Pets give their owners love and cheer up. But how unpleasant when the smell of an animal hits the nose right from the doorstep. Guests are ashamed to invite. Fortunately, you can completely get rid of the smell of a dog in the house if you start to properly care for your pet. And to deal with puddles on carpets, sofas will help cleaning products from pet stores and folk methods. We will tell you how to maintain cleanliness and freshness in the apartment, despite the presence of a four-legged friend.
Tip 1. Wash your dog regularly.
There are separate breeds of dogs that smell stronger than others. These are, in particular, German shepherds, English bulldogs, Pekingese, Yorkshire terriers, pugs, sharpei, St. Bernards. They should be washed at least once every 2 weeks. Representatives of other breeds are enough to bathe once a month.
If you ignore this rule, a persistent dog smell will appear in the house. Dog's sebaceous glands secrete fat, which attracts dust and promotes the growth of microbes.
The same shampoos are not suitable for washing a dog as for a person. Pet skin has a different pH. The use of conventional means leads to the following consequences:
- increased activity of the sebaceous glands;
- irritation of the skin;
- fragility and hair loss;
- the appearance of a pungent dog smell.
Suitable shampoos for dogs
For shampoo for the dog will have to go to the pet store. We advise you to pay attention to the following brands that have positive reviews:
PhytoElite
This budget shampoo is produced by the Russian company Veda LLC. She offers lines for shorthair, wire-haired, furry dogs. The shampoo contains nettle extract and coniferous paste, which have an antibacterial effect. Coconut oil softens the skin of the pet.
Espree
Shampoo is produced by an American company, which positions itself as a manufacturer of environmentally friendly and safe products for pets. The composition of the product contains only natural components:
- coconut base - cleanses the skin of dirt and grease;
- aloe vera and jojoba oil - moisturize;
- panthenol, vitamins A, D, E - soften and nourish the coat;
- salicylic acid - inhibits the activity of microbes.
Shampoo is suitable for adult dogs and puppies. Its only negative is the high price.
Hartz
Hartz is another US-based pet products company. Her shampoos belong to the middle price segment. The products have a balanced pH, contain emollients. Differ in economical expense.
Wash your pet in warm water, starting from the head and gradually moving towards the tail. Do not forget to thoroughly rinse the shampoo from the wool. After bathing, thoroughly wipe the dog with a microfiber towel.
Tip 2. Take good care of your dog.
The most common cause of a dog’s bad smell is laziness of the owners. So that the pet does not stink, you need to take care of it regularly and correctly.
- Walk your dog more often
Most pets can endure to the toilet for 10-12 hours, so it’s enough to take them out 2 times a day: morning and evening. But if the dog has stress or some health problems, the number of walks will have to be increased to 3-4.
- Put your pet in order after the street
After the street, it is enough to wash the dog's paws and the area under the tail (especially if the breed is long-haired). Use warm water without detergents.
You can purchase deodorant sprays for dog hair care at the pet store. For example, Beaphar contains jojoba oil, which absorbs excess sebum.
- Do not let the dog stay wet
In summer, some dogs enjoy splashing around on the banks of ponds and even in puddles. The wool is impregnated with dirty water and becomes a favorable environment for the reproduction of microbes. If you ignore the problem, a dog smell will appear in the house.
Dry your dog as soon as possible with a hairdryer, choosing the function of cold drying, or a towel. Better wash your pet with shampoo.
- Regularly carry out hygiene procedures
Comb your dog at least once every 3 days. This simple procedure allows you to remove the undercoat, in which moisture accumulates and microbes multiply. Regularly brush your ears, nails, and eyes.
Bad breath can come from the dog’s mouth. Every 2 days, brush your pet's teeth using a special paste from a pet store (for example, Trixie, Cliny, Brighton) and a children's toothbrush. Also, toothpicks and chewing snacks for dogs will help get rid of bacterial plaque.
- Show the dog to the vet
Do you properly and regularly look after the dog, but does it still smell bad? Perhaps the cause is illness. An unpleasant odor may appear due to the following ailments:
- worm infections;
- blockages of the paraanal glands;
- otitis media;
- diseases of the digestive tract, liver, kidneys;
- viral or bacterial infection;
- malignant neoplasms.
Usually, a sick dog’s appetite deteriorates, urination becomes more frequent, lethargy or irritability appear. In such cases, it should be shown to the veterinarian.
Once every 12 months, the dog needs to be taken for a routine inspection.
Tip 3. Review your pet's diet
Surely you used to notice that acne and greasy shine appear on a person’s face from improper nutrition, hair becomes brittle, and digestion becomes sluggish. Something similar happens with a dog that is fed “junk” food. For example, cheap food or scarce gruel. With this diet, the dog sweats harder and often emits fetid gases.
