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Dog Cleaning Tips: How to Keep Clean & Germ Free When Raising Your Dog
Housebreaking a puppy goes a long way in reducing the amount of time you will have to spend cleaning up your dog's accidents. For help cutting down the cleanup time, try some of the ideas below.
1. Premix in spray bottles appropriate cleaning products, such as vinegar and water or detergent and water, so the products are ready when you need them. Label the spray bottles with their contents and store them in a convenient place. Often, just the strength of the spray on the spot where your dog accidentally left you a “present” helps loosen the residue and prevent stains from forming.
2. Upholstered furniture is made in all styles and fabrics; some are easier to clean than others. To help us with our cleaning tasks, manufacturers have marked their furniture with a cleaning code or set of directions to let us, the consumer, know what type of cleaning is suggested for that fabric.
The codes are usually on the furniture platforms under the cushions. A "W," for example, means that the product should be cleaned only with water, while the letter "S" means the furniture should be cleaned only with solvents. You should check the manufacturer's instructions and test-clean a spot in an inconspicuous place before using any cleaning product.
3. Treat your carpet and upholstered furniture with a stain-resistant product such as Scotchgard.
Taking Care of Germs
In the whole scheme of things, we have a greater chance of being exposed to harmful germs from other people, or even the food we eat, than we do from animals; however, eliminating bacteria from surfaces on which our dogs walk or from our hands can help make our homes and us more sanitary. Here are some weapons for your battle against germs:
1. If you're on a walk with your dog, take along an individually packaged antibacterial wipe to clean and sanitize your hands after picking up your dog's wastes. Antibacterial wipes can be purchased in most supermarkets and grocery stores.
2. Use common household bleach to wipe down surfaces or clean floors to get rid of harmful bacteria. Rinse well and don't allow your dog to walk on the surface while it's wet. If the bleach gets on your dog's paws, he might ingest it when he licks his feet. Be sure to pretest a surface before cleaning with bleach to avoid any color changes.
3. Another option is to use an antibacterial cleaner with an odor neutralizer to eliminate bacteria and leave your house smelling clean.
4. Wash dog food dishes with detergent daily to prevent bacterial growth. If your dog's food and water bowls are dishwasher safe, place them in the dishwasher where the high temperatures will kill bacteria.
Taking the time to prepare for the inevitable messes your dog will make is a good idea. Caring for a dog can be a lot of work, but it should be an enjoyable experience. By practicing common sense hygiene as discussed above you will help keep yourself healthy, and both you and your dog happy.
About the Author: Dan Irwin has been 'in love' with the Golden Retriever breed for nearly twenty years now. For a limited time, receive a free copy of "101 Ways to Spoil Your Dog for Under " when you sign up for his free golden retriever newsletter. www.AllGoldenRetrievers.com
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