In the past, homeowners began each spring by cleaning soot from the coal they burned to stay warm in the winter. Although modern technology has rendered coal-fired heaters obsolete, the concept of spring cleaning remains. There are numerous benefits of spring cleaning such as improved health. However, most people simply want a clean home for themselves and their pets.
So, where should you start if you want to refresh your dog’s kennel in the spring? Here are a few tips to help you.
Check if The Kennel is Big Enough
Did you know that puppies are considered to be adult dogs after a year? Some breeds even continue to grow for up to 2 years! If your kennel is too small for your furry friend by spring, then you should consider making it bigger.
The rate at which your dog will grow depends on its breed. For example, a St Bernard can grow to be over 180 pounds, while a fully frown Pekingese can fit comfortably in a handbag. Research has also shown that dogs of the same breed can grow at different rates!
We recommend taking your dog to professional groomers or a vet to assess how fast it’ll grow. This will help you to adjust the kennel size accordingly each spring.
Wash and Disinfect the Kennel
There are numerous diseases and parasites that dogs can be exposed to throughout the year. Some aren’t serious—such as ticks and fleas—while others can be deadly—such as heartworms. It’s therefore crucial to properly sanitize your dog’s kennel to keep it safe.
The most common things you’ll encounter when cleaning your dog’s kennel are dirt, feces, and urine. Unfortunately, most home detergents aren’t powerful enough to get rid of the bacteria in your dog’s kennel. Therefore, we recommend using diluted bleach solution to disinfect the kennel. However, you must ensure you dry the kennel properly before letting your dog back in as bleach is toxic to dogs.
Repaint the Kennel
There are several reasons why dogs chew. Younger dogs chew to alleviate the discomfort of teething. On the other hand, older dogs—especially those that are new to their kennels— chew due to separation anxiety.
If you find that your dog’s kennel is scratched and worn out, then giving it a new coat of paint is an affordable way to freshen it up. You can also invest in numerous products to add to the wood coating that offers added protection from scratching and chewing.
If you’re looking for the best boarding kennels in Indio for your dog, then come visit The Grand Paw! We’re a multi-award-winning pet resort that offers the best dog boarding near Palm Desert and doggy daycare services in California.
Email us at info@thegrandpaw.com or fill out our online form to learn more.
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