Getting Rid of Pet Odors in Your Home

Have you noticed a lingering odor of dog or cat every time you enter your home? It’s not uncommon for pets to bring a bit of a smell into our living spaces every now and then. Below, a Leesburg vet offers several tips on combating the stench.

Consider the source of the odor: your pet! Proper and consistent grooming is one of the best ways keep your pet’s hygiene in top form and cut back on the odors permeating your home. Brush your pet regularly; this will remove loose hair and dead skin cells, keeping your pet clean and fresh. The occasional bath is also key. Be sure to use a dog- or cat-specific shampoo, as human shampoo may prove too strong for your pet’s sensitive skin. Also take care not to bathe too frequently, as over-bathing can actually backfire and dry out your pet’s skin, leading to excessive shedding and further odors.

It may not be glamorous or fun, but regular vacuuming is another great way to keep your home smelling fresh if you live with one or more pets who shed. Pet hair can get into everything—carpets, furniture, blankets, pillows, and more. Go through your home weekly with a vacuum to keep the pet hair to a minimum.

If you think your pet is shedding more than they should be, give your veterinarian a call. Various medical issues, including parasites and skin infections, could be causing your pet to shed excessively.

Air fresheners only mask smells, rather than eliminating them. Odor neutralizers actually target the organic compounds that cause odors, effectively banishing the source of the smell. Commercial odor neutralizers are available in pet shops and retail stores, and some are even formulated specifically to combat animal odors. If you prefer the do-it-yourself route, baking soda is a time-tested odor neutralizer that you probably already have in your kitchen cabinet.

Pet beds are often a hot zone for pesky pet odors, as they can trap loose fur, skin cells, and other detritus. Remember to give your pet’s bed a thorough washing every once in a while. Most pet beds can be run through the washing machine without fraying or coming apart.

Would you like more advice on combating pet odors in your home? Don’t hesitate to call or visit your  Leesburg veterinarian ’s office.