Life with pets is enriched with great emotions every day; for them, the family represents the ‘pack’, which is the most important asset, so it must always be strenuously protected and defended. However, there are risks that only you can cope with, those carried by germs and bacteria that the animals themselves could potentially become carriers of. In this article we will reveal how to manage the house when the cat goes up everywhere and the dog sleeps in the bed.
Pets are a true gift to your family. They bring warmth, cheerfulness and tenderness to the domestic climate and, as far as they can, they strive to adapt to the lifestyle that you propose to them. Their stay at home is punctuated by the concessions you give them, and the hygiene of the surfaces and textiles with which they come into contact is a responsibility that only you can cope with. Managing this aspect is essential to eliminate germs and bacteria that could threaten the health of the whole family.
Surfaces and textiles in contact with your dog or cat
The first surface in question is naturally the floor. Regular cleaning of the floor is essential. You will need to vacuum up any hair deposited on the floor and then clean and sanitise it. Other surfaces in contact with your four-legged friend may be fabrics, such as those covering the sofa, bed or carpets. The watchword here too is frequent washing.
In bed with the dog
This is a very personal choice and there are opinions for and opinions against this habit. Here we will just look at it from a party point of view. If your dog is allowed to get into bed , make sure it is flea- and tick-free, that it is vaccinated and that its coat and paws are clean. Choose non-electrostatic sheets, which do not retain hair, and change them often.
You can remove hair deposited on the bedspread, cushions and sofa with adhesive tape or lint rollers and then use mild detergents.
Good habits for keeping the house clean in the presence of animals
Establishing a set of habits for you and your animal friends can be the right choice for finding the balance in living together and maintaining a healthy level of hygiene for everyone.
The dog in the home
If you have a dog, or are considering getting one, one of the first issues to consider is going potty. In the beginning, whether as a puppy or a newcomer, your new friend will not yet have a clear idea of where to relieve himself, he will do it in the house. Always arm yourself with patience and alcohol-based cleaners to clean and disinfect.
When you return from your walk, take care to clean the paws with a damp cloth and mild soap. This will reduce the risk of germs and bacteria spreading to surfaces in the house. Sanitise kennels and bowls regularly as well.
Brush your dog frequently so that you can remove any dirt that may have become entangled in his fur on walks and/or any parasite larvae (parasite repellent is essential, especially during the warm season).
The cat at home
Having a cat in the home means having at least one litter tray. In order to avoid unpleasant odours and to encourage your cat to use it, the litter must be replaced often. Unlike the dog, the cat is able to climb almost anywhere, on furniture, sinks, shelves, in short, in the most unthinkable places. The cat is an animal that is very dedicated to taking care of its own hygiene, but despite this, its easy mobility in the home allows it to carry hair and potential pathogens around on all surfaces. This will make it necessary to spend more time on regular cleaning.
How to make your home pet-friendly
For a pet-friendly home, the choice of cleaning agents should not be underestimated. When you have a dog, cat or other pet in your home, choose pet-friendly hypoallergenic products whose composition does not risk causing them allergic reactions or other problems.
How to help your dog obey the rules
If your puppy is allowed to dispose of objects, spaces and surfaces in the house as he pleases, you will need to take time and put more effort into the daily cleaning routine. You can choose to only allow him access to certain spaces/objects, but it is essential that he is educated early on to respect these rules and you can rely on the help of an experienced educator to do this. Help him to be consistent in respecting the rules; changing them all the time could trigger stress and confusion in him.
Travelling by car with your pet
If you are travelling by car with your pet, remember first of all that it is a good idea to keep him tied up or have him travel in a carrier. These measures will keep him and you safe. The car seats and carpets may also be affected by your pet’s presence in terms of hair, stains and bad smells. To remedy this, in addition to vacuuming and washing, you can use dry cleaners and specific odour-eating products.
Pets in contact with elderly and/or sick objects
Dogs and cats, it is well known, are incomparable companions for all family members, whatever their age. In the case of the elderly, and more specifically the sick, their companionship gives them benefits and can make a real difference to their mood and quality of daily life. It must be taken into consideration that the elderly and the sick often have a deficient or compromised immune system; this makes it essential to protect them from possible contact with germs, bacteria and viruses that pets might carry. It is therefore a good idea to prevent the dog or cat from sitting on seats occupied by elderly family members and, in any case, to ensure that they are as clean as possible before allowing them access to shared rooms.
Preserving the hygiene and well-being of our four-legged companions is essential. With BactPets, the natural solution based on biological activators, we can ensure that household surfaces, textiles and bedding are safely sanitised and deodorised, helping to maintain a healthy and comfortable environment for our furry friends.
