While pets can fill your life with happiness and joy, they may also bring along dirt, grime, and fleas. Their playtime outside can essentially lead to a mess inside the house that becomes your responsibility as a pet owner to take care of. Are you wondering what you can do to ensure pet hygiene? Well, here are a few tips that you can follow to keep your furry babies and your house clean.
At times when no matter what you do, your pets can get dirty and create a mess. For times like these, here are some hygiene tips to help you:
1. Set the bathing ritual:
As elementary as it may sound to you, setting a bathing ritual can be the most effective way to ensure your furry friend stays hygienic. According to veterinarians, it isn’t essential to regularly bathe the pet, but you must not entirely give up on it. If your dog is long-haired, active, or spends a lot of time rolling around, bathing them once a month will be sufficient. But if your pet is the lazy kind, you can bathe them once in three months or so. Frequent bathing may lead to skin irritation and dull their coat.
2. Don’t miss out on dental hygiene:
You’ll be surprised to know that the most common disease in pets is dental problems. Dogs and cats are prone to developing periodontal disease in the gums, which causes the build-up of tartar around the teeth. It may lead to bad breath, infection, and many other serious health concerns. Here, it becomes essential to look after the dental health of your pet. Use a specially designed toothbrush and toothpaste to brush their teeth every day.
3. Clean the toys:
Another prominent place where you can find plenty of bacteria, yeast, and dirt is pet toys. Cleaning the toys becomes even more critical since your pet will take them into their mouth. While you might be thinking of using a cleaning spray or a disinfectant, it might prove fatal for your furry friend. You can use bleach diluted with water to clean non-soft toys. If you are looking for an organic solution, you can use half water and half vinegar and soak the toys in it for 30 minutes. Make it a monthly habit to wash the toys and ensure your beloved pet stays away from bacterias. If the toys or accessories of your pet have worn out, you can shop from the official Pet Life Store.
4. Look after the delicate paws:
The paws of your pets are most sensitive and also often ignored. While they are out playing and having a great time, they can step into dust mites, molds, pollens, pesticides, and many other pollutants. Since it is not possible to bathe them every day, you can ensure that you clean their paws properly. You can either soak their paws or use a wet cloth to rub them down. For hairy dogs, don’t forget to trim the hair between the toes. It will ensure hygiene and bring down the frequent chewing and licking of feet.
5. Wash the bed:
Besides your pet that is rolling into the mud, the next dirtiest thing in your home is your furry friend’s bed. Your pet’s bed can become a sweet haven for germs, fleas, and even ticks. Your efforts to keep your pet clean by bathing them will be futile when they immediately get back into a dirty bed. If the fabric cover of the bed is removable, you can take it off and then wash it at least twice a month. If your dog is shedding, vacuum the bed every week to keep it clean and hygienic.
6. Clean the food bowls:
Whether you have the fanciest food bowls for your pet or use basic kitchen bowls, the chances of them being clean is very less. Your furry friends lick from food dishes, and their saliva can transmit the bacteria, leading to a wide array of gastrointestinal issues. Make it a point to daily clean the bowls that your cat or dog uses. You can either wash them by hand or take the dishwasher’s help here.
7. Look for fleas and ticks:
Is your pet always itching or scratching? It might be possible due to the presence of ticks and fleas. If this is the case for your furry friend, it is crucial to look for pests as they can carry many diseases. While you must bathe your pet once in three months, you can also get flea and tick prevention treatment every month. Missing out on even one dose can lead to a sudden flare-up.
Final Thoughts:
The presence of a pet in a home can be a joyful experience. But, it can also increase your responsibility in terms of cleanliness. If you want your house and your pet clean, you must take care of hygiene. Make sure you follow these easy tips of bathing your furry friend and their belongings every now and then to keep them safe and healthy.
