Dogs are more than our best friends.  They can actually help improve our health.  Here are some of the proven benefits of owning a dog:

• Dogs Help to Lower Blood Pressure A recent study at the State University of New York at Buffalo found that people with hypertension who adopted a cat or dog had lower blood pressure readings in stressful situations than did those who did not own a pet. (Dr. Karen Allen, State University of New York at Buffalo)
• Dogs Help to Reduce Stress.   Walking with a dog helps to sooth nerves and offers instant relaxation. Studies conducted worldwide have shown that the impact of a stressful situation is lesser on dog owners, especially males, than on those who do not own a dog. (Josephine M. Wills, Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition, United Kingdom)
• Dogs Help to Prevent Heart Disease.   Because Dogs provide people with faithful companionship, research shows they may also provide their owners with greater psychological stability, thus a measure of protection from heart disease. (National Institute of Health Technology Assessment Workshop: Health Benefits of Dogs)
• Dogs Help to Lower Health Care Costs.   People with Dogs actually make fewer doctor visits, especially for non-serious medical conditions. (National Institute of Health Technology Assessment Workshop: Health Benefits of Dogs)
• Dogs Help to Fight Depression.  Dogs help fight depression and loneliness, promoting an interest in life. When seniors face adversity or trauma, affection from Dogs takes on great meaning. Their bonding behavior can foster a sense of security. (Between Dogs and People: The Importance of Animal Companionship)

Living with a dog doesn't mean your house has to look and smell like a dog house.  Not wanting to spend my entire day cleaning, I've learned how to clean up in the quickest (and by the way - least expensive) way possible. 

1.  Keep The Fur From Flying

Brush your dog every day.  You'll be amazed how spending a short five minutes a day brushing your dog, will cut down on all that dog hair floating around your home.  Brushing daily also gets rid of flaky skin by distributing natural oils through your dog's coat.  You'll notice that your dog looks and smells better.  And since most dogs love being brushed it counts as quality time with your dog. 

2.  The Quickest Way to Make Dust Bunnies Disappear

If you need to get rid of hair in a hurry, go for the Swiffer.   It works tons better than a broom.  Swiffer cloths grab hair, dirt, and dust, and other dirt quick, and you just throw away the cloth when you’re done. 

Lint rollers are also another must-have.  Keep a couple around the house if you need to get dog hair off clothing or furniture in a hurry. 

3.  Use Common Household Items

Baking soda is a miracle when it comes to getting rid of pet odors.  Sprinkle it on your carpet and let it sit for a couple of house and vacuum.  You'll notice the room smells much, much better. 

For a quick, easy, and cheap air freshener that really works:
Mix 1/4 cup baking soda with water in a spray bottle.  Shake well and spray. The baking soda absorbs the odor. You can also add a couple drops of essential oils, vanilla extract, or even cinnamon for variety.

Another quick way to keep your house from smelling like a kennel is to spray vinegar into the air.  As the vinegar smell goes away so does the doggie odor.  And here's an extra tip:  put a fabric softener sheet in an envelope under the sofa or chair cushion where your furry friend like to hang out.  This is a simple way to keep the area from smelling like a dog house.

4.  Like a Breeze

As a dog owner you might already have a bottle of Febreze around the house.  If you don't, get one.  Its great for freshening up dog bedding and other furniture dogs like to call their own.  If a member of the family is allergic to dogs, use the Allergen Reducer Febreze.  They claim it reduces up to 75% of allergens from pets and dust mites that can come off furniture.  We have noticed less dust and a it does make the room smell fresher.

5.  Stop Dirty Paws At The Door

Stop muddy paws at the door.  Place mats at both the outside and inside of every door.  They really help cut the dirt down.  Be sure to get a washable mat.

Another way to keep the mud out - pet wipes.  It only takes a few seconds and you'll be amazed to see how much dirt comes off your dog's paws when they come in.  Most dogs don't seem to mind the routine. 

6.  Clean Messes ASAP

When accidents happen, clean them up as soon as they happen.  If you leave a mess, it will spread, stain, and smell.  Also your dog will want to come back to that spot and use it again thinking that's his place to do his business. 

It's best to use products made especially for pet messes.  These products are made to break down organic waste and to neutralize odors.  Don't use cleaners with ammonia - they smell just like urine to dogs.

7.  Keep a "Clean-Up-Kit"

To avoid a catastrophe keep the following must-haves in your cleaning closet or somewhere handy: spray stain removers, old towels, paper towels, and disposable disinfectant wipes.

In case you are out of pet stain remover here's a stain remover you can make yourself:  Mix 1 quart of hot tap water, 1 teaspoon of dish soap, and 1 teaspoon of white vinegar (it gets rid of the odor).  Shake or mix together; blot the area with towels and wet with cleaner to cover area.  Let it sit 15 minutes, and blot again.  Repeat as necessary.