Pets and Hygiene

If you own a pet, you probably consider them a valued member of the family. So you won’t be surprised to learn that according to medical research, pet owners are more likely to have lower stress levels, increased overall health and an improved quality of life compared to those who don’t have a furry companion*.

But our pets love nothing better than running about outside, chewing and playing with nearly anything that moves, picking up bacteria and other germs as they go…

So that’s why it’s important to take a few extra steps to help ensure they don’t inadvertently spread these germs in your home.

Equally, you want to take measures to ensure the cleaning products you are using in your home are safe to use around pets.

Why do pet owners need to take extra care?

Pets carry bacteria and other germs on their paws, fur and in their mouths. Sometimes these microbes can be harmful to us, even though your pet may not show any symptoms.

Can I catch a disease from my pet?

Some of the germs that pets carry, like salmonella and staphylococcus can cause infections in humans. Although it is very rare to pick up these infections from your pet, practicing good hygiene can still help to protect the whole family by reducing the risk.

Reducing the risk of infection

• Cats and dogs should be treated for fleas and ticks regularly, as well as intestinal worms and parasites. 
• Keep claws trimmed to reduce the risk of scratches – dogs and cats paws and nails can pick up dirt and inadvertently transfer it to you or your children, causing an infection.

Protecting your Pet

• The most important step in protecting your pet is to make sure they stay healthy
• Pets should be vaccinated regularly to protect them from preventable diseases.
• Keep an up-to-date record of their vaccinations at home or with their veterinarian so you know when they are due.
• Check your pet regularly for signs of ill health. If you think something is wrong, Seek advice from your vet.
• Do not give pets human medicine or pain killers. Seek veterinary advice
• Do not use antiseptic cream designed for humans on pet’s wounds (as they will often lick/ingest creams). Speak to your vet is a pet’s wound needs treating.

Top Tips for a Healthy home with Pets:

Protect your family by following these simple hygiene practices and you, your family and your pets can life safely and healthily together

Healthy Hands:

• Wash your hands after petting or playing with pets, their toys, leads or leashes, cages, blankets, bedding, etc. 
• Wash hands before preparing or serving food.
• Encourage children to wash their hands before eating, especially if they have been in contact with pets.

Feeding Tips:

• Give your pets their own feeding bowl and pet-food serving utensils, which are stored and cleaned separately from other household dishes. 
• If possible, position your pet’s feeding station away from the kitchen to reduce the risk of spreading germs.
• Regularly clean and disinfect your pet’s feeding bowl and utensils with pet-friendly products. Rinse items thoroughly with clean hot water and dry before re-use.
• Use pet-safe products to clean and disinfect the floor area where your pets eat their food. Quite often, they can spill water, saliva or food particles that can quickly become contaminated with bacteria – especially on a warm day.
• Remember, pets have sensitive noses and paws, so avoid highly fragranced products that can cause irritation. 
• Although it can be tempting, avoid letting your pet share your plate or lick your face as germs can be transferred.

Pets on kitchen surfaces:

• Its important not to allow pets to climb on surfaces where food is prepared or served, as they can spread germs from their paws or fur. The inquisitive nature of cats means they just can’t resist exploring all the nooks and crannies of your home. Even ‘off-limit’ areas like kitchen counters are sometimes frequented when no one is looking…
• To be safe, make sure you spray or wipe counter tops and food areas with an antibacterial product before preparing and serving food.

Healthy Floors:

• Entryways/floors frequented by pets coming in from outdoors and litter box areas should be given special attention
• Muddy paws can track in bacteria and other germs. Keep a spare towel at the door to wipe dogs feet if you can
• Clean and disinfect floors regularly in busy pet entry-ways and near litter boxes.
• Station litter boxes away from where inquisitive toddlers can reach them.

Healthy Bedding:

• When buying pet beds, look for those with removable covers and wash pet bedding regularly 
• Use a laundry sanitizer to help eliminate germs and allergens while removing fur, odours and bacteria.
• Use un-fragranced/low fragranced detergents and skip the highly scented fabric softeners or dryer sheets - your pet’s nose can be quite sensitive to fragrance
• If your pets sleep on you or your kid’s bed, make sure you wash and sanitise bed linens regularly

Safe Cleaning Tips:

• Never use bleach when a pet soils your carpet or floors - the ammonia in the urine will react with bleach and give off harmful fumes. 
• Avoid using any ammonia-based products, as the ammonia smell may encourage your pet to ‘mark’ the area. 
• Avoid harsh chemicals when cleaning areas pets frequent, and/or rinse well with warm water. 
• When cleaning floors, try to prevent pets from walking across them until they are dry, since pets groom their paws and fur with their tongues. 
• If your puppy is prone to drinking from the toilet, avoid in-the-bowl toilet cleaners, or keep the lid closed
• Keep cleaning products safely stored in cupboards with caps screwed on tightly, to avoid accidental ingestion.
• Avoid cleaning pet cages and fish tanks in your kitchen sink. Clean them outside if you can, using a bucket of fresh soapy water, or a pet-friendly detergent.

Pregnant women should avoid cleaning cat litter trays, as a harmful parasite cat’s faeces can cause toxoplasmosis. If there is no alternative, wear rubber gloves and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards. If you have an outdoor cat, avoid gardening without gloves.