Ensuring a safe environment for pets while they are away from home is a big job. Proper cleaning and sanitation protocols are important for preventing the spread, or potential spread, of disease among our furry friends.

With so many products on the market, animal care professionals often find themselves overwhelmed with the responsibility of choosing which cleaning tools are right for their facility. The way in which these products are used is equally important as the ingredients themselves. Before unraveling the mystery of product selection, let’s start with the basics of cleaning and disinfection.

Cleaning and disinfection are two words often associated with providing a level of care that keeps our clients happy and our critters healthy, but what exactly do they mean? Cleaning can be defined as the physical removal of organic debris (such as urine, feces, vomit, and bodily fluids) or the chemical removal of contaminants. An example of physical cleaning would be the removal of puppy excrement from a kennel floor using a pooper scooper and an appropriate bag for disposal. Physical cleaning, in itself, will not kill the pathogens we worry about most when it comes to keeping our pets safe. It will, however, remove some of the medium in which infectious diseases thrive. Once physical cleaning is complete, chemical cleaning can be accomplished with the use of a detergent. The sudsy action of detergents helps to lift away organic debris by cutting through grease and suspending dirt particles, allowing them to be rinsed away easily. Physical and chemical cleaning ensures there is a clean surface for the application of a disinfectant. Interestingly, many disinfectants have detergent properties, eliminating the need for the use of a separate chemical for each step. Regardless of the cleaning agents used, the process of physically removing organic debris should always be a separate step and take place prior to the application of a detergent or disinfectant.

Disinfection can be defined as the killing of most contaminants, with the exception of spores, in the environment. Before making a decision on which disinfectant is right for your workplace, it is important to understand how to use them properly. Disinfectants should be used on clean, dry, and non-porous surfaces using an appropriate concentration. It is important to measure accurately products that require reconstitution or mixing and not to rely on smell, color, or appearance. A solution that is too dilute can be ineffective against the harmful pathogens we are trying to kill. In contrast, a solution that is too concentrated can be extremely toxic to both humans and animals. It is also important to recognize that many disinfectants require a specific contact time in order to be effective. Adhering to manufacturer guidelines is crucial for success. If an exact time frame is not mentioned, a general rule of thumb is 10 minutes of contact time for adequate disinfection.

Finally, it is important to avoid combining products, as the efficacy of both may be diminished simply by mixing them together. There is also the risk of creating toxic fumes that are unsafe for both humans and animals. Regardless of the disinfectant that is used, proper staff training is crucial for safety and effectiveness!

Now that we understand the relationship between cleaning and disinfection, how do we go about choosing a disinfectant? There are a variety of factors to consider when choosing a product for your place of business. The first consideration is performing a risk assessment within your facility to determine which infectious diseases are most at risk for transmission. For example, if you care for lots of puppies, canine parvovirus might be your primary concern. Once these have been identified, it is important to determine whether or not your cleaning products address these specific concerns. This can be especially tricky, as some products contain labels that say they are effective against specific pathogens when, in fact, independent research studies have shown they are not. It is important to be well informed about the products you choose and be aware of information available outside of what the manufacturer can provide.

Another consideration when choosing which disinfectant is most appropriate is what type of surface is going to be disinfected. Some products can leave unsightly residues while others can cause corrosive damage to certain types of surfaces over time. Ease of application and product shelf life are also important. If a product requires multiple steps, this may greatly impact staff time and resources. Additionally, some products must be mixed weekly or even daily in order to be effective. Making sure trained staff members are readily available for this is an important part of the decision-making process. Finally, like with so many things, cost will likely impact one’s decision when choosing a disinfectant. Products that contain detergents are generally more expensive; however, this can be a time saver and adds an element of convenience. Weighing the pros and cons of individual products is something that every business can’t afford not to do.

Cleaning and disinfection are important parts of protecting our furry friends. Once you have decided which products are right for your situation, it is important to create written protocols to ensure consistency and continuity among staff members. Additionally, formal training on how to use cleaning products properly and appropriately is an integral component for the success of maintaining a healthy environment when caring for our canine and feline companions. Look for strategies on picking which cleaning regimen and disinfectants are right for you and your business in the next issue!

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