Spring Cleaning Tips for Dog Owners
One of our favorite parts about springtime is letting our dogs roam around outdoors without worrying about them freezing their little paws off! While your dog is outside enjoying the warmer weather, it’s time for us pet parents to start our least favorite part about the spring…spring cleaning. Here are some tips for managing your pup’s mess when you deep clean your home!
Clean Your Pet Bowls
Your pet’s food and water bowls may not seem super dirty, but as it turns out, pet bowls are the fourth germiest items in your household. Think of all the slobber, dirt, and bacteria that builds up over time in those things! To clean the bowls, simply wash them with hot water and some mild soap. You may also try using a half-water, half-vinegar mixture to kill all of that bacteria. You should wash your dog bowls on a daily basis, but if you don’t already, now’s a great time to start!
Purge the Pet Pantry
Most dog food lasts for what seems like ages, but it’s not a bad idea to check those expiration dates every so often. Get rid of anything that looks or smells questionable. This could prevent your pup from catching any unwanted illnesses from spoiled food. Old treat boxes or spilled kibble can pile up in your pantry as well, so check thoroughly to really get that deep clean in your pet pantry! This doesn’t take long, and the results will show.
Restock Your First-Aid Kit
We always hope that injuries and accidents won’t happen to our dogs, but it’s important to be prepared if disaster does strike. If you’ve found yourself using lots of the bandages, antibacterial ointment, or other first-aid supplies for your pup recently, you should restock your first-aid kit as soon as possible. That way, you can be extra prepared for any unforeseen accidents. If you’re unsure of what exactly you should keep stocked in your first-aid kit, there are plenty of online resources to ensure you have the emergency supplies you need.
Get Rid of All that Dog Hair
Warm weather means more sunshine, more flowers, and more…dog hair. You may notice that your dog sheds a lot more in the balmy spring weather, which can mean excess dog hair all over your home! Break out your clothing rollers, vacuum, and even hair-removing sponges to get rid of all of that extra fur. You can even get the whole family involved in this cleaning activity: see who can come up with the best way to rid your house of your dog’s fluffy hair! Check out the best vacuums for dog owners.
Wash the Dog Toys
Just like your dog’s food and water bowls, dog toys can harvest plenty of mold and bacteria, especially when our loyal companions slobber all over them! Some toys may be dishwasher-safe, but others will have to be cleaned with hot water and a mild dish soap. Stuffed toys are slightly more difficult to wash but can often be placed in the washing machine if you use a mild detergent. Click here for more toy cleaning tips!
Cleaning can be tedious, but keeping your dog’s environment clean is crucial for them to stay healthy! Clean it now so you can enjoy the warm weather later!