No one likes a stinky pet, but sometimes our furry friends can’t help it. If your home is starting to smell like your pet, don’t despair. There are a few things that expert Australian registered dog breeders recommend to get rid of the stink and keep your home smelling fresh.
First, try to identify the source of the smell. Is it your pet’s bed? Their food bowl? Their toy box? Is it coming from your dog’s fur? Once you know where the odour is coming from, you can take steps to eliminate it.
If Your Pet Is Smelly
Pets can smell for a variety of reasons. First, in some ways, pets can sweat just like humans do, and the sweat can mix with dirt and other things on their fur to create an unpleasant odour. Second, they may not be bathed as often as we would like them to be, and the build-up of oils and dirt on their skin can also lead to bad smells. Third, they may have certain medical conditions that cause them to smell bad, such as infections or skin diseases. Finally, they may simply have bad breath due to poor dental hygiene.
There are a few things that you can do to help reduce the amount that your pet smells. First, make sure that you are regularly bathing them and brushing their teeth. You may also want to consider using a pet deodorant or perfume to help mask any odours. Finally, if your pet has a medical condition that is causing them to smell bad, make sure to take them to the vet for treatment.
If Your Pet’s Bed Is Stinky
If the smell is coming from your pet’s bed, wash it in hot water with pet-safe detergent. You may need to do this a few times to completely get rid of the odour. You can also try sprinkling baking soda on the bed and letting it sit for a few hours before vacuuming it up.
If Your Pet’s Bowl Is Smelly
If the smell is coming from your pet’s food bowl, wash it with hot, soapy water. You may need to do this a few times to completely get rid of the odour. You can also try soaking the bowl in white vinegar for a few minutes before washing it. Some people go the extra mile and use an enzymatic cleaner. This is fine, so long as you wash and dry the bowl before letting your pet use it again.
Stainless steel bowls are more resistant to odours than ceramic or plastic, so that’s the preferred material for pet bowls.
If Your Pet’s Toys Are Smelly
If the smell is coming from your pet’s toy box, wash all of the toys in hot, soapy water. Of course, this depends on the type of toy – plushies and other soft toys can be laundered, which may help keep them smelling clean. Hard toys such as bones and chew toys can be soaked in vinegar if the smell persists.
Preventing Future Stinky Pet Odours
As the saying goes, prevention is always better than a cure, and this is especially true of pet smells. A little preparation goes a long way toward keeping your home smelling fresh.
1. Clean up any accidents right away
The first step to preventing pet odours is to clean up any accidents as soon as they happen. The longer urine or faeces stays on a surface, the harder it will be to remove the odour. If possible, try to clean up accidents outdoors so you don’t have to deal with the smell inside your home.
2. Use an enzymatic cleaner on accident areas
If you can’t clean up the accident right away or if the odour is particularly strong, you may need to use an enzymatic cleaner. This type of cleaner contains enzymes that break down urine and faeces, which helps to remove the odour. You can find enzymatic cleaners at most pet stores or online.
3. Vacuum regularly and steam clean carpets and upholstery
If your home has carpeting or upholstered furniture, it’s important to vacuum and steam clean them on a regular basis. This will help to remove any dirt, dust, and hair that can contribute to pet odours. Be sure to vacuum beneath furniture and in other hard-to-reach places where dirt can accumulate.
4. Groom your pet regularly
Regular grooming is important for both cats and dogs (and even some reptiles!). Brushing or combing your pet will help to remove loose hair, which can trap dirt and odour-causing bacteria. It’s also a good idea to give your pet a bath on a regular basis using a mild shampoo designed for pets.
