Taking advantage of the warm and sunny spring weather is the perfect time to tackle maintenance projects and give your kennel environment a deep clean. To assist you in making the most out of your spring cleaning, we have gathered seven valuable tips from professional all-breed handlers Joe Berkau and Burk Hughes of Southern California. While it's important to note that kennel maintenance should be a continuous effort throughout the year, these tips will help you optimize your spring cleaning routine.
- Maintain Proper Sanitation: Maintaining a clean and sanitary environment is crucial for minimizing disease issues in kennels. It is important to thoroughly clean all surfaces before applying disinfectants to ensure maximum effectiveness. Keep in mind that organic materials like feces, urine, and soil can reduce the efficacy of many disinfectants. While bleach is an effective disinfectant, it should be used sparingly (1 cup bleach to 5 gallons of water) and rinsed thoroughly with water to prevent any harm to a dog's skin, paw pads, and digestive system. Alternatively, you can consider using a quarternary disinfectant. Always read and follow the instructions provided for optimal effectiveness.
- Fresh Coat of Paint: Areas in the kennel that experience significant wear and tear, such as walls and flooring, may require a fresh coat of paint annually to maintain a visually appealing appearance. Painting not only enhances the overall look of the kennel but also provides a moderate level of protection. Consider using epoxy, which may be more expensive than regular paint but offers superior durability and protection. Before starting a painting project, ensure that dogs are moved to a safe area and that there is proper ventilation to ensure their safety and well-being.
- Fix Concrete Cracks: Cracks and holes in concrete foundations, walls, and doors can attract rodents and insects, creating potential problems. Concrete can expand and crack due to damage from freeze-thaw cycles. Additionally, salt used for melting ice can erode the pores of concrete and attract water. To address these issues, use a scraper to apply epoxy into the damaged areas. This will effectively seal the cracks and holes, preventing further damage and deterring pests from entering.
- Ensure Dog Door Maintenance: It is important to note that most dog doors are not designed to be chew-proof or withstand heavy usage. Regularly inspect the doors for any cracks or gaps that may require repairs to prevent potential injuries to dogs that frequently use them. Additionally, keeping the doors clean by using a disinfectant spray is crucial in extending their lifespan and improving their functionality.
- Maintain the Grooming Tub: Grooming plays a vital role in a show kennel, so it is essential to keep the grooming tub in excellent condition. Use caulking to seal the edges of the tub, ensuring a watertight seal. Additionally, regularly inspect the piping of the faucet and the area underneath the tub to ensure there are no leaks. By taking these steps, you can ensure that your grooming tub remains in optimal working order.
- Maintain Clean Dog Supplies: It is crucial to keep dog supplies clean to minimize the spread of disease. This includes stainless steel water buckets, feeding bowls, brushes, grooming supplies, and even the tack box used to store the supplies. Clean water buckets are essential to ensure dogs receive clean and safe drinking water, which is vital for their overall health. Hair, skin flakes, and coat debris can lead to the deterioration of brushes and other grooming tools. To keep dog supplies sanitary and ready for use, scrub them with warm, soapy water regularly.
- Monitor Dog Food Storage: To prevent infestations, it is important to store dog food in airtight containers that effectively keep out rodents and insects. Spilled or improperly stored food can attract pests, creating an invitation for infestation. Regularly inspect your dog food storage containers to ensure they are free from cracks or loosely fitting lids that could compromise their effectiveness in keeping pests out.
Purina® Pro Plan® is the #1 brand most fed and recommended brand by dog breeders in Canada.* Learn more about the what the Pro Club Breeder program has to offer, including up to 25% savings on Pro Plan dog and puppy food, a free bag of puppy food for your new pet owners and more!
*Canadian Dog Fancier survey results, November 2023
