Controlling dog odors with everyday household products

There are many rewarding benefits that come with puppy adoption, but one excuse that many individuals use to talk themselves out of visiting a New York animal shelter is the smell. While it is true that canines will leave a unique scent behind that you can notice upon entering your home, there are still many ways to control it and leave your home smelling fresh. Here are a few tips to keep in mind that can help keep your home clean throughout the year.

1. Take care of accidents immediately. Accidents are going to happen no matter how well your dog is trained, but time is always of the essence when they occur. Some spills linger on harder surfaces like concrete, laminate and hardwood, so speed is always key. Look for disinfectants that are formulated with enzymes meant specifically for pet stains that can penetrate deep down to eat away these odors from your home's surfaces and removing any germs in the process.

2. Baking soda. Every dog owner should keep a box of baking soda around the house for a variety of uses. In addition to treating trouble spots and spills, baking soda is extremely effective in removing lingering pet odors from bedding, furniture and carpets. If your dog has a space in your home that he loves to lounge in, DogChannel.com suggests sprinkling baking soda over the area before you vacuum. After waiting 10 minutes for the material to sink in, you can vacuum the area and dramatically reduce the odors that have developed over time.

3. Air circulation. Now that it's spring, you can open up your windows and let the fresh air do its work. During other times of the year, running an air filtration system with a HEPA filter is the best choice. These devices can help to remove pet odors, dander, and other particulates from the air and leave your living spaces smelling fresh and inviting. This is far more effective than using air fresheners or fabric sprays, and eliminates the problem of stale air.

Dog odors are something that most owners will have to deal with, but it's not anything that you'll have to change your lifestyle over. Staying on top of your pet's spills, maintaining a standard of cleanliness and maintaining a well-ventilated home will help you nip those odors in the bud.