living like an animal #NewPetNoStains

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #NewPetNoStains

Dogs make messes. That's all there is to it.

Whether it's dirty paws, accidental (or intentional) spills, the dreaded occasional bodily fluid, or something else, they do leave their mark. Fortunately, there are products to help! Specifically, STAINMASTER® Carpet Pet Stain Remover is fantastic not only at getting out those blotches, but also at eliminating residual odors. Plus, that ODOR REMOVE™ Technology leaves behind an invisible shield to repel dirt to protect against re-soiling, making it easier to clean next time...because there WILL be a next time.

I had no idea how often I would be cleaning when we brought Marleau home with us almost 18 months ago. He's constantly dirty--you'd think he was an animal or something! Regardless, adopting him has been one of the best and most rewarding decisions my husband and I have ever made, because even though that pooch sometimes makes us angry or annoyed, I can't even count the times that he's the sweetest and most perfectly precious beast on the planet.

As a person who used to wince at dirt on the floor and in the past has had to fight the urge to break out the vacuum every day, having a dog has mellowed me out tremendously! There's no possible way to keep a perfectly clean house when your dog is allowed both outside and inside and has access to dirt in which to dig.

If you have a new pup or are considering adopting and, like me, get antsy when your house is dirty, one piece of advice I have is to isolate your dog to one section of the house. We don't let Marleau come upstairs, mostly because it's important to have boundaries. This way, I only have to diligently keep the downstairs clean, and he tends to stay in one area of it, which makes things even easier. We also make every effort to wipe his feet before he comes in (and REALLY try to stop him from digging in the first place!).

I'm still always thankful for products that help remove those stubborn dirt stains, especially since pupkins is still allowed on the couch... STAINMASTER Carpet Pet Stain Remover is so simple to use--all you have to do is 1)spray the product liberally and directly on the affected areas, 2)wait 3-5 minutes to allow the solution to penetrate the stain, and 3)dampen the spot with water and blot with a clean, colorfast paper towel or cloth. It may take another go--repeat as necessary to remove the stain.

I got my STAINMASTER Carpet Pet Stain Remover (as well as many treats and toys...) at Target at the Carolina Pavilion store here in Charlotte, NC. Look in the cleaning aisle! I should note that the stain remover is not available at all Target locations, but is always available online. Click here to find STAINMASTER Carpet Pet Stain Remover, or have it shipped for free to your local Target store.

Target is also offering a Cartwheel deal, so be sure to download the app and make use of it! From 2/5 through 3/4, you can get 25% your STAINMASTER purchase!

For more information about STAINMASTER products, visit their Facebook page, check out their Twitter account, peruse their pictures on Instagram, or see what they've pinned on Pinterest!