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What is pet smell, exactly? -

Pets release odors through their skin, most often caused by yeast metabolizing secretions, especially skin oils.

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Dog smell -

Dog smell is a combination of natural secretions from their bodies and what they bring in from the outdoors.

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Dog smell -

Dog secretions are important, as they allow them to mark their territory and communicate with other dogs.

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Dog odors are by design -

Before dogs were domesticated, wild canines had to mark their territories, and the markings had to withstand all weather conditions.

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You'll need to clean more often than people who don't have pets -

While dog odor is genetic, it doesn't mean you must resign yourself to having an unpleasant-smelling home. You'll need to clean more frequently, including dusting and vacuuming to remove dirt, fur, and pet dander.

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Some dog smells indicate health problems -

Your dog's smell shouldn't be offensive. If you notice a foul odor coming from the face, it could be a sign of a dental, ear, or eye disease.

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Baking soda -

Baking soda is a must-have in your cleaning arsenal. It neutralizes acidic smells thanks to its alkaline chemistry.

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Carpets -

Dog odors permeate the fibers in carpets and rugs. Sprinkle baking soda over your carpets before vacuuming, or consider using a carpet shampoo designed to eliminate pet odors.

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Couches and upholstery -

Spray your couches or upholstery with equal parts vinegar and water to neutralize odors. Sprinkle baking soda over the damp areas, let sit, then vacuum thoroughly once dry. For stubborn smells, use a machine designed for upholstery cleaning.

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Leather furniture -

Leather furniture doesn't absorb dog odors as much as upholstered furniture, which is something to keep in mind if you let your dog sleep on the couch.

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Bedding -

Your dog will mark your bed with their scent glands, intentionally or not. To neutralize odors when washing your bedding, add one cup (236 ml) of white vinegar.

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Bedding -

While your bedding is in the washing machine, sprinkle baking soda on your mattress and let it sit for 15 to 30 minutes before vacuuming.

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Remove pet odors from the air -

Cleaning and dusting disturbs pet dander and fur, which releases odors into the air. These can be trapped with an air purifier fitted with a HEPA filter.

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Remove pet odors from the air -

Choose an air purifier that will be efficient for the size of the space you'll place it in. Clean the filter regularly, as failure to do so will compromise the unit's effectiveness.

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Use a diffuser -

You may wish to purchase a diffuser and fill it with essential oils to create a pleasant scent in the air. Keep an eye on your pets to ensure the fragrance doesn't irritate them.

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Get rid of dog mess smells -

If your dog has an accident in the home, you'll need to clean it up with an enzymatic cleaner that digests the molecules, rather than superficially removing the stain or masking the smell.

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Bathe and groom your dog regularly -

While bathing your dog won't rid him of his naturally produced secretions, it will help eliminate odors trapped in his coat.

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Keep up with your dog’s hygiene -

Maintain good dental hygiene with regular tooth brushing, dental cleaning, and dental chews. If your pet has skin folds, clean them with deodorizing wipes.

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Wash your dog's items -

Regularly wash your dog's belongings, including bedding, toys, and food bowls.

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Create a relaxed environment -

Stress can worsen odors and cause pets to mark their territory by peeing in the house. Ensure your pet feels safe, relaxed, and happy.

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How to get rid of wet dog smell without a bath -

Wet dog smell results from residual moisture on the skin interacting with substances produced by their glands. To prevent this, dry your dog thoroughly and quickly; once dry, the wet dog smell should dissipate.

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Increase airflow -

Opening the windows and ventilating your home is the easiest way to reduce pet odors.

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Get an odor-free litter box -

If you have a cat, purchase a box and litter specifically designed for odor control. You should also scoop daily and wash the litter box weekly.

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Groom your cat -

Long-haired cats need daily grooming to prevent knots from forming in their fur, as these knots can trap odors. Short-haired cats should be groomed once a week.

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Keep an odor-free cage -

If you have a small furry friend like a hamster or rabbit, choose an enclosure with plenty of ventilation, use absorbent litter, and scoop daily. Wash the cage and toys every week.

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Why is cat smell so hard to remove? -

Cat urine has a high concentration of urea and a unique chemical composition, resulting in a strong, unpleasant smell. If your cat pees in your home and it's not treated properly, the odor will only worsen.

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Try enzymatic cleaners -

Enzymatic cleaners break down the ammonia and bacteria in cat urine to eliminate the smell. You could also try a mix of hydrogen peroxide and water.

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Never mix hydrogen peroxide and vinegar to treat a stain -

A combination of hydrogen peroxide and vinegar creates peracetic acid, which is toxic to breathe in.

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Try placing charcoal bags around your home -

Charcoal absorbs odors and odor-causing moisture. Placing a charcoal bag in each room is the safest way to combat lingering pet smells.

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Call in the professionals -

If you've tried a combination of solutions and have no luck getting rid of pet smells in your home, it's time to call the professionals. Professional cleaners have tools and products to locate the source of pet smells and banish them for good.

Sources: (Reader's Digest) (The Spruce)

See also: Time-saving tricks for pet parents

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