It seems to be an unwritten rule that if your pet needs to vomit, he will do so on your carpet and not on the hard and easily cleaned kitchen floor. Knowing how to clean up dog vomit and cat vomit quickly by scraping up the vomit and using baking soda will help ensure you not only remove the vomit stains but also the foul odor that comes with it.
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Clean cat vomit from a carpet
Figuring out how to clean cat vomit from a carpet can initially feel like a daunting task. The steps for cleaning dog vomit from the carpet are the same as those for cat vomit. The first thing you want to do is scrape up as much of the vomit as possible so that you don't grind it further into the carpet fibers as you clean. The sooner you can do this the better, as the longer the vomit stays on the carpet, the more it may seep into the padding under your carpet.
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One great way to do this is to use a spoon or knife and a dustpan to get the bulk of the vomit off the floor. If you are completely grossed out by the smell, apply a scented balm under your nose to mask the odor. Consider Vicks VapoRub, menthol-based lip balm, or essential oils.
Dry out the carpet
The next thing you need to do is to soak up as much moisture from the vomit as possible. You can use paper towels or rags. Be sure to blot the carpet rather than scrub the stain into the carpet. Then, cover the stain with baking soda and allow it to sit for about 15 minutes. This will help absorb excess moisture and start to eliminate the odor from the pet vomit.
After the baking soda has had time to sit, vacuum up the powder. A wet-dry vac is ideal for this purpose. You will want to clean out the vacuum canister when you are finished to avoid lingering odors.
How to clean vomit stains
The final step is to clean the stain and remove any lingering odor. Select a cleaner designed for pet stains, ideally an enzymatic cleaner, and use it to clean your carpet. Apply the cleaner to the carpet to fully cover the stain. Some products recommend allowing the cleaner to soak in the carpet for five to 10 minutes. Follow the instructions on the product label. Then, use paper towels or a cloth to scrub out the stain and soak up the cleaner.
Make sure you keep your pet and children away from the stain until you finish cleaning and put away your cleaning supplies. Knowing how to clean dog vomit from the carpet and addressing the problem right away ensures you won't have lingering odors or stains on your carpet.
Stop pet vomiting
Some vomiting is normal in pets, so it is unlikely you will be able to stop vomiting completely. After all, cats will occasionally puke up hairballs, and dogs may throw up when they eat something they shouldn't while on their walk. However, if your pet is vomiting frequently or excessively, it is time for a trip to the vet.
Pets may vomit due to a change in diet or because they snacked on people food or grass in the yard. It is also possible they got into something toxic, such as chocolate. It could be a reaction to medications as well. Some medical conditions also cause vomiting. Some examples include heat stroke, intestinal parasites, kidney or liver failure, and pancreatitis.