Happy Spring! We're warming up here at Connecticut Canines and we're ready for some furry friends to visit. Check out our services & rates.
Here's some helpful tips to help you and your pup as spring is sprung!
Born to Run...
If your dog has been a couch potato through the winter it's a good idea to gradually get them back into running as opposed to going full-spring right out of the gate. Just like humans, exercising and gradually building up muscles will help prevent injuries. Before running with you, your dog should be able to walk 30-60 minutes without getting tired. Consider your dog's personality and fitness level. If your pup is carrying a few extra pounds, has joint problems, or is getting up there in doggy years, start slow. And as always, consult your veterinarian with any questions or concerns.
Is it the scent of flowers and freshly mown grass that has you sniffing — or is it pet hair and dander that has you sniffling? If it’s the latter, open the windows wide, let in the fresh air, and start spring cleaning.
What You Need
To begin, assemble your spring cleaning toolkit. Chances are you already have some of animal–friendly cleaning materials at hand:
While everyone’s home can benefit from clearing out winter debris, pet parents have particular challenges. These tips to combat shedding, odors, and tracked-in dirt are worth the effort.
For All Pets
Shedding. Animals tend to grow a heavier coat in winter to stay warm, which is why springtime often leads to copious shedding. Do you regularly brush your pet? In spring, do it outdoors if possible.
For indoor cleaning, start at the top and work your way down to the floors. Clean pet hair from hard indoor surfaces, including window blinds and sills, ledges, electric cords, and elsewhere it may have settled. Remember to remove stray hairs from upholstery. Various cleaning items can be used, so choose your weapon: a handheld vacuum, lint roller, masking tape, even moist rubber gloves will pick up fur and hair. The last steps, in order, are to vacuum the carpet, sweep or vacuum hard floors, and finally mop.
Smells. Wash your pet’s bedding and use an enzyme cleaner to neutralize odors on other surfaces where he sleeps.
Sanitation. Wash, clean, and disinfect your pet’s food and water bowls as well as the surfaces they rest upon. Plush toys can be tossed in the laundry.
Especially for Cat Parents
Spring may be the time for a new litter box — or simply a good reason to empty, wash, and disinfect the one your cat uses. If you keep the box in a bathroom with a tile floor, you may want to bleach the grout under and surrounding the box and then mop it with clean water. Be sure to rinse the floor thoroughly before allowing the cat back in.
Especially for Dog Parents
If your dog hasn’t had a bath in a while, choose a warm day to wash away winter’s grime. Also hose down and disinfect any outdoor housing the dog regularly uses. And since spring rains lead to muddy paws, keep pet wipes by the front door to use after a walk, or simply let paw prints dry; it may be easier to vacuum later than to scrub now.
The heavy work of spring cleaning comes once a season, but when you have pets, vigilance can help ensure that your home looks good, stays clean, keeps irritants to a minimum, and remains smelling fresh. Happy spring cleaning!
adapted from Home Again
If your dog has been a couch potato through the winter it's a good idea to gradually get them back into running as opposed to going full-spring right out of the gate. Just like humans, exercising and gradually building up muscles will help prevent injuries. Before running with you, your dog should be able to walk 30-60 minutes without getting tired. Consider your dog's personality and fitness level. If your pup is carrying a few extra pounds, has joint problems, or is getting up there in doggy years, start slow. And as always, consult your veterinarian with any questions or concerns.
Is it the scent of flowers and freshly mown grass that has you sniffing — or is it pet hair and dander that has you sniffling? If it’s the latter, open the windows wide, let in the fresh air, and start spring cleaning.
What You Need
To begin, assemble your spring cleaning toolkit. Chances are you already have some of animal–friendly cleaning materials at hand:
- Paper towels
- Old bath towels
- Disinfectant wipes
- Spray stain removers
- Enzyme cleaner
- Liquid floor cleaner
- Mop
- Vacuum cleaner
While everyone’s home can benefit from clearing out winter debris, pet parents have particular challenges. These tips to combat shedding, odors, and tracked-in dirt are worth the effort.
For All Pets
Shedding. Animals tend to grow a heavier coat in winter to stay warm, which is why springtime often leads to copious shedding. Do you regularly brush your pet? In spring, do it outdoors if possible.
For indoor cleaning, start at the top and work your way down to the floors. Clean pet hair from hard indoor surfaces, including window blinds and sills, ledges, electric cords, and elsewhere it may have settled. Remember to remove stray hairs from upholstery. Various cleaning items can be used, so choose your weapon: a handheld vacuum, lint roller, masking tape, even moist rubber gloves will pick up fur and hair. The last steps, in order, are to vacuum the carpet, sweep or vacuum hard floors, and finally mop.
Smells. Wash your pet’s bedding and use an enzyme cleaner to neutralize odors on other surfaces where he sleeps.
Sanitation. Wash, clean, and disinfect your pet’s food and water bowls as well as the surfaces they rest upon. Plush toys can be tossed in the laundry.
Especially for Cat Parents
Spring may be the time for a new litter box — or simply a good reason to empty, wash, and disinfect the one your cat uses. If you keep the box in a bathroom with a tile floor, you may want to bleach the grout under and surrounding the box and then mop it with clean water. Be sure to rinse the floor thoroughly before allowing the cat back in.
Especially for Dog Parents
If your dog hasn’t had a bath in a while, choose a warm day to wash away winter’s grime. Also hose down and disinfect any outdoor housing the dog regularly uses. And since spring rains lead to muddy paws, keep pet wipes by the front door to use after a walk, or simply let paw prints dry; it may be easier to vacuum later than to scrub now.
The heavy work of spring cleaning comes once a season, but when you have pets, vigilance can help ensure that your home looks good, stays clean, keeps irritants to a minimum, and remains smelling fresh. Happy spring cleaning!
adapted from Home Again
