10 Tips To Eliminate Dog Odor & Keep Your House Smelling Fresh
We love our dogs and all their clumsy activities but If you have ever owned a dog you know that, sometimes, these animals can give off a bad smell, especially after getting wet.
We know that it can be quite challenging, especially for those guardians who strive to offer adequate hygiene to their pets and keep the house tidied up. Many times we just get used to the odor so much we do not realize that our house smells like a dog anymore.
However, there are some very easy tricks to get rid of the odor. In this article, we are going to show you 10 ways to make the house smell fresh even with dogs.
1. Proper Household cleaning
It is necessary to pay attention to cleaning the areas where our dog spends most of their time. It is important to keep your bed, blankets, and feeding area very clean. Wash all of your dog’s utensils properly, preferably with a pleasant smelling detergent.
If your dog is used to climbing on your sofa or bed, you should also consider cleaning them. Change the sheet more often and wipe it down properly. Your dog is likely to run around your carpets. In that case, use portable carpet cleaners to clear out any dirt or debris.
2. Take Care Of Potty Problems
If your dog has a toilet area in your home, it is important that you keep it clean. Pick up the poops as soon as possible and rinse the area often with enough water.
You don’t have to use chlorine or aggressive cleaners or disinfectants, as it might irritate the dog. If you feel that the water alone cannot eliminate the odors, you can sprinkle a little baking soda on the area, let it rest for a few minutes, then wet it with a mixture of water or white vinegar, spread with an old broom and rinse with water.
3. Wash The Kennel Once A Week
If you have a kennel, try to clean it once a week or at least once every fortnight. You can as well make your own household cleaner l
Choose an empty spray bottle, mix one tablespoon of dishwashing detergent, one tablespoon of white vinegar, and fill the rest with water. Shake well and it will be ready to use. You will have a natural cleaner that is also excellent for neutralizing odors.
4. Air fresheners and air purifiers
When it comes to eliminating bad odors, you can always buy certain products from the market, such as air fresheners and air purifiers. However, the intense smell of some air fresheners can annoy your dog.
A quite effective remedy would be using something called an odor absorber. Although there are several options available on the market, baking soda is a very economical ingredient that absorb bad odors. Sprinkle the soda on the part of the house your dog usually stays and walks around and leaves it there for the whole night. It should clear away the odor.
Don't forget to vacuum it the next day and make sure your dog doesn't eat any of it accidentally. Digesting large amounts can cause gastrointestinal problems.
5. Ensure Proper Ventilation
This one is quite obvious but a lot of people forget to do it on a daily basis. Even if your house doesn’t smell you should let fresh air come in every day.
Open the windows as soon as you wake up in the morning to allow fresh air to circulate the entire room.
But remember to close all the windows while using air purifiers. They work best when everything is sealed.
6. Use Waterless Shampoos
It is not always possible to wash your dog every week but try to do it once every two weeks. To ease up the hassle you can use waterless or Dry shampoo.
And when it’s time for the actual bath you can try mixing your pet's shampoo bottle with a cup of vinegar, which, as you know, is ideal for general cleaning. Use this liquid to bathe your dog. Repeat this bath once a month.
7. Apple Cider Vinegar Works As A Odor Repellent
Apple cider vinegar works really well in eliminating odor when used to bathe your dog, but it is also useful for cleaning the home in general.
Put a little in the water to mop the floor or in the washing machine when you wash your belongings. It will help eliminate the dog's smell from your home. Be careful about the quantity. You do not want to use too much of it.
8. Use Dog Perfumes
Dog perfumes have become enormously popular in recent years, in addition, they usually have a long duration in long-haired dogs or in those that have internal fluff.
In no case should we use perfume for people, as it contains ingredients that could be bothersome and even irritating to the dog's skin. You should always buy only the ones that are specifically formulated for dogs
9. Eliminate Your Dog's Bad Breath
Normally dogs don’t tend to have constant bad breath. If it does have it then it can be a sign of tooth decay, infection, and other periodontal problems. There are specially made toothbrushes for dogs and toothpaste bars that eliminate bad breath.
You can also try a more natural way by giving the dog a little carrot or celery to eat once in a while. If the breath doesn’t get better or the dog shows signs of distress, contact a vet immediately.
10. Use Odor-Resistant Collars
Your dog’s collar may be small but using it for a prolonged time can make it smell really bad. It is best to take it off and clean it once in a while. But an even better option would be to get your dog an odor-resistant collar.
These special kinds of collars don’t allow the dog smell to get trapped in its fabric and that is why they don’t get stinky at all even after prolonged use.
Final Thoughts
Our furry fluffy buddies can sometimes get awfully stinky. But that should not get in the way of you or your dog’s fun day. Try considering these tips and take a little time off of your day to do a little cleaning. Do it routinely and you won’t have to worry about a thing. It will not only make the house smell good but keep your dog healthy as well.
