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Spring Cleaning Tips for Pet Parents

Lisa Selvaggio
by Lisa Selvaggio
Published:  March 20th, 2025

Spring is a season of renewal, so it’s the perfect time to do some cleaning around the house to freshen things up, get rid of things you no longer need, and make space for new things. But if you share your home with pets, it’s important to take a few steps to ensure their well-being while you do your spring cleaning. Check out the information below to see how spring cleaning could potentially have adverse effects on pets, and what you can do to keep everyone happy.

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Benefits of Spring Cleaning If You Have Pets


When you have pets, spring cleaning goes beyond deep cleaning carpets and organizing closets. You can also take this time to tackle areas of your home, and items throughout your home, that your pets use on a regular or daily basis.


Below are a few examples of pet items that can be deeply cleaned this spring:



Avoid Harsh Cleaning Products


Whether you’re cleaning around the house or cleaning pet items in particular, aim to avoid the use of harsh cleaning products, as they can be detrimental to your pet in a variety of ways. For example, some contain ingredients that are toxic to animals, while others can have strong fragrances, fumes, or odors that could be harmful.


Steer clear of bleach and ammonia, if possible. Consider using fragrance-free or unscented cleaners—remember, your pet’s sense of smell is much stronger and more sensitive than yours, and fumes and fragrances can be irritating to their respiratory system. Also, bear in mind that essential oils can be harmful to pets, even though they might be promoted in natural cleaning products.


Follow the directions on any cleaners you prefer so you can be sure to use them safely around your pets. For instance, if a product needs to be rinsed away, don’t forget this step, as you’ll want to ensure potentially harmful residues aren’t left behind.


All cleaning products should be kept out of reach of pets. Even when using a pet-friendly cleaner, it’s best to keep your pet out of the area while you’re cleaning, and allow them back once everything is dry. That way, they won’t inhale, ingest, or get it on their paws or body. With the warm spring weather, you can open windows and use fans for better ventilation to clear the air while you’re using cleaning products, too.  


Some pet-friendly cleaning options include vinegar and water, baking soda, and mild fragrance-free dish detergent. You can also check out products like NonScents Stain & Odor Eliminator, which destroys odor on the molecular level, can be used on all surfaces, and doesn’t contain fragrance.

Use Unscented Detergents to Wash Pet Beds and Blankets


Many pet beds and blankets can be tossed into the washing machine to clean them thoroughly, but if you are using a scented laundry detergent, that fragrance could linger on the bedding where your pet will spend a lot of time, and that could be irritating to them. So, in the same way that you use fragrance-free disinfectants and cleaners around the house, consider using an unscented laundry detergent to get the same clean without the lasting fragrance.


You can try an unscented, enzymatic stain remover if stains won’t come out in the wash or if your pet’s bed can’t go in the washing machine. Also, you can consider adding some hydrogen peroxide to the wash instead of bleach for deeper cleaning. And if you want to really be sure all residues are washed away, set an extra rinse cycle on your machine.


Note: Always follow the manufacturer’s directions when washing pet bedding so it won’t get ruined.


Use a Quieter Vacuum for Less Stress on Your Pet


Loud vacuums can be stressful to pets. Like their stronger sense of smell, they also have sensitive hearing, so the noise that comes with vacuuming your floors can be uncomfortable for your cat or dog.


Thankfully, there are some quieter vacuums on the market these days. One example is the cordless and lightweight Dyson V15 Detect. It has a light that shows you where dust is on your floors, and features a rechargeable battery that provides 60 minutes of run time. Plus, it adapts the suction power as needed, detangles hair, and has a filtration system that traps dust and particles.

Welcome Spring with a Clean, Fresh Home!


Cleaning and refreshing your house for spring is a great idea, as you can remove dust, debris, and allergens that accumulate throughout your space, especially in nooks and crannies you might not clean regularly. Plus, you can take this time to deep clean your pet’s things to tackle odors and stains. Your whole family, including your furry companions, will benefit from this, especially if you use products that are safe yet effective.


Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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Lisa Selvaggio
Lisa Selvaggio

Lisa Selvaggio is a freelance writer and editor, and our resident cats-pert, with certifications in pet nutrition and pet first aid. She enjoys producing content that helps people understand animals better so they can give their pets a safe and happy home.

