July is Doghouse Repair Month. If your pooch has a home of his own to hang out in, this is a great time to give it a good going-over. No doubt, Fido will be happy to ‘help’ with this task! A local Roanoke, VA vet offers some helpful ‘pointers’ on this below.

Safety Inspection

Take a good look at Fido’s house. Make sure there is nothing sharp sticking out that could hurt your pet, such as nails, screws, or long splinters.

Cleaning

Give Fido’s house a good scrubdown. Use a gentle, hypoallergenic soap, and rinse very, very well. Do this on a warm, windy day, so it will dry quickly. A pressure washer will do the job, though your canine helper would probably prefer a hose, so he can play in the spray from it.

Bedding

A doghouse may sound like a great place for a comfy bed, but in reality this will just attract uninvited guests, such as fleas and mice. Opt for comfy, weatherproof pads instead.

Evictions

Unsurprisingly, doghouses can make inviting retreats for all sorts of unwanted guests. However, you shouldn’t use pesticides or strong chemicals to get rid of them, as that may expose Fido to dangerous chemicals. Use non-toxic, humane methods.

Landscaping

Keep the lawn around Fido’s house trimmed. This will not only make it look nicer, it will also help fight fleas. If the grass is getting urine-stained, consider putting artificial turf down. This is easy to hose down.

Pupgrades

Why not make Fido’s doghouse into a fun feature in your yard? Give your pet a little deck, or add a sandbox or kiddie pool for him. You can also have fun with paint colors and accents, like a cute signs.

Setup

Doghouses should be raised off the ground a bit, so that rain and snow goes beneath them. Make sure Fido’s pad is level. Even a small tilt can make a doghouse uncomfortable! Just don’t leave an empty space underneath, as that may attract snakes or other critters.

Roof! Roof!

Don’t forget to check the roof. Look for any leaks. (You can test this on a sunny day by having someone aim the hose at it while you look inside.) Replace any shingles that aren’t doing their jobs.

Do you have questions about your dog’s health or care? We can help! Contact us, your local Roanoke, VA veterinary clinic, today!