These natural products should not be used around dogs: this is how to make spring cleaning safe

Don't leave your dog and its belongings out of the spring clean! Here's a round-up of what to look out for when tidying up.

Spring is approaching so soon winter coats will probably be in the bottom of the wardrobe for good. As well as rearranging your wardrobe, the change of season also means a time for cleaning up. As a dog owner, it’s important to use only safe products for your pet, and to remember to keep their things tidy! Cleaning as a dog owner requires a bit more care. Let’s see, what to look out for!

Clean up the yard!

If you have a garden you must inspect it to see if it is suitable for your doggy in every way. With the arrival of warm weather. animals love to lie in the sun and spend more and more time outside. Clean up any leaves left over from autumn, and check for anything that could cause an accident – sharp objects, deep holes, rodenticide left outside etc. – in the area. You should also check the plants, because some of them are poisonous.

To the kitchen!

Inside the house, it’s a good idea to start spring-cleaning in the kitchen first, and throw out any expired or, more accurately, unfit-for-eating food from the pantry shelves (as the expiry date is often only a guide, but the product can still be consumed.) Pet food should also be checked! Also take a look at your pet’s feeding and drinking bowl! If you find that they are very worn, cracked or even broken, it’s time to replace them. After all, scratches are a great hiding place for bacteria. We’re sure you already know, but we’ll say it again: the dog’s dishes must be cleaned daily. The best way to do this is with dishwashing liquid and a sponge.

Shedding

During spring many dogs shed more intensively but some breeds shed their fur all year round. For this reason, it is recommended that a more serious hair removal strategy is used from time to time. Special machines can be rented for this purpose, but there are also vacuum cleaners with heads specifically designed for removing pet hair.

For carpets and upholstery, a light dampening with detergent water, followed by a single brushing with a stiff bristle brush can loosen or even remove embedded hairs. After vacuuming, you can also go over surfaces with a lint roller, pet hair remover or other hair remover. Once you have cleaned all the surfaces, you can finish with a fabric spray.

What you need to make sure is that you do not use products with a strong scent as these can hurt your dog’s sensitive nose and even cause skin irritation if they get on the body! It is also forbidden to use essential oils, also because of their strong odour and irritant properties. Disinfectants should be handled with particular care as they are toxic; alcohol and bleach can cause burns on the skin and breathing difficulties if inhaled

Organising and decluttering

Your pet’s toys should also be checked regularly and you should throw away worn items. A chewed-up toy is extremely dangerous, as the pieces that are swallowed can cause intestinal obstruction or perforation which, even with prompt medical intervention, can be fatal.

Washing

Toys in good condition, the beds, blankets and other washable items can go in the washing machine. It is recommended to repeat this at least once a month.

Collars, leashes and even the walls and parquet flooring around your dog’s sleeping area need a good clean. It’s also a good idea to clean paw prints and nose marks from windows and doors. Always use dog-friendly cleaning products.

Clean pet

Finally, don’t forget the most important thing: cleaning the dog itself! Although caring for your dog is important all year round, in spring, due to shedding and the previous harsh winter weather, it is a good time of year to take grooming more seriously than usual. The coat often needs special care, especially if the dog has long hair, and in addition the nails also need attention. If necessary, consult a groomer about proper care!