Today is the first day of spring. Although the weather is not reflecting spring temperatures currently, you can begin to make your home springier by cleaning it up for the season. One way to begin is to start with Fido’s belongings.
If you live anywhere in the Midwest, it is likely that you and your pooch feel kind of closed in since your home has been sealed up like a vacuum in order to keep the cold out and the warm in. This is the point in the season that everything tends to smell yucky and you feel pretty cooped up. This includes your canine as well. For most dogs, winter is a reason to lie about and get a bit flabby.
All that laying around tends to make your doggie’s bed, blankets and toys smelly. It is time to begin your spring cleaning to make everything feel and smell fresh and new.
Don’t forget to use hot water on Fido’s bedding as it is now flea and tick season. While covers and blankets are getting freshened up, don’t forget to air out the bed cushions and pads; the windier day the better as the bedding will return with that fresh breeze smell. DO NOT use something like Febreze instead since this product is TOXIC to animals! If your dog’s bedding is not washable, make certain that you use baking soda instead; then vacuum to remove foreign particulates. Taking this type of bedding out to bask in the sun is also quite effective!
To prevent fleas from getting into your pet’s bed, there are products available that appear as shards of glass to fleas; discouraging them from settling back into the dog’s bedding. It is best to utilize this powder to help repel and demolish fleas all around your home; even dusting your dog lightly will help to prevent them from flea infestations.
Spring cleaning can also happen on the outside of your home where your dog is concerned. Spraying your yard with flea prevention spray or other natural products will help to ensure that the critters won’t want to nest inside your home.
Next you will want to concentrate on your dog’s coats and sweaters; washing them and then storing them in Ziplock baggies or, better yet, sealed reusable containers so that they don’t collect dust and mold before the cold season happens once more. Sort through toys; clean them and sort them. If they have rips and tears, they could prove dangerous to your pooch, so get rid of them. Doggies always like a fresh toy to start a new season anyway!
No matter where you start, know that your dog will be safer and healthier for your efforts. Spring is a time for new beginnings; just remember that Fido will appreciate one, too!
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