Spring cleaning? Don't forget about your pets!
Whether you just chose to adopt a cat or an adorable puppy from a New York animal shelter, the fact remains - when springtime comes, it's time to do some heavy duty cleaning!
And for most pet parents, spring cleaning is more than just a seasonal activity - it's a task that absolutely has to be accomplished, especially given the toll that the winter months can take over time.
With these helpful tips, you can get started on your spring cleaning and ensure that your little four-legged companion is taken care of along the way.
Paying attention to furnishings
Your sofa and chairs may look great, but the fact of the matter is that they can become aesthetically displeasing if they're covered in dog or cat hair.
During the wintertime, it may be easy for you to turn a blind eye to this because you're worried about other things, but the spring can be the perfect chance for you to air out your home and get rid of some of that dormant pet dander that's clinging to the fibers of upholstery.
With a HEPA vacuum cleaner, you can remove matted hairs and pet dander from your furnishings, and you can help make your home's air quality better by getting rid of these potential allergens.
Using animal-safe products
No matter what kind of cleaning activities you engage in, you want to make sure to only purchase products that are safe for use within your home and won't impact your dog or cat's overarching wellness.
Even products that are supposed to be environmentally friendly can negatively affect your pet's health, according to the Associated Press.
"People expose their animals without even realizing the risk," Karl Jandrey, M.D., who works in the emergency and critical care units at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital at the University of California, Davis, told the news source. "That's the most common thing that happens when you come to our emergency room - the clients put their pets at risk because they were unaware of how significant the damage could be."
While many commercial cleaners are fine if used as directed, if you add other elements to your antiseptics, like orange, lemon or even peppermint, cats may be more likely to get stomachaches, the news source notes. Even green products that seem safe for pets may still be hazardous.
"Some still have their own toxicities," Jandrey added. "In general, they probably are a little less toxic, but not free of toxic potential. They just have a need for a larger dose to cause the same kind of symptoms."
Don't forget about fleas and ticks!
It's easy to overlook something like flea and tick prevention during the wintertime - after all, what kind of creepy crawly insect can survive the harsh winds, freezing cold temperatures and occasional snow storms that characterize this chilly season?
But here's the thing - as you grow more lax with flea and tick prevention, you give these parasites the opportunity to take root in your home and impact the health of your pets in negative ways. If you live in warmer areas, you may notice that spring gets off to an early start. This can increase the likelihood that your pet will be affected by infestations.
If you want to get a jumpstart on your spring cleaning, you may want to consider treating your dog or cat with flea and tick medicine earlier than expected. While you're cleaning out your home and doing things like vacuuming, washing and drying items that you haven't touched all season, this can be a great way to ensure your items help you keep your pet healthy.
For additional tips on how you can better enjoy the spring season with your pet, you can reach out to the animal experts at Bideawee.
