Spring Cleaning Tips for Dog Owners

Spring can be a beautiful season full of growing plants and lovely warm weather. Another thing Spring is known for, though, is its encouragement for cleaning. While spring cleaning might not instantly make you think of your pooch, it can also apply to them and be extremely beneficial. So when you start to deep clean your home at the start of the new season – consider including your pooch on your list things-to-do.

Clean the Doggy Beds

Just like the thought of you having to sleep on a stinky dirty mattress might make your skin crawl – it’s also not your dog’s favorite thing in the world. Most pet beds have a removable cover you can take off, and quickly wash. If your pooch doesn’t have a bed like that, you should seriously consider investing in one to make cleaning easier on yourself.

First, you’ll want to vacuum off all the fur that’s accumulated (for who knows how long) on your pup’s bed. Then, hopefully, you’ll be able to remove the cover off of their doggy bed and throw it in the wash. Be sure to use hot water and dog-safe detergent,  so you don’t irritate your canine companion’s skin.

Take a Look at Fido’s Toy Collection

Depending on how long you’ve owned your four-legged friend, they’ve most likely accumulated a heaping amount of toys – sometimes even a chest full. An excellent task to add to your list would be to go through all your pup’s toys and decide on what needs to be kept, donated, or thrown out.

First, any toys that have outlived their use should be thrown away.

Next, you’ll want to wash the remainder of toys that were deemed usable. Any fabric-based toys you can throw in the wash with their dog bed cover. Once again, use hot water and dog-safe detergent. And then any hard, plastic, rubber, or silicone toys can be put through a cycle in your washing machine. Be sure not to add any detergent though; the hot water will kill most of the dirt and should wash away grime. Any toys you’re worried about, you can always give a quick wash in the sink before placing them in the dishwasher.

After you’re done, look through all of the clean toys your pup owns and decide on what should stay and what should go. Consider which toys Fido doesn’t play with anymore or may have never enjoyed too much to begin with. Those toys can usually be donated to a shelter – but be sure to call ahead to be certain.

Spring cleaning may not be everyone’s favorite thing in the world, but it still is important – especially when it comes to keeping your canine companion happy, healthy, and germ-free.