Best Ways to Clean Up Gross Deposits Left by Your Pet
Contributed by Angie Lewis, President of Alaska Animal Advocate
Why does your sweet pet have accidents that include vomiting, pooping, or peeing in the house? These animals may not be completely house trained, be sick, have been left unattended too long, or they may be suffering from separation anxiety - hence the accident. It is especially important to remove odors from these impacted areas. Your cat or dog has a much more sensitive sense of smell than you. So, just because things smell fine to you, there may still be a potent smell that your pet will be aware of – tempting them to re-soil the area. Or another pet might smell the area and feel encouraged to use the spot for their own special deposit.
Urine:
Use either a paper towel or an absorbent cloth to blot up the liquid. Continue to do this until there is no more urine being absorbed by the paper towel or cloth. Do not press too hard as this can cause the urine to be pressed further into the carpet. Then, saturate the area with an action-based enzyme cleaner. Let it sit for the recommended time, usually a few hours’ time. For more stubborn stains, cover the area with a damp cloth for approximately three to five hours. Make sure the cloth stays damp to help the enzymes absorb the odor. Do not rub the area, but instead use light scooping strokes, starting from the edges to the center. Now, gently pinch the cloth at the center, in an upward motion. Repeat if necessary.
Vomit, blood, or other colored stains:
Do not use warm or hot water, as this can cause setting the stain. Blot up liquids with a paper towel or rag. Then scrape up solids with a spoon or spatula. Spray on the oxygen based cleaner, allowing it to penetrate for three to five minutes. Blot or rub gently with a clean damp cloth. The cleaner can work for the next few hours.
Feces:
First, remove solids from the area. Saturate area with an enzyme action-based cleaner, overlapping the edges. Allow to sit for the recommended time. If urine is present, follow steps for cleaning urine. Do not rub, but instead use a cloth to move the cleaner to the center of the stain, from the edges. Then, gently pinch the cloth in an upward motion. Repeat as necessary.
Try not to get too upset, it kind of goes with the territory. If things get really bad, talk to your vet he/she can do a thorough exam and prescribe medications as needed. Love your pet and remember there are far more good times than bad!