Maintain Pet Hygiene; Tips for Pet Parents

Being a pet parent is not easy; your furry child needs equal care and attention. Pets are such adorable species filling our lives with love and happiness. But you must not ignore that they also bring in the dirt, fur, and grime. As a pet parent, you’d realize how important it is to keep cleanliness on top of the priority list. 

Be it the pet’s food box, litter box, toy, or bedding, you need to keep everything clean. Many people avoid these tasks and clean the house just for the sake. However, according to a report by CDC, more than 50% of the infectious pet diseases are zoonotic. It means that even humans are prone to pet infections. So, read on to find some tips to maintain your pet hygiene to promote a healthy environment at home for your loved ones; humans and furry. 

Dental Care 

Keeping up with your pet’s dental health is essential. You can brush the pet’s teeth using pet-specific toothpaste. Initially, you can put some toothpaste on your fingers to let the pet lick it and get familiar with the taste. In many cases, cats and dogs might not like to get habitual of brushing there. You can try giving them dental treats. 

For example, several types of chews like beef jerky and bully sticks for dogs are available. Similarly, you can find dental treats for cats. They are available in several flavors and help remove plaque and bacteria layers inside the mouth. It relieves them of foul odor and keeps them away from dental diseases. 

Wash the Bedding

Vacuuming the bedding now and then must be a part of your cleanliness routine. But washing the bedding is essential to remove the flea eggs, skin parasites, etc. It is unavoidable if your pet has ticks or skin diseases to prevent infections. You can use mild dye-free detergent with a soft fragrance to wash the bedding. If you can not pass it regularly, ensure that you remove the fur from beds, furniture, and floor using a tape roller or vacuum every week. 

Clean Water and Food Dishes 

Fun Fact: Did you know that pet food bowls are the fourth dirtiest items in your house?

According to NSF International, pet food and water bowls are among the dirtiest items in your home. It would benefit if you cleaned them with dishwashing liquid frequently. If your pet has a habit of leaving food chunks in the bowl, you should be more careful with keeping these bowls clean. In addition, you have to be more cautious with self-watering bowls as it can lead to mold accumulation, causing severe gastrointestinal issues. 

Cleaning the Pet Toys 

Pet toys are another dirty items in your home that you ignore while cleaning. Your pets play with them the whole day and take them out in the garden. NSF recommends using a bleach solution to disinfect the hard toys and washing them in hot water to cleanse. Ensure that you properly rinse them to prevent mold and mildew growth. 

Final Words 

Being a pet parent, you have to be more diligent about cleanliness. You need to wash, clean, bleach, and vacuum every little thing that comes in contact with your pet. It is to keep a healthy environment for yourself and your pets. Happy pet parenting!