Natural & Safe Pet Deodorizing Sprays: What to Look for and What to Avoid

Homes that have pets inside sometimes stink, which makes them really unappealing. People hesitate to visit such homes because of the pet’s urine smell lingering in the entire home all the time. It is really annoying, especially for a hygienic person. If someone owns a pet, especially a dog, it becomes mandatory for that person to keep their home free of bad odors. Since many pet owners keep their pets clean most of the time, they also use deodorizers that help them eliminate bad odors from pets and every spot inside their homes. Are Pet Deodorizing Sprays Really Helpful?  Again, having pets at home is fun, but some challenges also come with them. Pets can never be completely trained like humans to go to the toilet to relieve themselves. What they can do maximum is urinating or defecating in a specific spot of a home. Pet owners have to clean that spot often to deal with them. Some places can be washed, and some need to be spot-treated. Places that need spot treatment require pet deodorizing sprays. How Do Pet Deodorizers Work? They break down the pet’s poo and urine enzymes to neutralize the odor. When you pour or spray them on the waste spot, the chemical sits on it for some hours. Then it breaks down the waste’s enzymes to remove bad odor coming from the waste. Whether it is urine, poo, or vomit, the smell starts to diminish. However, some people use natural ingredients, and some use branded deodorizers.  What is a Natural Odor Eliminator for Pets? People who choose natural ingredients often use either apple cider vinegar with water or just baking soda. Vinegar and water’s mixture helps in deep cleaning because it penetrates the fabric to eliminate bad odor. While baking soda sits on the urinated spot to absorb the waste and bad smell completely. However, one has to wait for around 24 hours to remove baking soda with a vacuum cleaner. This method works on carpets, sofas, beds, and various fabric surfaces.  Essential Oils That Replace Bad Odor with Pleasant Smell People do not only want to neutralize bad odor; they also want to replace it with a pleasant smell. In this case, they use safe pet deodorizing sprays, which contain essential oils mostly. These essential oils are not only natural and safe, but also leave a calming fragrance in the home. Then there is no bad odor of pet urine that is stuck inside the home.  All it needs is a combination of essential oil and fractionated coconut oil. Then the bad smell goes away, and comes a refreshing one that keeps the environment positive. Here are some oils that you can use with fractionated coconut oil by taking a few drops, depending on the quantity you need. -Lavender -Ginger -Chamomile -Rosemary -Bergamot What is the Best Ingredient to Eliminate Dog Odor? Usually, people go for cost-effective and quick solutions. Baking soda, apple cider vinegar, and even hydrogen peroxide can eliminate a dog’s odor. You can make a mixture of vinegar and water or vinegar and hydrogen peroxide for spot cleaning. Just make a mixture by taking equal parts of water and vinegar, and spray it on the contaminated area. Otherwise, just sprinkle some baking soda that can cover the contaminated spot for hours.    What Do Veterinarians Use to Get Rid of Strong Urine Smell? They use enzymatic cleaners known as pet deodorizing sprays. There are various brands available in the market, which meet veterinarians’ requirements. Likewise, they also prescribe such deodorizers to pet owners to keep the pets free of bad odors. Usually, veterinarians procure such pet deodorizers in bulk for their clinics or hospitals. That’s why sometimes it is hard to know the brand’s name. However, there are plenty of good options available in the market that contain safe chemicals to eliminate bad odor. Can Vinegar or Bleach Remove the Urine Odor of a Pet? Only vinegar can remove the smell of urine from a fabric or a floor. Bleach can kill bacteria, but the smell may still exist for hours. Usually, a mixture of vinegar and water is a home-based solution for that. Some people use baking soda to pour on the urinated spot. If one doesn’t know where the pet has urinated exactly, a vinegar and water spray can work better. You can spray the mixture on the entire area where you suspect the urine, vomit, or poo exists. Ingredients to Avoid in Homemade Pet Deodorizing Sprays People who use homemade pet deodorizers should know about the ingredients they use. Some ingredients can trigger pets and could annoy some dogs and cats with aggressive natures. Making a mixture at home with essential oils requires a safe selection. Choosing some strong-odor oils will not be a good idea at all. So, avoid some essential oils like the ones below.  -Citrus -Clove -Eucalyptus -Peppermint  -Tea tree -Alcohol -Ylang-ylang How to Get Rid of Urine Smell in a Dog Kennel? If the kennel needs a complete wash, use pet-safe detergent to wash it first. Then, you can spray pet deodorizer in it to remove any bad odor of urine or poo. If the kennel doesn’t need washing, you can spray deodorizer, whether it is a branded or a home-based one. Spray and leave it for a few hours to finally wipe the wet layer from it. You can also air dry the kennel after spraying it because the smell will be neutralized by the deodorizer.  Ingredients to Avoid in Branded Sprays If you don’t have time for a homemade deodorizer, there are plenty of good options on the market. You can find lots of efficient pet deodorizers in different brands. What you need to do is read their labels and look at the ingredients. Just make sure they don’t contain any harmful chemicals that are mentioned below.  -Parabens -Volatile organic compounds/benzene/artificial fragrance -Alcohol -Phthalates  -Formaldehyde  -Siloxanes What Do Pet Groomers Use That Smells Pet So Good? They use pet-safe shampoos and conditioners. Also, some veterinarians use finishing sprays that add fragrance without causing any harm to the pet’s coat. Besides, the deodorizers they use contain essential oils for a safe fragrance on the coat. Lots of pet grooming products are available in the market, like shampoos, deodorizers, wipes, and conditioners. You can find them easily available for safe pet grooming at home.   