Baby Boomer Pets

your pet for Christmas with reindeer antlers and in pumpkin hats for Halloween. Companies even market designer doggie raincoats, sweatshirts and sportswear. Having a pet is really much like having a child in the home. What’s that you say? You thought you were done with that part of your life? We boomers are one of the largest pet owner groups in the country. In fact, statistics show that between 60% - 75% of all baby boomer households have at least one pet. The kids are out of the house for the most part, and pets are filling the gap – not literally, of course – left in the empty nest. Overall, over $38-billion is spent annually on pet food and pet care. And you thought the $100 tennis shoes were expensive for your children?

Many studies have shown that pets can help take away loneliness and offer unconditional love. To me, one of the best parts about pets is the fact that they don’t talk back, argue, or think they’re all-knowing like many of us in the human race! There is nothing wrong with pampering your pets! The advantages of a well-cared-for pet are many. However, the most glaring downside is that your precious little “Fido”– no matter how intelligent she might be – will never be able to lend a paw in helping you clean up after her. At least the kids finally learned to lift the lid and attempt to get the dirty clothes moved in the direction of the laundry room!

Accidents on the carpet, fur balls on the floors and furniture, dirty paws tracing dirt into the carpet, stinky odors and more! So what’s a pampering “parent” to do? I encourage you to become a savvy pet owner who is on top of the latest and greatest inventions to keep your home looking and smelling sparkly clean! Here are just a few products and tips that could make taking care of your pampered pet’s messes a breeze.

1. Pet accidents on the carpet. First, blot up or pick up as much of the liquid as possible. Pour cold water and a few drops of mild detergent into a cup. Stir. Pour ¼ to ½ cup of water directly on spot. Fold a dry towel into a small square, place it on top of the spot, and then step on it repeatedly to pick up all the liquid from the carpet and pad. Use “Mary Ellen’s Urine Trouble” to clean and eliminate and urine odors.

2. Airborne allergens and pet dander. This is nothing to sneeze about if you are the type of person who struggles with pet hair. I have tried just about every gizmo made to find the best ways to clean the air. Spray “Febreze” allergen reducer on all types of fabric, cushions, couches, pet beds, carpets etc. This can reduce airborne allergens by up to 75%.

3. Yard “land mines.” That old “bend over and pick up the dog poo with the plastic bag trick” has become obsolete! Stop doing it! Try one of these two items: “The Poop Posse” or the “Poop Claw” – they are the touchless poop-picker-uppers. I am in love!

4. Pet’s paws tracking in mud, dirt, and wetness. Of course your pampered pet is going to make a bee line for the soppy wet mud puddle! Wouldn’t you? New pet paw wipes are phenomenal. You can give your dog or cat a quick, 15-second paw wipe, and that will really help to keep your floors and carpets clean.

5. Pet hair on furniture and clothing. Your family pet may not be the only one coughing up fur balls. I suggest the “Shark” motorized hand vacuum for quick cleaning of pet hair. Its’ motorized brush blows really pick up the hair from surfaces. To prevent hairballs try “Lickables Nutritional Gel.” For quick pet hair vacs on floors I suggest the “Swiffer Sweeper Vac.” It works fast on all types of floors.

6. Pets with a serious case of diarrhea. We all know what this feels like. Can you imagine how your pet feels? “Soothables K.P.A.D.” is the perfect Kaolin Pectin Anti-Diarrheal medicine. Visit www.aahinc.com for more information.

Now that you’re feeling more “in control” about how to take care of the not-so-great inconveniences created by your favorite four-legged friends, celebrate the good things in life! You can take them for an oatmeal body wrap at a local doggie spa, pick up a bag of fresh-baked treats at the doggie bakery, or install a remote-sensored “doggie door” that raises and lowers as your pup approaches from the inside or outside.

As for me, I just try to keep things simple with my pets. Where else can you find someone who will greet you at the door with a wet smooch and wagging tail – no matter bad your day has been. Makes those messes seem a little more bearable now doesn’t it?