Anyone who has pets knows they’re more than just animals—they’re family. And just like with any family member, when they’re sick, it impacts everyone in the house. Recently, our sweet pet Leela went through a tough time after contracting a parasite. While we’re relieved she’s now recovering, the experience left us with quite a mess—literally.
Dealing with a pet who’s sick in your home isn’t just emotionally stressful; it can be a logistical nightmare. Between frequent accidents, odors, and the worry about spreading contamination, we had to act quickly and carefully. In this post, we’ll walk you through how we managed to contain the situation, clean and disinfect our home, and restore peace (and freshness) to our space.
Step One: Containing the Mess
The first and most important thing we did was contain the mess. Early on, we realized that letting Leela roam the entire house would not only spread the contamination but also make cleanup nearly impossible. So, we made the decision to confine her to one area of the home.
We chose a section of our house with hard flooring—no carpet, minimal fabric, and easy access to the outdoors. For us, that meant the laundry room and a connected mudroom. We added:
- Puppy pads across the floor
- A few washable, waterproof blankets
- Leela’s bed (which we covered with a washable cover)
- A small baby gate to keep her contained without feeling closed off
This was a game changer. Not only did it reduce stress for us, knowing we wouldn’t find new messes in random rooms, but it also allowed us to focus our cleaning efforts in a single area.
Step Two: The Cleaning Process
Despite our best containment efforts, accidents still happened—on the floor, in corners, and sometimes on soft surfaces we didn’t expect. Here’s how we tackled the cleanup.
1. Solid Waste Cleanup
For any solid waste, we started with disposable gloves and paper towels to carefully remove the mess. We used doggy waste bags to dispose of everything safely, tying them tightly and placing them in an outdoor garbage bin immediately to keep odors at bay.
Pro tip: If you’re dealing with any sort of parasite, it’s important to treat the waste as hazardous, especially if you have kids or other pets. Parasites can spread through feces, so avoid handling anything bare-handed.
2. Cleaning Hard Surfaces
We were lucky that most of the affected area had tile flooring. Our go-to method for hard surface cleanup included:
- Initial wipe down with paper towels and warm, soapy water
- Disinfection using Rescue Disinfectant (this is a veterinary-grade cleaner safe for pets that kills viruses, bacteria, and parasites)
- Final rinse with clean water and a mop
For more stubborn stains or spots, we also used Nature’s Miracle Hard Floor Cleaner, which is enzymatic and great for organic messes.
3. Cleaning Soft Surfaces
Soft surfaces like blankets and beds were another story. Anything machine-washable went into the washer immediately using:
- Hot water cycle
- Pet-safe detergent (we used Seventh Generation Free & Clear)
- White vinegar added to the rinse cycle for deodorizing
For items that couldn’t be machine-washed, we used Rocco & Roxie’s Professional Strength Stain & Odor Eliminator, which is enzymatic and safe for use on fabric, carpet, and upholstery. It did a fantastic job breaking down both the stains and the lingering odors.
Step Three: Deodorizing the House
Even after cleaning up visible messes, we noticed a lingering “sick animal” smell that just wouldn’t go away. Parasites like giardia or coccidia can cause particularly foul-smelling waste, and unfortunately, the scent tends to hang around.
Here’s what we used to tackle the odor:
1. Enzyme Cleaners
As mentioned above, Rocco & Roxie’s enzyme spray was our go-to for fabrics and even some spots on the wall where spray or splatter had occurred. Enzymatic cleaners are essential because they break down the organic matter causing the odor rather than just masking it.
2. White Vinegar + Baking Soda
For any lingering smell in the air or on harder-to-clean surfaces, we used a vinegar and water spray (equal parts) and lightly misted it over the floors and walls. In some areas, we followed it with a light sprinkle of baking soda, which we let sit for a few hours before vacuuming.
3. Air Purifiers
We also ran an air purifier with a HEPA and carbon filter in Leela’s room and nearby living spaces. This helped clear airborne particles and neutralize lingering smells.
4. Open Windows and Fresh Air
Sometimes, the best remedy is the simplest: fresh air. We kept windows open as much as the weather allowed and used fans to keep air circulating.
Final Thoughts: A Little Patience and a Lot of Elbow Grease
Dealing with a sick pet is tough enough emotionally without the added burden of cleaning up constant messes. But creating a containment zone, using the right cleaning products, and being proactive about disinfection and deodorizing made all the difference for us.
Here’s a quick list of the products that really helped:
- Rescue Disinfectant – for floors and surfaces
- Nature’s Miracle Hard Floor Cleaner
- Rocco & Roxie Stain & Odor Eliminator – for soft surfaces and lingering smells
- Seventh Generation Free & Clear Detergent
- White vinegar & baking soda – natural and effective deodorizing
- HEPA air purifier – for odor and air quality
Most importantly, we gave ourselves grace. The house didn’t smell perfect overnight, and Leela didn’t recover immediately. But by taking small, consistent steps, we restored our space and supported Leela in her recovery.
Now that Leela is on the mend, we’re all breathing a little easier—literally and figuratively.
Verity Cleaning Company 
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