Pet odor occurs due to inadequate or improper grooming. Regular bathing with special shampoos can solve this problem. However, frequent bathing is difficult. Alternatively, there are methods that allow your pet to smell pleasant without daily bathing.
Baby wipes
You should bathe your dog with a special shampoo at least once or twice every two weeks. This shampoo will remove accumulated dust, dirt, and dead skin cells from the dog's coat. It's recommended to finish the wash with conditioner—it will add shine and a pleasant scent.
Not all pets require a bath a few times a month. Wet wipes, a complement to the shower, can help eliminate odor.
Washing a dog, especially a large breed, is difficult. Minor dirt from the coat and paws can easily be removed with baby wipes. Alcohol-free products are recommended. Their use is also recommended for visiting dog shows and other pets.
You can buy special wet wipes for dogs at pet stores. They are fragrance-free and hypoallergenic. They are made of a dense, soft material and are impregnated with water and plant extracts.
Using baby or special wipes for animals, you can care for your pet's fur, eyes, ears, and paws.
Cornstarch
A replacement for frequent bathing is hygienic procedures with cornstarch. Dry washing with this natural product will not dry out the skin and will effectively eliminate odor.
To clean wool you will need:
- bowl;
- soda - ½ cup;
- corn starch - ¼ cup;
- rice flour - ¼ cup;
- container with a lid;
- lemon essential oil (a few drops);
- dog brush.
Dry cleaning is carried out step by step:
- In a bowl, mix the baking soda with starch and rice flour.
- Pour the dry mixture into a jar and add a small amount of essential oil. Seal the jar and shake to infuse the lemon scent. Thanks to the aromatic oil, this natural dry shampoo will effectively eliminate unpleasant odor from your pet's coat and repel fleas and ticks.
- Sprinkle the contents of the jar over the animal. Avoid using the powder near the ears, eyes, and nose. Rub it thoroughly into the fur and leave it on for 15-20 minutes. If the odor is strong, leave the powder on for 1 hour.
- Using a brush, remove dry shampoo that has absorbed unpleasant odors and dirt. This process is performed from top to bottom, starting at the neck.
Dry cleaning is best done outdoors to avoid littering the house. Starch-based products should not be used if the dog has skin irritations.
Wool powder
For dry washing, it's preferable to use a ready-made product rather than a homemade one. Specialized powders sold in pet stores not only remove dirt and odor from the coat but also improve its quality. They are hypoallergenic and suitable for puppies.
Store-bought dry shampoo with deodorant for dogs is scented talc. It's sold in round plastic jars with holes of varying sizes for dispensing the powder.
Sprinkle powdered shampoo generously over dry fur, avoiding contact with eyes, nose, and ears. After a while, comb out the talc.
Washing the bedding
Regularly cleaning the bedding will help solve the problem, as the fabric deeply absorbs odor. It should be washed regularly with detergent or laundry soap. The detergent should be hypoallergenic to avoid unpleasant consequences.
Chlorine-containing products will also help combat stains on a dog's bed.
Dog cleaning
Cleansing removes dust, dirt, and dandruff from the skin and fur. This procedure protects the skin from disease. Cleansing increases blood flow and improves metabolism.
You should brush your dog once a day or more often if needed. This will require a set of brushes and combs appropriate for your specific breed.
Comb the fur in the direction of its growth, starting from the head and ending at the limbs and tail. If necessary, carefully trim away any mats. Then brush the fur in the same manner.
Wipe your pet's eyes with a cloth soaked in water. Clean the ears with a cotton ball, which can be dipped in almond oil. Clean teeth with a special toothpaste to remove plaque. It's also important to thoroughly clean your pet's paw pads and trim their nails carefully.
Proper nutrition
A dog's unpleasant odor is sometimes caused by digestive problems. This can be caused by a lack of feeding schedule, eating fish, or eating treats from the owner's table.
Don't feed your pet raw meat, as this can lead to helminthiasis. Avoid giving your dog spicy or salty foods. We recommend including the following in your dog's diet:
- porridges on water (wheat, buckwheat, rice)
- boiled meat
- boiled vegetables (cabbage, carrots, zucchini, pumpkin)
- chopped herbs (dill, parsley) added to porridge or soup.
The menu should be well-thought-out, balanced, and rich in proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and vitamins. It's advisable to consult a veterinarian. They can advise you on the proper nutrition for your pet, taking into account its breed and age.
You can get rid of unpleasant odor emanating from your dog's coat not only by regularly bathing your pet with special shampoos, but also by brushing their coat and using wet wipes and dry cleaning powders. Washing their bedding and adjusting their diet can also help.
