Wysiwash vs. Traditional Bleach: Why Wysiwash is the Superior Choice for Kennels
Introduction
When it comes to maintaining a clean and safe environment in dog kennels, the choice of disinfectant plays a critical role. For years, bleach has been the go-to solution for many kennel owners and veterinary professionals. However, as the industry evolves and more advanced products become available, it’s important to reassess traditional practices. One such product that has revolutionized kennel sanitation is Wysiwash. In this comprehensive blog post, we will explore the differences between Wysiwash and traditional bleach, and explain why Wysiwash is the superior choice for kennels from a veterinary medical perspective.
Understanding the Basics: Wysiwash and Bleach
What is Wysiwash?
Wysiwash is an innovative disinfecting system that combines a chlorine-based sanitizer with a simple, easy-to-use delivery method. It uses a hose-end applicator to mix water with solid chlorine tablets, creating a potent sanitizing solution that is highly effective against a wide range of pathogens. Wysiwash is designed specifically for use in environments where hygiene is paramount, such as dog kennels, veterinary clinics, and animal shelters.
What is Traditional Bleach?
Bleach, or sodium hypochlorite, has long been a staple in cleaning and disinfection. It is a powerful oxidizing agent that is effective at killing bacteria, viruses, and fungi. However, bleach is also known for its harshness, potential to cause irritation, and the need for careful handling and dilution to avoid harm to both humans and animals.
Wysiwash vs. Bleach for Kennels: A Veterinary Perspective
Effectiveness Against Pathogens
Both Wysiwash and bleach are effective disinfectants, but Wysiwash offers several advantages in terms of safety and ease of use.
Wysiwash: Wysiwash is highly effective against a broad spectrum of pathogens, including parvovirus, distemper, kennel cough, and other infectious diseases commonly found in kennels. It kills these pathogens quickly and efficiently, ensuring that surfaces are thoroughly sanitized.
Bleach: Bleach is also effective against many pathogens, including parvovirus. However, its effectiveness depends on proper dilution and contact time, which can be challenging to achieve consistently in a busy kennel environment.
Safety for Animals and Humans
Safety is a paramount concern in any kennel or veterinary setting. Here’s how Wysiwash and bleach compare:
Wysiwash: Wysiwash is formulated to be safe for use around animals and humans. It does not leave harmful residues that could irritate the skin, eyes, or respiratory system. Additionally, the solution produced by Wysiwash is mild enough to be used regularly without posing a risk to the animals or staff.
Bleach: Bleach, while effective, can be harsh and potentially harmful if not handled properly. It can cause skin irritation, respiratory issues, and even chemical burns if used in high concentrations. Moreover, bleach requires thorough rinsing to remove any harmful residues, which can be time-consuming and labor-intensive.
Ease of Use
In a busy kennel environment, the ease of use of a disinfectant can make a significant difference in maintaining consistent sanitation practices.
Wysiwash: Wysiwash is designed for simplicity. The hose-end applicator automatically mixes the correct concentration of sanitizer with water, eliminating the need for manual mixing or measuring. This ensures consistent and effective disinfection with minimal effort, allowing staff to focus on animal care rather than complicated cleaning protocols.
Bleach: Using bleach requires careful dilution and application. The concentration must be measured accurately to ensure effectiveness while avoiding harmful overuse. Additionally, bleach solutions must be prepared fresh daily, as they lose potency over time. This process can be cumbersome and prone to errors, especially in a high-pressure environment.
Environmental Impact
The environmental impact of cleaning products is an important consideration, especially for facilities that are committed to sustainability.
Wysiwash: Wysiwash is environmentally friendly. The chlorine tablets dissolve completely, leaving no harmful byproducts. Additionally, the system’s efficient use of water and chemicals reduces waste, making it a more sustainable choice for long-term use.
