Spring cleaning with pets: 5 Tips for a healthier home

It’s mid Spring. With longer days and warmer weather here, there’s no better time of year to freshen up your house for the busy months ahead. 

For us pet parents, the need for a thorough Spring clean is even more pressing. Whilst we all adore our furry friends, they tend to create quite a mess at the best of times. 

From accumulated pet hair and dander, to odours and dirt from outdoors; the Pets Country Club team is pleased to share the following 5 handy tips that will have your entire family enjoying a happier and healthier home! 😊

• 1. Vacuum pet hair from every corner! 

Ready to get Spring cleaning? We recommend beginning with a thorough vacuum of your entire house from top to bottom. Don’t just focus on the floor, be sure to vacuum under furniture, on furniture your furry friend frequents (I.e. the couch), as well as along skirting boards and curtains. With Spring traditional shedding season for dogs, there’s no better time of year to tackle this big task!

We also recommend investing in a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA Filter - a feature many now include as standard - to trap pet hair, dander and allergens, rather than recirculating these irritants back into the air. Choice has an excellent guide to the best vacuum cleaners for tackling pet hair.

• 2. Gently wash pet bedding and blankets

Love that ‘fresh sheets feeling’? So does your furry friend! With bed sheets and blankets trapping pet hair, dirt, germs and odour, giving their sheets a deep clean in your washing machine is a treat they’ll savour.

We recommend running an extra rinse cycle to remove any stubborn fur and using a gentler, hypoallergenic washing liquid or powder (such as a fragrance-free option), as some traditional products can irritate their skin.

A good wash will not only leave your house smelling and looking fresh, but will also reduce any lingering allergens and bacteria that are floating through the air.

• 3. Deep clean their pet toys, food and water bowls

Don’t forget to give their pet toys, food and water bowls a deep clean while you’re at it. We understand that many people clean these items regularly. However, bacteria and biofilm can still build up over time.

The easiest way to do this? Fill a bucket with hot soapy water or a pet-friendly cleaner and gently scrub away, before allowing these items to naturally dry. Retailers such as Petstock and Petbarn sell a wide range of pet-friendly cleaning products.

Otherwise, the combination of lemon juice, baking soda and vinegar are good natural alternatives to regular soap.

• 4. Let in the fresh air! 

A simple tip, yet one that’s often overlooked - opening your windows to let fresh air circulate throughout your house can do wonders! Once you’ve given your house a good vacuum and your pets' bedding a thorough wash, this simple action will let in the fragrant scents of Spring, reducing odours, dust and other annoying allergens. 

• 5. Schedule a checkup with your vet

Whilst not strictly spring cleaning, this season is a good time to book in your furry friends for their regular checkup. Given they’ll likely be spending a lot more time outdoors, it’s an ideal opportunity for your vet to conduct a full physical exam of your pet and check their vaccinations are up to date, whilst offering you timely advice on common seasonal irritants they might encounter.

Don’t have a vet? We recommend the excellent RSPCA and AVA (Australian Veterinary Association) directory for finding a fully-qualified practitioner close to home.

A final note: Keep an eye out for Canine Cough

A friendly reminder to watch out for Canine Cough – a common and highly contagious respiratory virus affecting dogs of all breeds and ages. Spread via airborne transmission, symptoms generally appear within 3-7 days and include a dry cough, sneezing, nasal discharge and lethargy. Please reach out to your trusted vet if you think your pet is affected.

Ready to savour Spring with a well-earned break? We'll take care of your furry friends while you soak up the sun. Contact our friendly team at the Pets Country Club on (03) 5282 1286!