by Furnishly | Jun 16, 2022 | Design Inspiration, Style
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
We love our adorable pets, but they definitely can cause some pretty big messes — their fur alone can coat every piece of furniture and rug you own. And you don’t always want to trot out the full-size vacuum to tackle the couch during Fido’s shedding season, but sometimes hand vacuums aren’t up to the task (even though they are considerably nicer to our backs and arms). Luckily for you, we stumbled upon one that is both lightweight and powerful enough to disappear fur and other annoying messes from your surfaces and furniture. Plus, it’s on rare sale. Enter: Shark’s UltraLight Corded Hand Vacuum.
With the same powerful cleaning ability as full-sized Shark vacuums, this pint-sized design has a sleek and tapered form that allows you to get into various nooks and crannies (think: in between couch cushions, beneath your driver’s seat, or behind the bed) to make quick work of pet hair, crumbs, dust, and more.
The main body of this vacuum is amazing as-is (with a standard precision duster head), but what really steps this purchase up a notch are the accessories it comes with. Attachments like a self-cleaning pet power brush and crevice tool allow you to ensure every speck of dust and fur is banned from your floors with each and every clean. Once the canister is full, simply remove it via an easy button in the back before continuing on in your cleaning spree. Oh, and have we mentioned the best part? This pick holds up in the aesthetics department too, with five (yes, FIVE!) chic colors to choose from, from rich navy and emerald to spicy paprika, chic rose gold, and futuristic silver.
We’re not the only ones obsessed with this hand vac, though — reviewers rave about the vac’s versatility and power, with one happy customer saying, ” I really like this vacuum. It’s powerful, super-fast, and easy to empty the debris canister out. The pet hair attachment works amazing, and the skinny attachment is absolutely perfect for getting in the cracks and crevices of my car.” Another reviewer touts its ability to, “… make a not-so-easy job easier and faster!”
Now through June 20, you can score the Shark UltraLight Corded Hand Vacuum (and all the awesome accessories!) at QVC for almost 50 percent off. That’s a deal you — and your home — can’t miss.
by Furnishly | Apr 25, 2022 | Design Inspiration, Style
Slobbery kisses, wagging tails, and snuggles are just a few of the many things pets do to endear themselves to us. On the flip side? “We love our pets, but the messes they leave behind are among the worst — stinky, gooey, and always unexpected and unpredictable,” says Ryan Deal, president of Lucky & Lady, a pet care start-up in Atlanta. Options for cleaning up those messes abound, but some will prove more successful than others. These smart strategies, straight from pros, will help you get the job done.
First, Do a Little Prep Work
“Before treating any accident — vomit, urine, feces, and so on — remove as much of the material and liquid from the area as possible,” says Jennifer Kovacs, vice president of merchandising, dog, and cat supplies at Petco. “This allows for the stain removal product you apply to deeply penetrate the stain.”
For flooring: Carpeting and area rug mishaps can cause a headache, but there’s hope for cleaning them without leaving a trace behind. “When cleaning urine or vomit, don’t overwork it,” Deal says. “Brushing or disturbing the mess will only push it into fibers. Go slow. The first step is to soak up as much of the liquid material as possible with cotton or paper towels. Use baking soda to absorb anything else.”
If it’s vomit or excrement, let the rest dry. A soft brush can then help to loosen what remains for vacuuming. If it’s urine, you’ll need an extra step. Liberally use an enzymatic solution with “good bacteria” (“Enzymes will break down the urine, and the bacteria will help to ensure this ‘isn’t the potty place’ for your pet,” Deal says), wait 15 minutes, then use disposable paper towels to absorb what’s left. “These solutions are available at most pet stores… [and] also work well on hard or resilient floors by making the location undesirable for future mishaps,” Deal explains.
For bedding: “Pet messes on bedding — yours or theirs — are best cleaned rapidly,” Deal says. Remove anything solid quickly, and then launder fabrics and bedding in cold water, which helps to avoid pushing lasting odors into the bedding.
Alternatively, “take any moveable messes to a laundromat, where the machines are designed to deep clean,” Deal says. “If you’re a conservationist, know that commercial laundry machines use lots of water, but they get the job done.”
For furniture: Furniture and upholstery can be tricky. Just like when cleaning other messes, lift off anything solid, and be careful not to rub or grind the mishap into the fabric’s fibers. If you’re removing urine, soak up as much liquid as possible with paper or cotton towels.
“Upholstery on furniture is often not as resilient as carpeting, which is engineered for foot traffic,” Deal says. “If the upholstery isn’t removable, try a principle often used by HAZMAT crews: ‘Dilution is the solution for pollution.’ Using a spray bottle, saturate the soiled upholstery with distilled water. Tap water contains minerals, which can exacerbate the problem.”
Use a handheld cleaner, like this Bissell model, to extract the liquid. You’ll need to repeat this process several times.
Remember That the Product (and Its Application) Matters
Not all pet cleaning products are created equal. “When deciding what to apply to the affected area, look for a product that will treat the stain and any subsequent odor or residue,” Kovacs says. “It’s also important to pick a product specific to your pet, as formulas for cats and dogs differ.”
