Natural Ways to Remove Pet Odors
Our pets bring joy and happiness into our lives by the bucketload, but unfortunately, this is sometimes accompanied by some distinctly unpleasant aromas!
Pet odors can be remarkably persistent and intense, lingering on clothes and furniture even after your pet has left the room. Many variables impact the presence of odors and their intensity, from dog breeds to health issues, but regardless of the cause, they aren’t something you are doomed to live with. You don’t need to use harsh, toxic cleaners or synthetic fragrances in order to cover up smells. Instead, there are many natural ways to remove pet odors, including stopping them at the source! Here are some of our top tips to remove pet odors so you can get back to cuddle time.
Importance of Grooming for Odor Control
A dirty, unmaintained dog is a smelly dog. Regular grooming plays a crucial role in controlling and minimizing unpleasant odors that can linger on your pet and in your home. Even if your dog has a short, low-maintenance coat, neglecting the grooming schedule can soon lead to unpleasant odors due to oil buildup, dead hair, and dirt (not to mention anything they’ve tracked in on their paws).
A good starting point to naturally remove pet odors is to brush the coat two or three times a week. By brushing your pet regularly, you remove loose fur and dander, which are major contributors to persistent pet smells. This simple yet effective routine not only keeps your pet's coat healthy but also prevents the accumulation of odor-causing particles in your home.
Top tip – If possible, groom your pet outside or use a dog grooming mat to catch any dirt, fur, and dander that falls from the coat. If your pet is more comfortable being groomed on the couch or a carpeted area, place a towel underneath them to keep your furniture clean.
A proper grooming routine is essential to control pet odor.
Natural Pet Care Products
When tackling unwanted pet odors, it can be tempting to bathe your dog more frequently to try to get on top of the issue. However, bathing your dog too frequently can strip the skin and coat of natural oils required to keep it healthy. While bathing is important, it’s essential to go about it strategically while avoiding shampoos laden with toxic ingredients, which can actually make the smell worse.
There are two reasons for this – firstly, artificial fragrances only temporarily mask your pet’s natural odor, and any effect will wear off rapidly. In addition, harsh pet coat care products often contain ingredients that can disrupt the balance of bacteria and yeast on the skin, leading to an increase in unpleasant aromas.
Hidden ‘nasties’ often found in commercial pet care products include synthetic fragrances, sulfates, parabens, silicones, and phthalates. If you want to uncover the reality of what is in your pet’s coat care products, check out our guide to the most toxic ingredients in dog shampoo. These ingredients not only fail when it comes to solving pet odor problems but can also be very detrimental to the health of your pets.
On the flip side, natural, organic pet shampoos have a gentle cleansing effect on the coat, helping to moisturize the skin and restore the natural balance of oils. By utilizing organic compounds with natural deodorizing properties, odors are eliminated rather than just covered up. Bathing your pet with products made from organic ingredients helps to remove dirt and bacteria that can accumulate on the fur and skin, leading to a long-lasting, fresh, and natural aroma. Doglyness products do not strip away the natural oils, instead removing dirt and build-up while infusing the coat with nourishment.
In addition, keeping your pet’s coat in top condition not only reduces odors but can also cut down on how often they need to be bathed. Opt for a nourishing natural conditioner that strengthens follicles and moisturizes the skin, reducing hair loss and dander. In between baths, regular grooming with an organic conditioning spray keeps your pet’s coat fresh, clean, and delightfully odor-free.
Always use natural pet care products that don't just mask odors with synthetic fragrance.
Daily Habits to Keep Your Home Fresh
Pets are an integral part of our lives, but that doesn’t mean their odor has to be! If you feel self-conscious about that distinctive doggy aroma in your home, follow these tips to learn how to get rid of dog smells naturally.
Regular vacuuming
You may not always be able to see it, but pets constantly shed dander and fur as they move around your home. This natural process can be kept in check with regular grooming and bathing, but some shedding around the home is inevitable. And, when dander and fur accumulate on your furniture, the unmistakable odor starts to develop.
To reduce pet odors in the home, vacuum regularly to remove hair and dander from carpets and furniture. In high-traffic areas such as where your pets sleep or like to hang out with their favorite humans, this may be necessary daily. Remember to empty your vacuum regularly; otherwise, it can become an additional source of unwanted aromas.
