What are the Best Pet Odor Eliminators?

Do you love your pet dearly but dread the smells they keep leaving behind? Pet odors are quite normal in a house but there are different ways for you to keep them under control. Some stenches could be a sign of a health problem with your furry companion. For everything else, we’ll help you find the best odor eliminator on the market. 

Best Pet Odor Eliminators

Where Does Pet Odor Come From?

Pet odor is something relatively common in a household with pets. Sometimes, these odors come from the animals themselves, but there are other sources that you need to look into if you sense a foul smell inside your house. 

• Urine & Feces

First and foremost, check to see if there are signs of urine or feces throughout the house. Whether you have a parrot, a rabbit, a cat, a dog, a chinchilla, or whatever other pet, make sure to check for urine spots or other excrements. They are usually the number one source of pet odor.

• Cages & Litter Boxes

With cats, you need to clean their litter box frequently. The same goes for animals that usually stay in cages, such as hamsters or rabbits. 

The bacterial breakdown of urea, which results in the production of ammonia and is the source of the stench produced by a litter box, is the offender responsible for this odor. The amount of urea that is present in cat pee is unusually high, and it is at its peak in the urine of intact male cats.

• Bad Breath

A tooth infection, advanced plaque, or even an abscess can all cause horrible breath. This can also be an indication of other dental problems. If you notice a stench, the dental condition has likely progressed to a more serious level; therefore, you should get your pet to the veterinarian as soon as possible so that they can diagnose and treat it. 

Odors coming from the mouth are sometimes indicators of more significant problems going on internally, such as issues with the kidneys or liver, as well as problems with the lungs or the digestive tract. A blood test can assist in determining the cause of the issue so that it can be addressed appropriately.

• Unhealthy Pets

Healthy pets often do not have a disagreeable odor. However, unhealthy pets frequently do. This indicates that medical therapy can help resolve a variety of smells. An unpleasant odor coming from a pet is almost always the result of bacteria and yeast breaking down secretions, particularly oils from the skin. 

The biggest concentration of yeast and bacteria and the most pungent odor are found in areas of the body that contain wet and dark skin, such as under the nail, ears, or mouth. Even healthy pets have yeast and bacteria living on their skin, but a good skin condition will keep the number of these organisms to a minimal. 

Yeast and bacteria are always present on the skin of pets. Pets that are elderly, sick, or otherwise compromised in some way have less healthy skin and a higher population of yeast and germs. The stench becomes more pungent as the population grows.

• Flatulence

Unlike humans, dogs and cats are much less likely to experience gas than people. Even when animals do pass gas, it is typically odorless; therefore, it is important not to disregard odors associated with gas. 

What is the most prevalent cause of flatulence in pets? Issues with one’s diet. Stop giving your animal leftovers from the table, especially fatty foods or dairy goods because many animals have lactose intolerance. 

Food intended for humans should never be given to animals because it might cause obesity, bad breath, and a host of other undesirable side effects. In addition to diarrhea and other gastrointestinal issues, foul-smelling gas may be another symptom caused by certain types of internal parasites, such as worms and giardia.

You might want to read this: How to Pet-Proof Your Bedroom

Types of Pet Odor Eliminators

• Spot Cleaners

Spot cleaners are the most frequent kind, and they are often available in spray bottles that are simple to use. These items are designed to eliminate odors and stains in general. 

To apply them, simply spray the product straight onto the stain, wait a few moments while the solution works, and then blot the area with a paper towel. 

This type is both quick and simple to use, but you should give some thought to the kinds of surfaces you intend to apply it to beforehand. Check to determine if the product you’re considering buying contains peroxide if you’re concerned about bleaching fabrics.

One type of spot cleaning that is very efficient incorporates enzymatic bacteria. These bacteria feed on the organic compounds that are present in spots, so they eliminate stains and odors at a more fundamental level.

• Gel-Based Cleaners

Gel-based products are yet another important category. These items function as air fresheners, improving scents even though they do not work on stains or directly target the source of odors. These items are intended to be used for at least a couple of weeks, and their fragrances may be extremely potent.

• Charcoal Purifiers

Charcoal and its derivatives are used to filter the air by absorbing contaminants from the surrounding environment. Charcoal is a substance that has a high porosity and may therefore absorb compounds that cause odor. 

Placing a charcoal purifier in the open air and basking it in the sun will allow it to regain its purifying abilities. 

When exposed to light, charcoal will expel the particles that it has gathered. In light of this fact, charcoal purifiers ought to be stored in a dark location while in operation. As a result, they won’t function properly in cars or anywhere else where there is a lot of sunlight.

• Crystal Odor Removers

Crystal odor removers work best in environments that are wet and prone to mildew growth. These crystals have a unique structure that allows them to draw moisture out of the air, which enables them to inhibit the growth of mold. It’s possible that these treatments are less efficient against some pet odors and that they don’t function as well in dry conditions.

You might be interested: How to Stop Your Dog from Sleeping in Bed with You

What to Look for in Pet Odor Eliminator 

Ingredients

A particular formula may use a different set of active components to fuel its ability to combat stains and odors. Some of these products rely on chemicals that are deemed to be reasonably harmless to do the task, while others are non-toxic and are therefore safe to use around children and animals. 

Certain formulae are believed to be entirely organic. If you are concerned about your pet marking its territory again, you may want to look for a solution that contains an ingredient that not only removes ammonia odors but also discourages your pet from committing the same act; citrus scents appear to be particularly effective in this regard.

Surface Size

You have several application methods to select from, and the one you go with will depend on the size of the space to be treated. A ready-to-spray product may be your best option for removing stubborn stains quickly and easily. 

If you have a larger area then it’s a good idea to buy a larger product container. You can also go with a concentrated solution that requires it to be diluted in water. 

Application

You should look for a formula that is designed specifically for the many kinds of surfaces that you need to treat (could be anything from carpets to mattresses). If you wish to avoid unintended bleaching, many formulations are available that do not contain chlorine; however, you should verify this information before purchasing a solution.

Tips for Managing Pet Odor in Your Home

Even though you may consider your fur baby to be a member of the family, the odor that he or she leaves behind in the house is certainly not something that you find particularly appealing. 

Even though getting rid of smells caused by pets can be difficult at times, it is fully possible to accomplish it with a little bit of effort and some strategic thinking.

• Frequently sweep and mop the floors throughout the house.
• Use a steam mop for your carpets and upholstery. 
• Wash your dog or cat’s bed.
• Open windows and let fresh air inside the house as often as you can. 
• Considering using an air purifier. 
• Brush your cat and dog every day to avoid leaving pet hair all over the place. 
• Always clean your pet’s bowl when they’re done eating.
• Don’t leave pet food lying around the house. 
• Vacuum or remove pet hair whenever you can.

In the End

Pet odor eliminators do a great job of bringing a fresh scent to your home but they won’t be very efficient if you haven’t cleaned the cat litter box in 5 days. Remember that if you want to get rid of pet odors as much as possible, caring for other things is also important and even the best pet odor eliminator can’t do miracles. 

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Frequently Asked Questions