First step: Clear

Empty any tarpaulins or containers that collect water outdoors and remove any trash. Containers with standing water are ideal breeding grounds for mosquito larvae, so they must be thoroughly removed to prevent the breeding of disease-carrying mosquitoes and increase the risk of dengue fever (in humans) and heartworm (in animals).

Step Two: Cleaning

After rain, sewage and mud are easily generated. When cleaning, please wear rain boots or waterproof boots, waterproof gloves and masks. Do not go barefoot or wear slippers to avoid infection with leptospirosis and melioidosis. Wash your hands with hand soap or hand sanitizer after cleaning or removing your equipment.

Third step: Disinfection

It is generally recommended to buy chlorine bleach (NaClO) and dilute it 100 times with water to wipe the home environment, but it is not recommended to use diluted bleach if you have pets at home.

Bleach has a pungent and irritating smell and must be used in a highly ventilated environment. In addition, almost all commercially available bleach is alkaline. If the concentration is not properly adjusted and becomes too high, it will irritate our (including our pets') skin and mucous membranes. It will also leave behind a lot of chlorine compounds, which can lead to indirect poisoning in the long run. Even if the environment is cleaned, it may harm health.

Hypochlorous acid (HClO) has a chemical structure very similar to bleach. Both contain chlorine and can directly destroy the cell walls of pathogens and kill them. It has a stronger bactericidal effect than alcohol, so it is more suitable for disinfecting the environment.

Hypochlorous acid water, within the concentration and dosage regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, can also be used for washing food containers and ingredients.

For environmental disinfection, a concentration of 100-300 ppm is recommended; for food disinfection, a concentration below 200 ppm should be used (food must be washed after disinfection!). Many people also wonder: "Since hypochlorous acid and bleach have such similar structures, does diluting bleach equal hypochlorous acid?"

NO! That's absolutely not how it works!

After use, hypochlorous acid is reduced to non-toxic substances such as water, salt (sodium chloride), organic sugars, and trace amounts of carbon dioxide, which are relatively harmless to humans and pets. However, caution should still be exercised when using it. Although hypochlorous acid solution is relatively harmless, it is not recommended to use it directly to wash hands. In addition, exposure to light or frequent opening and contact with air may affect the effectiveness of hypochlorous acid solution.

Other potential health risks should also be noted.

Humid weather is very bad for pets. Because of their thick fur, being constantly stuffy is not only uncomfortable, but also increases the risk of skin diseases. Therefore, it is important to keep your pet dry and comfortable.

In addition to the above, the following points should be noted regarding raising animals during the rainy season:



1. Pets' bedding, cushions, and plush toys are prone to mold and bacteria growth. It is recommended to wipe them with pet-specific antibacterial solution first, and then take them out to air in the sun when it is sunny, or use a dryer to keep them sterilized and dry.

2. Turn on the dehumidifier at home, frequently comb your pet's fur, and regularly check for redness or inflammation on the skin.

3. If food is not eaten immediately, it should be disposed of to prevent spoilage and bacterial growth, which could lead to acute gastroenteritis or other illnesses if ingested by your pet. Although food can be stored for a relatively long time, ensure that the food bag or container is properly sealed to prevent moisture absorption.

In addition, you must clean your pet's food and water bowls every day. You can wipe them with pet-specific antibacterial solution before washing them to achieve a more comprehensive antibacterial effect.

4. Remember to dress your dog in a raincoat when you go out. Choose a brightly colored waterproof nylon raincoat to avoid the risk of oncoming cars not seeing your dog because of the rain. After returning home, spray the raincoat with pet-specific antibacterial solution and then hang it in a ventilated place to dry.

With the rainy season approaching, it's a time when pets are more prone to illness, so extra care is needed. Maintaining a clean and hygienic environment will ensure both pet owners and their furry friends are safe and healthy.

The above three steps are provided for your reference. Please pay close attention and work together as needed!



Source: https://www.pettalk.tw/blog/%E5%8F%88%E5%88%B0%E6%A2%85%E9%9B%A8%E5%AD%A3%EF%BC%8C%E6%AF%9B%E5%AD%A9%E9%98%B2%E9%BB%B4%E4%B8%89%E6%AD%A5%E9%A9%9F%E3%80%8C% E6%B8%85%E9%99%A4%E3%80%81%E6%B8%85%E6%BD%94%E3%80%81%E6%B6%88%E6%AF%92%E3%80%8D %EF%BD%9C%E5%B0%88%E6%A5%AD%E7%8D%B8%E9%86%AB%E2%80%94%E7%8E%8B%E5%B0%8F%E7%8E%B2