Kennel cough is a contagious disease spread among dogs. Although vaccines sometimes help prevent this respiratory infection, dogs who frequently encounter other dogs will likely come down with it at one time or another. To prevent spread of kennel cough to other animals, proper clean-up is required.
Things You'll Need
- Spray bottle
- Laundry detergent
- Bleach
- Dishwashing liquid
- Pet shampoo
- Vinegar
- Disposable gloves
Instructions
Put on old clothes that can be bleached and a pair of disposable gloves.
Wash all bedding and dog toys. The virus causing kennel cough is shed into the environment, so washing all contaminated bedding is a must. Whether your dog sleeps on a crate pad, a dog bed, or your bed, make sure to wash all bedding on the hot cycle. If possible, add a little bleach.
Wash food and water containers with dish-washing liquid and hot water. If you don't already own stainless steel bowls, consider purchasing some. Plastic bowls tend to scratch and crack, which can serve as a breeding ground for bacteria.
Clean crate or dog-run surfaces. Rinse crate surfaces in hot water. Squirt the area with a mixture of one part bleach to 32 parts water. After wiping down the entire floor and sides with bleach solution, rinse thoroughly with warm water to avoid irritation to your dog's skin or mucous membranes. Dry with a towel or air-dry.
Clean your floors. Pay special attention to places your dog likes to hang out. When in doubt, a mixture of one cup vinegar to a gallon of water works well on a variety of surfaces (see Resources).
Give your dog a bath. Use a mild dog shampoo and gently suds your pup up, then rinse. Towel dry.
Throw away the gloves and wash your clothes.