It’s that time of year again – spring cleaning! While many of us think about organizing our closet or tossing out the kid’s outgrown clothes, many of us forget the member of the household that might need cleaning the most – the dog. Adding these chores to your checklist will not only keep your house smelling fresh, it can help prevent parasites and keep your dog super happy! Check this list to make sure your pup is clean for spring!
1. Toss old toys
Toys should be replaced regularly – especially if you have a toy-shredder in your home! Broken toys are no fun, and can be dangerous if swallowed. Of course, this is an excellent excuse to buy your buddy a few more toys! Check out the iHeartDogs store for toys that are not only fun for all kinds of dogs, and will give a shelter dog a toy too!
2. Inspect dishes, replace if needed
Your dog’s bowls should always be kept clean, but now is a good time to check for signs of wear and tear like cracks or leaks and for things like mildew or mold. Especially if it’s the water bowl that sits outside year-round. Not keeping his bowl clean and in good shape can make your dog sick – so make this one a priority!
3. Replace dog beds or covers
Dog beds harbor a lot of things – dirt, pollen, hair, bacteria, and fleas – to name a few. It’s good to replace your old bed or covers for new at least once a year. Doing it during spring cleaning is a good way to remember the task. As the weather becomes warmer, parasites become more active. Some bugs, like the one that causes Chagas disease, like to burrow into your dog’s bed to wait for meals – so don’t skip this task!
4. Inspect collars and leashes, replace as needed
Another thing that often wears out before we notice is our dog’s collars and leash. If washable, throw them in the washing machine to get all the mud and dirt off from winter and then check for anything that may compromise their durability – such as cracks, frays or cuts in the material.
5. Update information
Are your dogs’ I.D. taghips up-to-date? Spring is a great time to double check and make sure your dog will find his way home should he wander during your summer travels.
6. Donate unused items
Have you been stockpiling bowls? Did you buy toys your dog just never showed interest in? Go through your pile of dog stuff and anything you haven’t used in the last year should be thrown out or donated to a local rescue or shelter group. No reason to keep clutter!
7. Get organized
Tell yourself this IS the year you are going to get organized. There are many things you can use to organize your pet’s items regardless of how big your home is. Plastic storage bins. A dresser with drawers dedicated to dog items. Baskets in your pantry for treats. Being organized doesn’t have to be boring – if you’re crafty, you can DIY your own clutter-catching items, like a walking station or toy box to match you and your dog’s style and personalities.
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8. Professionally clean carpet and drapes
Like your dog’s bed, these items collect a lot of stuff that can make your family, including the dog, sick. Ideally, you would get them cleaned at the beginning of spring and again at the beginning of fall. You can vacuum and scrub yourself, but you won’t get the same results that you’d get from a professional. Talk to neighbors or look at reviews for local companies to make sure you pick a good one!
9. Make a grooming appointment
Spring cleaning includes the dog! Take him into to get all that loose winter coat out (which means less will end up on your floor) and to make him smell as fresh as a spring rain.
10. Check your first-aid kit
This is a great time to make sure nothing in your first-aid kit is missing or expired before your summer adventures. While you’re at it, make sure that your emergency contact and vet information is correct, if you keep that information on a refridgerator magnet or in your wallet.
11. Check dog products
Make sure any of the products you use on your dog (shampoos, conditioners, sprays, topical treatments, hot spot relief cream, etc.) are not old and/or expired. Haven’t used that spray in a while because no one in the house liked the smell? Toss or donate it if it’s usable.
12. Cleaning his crate
Crates are usually forgotten about, only getting cleaned when a dog makes a mess in them. But, they are harbor smells and germs just like everything else, so make sure you give them a good scrubbing with a pet safe cleaner.
