Having a pet is a blessing most of the time, but sometimes it feels like a curse. A puppy odour is not the best way to greet guests and what is more, homes with dogs have more bacteria than those with just human inhabitants.  On a brighter note, you need little more than good habits and common sense to get rid of odours and prevent your house from smelling like kennels. So, if you have a family member that is not exactly the embodiment of cleanliness, but more of a stinky fur ball, do not fret.

Grooming the dog

First of all, bathe your dog on a regular basis. That way, you can wash not only dirt but also remove loose hair. Note that this dead fur is the main culprit behind nasty odours, so add some good old brushing to the routine. The more hair ends up on your brush, the less will plague your furniture. The frequency of these bathroom parties depends on the type of coat the animal has and the presence of skin conditions. Brushing should ideally take place every day, while bathing can be less frequent.

Not all breeds adore water, but that should not influence your decisions. Besides, a little treat may aid you in changing the dog’s mind. You may be able to smell the difference straight away, but do not expect to do away with natural doggy smell completely. Another thing that makes a difference, though, is improving the pet diet.  Quality food improves skin health and makes the coat shinier and less stinky. If you are unsure of how to proceed, bear in mind that you can always ask a vet about these things.

Chores and scores

Fresh air is the bane of bacteria’s existence. Therefore, make sure to open the windows every now and then and air the space. Alas, this is not always an option, especially in the dead of the winter. Hence, it is a good idea to utilise an air purifier mould, allergens, dust mites, and other pollutants.  In case you need to react quickly and mask the small, air fresheners come in handy. I am not a huge fan of scented candles, but better that than the infamous doggy stench.

Furthermore, it is time to roll up the sleeves and employ a variety of cleaning techniques. As we pointed out, dog hair is the reason why your home is whiffy. That is why vacuuming frequently does the trick. And when I say frequent, I am afraid that means every day. Steam cleaning also helps to kill the extra bacteria and keeps the unpleasant smell at bay. Alternatively, you can mop with a mixture of water and white vinegar. This is a great way to deodorize your floors as vinegar has disinfectant properties.

Those who own carpets and rugs should sprinkle carpet deodorizer or use baking soda. What is more, furniture pieces like sofas and beds call for special attention. De-fur the surfaces, consider switching the fabric and change the bedding often. The pet's favourite sleeping spot is also a potential breeding ground for pesky odours. Impromptu beds are quite common, but the washing-machine-friendly ones are superior in every way. Do not overlook the toys either and send them on an occasional trip to the washing machine.

Sniff out those nuisances

People with pets have to go an extra mile in order to banish odours and keep the homes tidy. Broom-clean does not cut it. Namely, vacuuming more often is a given just like bathing and brushing your dog. Keep a close eye on fur-absorbing surfaces like carpets. These measures do not occupy that much of your time and they work like a charm in terms of dealing with hair and dog-related microbes. Maintain a clean and fresh home without bidding farewell to your beloved pet’s indoor adventures. In the process, you will also increase the quality of its life, so it is a win-win.