We are a nation of pet lovers, with almost half of the UK's
households owning a pet, but they do add to the amount of work
needed to keep a house clean, hygienic and fresh smelling,
especially when toilet training puppies and kittens.
Toilet training
Toilet training puppies and kittens
One pet related activity that has most risk to the cleanliness
of our homes is toilet training a new furry companion. See below
top tips from practising vet Richard Allport, to help you and your
new best friend get to grips with toilet training in no time.
Toilet training puppies
- Start early - ideally show your puppy where
he/she can go to the toilet as soon as you bring them home.
- Understand your puppy's needs - puppies need
to urinate immediately after waking up, as well as within fifteen
minutes after eating and drinking. Puppies also have weak bladder
control and need to urinate at least every hour or two, or more
frequently if the puppy gets excited, such as after play or an
exploration session. Keeping a diary of when your puppy eats,
sleeps, urinates and defecates is a good idea.
- Encourage your puppy - take your puppy to
their toilet area whenever they need and repeat words like 'wee
wees' and 'poo poos' while the puppy is actually toileting. Stay
with them until the job is done and don't forget to tell them how
well they've done when they get it right.
- Keep a routine - it's always good to feed your
pets at the same time every day, but this is especially important
when toilet training.
- Get to know your puppy - there are bound to be
indications before they need to go to the toilet, for example
sniffing one area a lot, raising the tail or going round in a
circle; whenever you see a sign that your puppy might need to go,
take them to the toilet area.
- Stay calm and patient - there are bound to be
accidents and some dogs take longer to toilet train than others.
Don't tell her or him off for any spillages or mistakes - they may
just become more secretive about it. Just clean up with the minimum
of fuss.
- Accidents happens - get rid of as much of the
soiling as you can, then use 4 capfuls of Zoflora antibacterial
disinfectant diluted in quarter of a bucket of hot
water and mop all affected floors and surfaces. Or alternatively,
make up a spray of two capfuls of Zoflora disinfectant in a clean,
empty trigger spray, and top up with water for handy
clean-ups.
- Clean ups - dispose of pet faeces hygienically
without touching it. If you put animal waste in your own bin use an
antibacterial bin
freshener to keep odours under control.
Litter training kittens
Kittens generally learn how to use a litter tray quickly,
normally by copying their mothers and will often know how to use a
litter tray by the time you bring them home. Here's some top tips
to make the process simple and effective:
- A quiet, safe place - cats like to toilet on
their own, away from others and may not even want to be watched.
Keep the litter tray in a quiet, safe place where it can be easily
accessed. Remember to keep it away from his/her bed, food bowl and
water and if you have children, keep them away.
- Keep it clean - Kittens are naturally clean
animals and they like a clean litter tray. If the tray is not kept
clean then your kitten may choose to toilet elsewhere. Make sure
the tray is cleaned at least once a day and use an absorbent cat
litter.
- Get to know your kitten - as soon as you see
that your kitten needs to go, lift them into the tray. Keep on
doing this until your kitten can find the tray herself, then leave
them to it. You can help by placing your kitten into the tray in
the morning, last thing at night and after every meal. By repeating
this behaviour a few times each day, your kitten will soon make the
link between going to the toilet and using the tray.
- Reward good behaviour - when your kitten uses
the tray be sure to give plenty of praise and small treats.
- Accidents happen - be sure to clean the area
properly and disinfectant with Zoflora. Ensure that cleaning
products/disinfectants do not contain ammonia as the smell of these
is too close to the kitten's own waste and can encourage
re-offending in the same area.
Important note: When correctly diluted, Zoflora
disinfectant may be used where most pets are kept. Do not allow
pets to lick or walk on wet treated surfaces. Keep off until dry.
When disinfecting pet toys, finish by rinsing in cold water and
drying thoroughly. Not suitable for use in vivaria or other housing
where reptiles are kept. Use disinfectants safely. Always read the
product label and information before use.