With the arrival of spring (finally!) comes spring-cleaning time. Now is the perfect time to clean up the yard and pet spaces. The American Kennel Club magazine Family Dog had some wonderful hints that we would like to share and add to for our wonderful clients! :)

Give Hair the Brush-Off:

Dog and cat hair can build up in your vehicles, your furniture, carpet and their/your bedding.  This build up can be among the greatest challenge depending on your pet's coat type. I had an Alaskan Malamute years ago and had to use shipping tape to get the fur off my furniture and had to rake the yard (really, RAKE THE YARD) during shedding season. I doubt our Beagle owners had to rake but I'm not bitter. You can start with the vacuum and branch out from there as necessary. Some cat hair may really wind into fabric and need a light misting with water and fabric softener followed with once-over with a stiff-bristled brush to loosen and pull up embedded hairs. There are special pet-hair removers, lint rollers, etc. but I have had good luck with shipping tape being effective and economical. 

Toy Box

Toys can be laundered or scrubbed depending on what they are made of. Replacing broken or frayed toys (when your pet isn't looking!) is good to do to avoid your pet ingesting parts. 

Survey your kingdom:

Do a walk-through of your property and survey any areas that need scooping, fence repair, fill holes that have been dug, replace dog bedding if there is an outdoor kennel, check gates and see if any escape routes have been started. We have seen some startling radiographs of swallowed stones, gravel, etc. so clear any debris your pet may try to swallow or chew.

Bring a sparkle to their spaces:

Laundering dog bedding weekly can really help eradicate odors in the home, the car and on your pet. The odor additives for laundry do a wonderful job and for whites using bleach is an excellent option. Routine bathing and grooming of your pet helps keep dirt and hair out of the house and don't forget to wash collars and leashes. A freshly bathed dog loses it's luster when you put a dirty collar back on it. They can be hand-scrubbed, saddle-soaped if leather or put in a pillow case and washed in the laundry. :)

Crates and carriers can always use a wipe-down, water and food bowls should be washed weekly at least and the area mopped or wiped down. Windows that have nose prints (ahem, "nose art") in the house and car can be wiped clean. 

Litter boxes can always use a good scrub down and baseboards adjacent to them.