Whether you’ve newly adopted your four legged companion, or they’ve been a longtime member of your family, you will find these tips for healthy hygiene with your pets helpful. There is more to your pet’s health than proper nutrition and regular visits to the veterinarian. Only we can control their environment to prevent bacteria and other risks. Being diligent about pet-related hygiene provides ourselves and pets a healthy life.
The Litter Box
We keep our kitty litter boxes tucked out of the way to keep it out of sight, and to keep the odor at a distance. This is perfectly fine, as long as it is getting scooped daily. When using a dirty litter box, our felines not only don’t like it, but their paws track bacteria throughout the home. Wash regularly with mild dish soap, rinsing and drying completely before filling with new litter. Strong dish soaps may keep your cat from returning to the box.
Hand Washing
They have held us to a new standard of washing our hands thoroughly (20 seconds with soap and water) and done often. This is also important in our homes with pets. Be sure to wash hands after playing with your pet, feeding or waste clean-up. Pets carry microscopic bacteria that can threaten your health. Stop the spread for you and your pet.
Bedding
When first purchasing bedding for your pup, make sure it is machine washable. Dog beds can harbor dirt and grime they carry in from outdoors. Washing frequently gives them a clean place to rest, while killing any bugs or eggs trying to make a home on the fabric. Cats have their sleeping spots on a folded blanket or pillow. Wash them regularly, too.
Wash Food and Water Bowls
It is important to keep your pet food bowls clean daily, with soap and water. Some owners keep extra bowls to rotate while they place one in the dishwasher. Even water bowls need emptied and cleaned every two days with soap and water – mold can grow quickly. Especially in self-watering bowls. According to NSF International, they named pet bowls fourth in the germiest items in a household. This one of the important tips for healthy hygiene for pets.
Food Storage
Did you know that leaving your pets food out could cause spoiling before its expiration date? Keep it in an airtight container which will also keep any bacteria from growing. Particularly if keeping the food in a garage or outdoors to keep it from attracting rodents that will contaminate the food.
Toys
Be sure to throw your dog’s fluffy toys in the washing machine and their hard toys in the dishwasher. This will kill any growing bacteria. Know when to throw them out completely when needed and replace with new ones. In addition, place their collar in the wash when you’re bathing your pup.
Floors
Pet dander can not only cause you to sneeze and have itchy eyes, but also your pet. It contains dried skin, hair and saliva that needs vacuumed once a week. Possibly schedule a deep carpet cleaning every few months. In addition, hard floors need swept and mopped just the same.
Keeping up with pet hygiene is daunting but necessary. Hopefully these tips for healthy hygiene with your pets with be helpful. Perhaps schedule a “Pet-to-Do” list on your calendar and if you have children old enough to take part allowing them some responsibilities making it a family affair for the family pet. Forming these healthy new habits will keep your home looking and smelling good, but most importantly ensuring the health of your furry and human loved ones.