Spring may not officially start for another week, but already people are looking forward to warmer weather. Of course, for those of you with pets, this time of year often entails some extra cleaning. Mud season happens to coincide with shedding season, which means you might have more messes to contend with than you usually do. An Oshawa, ON vet offers some cleaning tips for pet owners in this article.

Vacuuming

One of the best ways to stay on top of things is to just do a quick once-over with the vacuum every day. We recommend doing high-traffic areas and your pet’s favorite hangout spots daily, and doing a more thorough cleaning every week. You might also find it worth your while to invest in a good steam cleaner.

Fur Busting

Vacuuming will get the fur off your floor, but you may still find some on your belongings. You can use a squeegee or dish gloves to remove pet hair from upholstered furniture. A damp sponge will also work. We also recommend getting a good air filter.

Pet Things

This is the perfect time to wash your pet’s bedding. Use hot water and an unscented detergent, and tumble dry on low. If Fido wears sweaters in winter, you’ll also want to clean those, and pack them away until fall. Inspect your furry friend’s toys, and discretely toss and replace anything that looks worn.

Muddy Paws

There’s usually a few soggy weeks to get through as the snow melts. One way to keep your dog from tracking mud in is to put mats on both the outside and inside of the door you take him in and out of. Or, just keep pet wipes or a washcloth handy by the door.

Shedding

Does your four-legged pal shed a lot? We recommend brushing them down daily. If you have a dog, take Fido outdoors for his grooming sessions. That way, the hair will just blow away. (You may want to wear an apron for this, so you don’t get covered.) It’s also not a bad idea to use furniture covers. Even if you don’t use them all the time, they may come in quite handy over the next few weeks. Please do not hesitate to reach out if ever we can be of assistance. As your local Oshawa, ON veterinary clinic, we are always here to help.