Getting a new puppy or kitten can be an exciting time for the whole family, but it can also be very frustrating. With the many "accidents" that can occur during the housebreaking process, you may start to worry about how your carpets will fare against pet stains. Some owners even end up having to replace their carpet after the pet is trained; to avoid this extra cost, it is important to either deal with stains promptly or select pet friendly flooring options for your home.

Cleaning Up Pet Stains

To prevent a stain from setting, it is essential you act quickly; as soon as you see a stain, use a cloth or paper towel to dab it up. A wet/dry vacuum can be a particularly effective tool for removing liquid stains from carpet. Liquid dishwashing soap and warm water can also help to lift the stain, but do not use laundry detergent or detergent that contains bleach.

Once the soapy solution is applied to the stain, a wet/dry vacuum cleaner or towel can be used to lift excess solution. The area should be rinsed with warm water and excess liquid should be extracted. The best way to tell if a stain has not been completely cleaned is through the smell that will surely surface a little while later. Pet stains have a way of making a whole room smell bad almost instantaneously. Fortunately, many pet stores sell enzyme treatments that can chemically break the components causing the smell.

Another easy cleaning solution is to mix white vinegar with water. The acidity of the vinegar neutralizes the ammonia, which is alkaline, that is present in urine.

Preventing Accidents

Every pet has its favorite place to go when it needs to relieve itself. To avoid messy clean-ups later, you can give your pet a designated surface to use. One useful product for this purpose is a special pad or cushion, found at most pet stores, with a built-in moisture barrier. Some of these cushions even include enzymes to counteract odor and bacteria.

Pet Friendly Floors

If you are considering new flooring and have a pet or are making an allowance for one in the future, you may want to consider purchasing durable, stain-resistant floors that will stand up to the tests of your furry friend.

• Vinyl and tile flooring are durable, long-lasting, resistant to moisture and scratches, and easy to maintain.
• Laminate floors give you the look of hardwood and other fine materials, but are much more pet friendly. Resistant to moisture, dents and scratches, laminate lets you enjoy your pet without worrying about damaged flooring.
• Stain resistant carpet will take the headache out of cleaning up after your pet. Underneath your carpet, use enzyme treated carpet padding with a moisture barrier to keep stains from seeping into your floors and making the room smell.

Thinking ahead and installing pet friendly flooring can save you a lot of stress. Don't let the pet you love get you down over spoiled floors; let your floors and your pet coexist harmoniously by doing your research and selecting a surface that will fit both your needs.