Spring Cleaning Ideas for Dog Owners

Spring can be a beautiful season full of budding flowers and warmer weather. Another thing Spring is known for, though, is its encouragement for cleaning. And while Spring Cleaning might have you only thinking of your own stuff in your home, it can also apply to Fido. So when you start to deep clean your home at the start of the new season approaching – consider including your pooch on your to-do list.

Go Over Your Pet’s Pantry Items

Your pup’s kibble and canned food can start to take a large stock in your home. And even though the expiration date on your canine companion’s munchies are usually set for a far later time, it doesn’t hurt to give them a quick look over.

Maybe some food you got while your dog was a puppy is shoved all the way in the back of the shelf, that’s long over-do for the dumpster. Or your furry friend recently got put on a special diet with restrictions, and some of their old snacks don’t fit the bill.

Whatever the reason might be – it doesn’t hurt to take a look at your pup’s pantry and see if anything needs to be tossed.

Clean the Doggy Beds

Just like the thought of you sleeping on a stinky dirty bed might make your skin crawl – it’s also not your dog’s favorite thing either. Most pet beds should have a removable cover you can take off, and easily wash – if Fido doesn’t have a bed like that, you should seriously consider investing in one.

First, you’ll want to vacuum all the fur that’s accumulated on your pup’s bed, during who knows how long. Then you’ll hopefully be able to remove the cover off of the doggy bed and throw it in the wash. Be sure to use hot water and dog-safe detergent, as not to irritate your furry friend’s skin.

Take a Look at Fido’s Toy Collection

Depending on how long you’ve owned your canine, they’ve probably accumulated a mound full 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 away.

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

Next, you’ll want to wash all the rest of the toys that were deemed usable. Any fabric-based toys you can throw in the wash, using 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 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.

Now you can 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 in the first place. Those toys can usually be donated to a shelter – but definitely call ahead to make sure.

Also, make sure your canine isn’t around to see you throwing out or donating their old toys – they may see this as a punishment.

Spring Cleaning may not be everyone’s favorite thing to do during the new season, but it is important – especially when it comes to keeping your canine companion healthy, clean, and germ-free.