Owning a dog is fun and exciting, but sometimes it can be a little messy. With some planning and know-how, dog owners can live happily with their four-legged friends while keeping their home undamaged. AKC Family Dog magazine offers these tips for dealing with common canine messes:

Slobber: A traditional home recipe for cleaning drool off glass calls for white or apple-cider vinegar and water. Other recipes add rubbing alcohol and a couple of drops of scented essential oils like lavender. You'll have to use some elbow grease, though.

Diarrhea: After you clean up the mess, sprinkle baking soda over the spot. Wait for it to dry and then vacuum-clean it the next day.

Pee puddles: Look for products like Nature's Miracle that contain enzymes or combinations of enzymes with bacteria. First blot, don't rub, away any excess urine before applying the solution. You'll have to be patient — it can take several hours or days to remove the odor to prevent future visits to that spot.

Sticky substances: Remove sticky substances such as tar or chewing gum from your dog's coat with vegetable oil or peanut butter.