Springtime Considerations For Pets

Posted on March 26, 2021 by Ashley Gustafson

Each year as winter gives way and opens into spring us humans start to come back to life, thaw out, and shake off the dust. It is healthy and even therapeutic to begin the process of clearing out what we don’t need and creating space to let in the new; allowing our lives to mirror the age-old cycles of nature. For those of us who live with pets this is also a great time to consider what their needs may be in regard to starting off the new season happy and healthy.

As you go through your home and clean off your own surfaces, be mindful of where pets spend a lot of time. Perhaps there is that favorite spot on the rug where your dog always naps or that blanket on the bed your cat just can’t get enough of (as pictured above). We all know our pets would give us a hand (or paw) when it comes to cleaning off their favorite items if they could. But since they cannot, they count on us to keep them comfortable and make informed choices about how often we clean and the products we use!

There are many great options out there when it comes to pet friendly cleaning supplies. For some items that tend to be easier to clean, such as food and water dishes and hard chewing toys, often a vigorous scrub with hot water and soap is all that is needed. For items that are often soiled or experience more wear and tear, make sure to read the labels on cleaning products before making a purchase. Some ingredients to avoid in any products that will encounter pets are:

- Phenols
- Chlorine
- Formaldehyde
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Bleach
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Ammonia
- Phthalates

It is also important to check over all your pet’s favorite toys and bedding after cleaning and before replacing them to their usual spot. Blankets with holes in them can get caught on collars and harnesses, making them a potential hazard. Toys that are frayed or broken can put your pet in danger of choking.

Go through food and treats, checking expiration dates and making sure that nothing has started to go bad which could upset your pet’s stomach. Does your pet take any medications or supplements? If so, you can take this time to organize and clean out the doggie or kitty medicine cabinet, ridding your home of old bottles or prescriptions that may have gone bad or are no longer used.

If you do not already have a yearly wellness visit scheduled for your pet at your vet or wellness specialist, this is a great opportunity to take a moment and schedule one to ensure your pet is just as happy and healthy on the inside as their purring and wagging tails tell us they are on the outside!

When the seasons change, it is evident that our pets feel the effects and have their own unique needs to cope with the fluctuations. By taking the time to give them and their stuff a little spring cleaning, we deepen our bonds with our pets by taking care of them and loving them more fully. And we all know that our beloved fur-kids thank us for that!

Make sure to check back next week for a post all about springtime grooming concerns. As someone who worked in professional grooming for many years, I have seen over and over again the woes of springtime allergies, shedding, even sunburn. I look forward to sharing more info and connecting with you and the animals in your lives once again.