And while putting your pup in the tub or taking him to the groomer might be a bit easy, figuring out how to clean his stuff is a little more complicated.
That’s why the team at www.tails.com has shared the best advice from their experts on knowing exactly when to clean your pet’s favorite items and how to keep them smelling and looking new again.
Like us, our dogs come into contact with many different types of bacteria and fungi, which can turn their bed into a sea of mites, fleas and ticks if not cleaned regularly. These organisms can survive on fabric for up to 12 months, so dog beds should be washed regularly for optimal dog hygiene and to prevent flea infestations.
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Begin by vacuuming all hair, crumbs, and dirt from the bed. Use a stain remover to treat stains on the fabric. For a natural alternative, use white vinegar and baking soda. Place all of your dog’s bedding and blankets in the washing machine using a pet-safe detergent, making sure they are washed separately from all other items.
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Although most puppies lick their bowls clean, the residue left behind harbors bacteria, including salmonella and E. coli. In fact, the National Sanitation Foundation found that pet bowls are the fourth most germ-stricken place in the house, right behind the kitchen sink and toothbrush holder. When dogs eat straight out of the bowl, they can transfer these bacteria from their mouths into the bowl. The bacteria then start to grow and each time you add more food to the bowl it becomes contaminated. Therefore, you should wash your pet’s food bowl after each meal. Water bowls should be washed once a day or more often to prevent the growth of mold, yeast, algae and fungi.
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Use hot, soapy water to clean your pet’s dishes and a different dishcloth than the one you use for your own washing up, as this can harbor bacteria.
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