Keeping Your Home Free of Dog Odors

Have you noticed a particular smell wafting into your nostrils when you enter your living room? It’s not uncommon for our canine companions to leave a bit of a smell around our homes after a while. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to keep your home—and your dog—smelling great! Learn more here from a Pickerington, OH veterinarian.

Grooming Tips

You’ll be amazed at what regular grooming can do to keep your dog and your home smelling fresh. Brush your pet every day—brushing both traps loose fur in the brush itself, stopping hair from falling all over your furniture and carpets, and spreads essential skin oils through the coat to moisturize it, ultimately cutting back on shedding initially. The occasional bath is another great option, and will leave your dog smelling fresh and clean for days afterward. Always use a canine-formulated shampoo, and be careful not to bathe too often. A dog who is bathed too frequently can actually experience a dried-out coat, resulting in irritated skin and further shedding.

Odor Neutralizers

If you’re using air fresheners to return your home to its former freshness, you may not be using the most effective product. Air fresheners simply mask smells, ultimately allowing them to return once the freshening smell wears off. Odor neutralizer products, though, combat the enzymes that cause odors at the root! Browse the selection at your local pet supply store—there are products made to combat pet stains and odors from urine, fecal matter, vomit, and much more.

Clean the Hotspots

When was the last time you washed your dog’s bed or blankets? Items like these tend to collect pet dander, hair, and grime, and can easily get a bit smelly. Toss your dog’s bed, blankets, and toys in the washing machine now and again to keep things fresh. You can even try sprinkling baking soda over the bed, then vacuuming it off before giving it back to your pet, in order to soak up remnant odors.

See Your Vet

Have you noticed a particularly strong odor coming from your dog? Has your dog suddenly started smelling bad when they didn’t before? In these cases, it’s time to see the vet. Medical issues like skin infection, parasitic infestation, and more could be the cause of the odor! Does your dog need a veterinary exam? Schedule an appointment with your Pickerington, OH vet clinic.