Are you tired of letting pet odor wreak havoc in your home? Unfortunately, enduring stink is a major pain point for pet owners everywhere. However, with the right products, pet odor is not only manageable, but preventable, too. Keep reading for the best pet odor eliminator products that are safe to keep in your household for both you and your furry friends.
What causes pet odor?
Our beloved fur babies can’t help the fact that less-than-ideal smells are often a part of the package deal. Before we dive into the best natural pet odor eliminators, here are the most common culprits of pet odor (and how to prevent them).
Common sources of pet odor
There are many sources of pet odor, including urine, feces, dander, wet fur, health issues or a poor diet. These smells can be present on your pet, but they can also be transferred to fabrics throughout your space, causing lingering odors that can negatively impact your environment. Luckily, there are many ways to eradicate these fumes at the source and improve the smell of your home.
The science behind pet odor
In addition to understanding pet odor sources, it’s important to know why they cause unpleasant smells. Continue reading to learn more about the science behind your pet odor to help make it easier to take preventative measures.
Wet fur
When pets get wet (specifically dogs), the bacteria and yeast trapped in their fur are released through moisture evaporation. Breeds that tend to have “wrinkly” skin (like pugs, shar peis or French bulldogs) can smell extra bad due to the additional microorganisms they can carry under their skin flaps, which requires special attention and care to prevent odors from arising.
Pet waste
Feces cause unpleasant odors due to the combination of undigested food and bacteria that work to break down without oxygen. This decomposition process releases volatile organic compounds (aka, stink).
On the other hand, urine can also be a common source of odor due to the presence of ammonia, which is caused by the breakdown of urea in urine. Over time, ammonia becomes more concentrated (and more unpleasant to the senses). It’s important to promptly clean up pet waste to avoid excessive pet odor and maintain a hygienic home.
Poor diet
Just like it’s important for humans to have a proper diet, pets require proper nutrition to be at the top of their game, too. Low-quality pet food typically contains fillers and unnecessary ingredients that are hard to digest, ultimately leading to imbalances in the gut bacteria. This can be the cause of foul-smelling pet waste as well as bad pet breath.
How to prevent pet odor
For a healthy home environment, pet odor elimination is essential- not just for your safety, but also for peace of mind. The good news is that there are many ways to prevent and eliminate pet odors from becoming an issue in your household.
Maintain a clean environment
To avoid a buildup of unfavorable odor, ensure that you are cleaning up after your pet. Any accidents should be cleaned up immediately to prevent bacteria from wreaking havoc in your space. If you have a cat, make sure that their litter box is cleaned regularly to prevent any odors from invading the rest of your home. Give your dog regular baths to combat the bacteria and yeast that they naturally carry in their fur.
Feed your pets a proper diet
When choosing your pet food, opt for high-quality brands that are packed with nutrition for optimal pet health. Not only will this reduce pet odors, but your furry friend will live a healthier, happier life as well.
Use pet odor eliminator products
Although taking measures to prevent pet odors is important, sometimes, they’ll show up in your home regardless. When pet odors can’t be stopped in their tracks, there are many solutions available. Keep reading for the best pet odor eliminator products to keep your environment smelling fresh and clean.
7 Best Pet Odor Eliminator Products
Pet-Pourri Pet Odor Eliminator Candle Pawsitively Fresh
This clean and natural candle multitasks as a pet odor eliminator through Pourri’s Funk Lock Technology, scented with jasmine, fresh air and pear. It uses essential oils to eliminate 99% of odor and boosts your home environment. Pourri’s Funk Lock Technology neutralizes odor molecules to eliminate their stink while replacing odor with the smell of fresh flowers. This candle combats a wide range of pet odors, such as wet dogs, cat urine, skunk odor and gland secretion odor to keep your home smelling fresh.
Citrus Magic Pet Odor Absorbing Solid Air Freshener Fresh Citrus
Citrus Magic’s solid air freshener soaks up pet odors and naturally replaces them with the refreshing scent of citrus. Made with baking soda for extra odor-absorbing power, this unique formula works to deodorize carpets, pet beds, litter boxes, cages, musty smells and any other pet odors that may come your way.
my Bad! Pet Odor Eliminator Solid Gel Orange Blossom
This solid odor-eliminating gel instantly revitalizes any space up to 450 square feet for up to 12 weeks with a fresh, natural fragrance that neutralizes smell directly. It’s non-toxic, made in the USA, biodegradable, eco-friendly and formulated from plant-derived ingredients and high-quality essential oils.
Angry Orange Pet Odor Eliminator Concentrate Spray Fresh Orange
Angry Orange’s concentrated spray provides instant odor relief that can be used on fabric, hard surfaces, and airborne smells to combat odor at the root of the source while freshening up your space. Made with natural orange oil, this formula is free of parabens, phthalates and sulfates to naturally fight stink.
Pet Organics No Go Spray Housebreaking Aid for Cats & Dogs
Odors aren’t the only issue pet owners can face- sometimes, accidents happen. When mishaps occur, having a reliable spray is essential to prevent your furry friend from re-urinating in the same area. Pet Organics’ no-go spray has a fresh scent when initially sprayed and turns odorless when dry. This accident-deterrent is made without harsh chemicals, is safe for use on nearly all fabrics, and can even be applied to plants to keep your home accident-free.
ECOS Cat Litter Box Deodorizer Fragrance-Free
ECOS’ plant-powered cat litter box deodorizer is made with fast-acting enzymes that neutralize odors before they become an issue to keep litter fresher for longer. This foaming liquid spray safely coats litter without getting in the air or causing respiratory irritation and is pH-balanced, women-owned, and made using renewable energy without fragrance, animal testing, or animal ingredients.
Alzoo Cat Litter Box Deodorizer Granules Fresh Lavender
Alzoo’s cat litter box deodorizer granules absorb and neutralize odors to extend the life of cat litter. Made with natural ingredients, these granules effectively eliminate and prevent litter box odors for up to one month, even for multi-cat households.