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New Study Reveals Having A Big Brain Doesn’t Mean Your Dog is Smart

We often associate larger brains with greater intelligence, but a recent study challenges this assumption in our canine companions. The study, published November 13 th in the journal Biology Letters, aimed to explore whether there was any tangible connection between the physical size of a dog’s brain and their mental capabilities. The results suggest we may want to reconsider this common stereotype, at least where dogs are concerned. The idea isn’t entirely out of left field. Previous studies have found that in many mammals, a direct correlation has been found between bigger brains and higher survival odds due to their capacity to effectively process information and make better decisions. Considering this, the findings of the new study surprised many. “The key difference here is that dogs are not in a natural environment,” explained Ana Balcarcel, lead author of the new study. “They are a function of artificial selection… a very directed selection, evolution under human hands.” Researchers compared 14 behavioral traits from the Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire and the relative brain-to-skull size of 1682 dog skulls covering 172 breeds housed at the Natural History Museum Bern in Switzerland. They found several patterns, but these patterns went against our previous understanding. Dog breeds known to be most trainable and intelligent, like working dogs bred to perform complex skills, were found to have the smallest relative brain size. This included dog breeds most likely to excel in human-assistance roles, like guide dogs, police dogs, and those involved with search-and-rescue. Meanwhile, toy dog breeds bred mainly to serve as companions, like Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, and Yorkshire Terriers, were found to have larger relative brain sizes. Statistically, these breeds are also more likely to exhibit higher levels of fear, aggression, and separation anxiety. The most interesting thing about this for many researchers is that we, as a society, didn’t just choose breeds that were best suited for these working roles (which happened to have smaller brain ratios). Instead, over generations, they have been bred to be trainable, independent, and better at problem-solving. “We can say that we have really altered the brains – not just the body sizes and the proportions of different dogs, but it looks like we have also changed their brains in a significant way,” stated Balcarcel. Interestingly enough, the difference in brain size may also reflect our impact on the dogs through domestication. The study revealed that the brain of the average domesticated dog is approximately 20% smaller than that of a wild gray wolf relative to body size. However, domesticated dogs must understand and operate with higher social skills than wild dogs. Consider the unique skills your dog demonstrates daily, regardless of their breed. Domesticated dogs are expected to learn how to interpret our gaze, body language, and many verbal commands just to live as a family dog. Moving forward, the research team plans to dig further into the comparison between various dog breeds physically and their function by analyzing other physical differences, like the shape of specific parts of the brain. We’re excited to follow along and learn more about how this information could influence dog training and behavior as we know it! Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter  here.

How Much Exercise Does a Labradoodle Need?

A delightful crossbreed of charming Labrador Retrievers and elegant Poodles, Labradoodles combine the best traits of both breeds: intelligence, a friendly nature, hypoallergenic coats, and a boundless love for fun. These qualities make Labradoodles beloved companions, but their high energy levels and playful demeanor mean they need plenty of exercise to thrive. Here’s what every would-be Labradoodle owner should know about meeting their furry friend’s activity needs before adopting one.How Much Exercise Does a Labradoodle Need?Labradoodles are active dogs that require daily physical and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. On average, adult Labradoodles benefit from 60 to 90 minutes of exercise per day, divided between activities that challenge both their bodies and minds.Physical Exercise: Activities like running, playing fetch, or agility courses are excellent ways to burn off their extra energy.Mental Stimulation: Puzzle toys, treat-dispensing gadgets, and obedience training sessions help keep their sharp minds engaged.

6 Expert Tips on Dog-Proofing Your Christmas Tree

Christmas is just around the corner, and you’re probably busy decorating your beautiful holiday tree. Dangling ornaments, neatly wrapped presents, twinkling garlands, and sparkling lights all contribute to the festive magic — but for dog owners, these delights can quickly turn into a disaster. One curious glance from your mischievous pup can send the entire tree into chaos. So how can you protect both your tree and your furry friend? Here are some practical tips to keep your holiday season merry and stress-free.1. Choose the Right LocationBefore you even start decorating, consider where to place your tree. Choosing the right spot can significantly reduce the chances of canine chaos. Ideally, place your Christmas tree in a room or corner where you can control your dog’s access. If possible, use a dog barrier or keep the tree in a space that can be closed off with doors. This simple step can provide an extra layer of protection and prevent unsupervised “interactions.”

Marley the Tuxedo Wins UK's National Cat of the Year Award

Bringing comfort and support to women in a London safe-house, this feline takes top prize.

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