Spring has well and truly sprung and as the well-known saying goes - so it's time for a spring clean!
As this new season arrives with a promise of warm sunshine and fresh flowers, many of us feel the urge to refresh our homes with a thorough clean and detox. There’s something so rewarding about having a good old deep clean but it’s common to forget about how some of our trusty cleaning products, although causing no issues for me and you, can cause serious harm and irritation to our furry friends. Whilst tidying and decluttering are essential tasks, they become even more important when you share your space with a furry family member. There’s also the added caution needed for shedding season, extra visitors to watch out for and changes in allergies which we need to keep on top of.
In this blog, we discuss some easy-to-implement tips for keeping a dog-friendly home during the spring-cleaning season, as well as some of our favourite products to use during this time. From decluttering and organising to using pet-safe cleaning products, because let’s face it, nobody wants to spend their day doing a deep clean, only to be faced with the aftermath of a pooch with an upset tummy at the end of it. No thank you!
Decluttering and organising
Often the first item on a spring clean checklist is a good tidy-up, including decluttering from the last season and organising your home ready for guests and activities in the warmer weather.
Decluttering helps create a tidy and safe environment for both dogs and humans alike. Removing excess items not only improves the overall look and feel of your home but also minimises potential hazards that could cause harm. Clutter-free spaces reduce the risk of tripping accidents or ingestion of harmful items by curious pets. Designate specific areas for storing toys, leashes, and other accessories to ensure easy access while minimising mess. Consider using bins, baskets, or storage boxes to corral toys and prevent them from scattering throughout the house. Opt for storage solutions that are sturdy and out of reach of curious noses to prevent them from rummaging. Install hooks or wall-mounted racks for hanging leashes, collars, and other accessories, keeping them within reach but safely out of the way.
By implementing some practical storage solutions, you can create a neat and functional space that both you and your dog can enjoy without disorganised clutter, helping keep to your daily walking routines and healthy activities. A well-organised space can also promote better mental and emotional wellbeing for both dogs and owners, creating a sense of calm and tranquillity within the home.
Use pet-safe cleaning products
With spaces decluttered and organised, it is much easier to keep spaces clean and free from harmful allergens and substances building up. Using non-toxic cleaning products is extremely important to ensure the safety and well-being of our pets. Many conventional cleaning agents contain harsh chemicals and additives that can be harmful if ingested or inhaled, not just by pup but by the rest of the family too. Pet-safe cleaning products are formulated with natural ingredients that are gentle yet effective, so that you can clean your home without exposing your dog to unnecessary risks. From multi-surface cleaners to carpet deodorisers, there are plenty of non-toxic options available that prioritise the health and safety of our four-legged friends and creates a healthier and happier living space for the whole family.
Some harmful chemicals to watch out for include:
- Bleach (sodium hypochlorite): Found in many disinfectants and cleaning agents, bleach is highly toxic to pets if ingested, causing gastrointestinal irritation, vomiting, and potentially severe reactions.
- Ammonia: Often found in glass and window cleaners, ammonia can irritate pets' respiratory systems and cause breathing difficulties if inhaled. Ingestion can lead to stomach upset and even more serious health issues.
- Phenols: Commonly found in disinfectants, floor cleaners, and air fresheners, phenols can cause irritation to pets' skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Ingestion can result in gastrointestinal distress and liver damage.
- Formaldehyde: Found in some household cleaners and air fresheners, formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and respiratory irritant that can be harmful to pets if inhaled or ingested, potentially causing respiratory issues and allergic reactions.
- Phthalates: Often used as fragrance enhancers in cleaning products, phthalates can be harmful to pets if ingested or absorbed through the skin, potentially leading to hormonal disruptions and reproductive issues.
It is vitally important to carefully read labels and choose pet-safe cleaning products to minimise the risk of exposure to these harmful ingredients. Also, keep cleaning products securely stored away from reach to help prevent accidental ingestion or exposure when curiosity strikes.
Grooming and Hygiene
As part of a good spring clean, we all enjoy a personal tidy up for the new season, including our furry companions. Beyond keeping our dog’s coat looking sleek and shiny, grooming helps to remove dirt, debris, and loose fur that can collect and spread throughout the home. By brushing your dog regularly, you can minimise shedding and reduce the amount of loose fur left on furniture and floors, making clean-up easier and help keep a tidier living space. Grooming sessions also provide an opportunity to inspect your pet's skin and coat for any signs of parasites, skin issues or abnormalities, allowing for early detection and treatment of potential health concerns.
When giving your dog a bath, be sure to use a gentle, pet-safe shampoo to remove dirt and odours, paying special attention to areas prone to getting dirty such as paws and their underbelly.
At Enzo’s Pet Pantry, we strongly advocate the use of pet-safe products, not just in food but for washing too. Some of our favourites currently in stock are the Dermadog Itchy Wash Bar 140g – Enzo’s Pet Pantry (enzospetpantry.com) which smells incredible! With hints of lavender, eucalyptus and mint, your dog will feel as fresh as ever. Not only is this wash bar suitable for sensitive skin, it also has a moisturising effect and leaves the coat feeling silky smooth, or for a liquid option rather than a lather, use the Dermadog Itchy Shampoo 300ml – Enzo’s Pet Pantry (enzospetpantry.com) with all the same benefits, what more could you want?
