Keeping a Healthier Home for Your Dog and You
Your home should be the safest place for everyone in your family to be, including your pets. Keeping it as clean as possible is in the best interests of everyone residing there, including yourself. Here are a few easy ways to keep your home environment healthier for all.
Use Non-Toxic Cleaners
No need to sacrifice your family’s health in order to keep a clean house.
Instead of spraying harsh chemicals around your home when it’s time to clean, use cleansers that feature pet-friendly, non-toxic formulations.
If you are watching your wallet and don’t want to spend extra money on non-toxic cleansers, consider making your own. For example, vinegar makes an excellent natural glass and surface cleaner. Just be sure to avoid using vinegar on your granite countertops. Use baking soda to scrub and deodorize sinks.
Dust and Vacuum Regularly
Anyone with a dog knows that dog hair and dander seem to pile up around the house in no time at all. If you or anyone in your family has allergies, this can trigger sneezing and other allergic reactions.
If your dog has fleas, it is critical that you dust and vacuum every 2-3 days. Empty your vacuum canister or throw out your vacuum bag to prevent reinfestation. Don’t forget to vacuum couch cushions or anywhere else that your dog lays down.
Wash Your Dog’s Bed
When purchasing a dog bed, one of the most important things about it should be that it is washable. Otherwise, it becomes unsanitary for your dog to lay on at some point.
Check the label on your dog’s bed for washing instructions. Removable dog bed covers, blankets, and rugs can generally be thrown into the washer and cleaned with regular detergent. Even if your dog has fleas, no special soap is necessary. Just a regular wash cycle will kill them.
Clean Their Food and Water Bowls
Something as simple as a daily washing of your dog’s food and water bowls with soap and hot water is a detail that should not be forgotten. This is particularly important if you feed your dog raw meat. Cleaning out your dog’s water bowl regularly just makes sense before filling it up with fresh, clean water.
Cover Your Floors With Non-Slip Surfaces
This is especially important if you have an older dog who needs to feel stable as they walk across the floor inside your home. If your dog has arthritis or is recovering from an illness or accident, be sure to provide them with the safety they need. Non-skid rugs placed on tile flooring can greatly give your dog some traction while they venture around your house.
Improve Indoor Air Quality
Second-hand smoke is a health risk to family members and to your pets as well. If you choose to smoke, do it outdoors or completely away from your dog. Never smoke in the car if you have your dog with you.
Even if you are a nonsmoker, your household still might be breathing in dust, pollen, mold, and bacteria. A whole-house or portable air filter gets to the root of the situation by cleaning the air. Spraying an air freshener or other type of fragrance only covers up the problem.