Do you find your home or apartment starting to smell a little too much like your pet? It’s not uncommon for our furry friends to leave a bit of an odor around our living spaces. Return your home to its former freshness with these tips from a Floyds Knob, IN veterinarian:
Brushing
Brushing your pet on a daily basis can do wonders for cutting down on odors. Not only does brushing remove loose and dead fur from the coat, trapping it in the brush and preventing it from winding up on the furniture and carpet, it spreads essential skin oils through the fur. This moisturizes the fur naturally, effectively reducing shedding before it can even begin. Ask your vet to recommend a good brush type for your pet’s fur consistency and length.
Bathing
One of the best ways to get your pet smelling fresh again is with a bath. Always use a safe canine- or feline-formulated shampoo, as human shampoos may be too strong for your pet’s sensitive skin. If your pet is new to bath time, ask your veterinarian for a few tips on getting started.
Be careful not to bathe your pet too often—this can actually backfire by drying out the skin, leading to more shedding instead of less. Your vet can tell you just how often bathing will be appropriate.
Odor Control Products
There is a wide variety of odor-control products out there on the market made just for pets. Head to your local pet supply store to pick them up. You can also use air fresheners to get your home smelling great again, but remember: air fresheners simply mask smells for a time, allowing them to return eventually. Products like odor neutralizers actually combat the enzymes that cause odors at their root.
Clean Pet’s Items
Wash your pet’s bed and toys on a regular basis. Not only does this keep things smelling fresh, it removes dander, plaque, and other detritus that may accumulate there. If an item can’t be tossed in the washing machine, gently hand wash it with warm soap and water in the sink.
Veterinary Visit
Still unable to get your home smelling fresh again thanks to your pet’s odor? It may be time for a visit to the vet’s office. Skin conditions and other medical maladies may be the root cause! Set up an appointment with your Floyds Knob, IN vet today.
