Dogs are great pets, but they aren’t for everyone. If you are moving into a home that was formerly owned by a dog owner, it might be difficult to get the dog feel out of the house. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to make the home feel a little bit less like a kennel.
Get the Ducts Cleaned
The first thing to look at is the ductwork. No matter how hard the previous owner tried to keep things tidy, there is bound to be leftover dog hair in the ducts. This can wreak havoc not only on those with dog allergies but also on those who have respiratory issues. Make sure to get your ducts professionally cleaned to eliminate the leftover dog dander and clear up the air in your new home.
Replace the Doors
Doggie doors are great for those who have dogs, but they’re not too useful for those who don’t have pets. In fact, they can be real safety concerns for those who have small children and they can represent a security risk. Make sure to pick up replacement doors as soon as you can so that you’re able to feel a bit safer in your own home.
Get the Carpet Cleaned/Replaced
Unfortunately, it can be very difficult to get rid of the smell of dogs if there is carpeting in the house. If the smell is mild, you may be able to get away with a professional carpet cleaning service, though you’ll want to find a company that specializes in eliminating pet odors. If the smell is too strong, it may be time to completely replace the carpets – a major expense, but one that is definitely worthwhile.
Re-seed the Yard
Finally, you’ll want to look at those spots that have died in the lawn. This is fairly typical in lawns of dog owners, as the dog’s leavings are too acidic for grass to handle. Fortunately, this can be taken care of with a quick bit of reseeding. The right grass seed and a little bit of fertilizer will get you the lawn that you’ve always wanted.
It is definitely possible to rehabilitate a home after a dog owner has lived there. Replace what needs to be replaced and clean what needs to be cleaned – most of the work you’ll have to do is easier than you think. Once the dog-used items are gone, your home will feel like new.