Bleach: Bleach can have a negative impact on the environment if not disposed of properly. It can contribute to water pollution and harm aquatic life if it enters waterways. The need for frequent preparation and rinsing also increases water and chemical usage, making it less eco-friendly.
Real-World Example: Willow Grove Kennels
Willow Grove Kennels, a reputable breeding facility in the Northeast, made the switch from bleach to Wysiwash two years ago. Before the switch, the staff struggled with the harshness of bleach and the time-consuming process of ensuring proper dilution and rinsing. They also noticed that some dogs were experiencing mild skin irritation after coming into contact with recently cleaned surfaces.
Since adopting Wysiwash, Willow Grove Kennels has seen significant improvements. The cleaning process is quicker and more efficient, and the staff no longer worries about the potential for harmful residues. The incidence of skin irritation among the dogs has decreased, and the kennel has maintained a spotless health record.
"Wysiwash has been a game-changer for us," says Dr. James Holloway, the facility’s on-site veterinarian. "We’ve reduced the time spent on cleaning, improved the safety of our environment, and continued to protect our dogs from disease. It’s the best decision we’ve made for our sanitation practices."
Q&A Section
Q: How does Wysiwash compare to bleach in terms of effectiveness?
A: Both Wysiwash and bleach are effective disinfectants, but Wysiwash offers the added benefits of safety, ease of use, and environmental friendliness. Wysiwash is designed to be just as potent as bleach against pathogens like parvovirus but without the associated risks of irritation and harmful residues.
Q: Is Wysiwash safer than bleach for use around puppies?
A: Yes, Wysiwash is safer than bleach for use around puppies. It does not leave harmful residues that could cause irritation or harm to young, vulnerable animals. This makes Wysiwash an excellent choice for breeding facilities and kennels that care for puppies.
Q: Can Wysiwash be used on all kennel surfaces?
A: Wysiwash is safe to use on a wide range of surfaces commonly found in kennels, including concrete, metal, and plastic. It is versatile and effective, making it suitable for use throughout the facility.
Q: Does Wysiwash require any special equipment?
A: Wysiwash is designed to be easy to use with minimal equipment. The system connects directly to a standard garden hose, and the applicator automatically mixes the correct concentration of sanitizer. This eliminates the need for additional pumps or mixers.
Q: How often should Wysiwash be used in a kennel?
A: The frequency of use depends on the specific needs of your facility. During periods of high risk, such as an outbreak of disease, daily use is recommended. For routine maintenance, using Wysiwash several times a week should suffice to keep the environment clean and safe.
FAQ Section
What makes Wysiwash different from bleach for kennel cleaning?
Wysiwash offers several advantages over bleach, including greater safety, ease of use, and environmental sustainability. Unlike bleach, which requires careful handling and thorough rinsing, Wysiwash is simple to use and leaves no harmful residues.
Is Wysiwash more cost-effective than bleach?
Yes, Wysiwash can be more cost-effective than bleach in the long run. The solid chlorine tablets last for several uses, and the efficiency of the system reduces labor costs associated with cleaning. Additionally, the reduced need for rinsing saves water and time.
Can Wysiwash be used in outdoor kennels?
Yes, Wysiwash is highly versatile and can be used both indoors and outdoors. Its powerful formula ensures that even outdoor kennels, which may be exposed to more pathogens, remain sanitary.
Where can I purchase Wysiwash?
Wysiwash is available through various veterinary supply stores, pet care retailers, and directly from specialized suppliers like K9Reproduction.com. They offer competitive pricing and excellent customer service.
Conclusion
When it comes to kennel sanitation, the choice between Wysiwash and traditional bleach is clear. Wysiwash offers superior safety, ease of use, and effectiveness, making it the ideal choice for maintaining a clean and healthy environment for dogs. Whether you run a large breeding facility or a small veterinary clinic, Wysiwash provides the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re using the best product available for the job.
For more information on Wysiwash and to explore their range of products, visit K9Reproduction.com.
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