Washing pet bedding
Pet bedding is a key contributor to unpleasant odors in the home due to a buildup of saliva, sweat, bacteria, dander, oils, and loose hair. This distinctive musty smell is transferred to your pet whenever they spend time on their bed – which, for some laid-back or senior animals, can be a large portion of the day!
Launder pet bedding weekly to eliminate accumulated odors and bacteria. If possible, air-dry bedding in direct sunlight after washing to remove any lingering smells. Bedding that cannot be washed should be scrubbed with a pet-safe detergent.
Proper ventilation
Adequate ventilation in the home is essential to remove stale air and lingering odors. When the weather permits, open windows, and doors to encourage fresh air to circulate through your home. If there is a risk of escape, utilize child gates or door or window screens to keep your pets safe and secure.
Natural Ways to Remove Pet Odors
Living with pets brings joy and companionship, but it can also come with the challenge of managing unwanted odors in your home. Fortunately, there are several natural ways to remove pet odors without resorting to harsh ingredients. Each of these methods helps eliminate rather than mask odors, creating a healthier and more pleasant living environment for both you and your furry companions:
Here are some great natural ways to remove pet odors.
- Baking Soda
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a powerful and natural odor neutralizer, particularly when used on carpets and soft furnishings. Sprinkle baking soda on carpets, furniture, pet bedding, and any other surfaces where odors are present. Let it sit for a few hours or overnight to allow it to absorb the odors, then vacuum or wipe away.
- Vinegar
Vinegar not only neutralizes odors but also kills bacteria, making it a great pet-safe alternative to cleaning products laden with synthetic toxic ingredients. A mix of equal parts water and white vinegar is particularly effective for cleaning pet-related spots such as urine stains or soiled areas. Bowls of white vinegar can also be placed in rooms where pet odors are a problem, helping to absorb and neutralize airborne aromas.
- Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is highly porous and can absorb odors and impurities. Place the charcoal in a small fabric bag – a sock works well – and hang it near areas where your pets like to hang out. Please note that while activated charcoal is not toxic to pets, it should be placed out of reach to prevent ingestion.
- DIY Herbal Pet Sprays and Sachets
The natural scent of herbs is a great way to freshen the air in your home and neutralize unpleasant pet odors. Dried herbs can be used to fill fabric sachets, or create a homemade spray by adding a couple of drops of essential oils to water. Remember to keep these sprays away from pets, as some essential oils are toxic to animals, and the strong scent can be overwhelming.
Importance of Choosing Pet-Safe Products
It can be tempting to go overboard with household cleaning products to remove unpleasant odors caused by pets. But have you considered what impact some of these powerful detergents and disinfectants might be having on your pet? Many cleaning agents contain toxic ingredients that can irritate your pet’s skin and respiratory system, and the artificial fragrances used can be overwhelming to your dog’s sensitive sense of smell.
When selecting household cleaning products, look for lines labeled as pet-safe and eco-friendly with third-party validation of their claims. These can be used to keep your home clean and odor-free without posing a risk to your pets. If in doubt, consult your local veterinary clinic for recommendations.
Many homeowners are now switching to homemade cleaning formulations as a non-toxic alternative to commercial cleaning products. White vinegar, baking soda, and natural citrus extracts are all highly effective at cutting through dirt and grime, but remember to test them on an inconspicuous area first. A drop or two of your favorite essential oils can be added to homemade cleaning solutions to create a pleasant aroma, but remember to check that they are pet-safe.
Recapping Removing Pet Odors Naturally
Unpleasant odors are not necessarily a fact of life for animal lovers, and just a little extra care and maintenance is sufficient to create a sweet-smelling and pet-friendly living space. Regular brushing and bathing with natural coat care products will minimize shedding and keep your pet smelling as fresh as a daisy. In addition, keeping your pet’s living areas clean reduces bacterial buildup and makes lingering odors a thing of the past.
By using natural ways to remove pet odors we can demonstrate our commitment to a pet-friendly and sustainable lifestyle, creating a clean, welcoming, and harmonious living space for the whole family to enjoy.
