The holidays are coming up fast! If you’re hosting any gatherings, you may find yourself with quite a bit of cleaning and preparation to do. People with pets will of course have to add a few extra things to their agendas. We can help! Here, a Haddon Township & Cherry Hill, NJ vet offers some housekeeping advice for people with animal companions.
Basics
The vacuum is probably your best weapon in your arsenal here. We generally recommend vacuuming high-traffic areas daily, and then doing a more thorough vacuuming about once a week. Of course, if you really want your home to look great, consider getting a carpet steamer. These are quite affordable now, and are great to have on hand for quickly cleaning up messes. A thorough dusting is also in order.
Furry Pal
Give your four-legged pal a good bath and/or brushing before the holidays. (Tip: Once your pet is dry and clean, you have a perfect chance for super-cute seasonal photos!)
Guest Room
Are people staying over for the holidays? If possible, get some hypoallergenic bedding for your guest room. An air purifier is also a good idea.
Furniture
Fido and Fluffy are very diligent about making sure that we have just the right amount of fur on our furniture. Use a damp sponge or washcloth to wipe pet hair off sofas and chairs. A rubber dish glove also works well at this.
Nose Art
Does your canine buddy spend a lot of time looking out windows? You may find that white vinegar is great for removing those nose art masterpieces.
Belongings
Don’t forget about your fuzzy buddy’s bedding! Beds with removable covers are ideal, as those covers can be tossed into the wash. Many toys, such as plushie toys, are also machine-washable. Most dishes and rubber toys can be hand washed or put in the dishwasher on the hot cycle without soap.
Smells
Changing the litterbox is a definite must, but that alone may not completely obliterate smells. Changing your air filter will help freshen the air in your home. You may also want to pick up some pet-safe plants. Just keep in mind that many popular holiday plants, such as poinsettias and mistletoe, are toxic to animals. Check the ASPCA site here for safe options.
Happy Holidays! Please contact us, your
Haddon Township & Cherry Hill, NJ
animal clinic, for all of your pet’s veterinary care needs.
