How to Disinfect Dog Cages When a Dog Has a Parasite

Dogs are susceptible to a number of parasites, especially when they spend much of their time outdoors. Fleas, ticks, ear mites and other small pests use dogs as a host for food, which can lead to illness. Dogs kept at kennels or animal shelters are also at risk due to the number of other animals around that may have parasites. Disinfecting the cage, and everything that was inside the cage, thoroughly is key to making sure the parasites don't return once the dog has had them removed.

Things You'll Need

Bleach or other disinfecting solution
Rubber gloves
Long-handled scrub brush
Squeegee (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Remove the dog, his toys, food and water bowls, and bedding from the cage. Soak the toys, if made of rubber, and the bowls in a disinfecting solution of one part bleach and 32 parts water. Rinse everything well and allow them air dry. Throw away any toys that could carry the parasite, and wash and dry the bedding or discard it and replace it with new bedding.
- 2
  Remove any fecal matter or vomit on the floor of the cage. Wear rubber gloves and use a waste scoop. Discard anything you remove unless directed by a veterinarian to reserve it.
- 3
  Rinse the cage, including the floor and metal screens, thoroughly with warm or hot water
- 4
  Use a disinfecting solution, similar to what you used for the bowls and rubber toys, and apply it to all surfaces of the cage.
- 5
  Scrub all of the surfaces of the cage using a long-handled brush with stiff bristles. Pay extra attention to baseboards or where wall sections of the cage are connected. Scrub the areas above the dog to kill any remaining parasites. Allow the disinfecting solution to stay on the cage for about 20 minutes.
- 6
  Rinse all surfaces of the cage again with warm or hot water. Dry the kennel as much as possible before returning the dog to the cage. Use a squeegee to remove excess water on the floor, if necessary.