Nothing jolts pet owners out off sound sleep like that heaving sound dogs and cats make right before they are about to vomit. There’s an unspoken rule that says they must do it on the carpet, not on the easily cleaned kitchen floor. Getting pet-vomit stains out of carpet can take some extra attention so it doesn’t stain.
Causes of Vomiting
For both cats and dogs, vomiting often occurs from eating too fast, overeating or eating something undesirable. Cats vomit more often from hairballs, while dogs can vomit from motion sickness, stress and worms. Both will vomit if they exercise immediately after eating or the vomiting could be the cause of more serious conditions and should be taken to a vet to be fully examined.
Cleaning Vomit
1. Scrape up the vomit. If there is a lot use paper towels and get as much solid waste up as possible.2. Sprinkle baking soda over entire stain. The baking soda will neutralize the bile that causes the yellowish stain to appear. Allow to the soda to dry completely; this could take a few hours – speed up the process by using a small fan or blow-dryer.3. Vacuum up the residue, which hopefully has absorbed the stain. If a mark still remains, use a pet-stain remover such as Nature’s Miracle Stain & Odor Remover or Melaleuca Sol-U-Mel.4. When using a liquid cleaner, pour or spray it on. Then use light-colored towels, rags or paper towels t o blot up the residue. NEVER rub it into the carpet fibers. Use the cleaner generously, and stand on the towels to press down as hard as you can, repeating until the towels come up clean.
Above steps may be used on upholstery, too. Just be careful with testing any cleaners first ensure you don’t ruin your fabric.
Treatments
Most common course of action is to withhold food and water until vomiting has stopped for 12-24 hours. Afterward, water is introduced slowly, followed by a bland diet. You can baby your pet as you a sick child and give homemade food such as boiled potatoes, rice or cooked, skinless chicken.
Hairball Remedies:1. Groom Regularly – more you remove with brushing or combing, the less that ends up in the stomach.2. Specialized “hairball formula” food – high fiber formulas designed to improve the health of the coat, minimize shedding amounts and encourage hairballs to pass through digestive system.3. Use hairball product or laxative4. Discourage excessive grooming – involve in other activities – toys/play
Learn more about pet vomit stain and odor removal at www.CarpetCleaningExcellence.com