“When applying the product, cover an area twice the size of the accident itself, as stains often spread, particularly on carpet or fabric,” Kovacs says. “Be sure to thoroughly douse the entire application area, especially when it comes to porous surfaces, to allow the selected product to penetrate and treat the affected surface.”
A Note on Hairy Situations
If your pet’s mess is actually on fur or hair, it’s best to take them to a professional groomer. “Pet groomers have access to quality materials, which can remove scents and odors from just about anything,” Deal says. “Technically it’s referred to as de-skunking, but the procedure works well to remove any naturally-occurring aggravation, such as urine or vomit from another pet. And if your pet’s source of odor or trouble is happening around the sanitary area, a professional pet groomer can be essential to keeping the area neatly trimmed to reduce anything that catches urine or poop.”
And If You’ve Taken a Wrong Step…
“If the mishap is yours, such as a misstep into dog poop, the team has a solution for that, too,” Deal says. “Save that old toothbrush and use it to lightly scrub the bottom of shoes under warm running water.”
by Furnishly | Mar 17, 2022 | Design Inspiration, Style
Since dogs are usually seen as fun, carefree companions, it can be alarming to realize that, just like people, they can also experience anxiety. For some dogs, anxiety might manifest as a slight annoyance, while for others it can disrupt every aspect of their life, including their relationship with their families. It can be challenging and overwhelming to live with a dog struggling with anxiety, but the good news is there are observable signs to look out for and ways to help your pup cope.
Heather Mishefske, a certified professional dog trainer and behavior consultant, notes, “Anxiety in dogs can present a number of different ways and can be related to contexts such as being separated from their people, fear, and age.”
Common symptoms of all categories of anxiety include: “Excessive panting, drooling, pacing, barking or vocalizing excessively, extreme restlessness, destructiveness, self-harming behaviors, or even behaviors that look like obsessive compulsive behaviors,” Mishefske says.
“Anxious dogs pace and are generally overexcited by normal stimuli such as people coming into the room, a doorbell, and cars or people going by outside,” explains Dr. Ross Taylor of the NorthStar VETS Emergency and Critical Care team. Other signs to watch for are dogs who are overly vigilant and concerned about the environment around them.
San Francisco-based dog trainer Alisha Ardiana says she watches for dogs who are unable to engage in training or do normal calming behaviors, like smelling. “If the dog is unable to smell the ground, is looking around, or looking over his shoulder, the dog is concerned that something is going to go wrong,” she explains.
To determine if your dog is anxious, you’ll need to spend time observing how they respond to experiences and stimuli in the environment. Separation anxiety is a common form of anxiety where dogs panic when left alone, even for short periods of time. Dr. Taylor explains that if you have an anxious dog, “You might notice your dog isn’t settling down after five or 10 minutes, or starts back up again when you get up from the couch. In extreme cases, you can see aggressive or destructive behaviors when no one is home.”
If you think your dog may be anxious when you leave the house, Dr. Taylor advises “installing a Nest or nanny cam to verify whether your pet is truly anxious or simply bored.” Nanny cameras for dogs can give owners valuable information about what dogs are doing when left alone, which you can share with a trainer or veterinarian to develop a treatment plan if your dog is displaying signs of anxiety.
How to Prevent and Relieve Your Dog’s Anxiety
Some dogs develop anxiety after experiencing a traumatic event, while in other cases dogs are genetically predisposed to being anxious. Regardless of if your dog has ever displayed symptoms, it’s important to incorporate anxiety prevention activities into their routines.
A key way to prevent dogs from developing anxiety, or to reduce an anxious dog’s level of stress is by giving them opportunities to just be a dog. “Allowing your dog to do natural dog behaviors like smelling, scavenging, and moving freely on a 20 to 30-foot line and harness for periods of time is so important for their emotional well-being,” says Mischefske. “This is not a structured walk, but a walk where your dog is allowed to move freely through a space.” These free walks are successful at preventing anxiety, she notes, because “we often do not allow dogs to make their own choices, and this is a tiny opportunity where they can control a portion of what they may enjoy doing.”
Of course, safety should always be the priority. “For dogs who are triggered by cars, bikes, or unfamiliar dogs, be sure that this space is devoid of these things. Sniffspot is a super opportunity to locate these gems of properties near you,” Mischefske advises.
Don’t punish them for anxious behaviors.
Having a dog struggling with anxiety can be stressful for dog owners. As frustrating as your dog’s behaviors might be, though, it’s important not to ever punish your dog for being anxious. “Always remember that your dog is not having anxiety on purpose. They are responding in a way that their body is telling them there is danger,” Mishefske explains. If you feel like your dog has anxiety, and you aren’t sure how to help them, it’s important to reach out for professional support from a positive reinforcement trainer or your veterinarian.
Implement positive reinforcement.
Training is important for all dogs. “The research is abundantly clear that using reward-based training will support your dog’s emotional welfare and create positive bonds between the teacher and learner,” Mishefske notes. Training isn’t just about fixing “problematic” behaviors that dogs express because of lack of training or anxiety, but also helping you and your dog to better communicate with each other.
