Problem With Dog Smell? - 5 Ways to Minimize Odor From Your Pooch

Problem With Dog Smell? - 5 Ways to Minimize Odor From Your Pooch

If you're not careful, your dog can announce it's presence with a smell at your door before your guests even lay eyes on it. If having your home make a good impression is important to you despite living with and loving a dog, here are 5 steps you can take to make sure your home will smell inviting all the time.

Crate Train---If your pooch is making mistakes in the house, this is the way to go. If you have never used this method for house breaking, it may seem like it's not a very nice way to treat a dog…..putting it in a cage. Actually dogs feel very safe and secure there, and it is a place that they are unlikely to soil.

You will need to be there to let them out periodically so that they do not make mistakes in the crate. First stop out of the crate should be outside so they connect elimination with outside only. Positively reward them with praise and a treat once they eliminate appropriately outside. Make this a pattern and your pooch will catch on quickly.

Expand Boundaries Gradually---Once your dog is reliable in the crate, expand the areas where he/she is allowed to go. Our crate was kept in the kitchen so that even though confined they were still in an area where we spent most of our time. Putting the crate in a place where they still feel a part of things is important. A strong bond will make them want to please you, and you to please them (spoil them maybe?).

Clean Regularly---Living with a dog means more cleaning if you want your house to continue to look fresh and inviting. Vacuum to take out excess hair and dander. If possible use a cleaner that has a filter that keeps particles from escaping back into the air.

Since mites feed on dander (dead skin flakes), it's important to keep their numbers low by washing their bedding weekly. They are killed by sunlight. The sun can deliver a double blow with light and heat. The light kills them and the heat will dry up their water source;a double whammy.

Neutralize and eliminate spots where mistakes occur. And if you have carpet, have it professionally cleaned once your dog becomes reliable. Area rugs are a good idea and should be washed frequently.

Regular Baths---Some of the odor that you may smell is not urine odor. Dog-lovers know it as a salty dog smell, or just plain doggy smell. Don't freak out, but some of us pet-lovers find it strangely comforting. But since friends, family, and other guests who visit don't have the same emotional ties to your pet, they probably won't be able to ignore a smell that's less than fresh.

This odor often results from the oil produced by the sebaceous glands. It's natural and is a part of living with an animal. But you can reduce this by adopting a regular schedule of baths. Get recommendations from your vet that are specific to your dog in terms of products and frequency of baths.

Filter The Air---Using a heavy-duty air cleaner to get rid of doggy smell, urine odor, hair, and the invisible dander will keep your home smelling fresh regardless of what has happened with your pooch while you were away.

The cleaner should have a carbon enhanced filter for eliminating the ammonia that off-gases from urine. The carbon will also take out that doggy smell as well. A HEPA or high efficiency particle arresting filter is essential for removal of airborne particulates that are invisible such as dander, and airborne bacteria and viruses that are.3 microns or greater.

It is essential that the unit have pre-filters to take the visible particles in the air such as hair and fur. And even though the pollutants from your pooch may be your main concern, these filters will take out normal household pollutants and allergens as well.