Adopting a pet is a no-brainer for many households. Pets are a source of joy in day-to-day life, whether you live with your family or alone. Dogs and cats are America's favorite pets, and it's easy to understand why. They are companions who share your routine, play and cuddle with you when you are lonely, and bring a ton of fun to your day.
But every pet owner agrees that dogs and cats can also bring unpleasant odors into your home. If you've tried scented candles to mask the smell, you've probably realized by now that it's not as helpful as you hoped! So, here are 5 tips that can bring back a fresh-smelling interior in no time!
1. Change their food
Most dry food brands don't have a strong odor. But if your pet eats wet food, you might find it hard to manage foul smells. Some wet food brands can leave a lingering smell in the kitchen for days! So, it's a good idea to try new brands and aim for fresh alternatives, such as this brand labeled the best dog food at Walmart. Dog owners have praised the brand for its "natural" and pleasant smell.
2. Wash your dog frequently
How often should I wash my dog? The answer fully depends on your dog, its levels of activity, its coat, and cleanliness. A dog who loves playing in the mud, for instance, will need more regular baths. As a rule of thumb, you should wash your dog at least once every 2 to 3 months. This can help manage some of the unpleasant odors.
3. Cat litter issues
Most cats don't need a bath as they can wash themselves. Yet, sick cats and young kittens may need a regular bath. However, the one thing that cats can't do themselves is change their litter. When to change the cat litter depends entirely on the feline routine in your home. If you have more than one cat, you will need to change the litter more frequently, aiming for at least once a week. Some homeowners choose to add an extra room to fit their cat’s bathroom to manage the smell. However, the dirty litter's odor can travel through the house, even if you keep it out of sight.
4. Make sure to wash their beds and blankets!
Pet beds are favorable terrain for mold, dust, and parasites. Pet dander and hair can accumulate, attracting dust, dirt, and unpleasant smells. Besides, dog beds are more likely to develop bad odors if your dog often lies down when wet or sweaty. This can affect the bed in the long term. Ideally, you want to wash their beds, blankets, and soft toys at least once every trimester.
5. Carpets? You need to wash them, too
Do you have carpeted floors? Vacuuming the carpet is not enough to get rid of unpleasant smells. Carpet fibers can trap pet dandruff and hair, which can attract bacteria in the long term. Pet owners should consider washing their carpets at least twice a year to keep the home smelling fresh and clean.
Managing pet-related smells can be tricky, even when your pet is house-trained. Therefore, it's important to track these often forgotten issues that can lead to lingering odors in the household. Remember that pets are highly sensitive to artificial smells. The introduction of house fragrances can be stressful to some animals! So, it's helpful to tackle the source of the unpleasant odors rather than try to mask them!
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