourage licking, which helps soothe anxious pups. Plus, it gives your dog something else to focus on so they're not barking, pacing, whining, and riling each other up.
5. Clear Toy Blocker
Are you tired of digging toys out from under the couch and stove? If your pups love to play, then it's no surprise when balls, stuffies, bones, and more end up stuck in the wasteland beneath your furniture. Clear toy blockers are a big help, and since they're clear, you don't even notice them, so they don't detract from your design.
6. Slow-Feed Bowls
Having multiple dogs often encourages speedy eaters who scarf down food before another pup steals their meal. Providing slow-feed bowls for your pups is a good way to help fast eaters pace their chow time.
Some multi-pet households feed their dogs in separate rooms or at different times. You need to find what works best for you, but using slow feeders can make a dramatic difference in your furry friends' eating habits.
7. Furniture Covers
Take away the stress of doggy damage to your favorite couch or chair. You could train your dogs to stay off the furniture, but if that's not your style, ease your mind with furniture covers. Get a couch cover, waterproof bed blanket, or chair pad. Or, in a pinch, toss an old sheet over your dogs' favorite lounge spots and wash it when it gets icky.
8. Stackable Food Storage
Lots of dogs equals plenty of dog food. Use stackable storage containers that keep all of your pups' goodies in one place. Keep kibble at the bottom and treats on the top. These are also good if one of your fur babies is on a special diet and their food needs to stay in a separate container. Look for airtight containers on wheels so it's easy to move them around when full.
9. Lift N' Bag Dog Pooper Scooper
Just because you love being a dog parent, it doesn't mean you love everything that comes with the job. For example, picking up piles of dog poop probably isn't on the list of your favorite things.
The Lift N' Bag makes scooping multiple piles of poop a breeze. Its unique design enables you to clean up a bunch of piles at once. Plus, pleasant lavender-scented bags keep odors at bay as you scoop.
10. FurDozer
If your dogs shed, then you understand how pet hair seems to multiply and never end. You get hair on your furniture, clothes, car, kids' backpacks, you name it. It's a game changer when you have a way to get rid of pet hair quickly, like the FurDozer.
This handy tool quickly removes tricky, embedded pet hairs. The crevice tool gets into all those hard-to-reach areas, and there's even a mini version that fits perfectly in your purse or car.
11. Pet Camera
You can monitor your canine family from anywhere with the Furbo dog camera. The camera lets you monitor your dogs through your smartphone, speak to them, and even dispense tasty treats.
12. Safety Gates
Need to separate a member of your pack for a few days? Perhaps one of your pups is sick or recovering from surgery and needs solo time. Or you may have a member of your fur family who needs a time-out or can't be around the other pups when nobody's at home.
Sometimes, everyone needs a break. Pet gates are an excellent way to mark off a room or area without completely closing your dogs off from the action or each other.
Create a Calmer Multi-Dog Household for You and Your Pups
Life is hectic, and when you add a few canines to the mix, things can become challenging at best and downright chaotic at other times. Embrace your multi-dog household with all of its flying fur, excited yips, overflowing toy bins, and scattered kibble.
These products streamline your pet-parenting systems, giving you more time for snuggles and fun with your favorite Fidos. Check out the Neater Pets blog for other helpful tips on creating a peaceful home for you and your pets.