If you’re a dog owner, you know that when the crisp air of fall takes over city streets and transforms the city with falling leaves and muddy sidewalks, shedding and wet dog season is upon us. While autumn is a beautiful and cozy season, it often means more dirt, fur, and that unmistakable damp dog smell that lingers at home. The good news is that there are ways to clean that can help prevent that wet dog smell and manage shedding. Here are five tips for fall cleaning for dog owners in the city. Remember, with the proper fall cleaning checklist, you can keep your home fresh and cozy without losing out on the joys of the season.
1. Tackle Seasonal Shedding
Fall is the prime shedding season for many dog breeds. Dogs shed their lighter summer coats to prepare for their thicker winter fur. That means more hair on your couch, carpets, and clothes. To manage seasonal shedding, be sure to brush your dog often. For some dog breeds, daily brushing is best. Brushing helps capture loose fur before it lands on your floors, and to capture the most fur, a grooming mitt or de-shedding tool is especially effective for medium to long-haired dogs.
Some fur on your floors and couches is inevitable as a pet owner. To ensure cleanliness and proper cleaning, it’s recommended to invest in a vacuum designed for pet hair. In small city apartments, aim to vacuum at least twice a week, focusing on high-traffic areas like couches and entry rugs. Additionally, keep lint rollers stocked and ready to use so you can do a quick once-over before heading out, especially if you’re in work clothes. Lastly, if possible, it’s a good idea to wash your dog’s bedding every 1–2 weeks during peak shedding season. This helps control fur and helps minimize odours.
2. Create a Mud-Defence Zone
City sidewalks and parks can get extra muddy in the fall with rain and decaying leaves. Without a plan, muddy paws will quickly track across your apartment floors. To help prevent a muddy apartment, it’s crucial to set up a paw station right at your door so you can wipe your dog’s paws as soon as you come back from your walks. Keep a small rug, a bucket of warm water, a stack of old towels, or paw wipes ready at your paw station. For easy cleaning, purchase washable rugs, especially for the entryway. This way, these rugs trap dirt and moisture before it spreads.
Additionally, be sure to invest in some washable blankets or slipcovers for your couches and over your dog’s favourite spots. They’re easy to toss in the laundry after a messy day. A more challenging solution to avoid mud in the home is using waterproof booties. They make after-walk cleaning easy, but they can be hard to train your pup to tolerate.
3. Beat the Wet Dog Smell
That unmistakable “wet dog smell” seems to intensify in the fall when moisture lingers in the air. Luckily, you can prevent it from taking over your home. To avoid that wet dog smell from spreading, be sure to dry your dog thoroughly after walks in the rain. Use a microfiber towel as it absorbs more water and dries faster than regular towels. This can be quite a chore, but give your pups more frequent baths. A gentle bath every few weeks with a dog-safe shampoo can help your dog and home smell fresh. Lastly, be sure to wash your fabrics often. Dog beds, blankets, and even your own throws can absorb odours quickly. Stick to a routine of cleaning them regularly to prevent odours from lingering and getting trapped. Don’t hold back on opening your windows on crisp fall days to circulate air, even if just for 10 minutes.
If you’d like to add a seasonal touch, fall-scented candles, such as pumpkin spice or apple cider, can bring a cozy, seasonal fragrance. Just be sure to avoid products with essential oils like eucalyptus, tea tree, or peppermint, as these can be harmful to dogs. Opt for pet-safe candles or soy wax options instead.
4. Clean Floors the Smart Way
With leaves, mud, and fur, floors take the brunt of fall mess. In apartments, it’s especially noticeable since there’s less space to spread out. Frequent sweeping or vacuuming can help reduce big messes. Even five minutes a day keeps dirt and fur from piling up in high-traffic areas. Add mopping to your weekly routine. Use a pet-safe floor cleaner (or a simple mix of vinegar and water) to lift dirt and eliminate odours. To protect hardwood floors from wet paws over time, keep a mat on those areas to reduce moisture exposure.
5. Rotate & Refresh Pet Gear
Most people use the same pet gear until it breaks, but collars, leashes, and harnesses also pick up grime during fall walks. These items are often overlooked but can bring unpleasant odours into your home. Clean soft collars and harnesses by tossing them in a mesh laundry bag and washing on gentle. For leather collars and leashes, wipe them down with a damp cloth. Additionally, don’t forget to clean food and water bowls daily to keep bacteria and smells at bay.
Add Cleaning to Your Pet Care RoutineÂ
Fall in the city is full of adventures for you and your pup—leaf-filled walks, crisp mornings, and cozy nights in. But it can also bring dirt, shedding, and odours into your space. With these five tips for fall cleaning for dog owners in the city, you’ll stay ahead of the mess, enjoy a fresher home, and still have plenty of time left over to sip that pumpkin latte with your best furry friend. After all, a clean, cozy apartment makes autumn that much sweeter—for both you and your dog.
If you’re looking for a fall-time dog walker or are interested in dog training, contact Citizen Canine today!
