Our dogs may be our best friends, but that goodwill doesn’t always extend to the way they smell. Maybe you don’t notice it so much any more, but you can bet that your house guests do! Here are some ways you can make sure that your home smells fresh and pet odor free.
Why do dogs smell?
Dogs have a natural odor that is produced through glands in their paws, nose, and ears. This is then transferred via sweat onto carpets, floors and furniture. They also produce natural secretions to mark territory and allow themselves to be recognisable to other dogs. Finally, dogs produce a natural waxy substance in their ears that can smell unpleasant to humans.
There is nothing you could or should do to control the way your pet smells, unless it is particularly offensive, in which case it could be the sign of an infection. However, it is natural and healthy for a dog to emit a certain amount of odor.
How can you eliminate pet odors?
There are plenty of ways you can live with dogs and still keep your house smelling pleasant. The first is to simply clean it on a regular basis! Vacuuming carpets and soft furnishings often will prevent the build up of shed hair and spores that can lead to mites and allergens building up.
Wash hard flooring with a suitable cleaner at least once a week to remove the build up of sweat and dirt from paws. Any machine washable textiles should be washed regularly and any non-removable soft furnishings should be gently brushed and treated with a fabric freshener (but check the manufacturer’s instructions first).
Alternatively, baking soda can be sprinkled on fabrics and carpets as it has natural odor-absorbing properties. It won’t eliminate the smell entirely but it should help to dampen down mild to moderate odors. Leave it to work for a few hours before vacuuming it up.
Pay particular attention to the areas where your dog spends most of their time, such as their bed or favorite armchair. Wash all their personal bedding and blankets frequently. If their bed is stained and smelly beyond redemption, it might be time to invest in a new washable pet bed!
Open the windows and doors of your house as often as possible to change the stale air and get some circulation going. Air purifiers and filters can also help to freshen the air.
Eliminate odors rather than just masking them
It may be tempting to fill your house with scented candles or essential oil diffusers to mask the smell, but this will just create a stale and unappealing scent over time as the pet odor mingles with the fragrance. Some air fresheners also contain harsh chemicals that may be harmful to your pet.
Instead, look for a pet safe scent diffuser that contains organic compounds and will not be a danger to health. These products not only smell pleasant, but also contain active odor neutralising ingredients that will leave your home fresh and fragrant.
