People who don't have pets don't know any better, so you'll have to excuse them.

They may think that pets and children are alike in that they're both mess-makers. But you know: while children “shed” toys, backpacks and clothing all over the house, pets shed fur – and sometimes lots of it. Pet fur goes airborne, too, making it one of the single biggest frustrations of pet ownership and one that can undermine your most efficient Las Vegas home maintenance regimen.

You may not be able to teach a dog new tricks, but you can learn a few of your own to keep the fur under control – and keep your sanity, too. Consider:

• Dedicate a sleeping corner to your pet. This is where most pet fur accumulates, so cover the bed or sleeping mat with a removable slipcover you can take outdoors and shake and then toss into the washing machine. (Make it a cotton slipcover so your pet stays cool.)

• Place your pet's water and food bowls on vinyl flooring. A twin, elevated stand will allow you to clean underneath the second messiest area in your home. And even if you have to replace a small section of tile or wood and replace it with vinyl, the time investment of this Las Vegas home maintenance project will pay off in no time.

• Place “paw bowls” near the back door. This will require training, but it will be worth it the first time your pet returns to the back door with muddy paws: train your pet to step into water bowls so you can quickly and easily wipe his or her paws before re-entering the house. (To further distinguish these bowls from the elevated food and water bowls, make these bowls bigger and of a different color. And offer your pet treat after treat as an incentive until he or she practically tap dances through the back door. It can be done.)

• Brush your pet every day. This is the most proactive way to stem the flow of fur – even if you have time for only several quick brush strokes a day.

• Bathe your pet often, or at least according to advice of your veterinarian. It is the second best way to control the flow of fur (and keep fleas away, too).

• Move like an attack dog on stains. No matter where they occur – wood floors, carpet or upholstery – remove pet stains before they settle in and do permanent damage. Blot wet stains with a paper towel. Then dab at the area with some dish soap and water until the stain is gone. Remove solidified messes with a plastic spoon and clean in the same manner.

• Deodorize any area your pet favors with baking soda. Gently rub it in (it's safe), let the baking soda set for 30 minutes and then vacuum it away.

If you like these ideas, then you'll love the Las Vegas home maintenance ideas in the Home Maintenance Checklist offered by First Quality Roofing & Insulation. Download it today – because pet owners really do know better.