Between muddy paws, fur on upholstered furniture, odors and occasional accidents, we can spend quite a bit of time cleaning up after our furry friends.

* Minimizing the mess: Cleaner pets mean a cleaner house. Have your pets groomed regularly. A bathed and brushed pet minimizes the amount of pet hair and dander, and helps eliminate odors. Keep a lint brush or damp sponge handy to quickly pick up loose pet hair.

* Removing pet hair: On carpeting, use a vacuum with a good beater brush or brush roll to remove pet hair. On upholstery, use velour brushes, tape rollers or even the rubber bottom of a clean tennis shoe and remove the fur using light, even strokes.

* Lifting stains: Dilute spots using a damp cloth, then clean the area with one quart of water mixed with one teaspoon white vinegar. Non toxic, organic cleaning solutions from your local pet store or supermarket also work well in lifting stains and odors. Be sure to follow the label directions and allow them to work for the full amount of time indicated. We highly recommend testing the product on an area of the carpet that is hidden. Just in case the product causes a change in the color of the carpet.

When your pet has stomach problems, clean up these accidents quickly, as the acidity can stain your carpet. Treat the affected area using a professional carpet detergent and rinse with clean hot water. Extract the soiled solutions away from the carpet as quickly as possible.

It is important to teach your pet at an early age to have his paws wiped. This will minimize on mud or feces on paws, being brought in. Crates also aid in keeping our homes clean. Confining our potty training puppies to crates minimizes the area of accidents.

Wagging Tails Pet Sitters & Mobile Groomers also suggest that after walking the dog, pet parents take off their shoes before entering their home. This practice will minimize the chance of any dirt, mud or feces being brought into a home.

Scoop litter boxes often. Odors permeate from them. A cleaner litter box, means a better smelling home, and a happy cat. Once the litter box is scooped, remove the soiled litter from the home. Leaving scooped litter in a receptacle next to the box, or in the house trash can, only keeps the odor inside the home.

When available, we recommend the use of organic, non toxic, non chemical cleaners. They are safer for you, your family and your pets!

Believe it or not, most pets are cleaner than most humans! With these simple tips, we know that your home will be a clean, pleasant place for you and your pets to grow old together.