“If you’re not where you want to be in your relationship with your dog, call a positive reinforcement trainer,” suggests Ardiana. Dogs benefit from learning new skills and having creative outlets to explore the world around them. She explains that the core of training is about giving dog owners the skills to be “clear, consistent, reliable, and predictable,” which she says allow dogs — especially anxious dogs — to thrive. “Predictability is crucial for dogs with anxiety.” Ardiana notes.
Consider some over-the-counter support.
In addition to training, there are a variety of over-the-counter supports available for anxious dogs. It’s important to note that these products are unregulated, so while they may make claims about their success, results with your dog may vary. Pheromone therapy like Adaptil can be used as a plug-in diffuser, or a spray which you can apply to a bandanna for your dog to wear in stressful situations.
But for dogs who have complex anxiety, over-the-counter treatments like thunder shirts, calming chews, and other natural products likely won’t make a substantial difference. “While these products may show some positive effects in minimizing anxiety, your best money spent is to find a certified behavior consultant or trainer who can help design a plan to…create a dog who has coping skills to face these anxiety-provoking contexts,” explains Mishefske.
Ask your veterinarian for help.
If you have a dog who is struggling with severe symptoms of anxiety, it’s always a good idea to make an appointment with your veterinarian. “Dogs that exhibit anxiety that interferes with their daily ability to live their lives should be seen by a veterinarian who is well versed in current behavior research, or a veterinary behaviorist,” Mishefske advises. Having a veterinarian on your dog’s team who can really dive into your dog’s history of behavior and offer appropriate pharmacological interventions is a key piece of treating anxiety.”
Your veterinarian will evaluate what is going on and may prescribe anxiety medication for your dog. “Anxiety medication decreases the trigger threshold for your pet and creates a better mind space for training,” explains Dr. Taylor. In some instances, like if your dog is suffering from severe separation anxiety, your veterinarian may prescribe your dog medication to be taken daily for a period in collaboration with positive reinforcement training. In other cases, they may prescribe anti-anxiety medication to be given leading up to and during times that will trigger your dog’s anxiety, such as in the week leading up to the Fourth of July when fireworks are common.
Sassafras Lowrey
Contributor
Sassafras Lowrey is a Certified Trick Dog Instructor (CTDI) and award winning author of fiction and nonfiction books about LGBTQ people and/or dogs living in Portland, Oregon. You can keep up with Sassafras on Twitter/Instagram @SassafrasLowrey and www.SassafrasLowrey.com
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by Furnishly | Feb 7, 2022 | Design Inspiration, Style
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission.
What’s it like raising a 1-year-old Lab? Well, my pup, Lady, is gorgeous, super loving, funny… and her energy levels are unparalleled. I’m talking three hourlong walks a day and a ball-throwing session to cap things off. I do my best to keep up with Lady’s insatiable ways, especially since she needs the exercise, but I do tend to get frustrated that she hates alone time. At home, she’ll lay at my feet, pace around me in circles, or try to hop into my lap. I’ve purchased multiple dog beds — plush, firm, elevated, round — but she just never seemed to want to relax. Just as I was about to retire any hope of personal space, Lady got the chance to try the Dog Bed by Tuft & Needle, and it was a complete game changer..
The bed — which earned a spot on our Best List — is constructed with polyurethane foam that mimics the brand’s human mattresses and is topped with a polyester fiber-fill pillow that’s cozy but never lumps or sags. The entire bed is covered in an uber-durable canvas-like fabric that comes in three modern colors: Charcoal, Desert, and Rust. Believe me, this bed is no eyesore. Even better? It’s machine washable. Just zip off the cover and toss it in the wash.
What I love most about this bed, though, is its versatility. When the pillow insert is attached to the foam base (by heavy-duty sailing rope, which has already withstood much nibbling — thanks, Lady), the bed is a supportive, soft-centered haven with a firm outer edge. When the central pillow is removed, Lady slips and slides around the base, using the roomy concavity to play with her favorite dog toys. The pillow insert can also be rolled up to take it on the go (it has a rubbery grip on the bottom to keep it secure), so Lady always has a place to call her own, no matter where we are..
Truthfully, these days, I can count on Lady being in her bed whether it’s for playtime, an afternoon nap, or a full night’s sleep. I can tell she feels secure and comfy in her own little spot. Watching her enjoy it this much might just make me have to look into getting a Tuft & Needle human-bed for myself!
by Furnishly | Aug 3, 2021 | Design Inspiration, Style
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission.
Cats are known for being pretty easy pets — or at least easy to buy for. Unlike their canine counterparts, most cats can spend their days entertaining themselves. They don’t exactly need a lot of fancy toys or strenuous physical activities to keep them occupied. Just set them up with a good napping spot, and they should be good to go! But despite how low maintenance they are, there are a few essential products you’ll need. As a soon-to-be new cat owner myself, I’ve been asking friends and searching the internet for what to buy. Although I’m prioritizing my budget (a girl’s got to eat), I’ve also been looking for quality and — dare I say it — stylish products that will last. So if you’re a new cat owner, here’s the lowdown on what you need for your new furry friend to make them (and you!) feel at home.
