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From toys and beds to food bowls and walking tools, your dog has a variety of items that can collect dirt and bacteria that you don’t want in your home.
And while it may be easy to throw your dog in the tub or take them to the groomer, it can be harder to figure out how to clean their things.
Because of this, the Tails team has put together a handy guide to help you know when your pet’s favourite things need to be cleaned and how to make them smell and look like new.
Like us, our dogs come into contact with many different kinds of bacteria and fungi. If their bed isn’t cleaned regularly, it can become a breeding ground for mites, fleas, and ticks.
These organisms can live on fabric for up to a year, so dog beds should be washed often to keep dogs clean and stop fleas from getting in.
To clean, start by vacuuming the bed to get rid of hair, crumbs, and dirt. To get rid of stains on the fabric, use a stain remover. Use white vinegar and baking soda as a natural alternative.
Using a laundry detergent that is safe for pets, put all of your dog’s bedding and blankets in the washing machine and wash them separately from other things. If you have a big dog bed you may need to do this in the bathtub.
Most dogs will lick their bowls clean, but the leftover food can contain bacteria like salmonella and E. coli. In fact, the National Sanitation Foundation discovered that pet bowls are the 4th germiest place in the home, right after the kitchen sink and toothbrush holder.
When dogs eat right out of the bowl, the bacteria from their mouths can get into the bowl. The bacteria then starts to grow, and each time you add food to the bowl, it ruins it. So, after every meal, you should clean your pet’s food bowl.
Water bowls should be cleaned at least once a day to keep mould, yeast, algae, and fungi from growing in them.
Your dog’s favourite toys are a great place for bacteria, germs, mould and mildew, which could be harmful, to grow. At least once a week, toys that get a lot of use should be washed. However, if they are covered in dribble, dirt, or food, they should be cleaned right away.
The best way to clean fabric toys is to put them in an old pillowcase and wash them with a pet-friendly detergent on a gentle cycle. Plastic toys can be cleaned by putting them in a bowl of hot soapy water for 10 minutes, then rinsing and drying them.
Don’t use any disinfectants that contain bleach. Even when it’s diluted, bleach is very poisonous if it gets into your dog’s system.
If you follow these tips you should be able to create a clean and welcoming environment for your pet. Do you have any other tips that could help? Please, share them in the comments below.
Welcome to Birds and Lilies! I'm Lou: mother, blogger and freelance writer. This is my lifestyle blog, where I talk about motherhood, infertility and IVF, beauty, my love for food and wine, as well as my thoughts about stuff, and our real-life and travel adventures.
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