Last Updated: 2 months ago
Aside from the treats, walks, and all the petting that comes with owning a dog, hygiene must also be one of the priorities.
Dog hygiene is one of the keys to a healthy environment, not only for your dogs but also for the whole family.
Unfortunately, many fur parents out there overlook dog hygiene the most. And this has to change. Dog owners, listen up: If you really love your dogs, cats, or kids, now might be the best time to take dog hygiene more seriously.
Proper dog hygiene does not only prevent your pets from contracting any disease or infection but also impedes the transfer of disease-causing bacteria from your dogs to people.
That’s how crucial a regular bath and grooming are for your dogs. But make no mistake, dog hygiene is much more than that.
Below are some tips you can follow to ensure a clean and healthy lifestyle for you and your dogs.
5 Dog Hygiene Tips
Clean Your Pet’s Litter Box Every Day
Some dogs are well-trained to do number 2 on a toilet bowl or outside, in the yard. Sadly, no two dogs are the same, at least in the aspect of pooping.
If your dogs were trained to do their thing in a litter box, you have an additional responsibility to clean it every single day.
A dirty and pungent litter box is the perfect breeding ground for germs and parasites like Toxoplasma gondii, which can cause toxoplasmosis.
This disease may cause birth defects in pregnant women. That’s why it’s always advised for female dog owners who are due to stay away from the litter box.
Wash Or Replace Your dogs’s Bed and blanket
Bedding for dogs is not only a magnet for dirt and fur. They’re also a perfect place for flea eggs, larvae, ticks, and other parasites. That’s why it’s only right to deep clean these beddings regularly.
According to experts, you must wash these bed and blanket at least weekly. It’s also crucial that you dry these beddings for at least 20 minutes on high heat to kill other germs and bacteria.
Have proper storage for your dog’s food
Some dog food that’s been sitting out overnight can be contaminated with salmonella, which can lead to a ton of health risks not only to your dogs but also to everyone in the family.
To prevent this from happening, you must always put the dry food in airtight containers to prevent contamination. On the other hand, if you are feeding wet food to your dogs, you must refrigerate them to prevent the growth of bacteria.
Clean their eating utensils
Did you know that dog bowls are the fourth germiest item in a household? Well, now you do.
Your pet’s saliva is probably one of the biggest transmitters of bacteria. If not washed properly, the bacteria could grow in the bowls and lead to illnesses in your dogs and in your kids who innocently play with these bowls.
For this not to happen, you must always wash your dog’s food bowls and dry them with a clean towel before feeding them.
Vacuuming is a must
Whether you suffer from allergies and asthma or not, you should definitely vacuum your dog’s fur from your floor, clothes, and furniture. Doing this regularly will lessen your suffering from such conditions.
According to the experts, it’s not only humans who suffer from allergies. Dogs and cats, in fact, can also become allergic to dust mites and moulds.
So when vacuuming, keep in mind that you’re doing this not only for yourself but also for your dogs.
