Managing Pet Odors in your Home

Do people know you have pets in your home before they even walk in? I’m not talking about the rush of dogs or the sound of barking at your entrance. Often you can smell the cat/dog before you even walk into the house. The odor of pets in a home can be the one thing your guests remember about you after they leave.

Why do dogs have odors? Dogs sweat. They are inside/outside and their paws collect odors on the pads. Dogs’ ears are filled with glands that collect wax. Tiny micro-organisms collect in the ears and can produce a stench. Dogs also mark their territory to other dogs with an odor. This odor is what stays in your home.

Eliminate Odor

There are a few simple things you can do today to minimize per odor in your home. Baking soda sprinkled on your carpet, in the cat litter box, and even on furniture can leave a fresh just cleaned smell. Add a teaspoon of baking soda and a tablespoon of white vinegar to a spray bottle filled with water. Spritz the furniture, flooring, and air in room with the mixture to neutralize and eliminate pet odor. Baking soda can also be used on animal urine to eliminate stains and smells.

Clean or change your air conditioning filters monthly. This will improve the efficiency of your unit and neutralize any airborne odors in the home. Air out your home by opening windows and doors when weather permits.

Clean Regularly

How often do you really clean the living spaces in your home? Vacuuming, mopping, and dusting weekly or bi-weekly is imperative to keep down pet dander. Use the extra nozzle on the vacuum to clean the crevices of your upholstered furniture. Wash the pet blankets and beds weekly. Do you have any old battered towels? Keep those just for pet clean up. Your dogs should be bathed weekly also. Bathing will keep their coats healthier and protect their skin from any infections. Dog grooming is a must also. Try to keep their hair cut short or brushed out. Short hair collects less dander and refuge for odors to linger. Keep a baby wipe handy for easy clean ups. Cleaning regularly the living spaces and the dog will help with allergies too.

Does your pet have toys? They need to be picked up regularly and put in an accessible basket or box for them. Show the cat or dog where they are and they will remember. If possible, throw the toys in the wash with the pet bedding once a week.

Litter Boxes

The recommended ratio is one litter box per cat. Choose one that has a cover and is large enough to accommodate your cat. It may take time to find the right kitty litter that keeps odor under control. Litter box should be scooped out daily, and more often if possible. Is your litter box in a remote area that has low traffic? Even a laundry room or clos4et may work. Add a little baking soda to the litter to assist with minimizing odors.

Our pets are family. They snuggle with us on the couch, our beds, and even go on trips with us over the holidays. We love them. Remember to be careful of using harmful chemicals or toxic chemicals around your pets. This can be poisonous to them. Use unscented or organic solutions with baking soda, vinegar or lemon around your precious babies.