There is sufficient evidence to show the positive effects that pets have on our health including
reducing depression, anxiety, cardiovascular disease and
increasing overall well being.
The odour caused by pets can impede on the positive relationship and health outcomes if they go unchecked.
The following methods will help to deodorise your pets, reduce household odours and may help your coexistence and relationship with your pet happier.

Without fail our dogs will find something to roll in between baths!
Dogs
A dog's paws and hair follicles create an individual scent that we detect as doggy odour. The smell can become overpowering if they have skin allergies, dental issues or if you have two or more dogs who eat each other's poo!
To deodorise in between baths
This method does not irritate the skin and is good for dogs who have dermatitis or sensitive skin. It is a great quick fix if your dog is in-between baths or has rolled in something (from experience!).
Take your dog outside as this can be messy.
Make your dog sit as it will reduce the risk of them instantly shaking.
Pour bicarb soda evenly from the back of the head down the spine towards the tail.

Sprinkle bicarb soda from the neck to tail
Have your dog stand and use your fingers to ruffle the hair to rub the bicarb soda through the coat.

Rub the bicarb soda into the coat
Leave for 15 minutes and brush out.

My dogs like to lie down so I can brush them
It is always good to check with the vet to determine if there is an underlying skin condition if your pet continues to smell.

Happy clean camping dog = happy owners!
Combat bad breath
Like humans dogs need to have their teeth brushed for good dental hygiene and to reduce bad breath.
When you dog is a puppy:
Take your finger and place in a pair of old, clean stockings and wet with water (do not use toothpaste!).
Place your finger in the puppies mouth and gently rub the gums and teeth (when they form).
Do this a few times a week or more if possible. This will allow your puppy to get used to the feeling and hopefully save you expensive vet dental bills as they age.
For older dogs:
Continue to clean the teeth and gums with an old stocking or a soft bristle toothbrush.
Check that there are no sticks, bones or food stuck between teeth. Gently remove or take your dog to a vet if it is lodged.
To prevent your dog eating each others poo
My vet suggested this trick and it works a treat if you have two or more dogs:
Cut 1 fresh pineapple into chunks (do not used canned).
Give your dog a handful once a day for 7 - 10 days.
The pineapple will change the odour and taste of the poo, making it unpalatable for your dog.

Giving the dogs fresh pineapple
Smelly ears
Check the inside of your dogs ears and take to the vet if they have brown wax, discharge or are excessively scratching their ears as this may indicate a mite, bacterial or fungal infection.
After the infection has cleared, to clean the outer ear I do the following (on my vets advice):
Place 2 tablespoons of salt into 1 cup of water and stir until dissolved.
Wet a tissue or paper towel, squeeze excess water out and lightly clean any mud or muck out of the outer ear. Do not put anything into the ear canal.
Dry the ear with a dry paper towel.
Cat Litter
For a fresher smelling cat litter box:
Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of bicarb soda onto fresh cat litter and shake so it evenly coats the litter.
Scoop the litter at least daily to remove urine and faeces.
Change the litter a few times a week, adding new bicarb soda daily.
Beds and blankets
To freshen bed:
Sprinkle bicarb soda onto pet beds.
Leave for 15 minutes and shake it off.
If the odour remains put the bedding cover on a hot cycle and add 1 tablespoon of eucalyptus oil to the wash.
Bird cage cleaner
To make a natural bird cage cleaner:
Combine 1 cup warm water, juice of 1/2 lemon and 2 tablespoons of bicarb soda.
Use a spray bottle or wet a cloth an wipe over the empty tray and cage.
Do this every time you empty the cage.
Related
#Healthy Home
#Green Living
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