Dogs and Cats are a popular edition to a family’s surrounding.At times they can be a pest more than pet when it comes to pet odor and pet stains. We are a country of people who love to cuddle with our furry friends. Not only do they cuddle with us on the sofa to watch TV, they snuggle with us in our beds, go on long holiday trips in the car, and even sit with us at a cafe’. Although, you may love your pup like a member of the family, you probably aren’t crazy about the way he or she makes your home smell. Its a battle for sure to eliminate dog-related odors. It is entirely possible to do so with a bit of effort and strategic planning. We’ll go over a few thing that you can do to help eliminate odor and pet odor dander and hair altogether.

1. Vacuum and Mop Tiles and Hardwood Floors

First and foremost thing you need to do when trying to make your home smell better is to remove all of the loose debris your pet creates. This includes hair, dirt and also pet hair. Its amazing what our pets can track in from playing outside. At first you must lightly vacuum and mop the floors. Go slowly because, hair, dander and dust particles are very light. Sweep gently so that you don’t just end up kicking these light particles up into the air.  Instead, try to vacuum or brush delicately, and slowly gather them to the bin with a dustpan frequently.

Once everything is swept up, go back and mop all of the hard surfaces to remove any of the dust and debris you missed while sweeping.  Use something with a scent if you would like the room to have a nice smelling fragrance after you are done mopping. Try using a hard brush for fast pet hair pick up.

2. Vacuum the Carpets and Area Rugs

All carpets and rugs hold an amazing amount of hair, dust, dirt, and dander.  Its always best practice to vacuum every part of carpet; including any area rugs. Yes we all know, its so much fun vacuuming carpet but, it must be done in order to get out the odor. Once you’re done with the carpets, vacuum all of your furniture, upholstery and even curtains (be sure to get all of the cracks and crevices) and inside and outside curtains with the correct attachments.

3. Shampoo or Steam your Carpets or Upholstery

Once you’ve cleaned up all the dry material from your carpets, you’ll want to have your carpets steam cleaned.  In order to get out any odors that have become trapped in the carpet’s fibers, its going to take a deep carpet cleaning by a professional.  Of course, you can rent a machine and try it on your own but, having a professional carpet cleaning service is ideal. Make sure that they use pet-friendly chemicals before starting. You’ll want to put your dog or cats in the garage or the backyard during the carpet-cleaning process. It’s also wise to make sure your pets are clean before letting them back onto the freshly cleaned carpet. Keep a close eye on dogs who like to mark their territory during this time, as the change in carpet odor can trigger them to urinate or attempt to remark their spots.

4. Pet Odor Deodorizer

You migh notice an unpleasant odor coming from your favorite dog or cat, your first instinct may be to give them a bath.  However, if the odor is just plain ordinary pet body odor, too many baths may dry out their skin. This can cause irritation and make things quite uncomfortable . Homemade dog or cat cologne helps eliminate the pet odor problem and gets him smelling like the perfect pet again. The best ingredients for homemade dog or cat cologne are those that are natural and can benefit your pet’s skin and and not irritate them. Essential oils is how you do it. These oils have pleasant aromas to help eliminate pet odor problems all while providing aromatherapy. Not to mention, they have anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and even pest repellent qualities. Safe essential oils for your pets that help eliminate odors include eucalyptus, geranium, lavender, peppermint and orange.

To make your pet’s cologne, you will need your essential oils, water and a spray bottle. Fill the spray bottle with water and add a few drops of oil (3-6 drops). Shake the bottle immediately before application to make certain it is  mixed well. Spray on your pets’s coat and massage in. Be sure to monitor your dog or cat for any possible allergic reaction. While these oils are safe for your pet, like humans, some pets have allergic reactions to certain products. If you notice your pet itching or see skin irritation, stop using immediately and try different oils in your mixture.

5. Change Air Fresheners

You can always purchase air fresheners. These purifiers can help pull some of the dust and dander out of the air. This will help keep your home smelling better. There are a number of different air fresheners availablein your local supermarket or store. They are not costly and they can freshen entire house for a couple of euros. Although, there are expensive units that can be plugged in that pull air from very large spaces. Try to find one that specifically designed to help address pet odors problems. Also, air fresheners  can remove dirt, dust, and harmful bacteria which can in turn make pets and everyone in the house sick a lot less often.  Obviously, the higher-end purifiers will filter the most air. Always, do your homework,ma