Outdoor spaces
Once indoors is looking spring-fresh, it is a good idea to tackle any outdoor spaces, particularly those that are often used by pup. As the weather warms up, our dogs are likely to spend more time outdoors exploring and playing. Clearing away rubbish, fallen branches, and other clutter helps prevent accidents and creates a safer environment for your dog to roam freely. Be sure to regularly pick up dog waste to prevent unpleasant odours and reduce the risk of any accidental spreading of harmful bacteria and parasites, both around the garden and by bringing them into the house. Your outdoor space can become a welcoming oasis where both you and your dog can safely enjoy garden adventures and games.
Gardening is also a popular activity for the spring, one which our dogs love to be involved with. Choose non-toxic plants that are safe for dogs to sniff and explore. Avoid plants that are known to be toxic such as lilies, azaleas, and oleander, and instead choose pet-friendly options like lavender, marigolds and pet grass. Also, consider using pet-safe fertilisers and pesticides to protect your pet from harmful chemicals.
Pest control
It goes without saying, that as the warmer weather rolls in, we have to consider the increase of some unwanted visitors showing up, such as fleas and ticks. These pests not only pose a nuisance to our dog but also carry diseases that can affect their health.
Nobody likes to see our pets feeling uncomfortable, and with the days getting longer and warming up, the weather is perfect for those long loving dog walks, keep your pups safe from unwanted insects with the Dermadog Insect Defence Spray – Enzo’s Pet Pantry (enzospetpantry.com) for the highest level of comfort and relaxation possible, or for supplement options, the Proflax Keep Off Me! 100% Pure Tincture for Dogs – Enzo’s Pet Pantry (enzospetpantry.com) is a great liquid option to keep those mites out of sight or you could use the Proflax Keep Off Me! Powder for Dogs – Enzo’s Pet Pantry (enzospetpantry.com) powder for minimum fuss and maximum effectiveness.
And of course. no day is complete without a treat! Our dogs deserve the world and to be treated with love in every way possible, which is why it’s so important to look after their inside just as much as what’s on the outside. When your pal is in need of an extra boost, the Proflax Skin, Gut & Immune Soft Treats for Dogs – Enzo’s Pet Pantry (enzospetpantry.com) are the way to go. Not only are they delicious, but they also help our dog’s digestive, immune, and skin health.
Some other brands that we’re loving for all things safe spring cleaning!
For stain and odour remover
It’s not uncommon for us dog lovers to become a bit nose blind when it comes to our homes. If you’re looking to freshen up your space from your dog’s scent, we've found a pet-safe stain and odour eliminator solution, suitable for rugs, carpets, tile, pet bedding and more! This spray is non-toxic and bleach free with thousands of happy reviews across the web. Plu, odour eliminators act as a deterrent to dogs from having accidents in the same places, keeping your spaces fresher for longer! Sounds like a win-win.
For all purpose cleaning sprays
We all know how inconvenient it is to have a million different products, each claiming to do something different in the cupboard, so there’s nothing more useful than a product that can do a bit of everything and can be used on multiple surfaces, and even better when it’s safe for our pets. The Tincture all-purpose spray is natural and non-toxic and can be used on all surfaces and keeps our pet’s tails wagging and your home squeaky clean, not to mention that it smells divine! Tincture also sells bathroom and washing up products, talk about versatility!
Eco-Friendly All Purpose Cleaner | TINCTURE London – Tincture London
For mopping up muddy paws
Another product in our good books from Tincture is their eco-friendly floor cleaner, with a 100% natural blend of ingredients, you won’t need to worry about irritation to sore paws and skin. Not to mention how easy it makes cleaning; all you need to do is add a few drops to your mop bucket and get going with your spring clean with plenty of product left over for next time, when muddy paws get the best of your floors.
Natural Floor Cleaner | Pet and Baby Safe | TINCTURE London – Tincture London
For Laundry detergent
Sometimes our dog’s beds get a little bit stinkier than what a spray can fix and ends up in the washing machine. It’s important to ensure that when doing this, a pet-safe detergent is used rather than our everyday favourites. One that we’ve found is the Pro-Kleen Pet Bedding Laundry Detergent which contains 5 litres of detergent, so you will always be prepared! It’s also safe on pet blankets, clothing, and toys!
Pro-Kleen Pet Bedding Laundry Detergent - Pro-Kleen (prokleen.co.uk)
For Toilet cleaner
Bleach products are a huge no-no for our canine friends, which is why we suggest that when cleaning your loo, look for a cleaner with natural and eco friendly ingredients. This Better Life Toilet Bowl Cleaner keeps your bowl fresh without the stress of the harm that can be caused if your dog sneaks in and fancies a drink. This company also sells other natural bathroom cleaning products such as glass and bathtub cleaners too!
Spring is the perfect time to deep clean and declutter our spaces and prepare for brighter days in a way that is safe for the whole family. By decluttering and organising our dog’s belongings, using non-toxic cleaning products, and tidying up their grooming and pest control routines, you can ensure a healthy living space for everyone at home. A space that feels welcoming, safe and stress-free
We hope that this spring season treats you well and that you make lots of happy memories with your furry best friend.
Happy spring cleaning!
