Spring Cleaning for Pet Owners

Spring has sprung! At this time of year, many people like to roll up their sleeves and get in a good spring cleaning. Don’t forget about your furry friend! A local Brampton, ON vet offers some spring cleaning tips for pet owners in this article.

Laundry

Give your pet’s beds a good wash. Beds, stuffed animals, and your pet’s clothes can usually be machine-washed. Generally, we would advise using hot water and unscented detergent. However, you’ll want to check the label instructions to be sure. This is also a good time to give your furry friend’s playthings a good inspection. If you find things that have seen better days, discreetly toss and replace them. Plastic toys, like balls and Kong toys, can go in the dishwasher. Don’t use soap: steam and hot water will do the job.

Windows

Has your pet spent the winter making nose art on your windows and storm doors? Use vinegar and newspapers to erase your fuzzy pal’s masterpieces. A thorough dusting is also in order.

Fur Busting

It’s shedding season for many of our furry patients. Trying to manage fur on a daily basis is much easier than dealing with it all at once. Regularly brushing your dog or cat will help by catching that fur in a brush before it gets all over everything. We also recommend vacuuming daily and using slipcovers. If you need to get fur off some upholstery, use a squeegee, rubber dish gloves, or a damp sponge.

Litterbox

Take Fluffy’s litterbox outside and hose it down. If it’s really worn out, turn it into a planter by putting soil and cat grass seeds in it. Your kitty will have her own little lawn to look adorable on! For more tips on keeping your cat’s bathroom fresh, check out our guide on Litterbox Odor Control.

Other Gear

This is also a good time to scrub your pet’s treat jars and food storage containers. Fido and Fluffy’s dishes should be washed regularly anyway, but you may need to clean the areas around their feeding station.

Air Quality

Don’t forget to change your air filter! Of course, you may also want to give your place a pop of freshness by getting a new plant. This will also help keep your home smelling nice. Just stick to safe ones! You can find a great list at the ASPCA site.

As your local Brampton, ON veterinary clinic, we are here to help. Call us anytime! For a comprehensive list of our offerings, including routine check-ups and specialized care, visit our veterinary services page.