We are a nation of pet lovers, with almost half of the UK's
households owning a pet, but they do add to the amount of work
needed to keep a house clean, hygienic and fresh smelling,
especially when toilet training puppies and kittens.
Pets
Uninvited guests that pets bring
As well as adding welcome company to our families, pets can also
bring some less welcome additions in to our homes, such as:
- Pet smells - no matter how clean and tidy you
keep your home, dog and cat smells can linger in the air and on
surfaces where animals walk or sleep.
- Diseases and infections - for example Ringworm
- a fungal infection which is transmissible to people, especially
children.
- Parasites - dogs and cats can be susceptible
to fleas (especially in summer) and worms. Fleas can live and breed
in the house, and may bite people too.
- Bacteria - cats and dogs can pick up bacteria
such as E coli., Rotavirus, Campylobacter and Salmonella from the
environment outside the home and bring them inside.
Keeping your home hygienically
clean
Although pets can pick up and carry disease, some of which can
be serious, there is very little risk to your pet or family if
vaccination, hygiene and any necessary insecticide treatment is
carried out.
Effectively cleaning and disinfecting surfaces
can reduce the risk of cross-contamination, and so protect your
family (including pets) from infections and illness.
Practising vet Richard Allport comments:
"I've been involved in pet health for over 35 years and I know
the vital importance of hygiene and cleanliness in preventing
illness and disease. Hygienically cleaning surfaces, pet toys and
litter trays with a safe and reputable disinfectant like Zoflora
will not only help keep pets healthy but protect our own health
too."
Richard's five tips for keeping your
pet's and family's environment clean and healthy:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with an antibacterial soap after
handling pets, preparing pet food and handling feeding bowls,
litter trays, pet toys etc.
- Disinfect:
- Surfaces on which pet and family food is prepared, immediately
after use.
- Litter trays and pet cages after changing litter or
bedding.
- Floors which pets regularly use, once a week.
- Plastic/rubber pet toys, once a week (rinse thoroughly with
water after disinfection).
Remember to let any surface or object you have disinfected dry
completely before your pet has access to it.
- Don't allow pets on any surface on which food is prepared, and
ensure you disinfect the surface if they
do touch it.
- Dispose of pet faeces hygienically without touching it. If you
put animal waste in your own bin use an antibacterial bin
freshener to keep odours under control.
- Keep pets' fur groomed regularly and washed if necessary.
Vacuum your home regularly to remove pet hair and debris, and clean
carpets and upholstery immediately if accidents happen.
Important note: When correctly diluted, Zoflora
disinfectant may be used where most pets are kept. Do not allow
pets to lick or walk on wet treated surfaces. Keep off until dry.
When disinfecting pet toys, finish by rinsing in cold water and
drying thoroughly. Not suitable for use in vivaria or other housing
where reptiles are kept.