A kennel or a dog house is a shelter for your dog and while some kennels are quite large, some are very small.
They, however, need to be cleaned regularly due to the presence of urine and feces. Some kennels are just dog crates that are mostly used for transportation and can be placed indoors.
Even though you potty train your puppy, many times there are accidents inside the kennel and it may be covered in a mess. During such times, you need to clean the kennel thoroughly as the dog may step into his own mess and make it worse.
It is crucial to provide a sanitized home for your dog as feces can spread a large number of parasites and bacteria.
Whether you want to clean a small kennel or a big one, there are numerous steps that need to be followed so that the job is done well. Keep the kennel clean of hair and dirt so that the dog home is nice and clean for your dog to play and roll.
Here are the steps to follow while cleaning the kennel:
Step 1: Wash all the material and accessories
Move your dog out of the kennel and place in some other area. Wear rubber gloves and apron before starting the cleaning.
Remove all the accessories like food bowl, water bowl, bedding, and toys. Clean the water and food dishes with water mixed with baking soda, vinegar and dry them.
Wash the entire bedding including blanket in the washing machine and use baking soda and non-toxic detergent.
Wash all the toys and any other accessory place inside the kennel. Dry all of them in the sun, so that all the germs are killed.
Step 2: Remove the solid waste and wash it
Clean the dog house thoroughly by removing solid waste like hair or feces with a shovel or scoop and rinse it completely using baking soda and detergent solution.
Apply the solutions like bleach or baking soda on the surface of the dog house, and then rinse the surface thoroughly with water as if the bleach is left behind, then it might irritate the dog. Make sure to dilute the bleach with water in the ratio 1:32.
Step 3: Scrub the entire dog house
Clean every inch of the dog house using a scrub brush with stiff bristles. Scrub the walls and the floor along with the roof.
It is crucial to clean every inch as diseases can be transmitted in case the area is left un-sanitized. Scrub and disinfect all the door, latches, surfaces and hinges.
Let the solution stand for some time and then rinse.
Step 5: Rinse and Dry
Use hot water to rinse the dog house thoroughly and let the kennel air dry. Replace the clean bowls, toys, and bedding in the house and let the dog in.
Things you need to clean regularly:
- Bedding: You need to frequently change the bedding of the dog house as with frequent usage, the bedding loses insulation value. Bedding needs to be replaced every two weeks and you can use grass hay, straw, wood shavings, etc.
- Doors: The door of the dog house should be operated smoothly and you can make use of silicon lubricant for smooth operating.
- Rust protection: With exposure to dog urine, the dog house may get rusted. It can corrode as steel may be exposed to oxygen causing oxidation. Treat the rust area and repair it so that it becomes long-lasting.
Your dog deserves a clean and tidy home, just like yours.
Cleaning and disinfecting the dog’s kennel can reduce the development of bacteria, fungi, and parasites that can cause infections. Though it is a thorough job, a clean dog home is a happy home.