What foods should be included in a healthy dog diet?
- 50% - meat and offal;
- 30% - sour milk;
- 20% - vegetables and fruits (cucumbers, carrots, bell peppers, pumpkin, apples, bananas are suitable).
Every day, the menu must be changed so that the dog's body receives the maximum of vitamins and minerals. If you intend to give your pet industrial feed, choose premium and super-premium product lines.
The dog should not be given bones, food from the table (especially fried and smoked), sweets, alcohol, citrus fruits, onions and garlic.
Tip 4. Clean the apartment more often
The dust in the house absorbs the smell of dog. Therefore, the apartment in which the dog lives has to be cleaned often.
Once every 2 days (preferably daily), you need to carry out the following activities:
- vacuum the floor, carpets;
- wipe the furniture with a damp cloth;
- remove dog hair with a stiff brush.
Once a week, wet cleaning is required in the apartment. It is advisable to wash the floors with warm water and odor control (for example, Pchelodar ZooStirka, Natures Miracle 8 in 1). From home remedies suitable laundry soap, vinegar, essential oils of citrus, tea tree or lavender.
Do not use chlorine-based wet cleaning products. Chlorine emits corrosive fumes that are harmful to the health of people and pets living in the apartment.
Do not forget to regularly ventilate the room so that it does not accumulate dog smell. If you have a sensitive sense of smell, buy an air ionizer. This device generates negatively charged oxygen ions, which create a feeling of purity and freshness. In addition, the ionizer destroys the bacteria, viruses and fungi in the home.
Tip 5. Learn how to remove urine stains
Alas, none of the dog owners is safe from puddles on the floor and wet spots on upholstered furniture. If you find a problem, you need to act as soon as possible. Older traces of urine have a persistent odor that only intensifies over time.
To remove a wet stain from a carpet or upholstery, first of all try to “stretch” the moisture with paper towels. But do not rub the dirt on the surface. Then use a cleaner that masks or breaks down the smell of urine. The most effective ones are listed in the table below.
Table 1. Professional and folk remedies for stains and odors of urine
Name | Benefits | How to use |
---|---|---|
Spray Stain Remover | The basis is spores of rod-shaped bacteria (safe for humans and animals), which break down the organic compounds of urine. | Spray the spray over a spot of urine and leave for 15–20 minutes. Then clean the area with a damp cloth. |
Natures Miracle 8 in 1 Solution | It contains a disinfecting component - alcohol, as well as natural enzymes that destroy the smell of urine at the molecular level. | Apply the solution to the stain and rub with a hard sponge. Leave for 5 minutes, and if the pollution is old - for 1 hour. Rinse off with a damp cloth. |
Spray Urine OFF Dog | It consists of bacteria and enzymes that eat urine crystals. It has an antimicrobial effect. | Spray the spray over the stain and leave for half an hour. Then rub the place of contamination and rinse off with a damp cloth. |
Vinegar | It well masks the smell of dog urine, launders fresh spots. | Dilute with water in a ratio of 1: 1 and apply to the stain. After 10-15 minutes, pull out part of the product with paper towels, and then wipe the area with a damp cloth. |
Citrus Essential Oils | Mask the smell of urine, disinfect the surface. | Wash the contaminated area with soap and wipe with a damp cloth. Add 10 drops of essential oil to a spray bottle with water and shake well. Spray liquid over the stain. |
Baking soda + hydrogen peroxide | Partially split urine components. | Sprinkle abundantly with soda, pour hydrogen peroxide on top. Leave the product for 8 hours, then rinse. |
Tip 6. Find and eliminate the reason why the dog spoils the house.
Dogs rarely crap in the home due to lack of education or harm. Typically, this behavior serves as a "wake-up call" for the owner.
Why can a dog relieve itself on the floor, carpet or upholstered furniture?
- Overexcitation of the psyche
Perhaps the dog is excited about the move, furniture rearrangement in the apartment, the scandal, the departure of some family member. Even outdoor games can lead to emotional tension and accidental relief of need in the wrong place.
- Lack of patience
In the hot season, dogs drink more water. Therefore, they need frequent walks on the street. Hypothermia can also lead to rapid urination.
- Age
As a rule, after 7-8 years, the muscles of the urethra and sphincter are weakened in dogs. This leads to leakage of urine.
- Disease
A dog can often urinate due to cystitis, urolithiasis, pyometers and even spinal injuries. If proper care and a healthy diet do not help solve the toilet issue, show the pet to the veterinarian.
So, to get rid of the smell of a dog, you have to overcome laziness and carelessness. More often to clean the house, to properly feed, wash, clean and comb out the pet. Fortunately, special products (sprays, deodorants, solutions) are sold in pet stores now that facilitate cleaning tasks and help get rid of a dog’s specific smell almost instantly.
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