You spend time cleaning your home every day – dusting, vacuuming, washing dishes, doing laundry, and wiping down surfaces. But what about your pet’s space? Are you giving it the same type of attention and focus? Dogs and cats can be sickened by germs, too, and they deserve to live in a clean environment. Here are a few tips for integrating these areas into your routine.
Food and Water Dishes. Ideally, these items should be cleaned daily. The combination of food and saliva can create a sticky residue inside their bowls and harbor germs. Make it a point to wash your dog’s or cat’s dishes each night after dinner or first thing in the morning. Rather than just topping off their water dish, pour out any remaining water, clean the bowl, and add fresh water. If you check the labels, you may even be able to put their bowls in the dishwasher with the rest of your tableware.
Bedding. A good rule of thumb is once a week. Read the instructions on any bedding to see if the cover can be removed and tossed in the wash. Throw blankets they like to lay on in as well. This keeps them smelling fresh and clean and removes dirt, dander, and dog hair. Throughout the week, you can use a vacuum to spot-clean their bedding and sweep the floors.
Toys. Aim to clean them weekly. Think of everything that goes into your dog’s mouth, and then they chew and drool on their favorite toys. These items can quickly become home to a multitude of germs. If wet, they pick up dirt and dust from the floor. Wipe down hard toys with a pet-safe disinfectant or cleaner. An alternative is a solution of white vinegar and water. Often, soft toys can be thrown in the washing machine. Just make sure they are completely dry afterward, or they may grow mold. Throw out any toys that are damaged or broken.
Crates. If your dog sleeps, travels, or regularly spends time in a crate, you’ll want to give a thorough cleaning every month. Wash any blankets or padding and wipe the inside and outside with mild bleach diluted with water or another pet-safe cleaning product.
Litter Boxes. Scoop out your cat’s litterbox daily and replace the litter as needed. You should replace the entire litter box annually or as the manufacturer directs. You may need to tend to their litter box more frequently if you have multiple cats. Sweep up any stray litter so it doesn’t get tracked around the home or ground into the flooring.
Make it a point to regularly wipe down, clean, and disinfect areas where your pets spend time. This can help them and your family stay healthier and keep your home looking its best. Going out of town? Board your dog or cat at Lake Wylie Pet Resort so you know they’ll be in a clean environment and receive fresh food and water daily. Contact us today to book your pet’s next stay!