Spring leads to pets shedding
By Liz Farley
Board Member
There are signs of spring everywhere you look. The days are longer, it’s warmer and the snow is being replaced with green grass. If you have a dog you are also noticing dog poop on the lawn, muddy walls from wagging tails and hair, hair, hair!
Inevitably, having pets in your home will increase the amount of indoor and outdoor cleaning you have to do, especially in the spring. Here are some easy tips to help you with your spring-cleaning:
• Brush your pet often. This time of year the winter coats are being shed! A thorough brushing two or three times a week goes a long way towards curbing shedding. There are many grooming tools available on the market to remove loose hair and dander;
• Bathe your dog more frequently. Not only will this help to keep your house cleaner, your dog will feel happy and healthy too. A quick trip to the groomer may prove worth the cost. They do a wonderful job washing and cutting your dog’s hair and this will make a world of difference on your cleaning. My philosophy is, the shorter the hair the less mud that can be attached to it;
• Pick up the poop. Yes, the snow has melted and dog owners can all agree; the lawn is littered with the winter’s droppings. Clean this up on a cool morning when it is dry and hard. Not only will your lawn look better, you won’t have to worry as much about your dog stepping in it, eating it and of course rolling in it;
• Take the time to clean bedding and slip covers. Dog and cat hair clings to everything. Deep-clean these items now and set up a schedule to do so twice a month or monthly. This will help keep your home tidy year round; and
• Teach your dog new tricks. Train your dog to stop at the door when they come back inside. Keep a towel at the door to wipe their paws and hair with. This is especially handy on rainy days and will help prevent your newly-cleaned floors from becoming caked with mud.
Whatever spring cleaning you have in store, please don’t forget about your pets. Believe it or not, they will feel better with a little pampering and your house will look better too.
Please consider volunteering, visiting or adopting a pet from the Central Aroostook Humane Society. We are located at 26 Cross St. in Presque Isle. If you are unable to volunteer or adopt from us, please consider making a donation — whether monetary or in-kind. Donations can be mailed or dropped off at the shelter and for the entire month of April Graves Shop n’ Save is accepting cash and supply donations for us. Please consider giving.
