Everyone loves pets, they are adorable and cute to have. But let’s be real, sometimes, these pets can stink real bad. Is it a dog or a cat? Whatever pet it is, there are always prone to smelling bad. With time, you might get used to the smell, but what happens when you have guests over? It wouldn’t be a good idea to have the house smelling that way now, would it?

Luckily, there are a number of ways that you can get rid of pet odour from your home. Don’t worry; you wouldn’t have to get rid of your pet to achieve this. Let’s look at some of the reasons why you would need to neutralize the pet odour.

Reasons for neutralizing pet odour

Although your pets odour may not bother you, it is a good idea to do something about it, before it embarrasses you. You may even need to consider it more if you live in a rental. You may end up without a security deposit when you decide to leave the apartment. It might just be that your landlord may change the carpets or refurbish the apartment just to expunge the odour. In situations like this, you may end up paying for the repairs. It is therefore very important to take care of your pets, especially when you’re in a rental.

Another reason why it would be a good idea to care for your pets is for the protection of yours and the pet’s health. You would also want to consider the people living under the same roof as you when you’re putting health into consideration. Sources of pet odour, such as urine and dander are detrimental to health; it is an asthma trigger. You might also get other serious allergies when you leave your pet all smelly and dirty.

There’s also the fact that your pets odour would instantly repel visitors. You do not want to live this way. Neutralizing the pet odour before it gets worse, is, therefore, the best thing to do.

What are the commons sources of the pet odour?

There are a lot of sources from which the pet odour can come from. These sources would determine the method you use in neutralizing the smell.

One of the major causes of lingering odour is an accident. Younger pets like kittens and puppies that have not yet been trained to use the litter box may end up doing one out, in a very inconvenient spot. The cat urine, for instance, has a very strong smell which can be pretty difficult to remove, especially from hard fabrics like the furniture or carpet. Also, if male pets are not neutered, chances are that it might just spray on a spot to mark its territory. This act of territory marking can also leave a very daunting odour in your home.

Where your pet is house trained, there could also be the issue of smell, if the pet isn’t properly groomed. This issue applies more to pet owners who take their pets outdoors; the pets play and get their coats dirty. Of course, when the pets get back, they rub off their dirt on the carpets and furniture. Bathing and grooming your pets is one of the surest ways of getting rid of the odour.

What ways can you get rid of pet odour?

There are a couple of ways to get rid of your pets odour, but it has to be systematic.

Determining the source of the smell

The first thing you should do when tackling pet smells is to figure out the source. You’ll know how to face the problem when you know its source. Don’t just go to the supermarket getting any product, you’d first have to know what you’re dealing with.

If it is just the urine or the soiling that is the cause of the smell, it may be very obvious. There are products that are perfect for neutralizing the smell and similar odour. The best way to start tackling the problem, however, is with natural solutions.

Baking Soda

A natural ingredient like baking soda is a good neutralizer of pet odour. The plus for you is that you don’t have to buy it, because you may have it in your pantry. Baking soda has the ability to absorb odour from fabrics. Also, it is a very common practice for people to leave an open box of baking soda in the fridge to kill the smell.

To use baking soda, the ideal thing to do is to sprinkle little amounts of it on the soiled area. Let the baking soda sit on the spot for 30 minutes before cleaning it up with a vacuum. If its a very strong odour, you might as well let the baking soda sit overnight. Just make sure that kids and pets don’t go near the spot.

Vinegar

Another neutralizer is apple cider vinegar. It is a useful remedy for getting rid of pet odour that tends to linger. Vinegar is also another ideal solution for odours on carpets and furniture.

Mix the vinegar with 1/3 water in a spray bottle then spray the mixture on the spots. You can also spray the mixture on the pet’s bed. When you’re done spraying, wait for a while then clean up the residual liquids with a clean towel. Allow it to air dry for some time then take it back in.

How do you prevent future odour?

While knowing how to get rid of pet odour is good, avoiding it altogether is preferable. Also, once you get rid of the odor in the first place, these steps are also handy in preventing it from coming back.

If you have a dog bed, it is very vital that you wash it regularly. This chore is commonly overlooked but is a source of pet odour. Washing your pet’s bed is a sure way of cutting down the smell.

Properly bath and groom your pet, and on a regular basis too. If you can’t do it on your own, you can hire professional services. For pets with longer coats, they need more frequent grooming than pets with shorter coats. An exception, of course, is the indoor cat; they tend to groom themselves really well.

If your pet is constantly urinating and “marking territories,” then it might be a good time to see the vet. Sometimes these things could lead to health issues.

Having a pet is bliss, but being unable to contain its odour can be a very discouraging thing. For one, it makes you not want to play with your pet, and it drives away visitors. You can still play with your pets and have visitors over, just follow the steps above and you’re good.