What To Spray on a Smelly Dog or The Dog That Smells Often? First of all, make sure your dog gets a routine bath. Also, look at the underlying problem that is causing a bad smell often in a dog’s coat. It could be bacteria or fungus, too. If the dog has nothing like that, and he still smells a lot, use a deodorizer then. There are two ways to eliminate that bad smell from the dog. You can either use a homemade pet odor deodorizer or find one available in the market. You can make a infusion of apple cider vinegar and water in an equal ratio. Fill it into a sprayer, and spray it on the dog. It will be safe for the dog's coat and also stomach. Otherwise, a branded deodorizer with safe ingredients in it will also work well.  Make sure you don’t use a mixture of essential oil and fractionated coconut oil on a dog’s coat. That mixture will be suitable only for air or fabric deodorizing purposes.  How Can One Stop Their House Smelling Like Dog Urine? Just keep the house clean through routine mopping. Besides, frequently wash fabrics like carpets, sofa covers, and bedsheets if your dog often lies on them. Dogs often spread the smell in the entire home by lying in different areas of the home. Since one can’t wash all the fabrics daily, enzymatic cleaners can deodorize the home.  There are various options that you can use. Either spray a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water or just pour baking soda on smelly places. You can also find pet deodorizers that contain safe ingredients to spray inside the home. Even a mixture of essential oils and fractionated coconut oil can keep the fabrics smelling good.  The most important thing is maintaining hygiene and the frequent use of pet deodorizing spray that contains safe ingredients.    Signs a Pet is Having Problems with Pet Deodorizing Spray  You need to make sure the pet is not facing any health problems because of pet deodorizers. Some ingredients can trigger pets because of their harsh smell and nature. You can notice some signs your pet shows right after you spray the fabric, the pet’s coat, or the entire room.   -The pet leaves the room as soon as you spray it. -It makes your pet feel like vomiting. -The pet may start suffering from respiratory problems. -You may even notice dizziness and lethargy in the pet.  -Discharge from the pet’s eyes and nose -The pet starts to cough or sneeze suddenly.  -A pet could even start drooling in some cases. Conclusion Owning a pet at home requires timely care and maintenance of both the pet and its belongings. Not doing that leads to stinky pets and even the entire home. No one can bear those smells of pet urine, poo, and vomit at all, and guests won’t bear even for a second. That’s why pet owners have to use products like pet deodorizing sprays to neutralize the stinky smell in pets. Besides giving scheduled baths and home cleaning, people have to use safe deodorizers to get rid of the stinky smell without harming pets. Some use homemade mixtures, and some go for branded pet deodorizer sprays.  

After leaving your furry animal with the groomer and picking them up hours later, something amazing seems to happen. Their coat is nicer, smoother, and smells like heaven. You may be wondering which special products professional groomers use to achieve such amazing results. The solution can be custom-formula pet shampoos, which most grooming professionals consider their secret weapon. What Makes Custom Formula Shampoos Different? When entering any pet shop, there will be several types of dog shampoos available. All of them guarantee cleaning your pet and making it smell new. Why is custom formula shampoo special? The disparity is not that complicated. The ordinary pet shampoo is designed for an average pet with average needs. Custom formulas, in contrast, are designed by using certain ingredients combined to solve given problems or produce given results. Think of it like cooking. Anyone can purchase a readymade sauce at the shop; however, a cook who makes his own ingredients is free to change the taste to the required level. The same applies to custom pet shampoos. Instead, groomers can select ingredients that suit individual coat types, skin, and breeds. Reasons Professional Groomers Like Them Professional groomers come across dozens of dogs and cats in a week. The animals have various needs as they walk through their door. Some have dry, flaky skin. There are those with greasy skin who are full of dirt. There are breeds with thick coats and others with fine and silky hair. It is not only that one kind of shampoo for all pets is not effective. Groomers have the flexibility they need with custom-formula shampoos. They can develop or select formulae aimed at specific problems. A curly-haired poodle does not require the same attention as a golden retriever in a water-resistant coat. Custom formulas enable groomers to select the product based on the pet, rather than make the pet fit a ready product on the market. The Building Blocks of Custom Formulas. All custom pet shampoos begin with a base. This foundation is typically a mild cleaning product that gets off the dirt and ensures the skin is not too dry. There, groomers or manufacturers add certain ingredients into the same, depending on the outcome they want to attain. Olive oil or aloe Vera can be a great source for a moisturizing formula. They help calm parched skin and make the coat softer.  There are custom formulas that focus on a coat's color. Whitening formula helps maintain pets' bright color and removes yellowing. Dark-colored pet formulae give black or brown fur a deeper, darker color. Managing Skin Issues Directly Most pets are also suffering from skin problems. The common issues that cannot always be addressed by regular shampoos are allergies, hot spots, dryness, and sensitivity. Groomers have a wide range of formulas with ingredients that are individually selected to either keep irritated skin calm or cure certain conditions. Custom formulas are hypoallergenic and contain mild and natural ingredients. Drug preparations may contain agents that fight bacteria or fungi. Many anti-itch formulations are soothing and offer immediate relief. Groomers can match the formula to the problem to achieve better results more quickly. The Science of Improved Results One does not just put together custom formulas anyhow. They are premised on knowledge of various ingredients and how they interact with different types of coats and skin conditions. The pH level is well adjusted. The pH of dog and cat skin differs from that of human skin; therefore, pet-made shampoos are not effective on humans. The active ingredients are concentration sensitive. Less than that, and it will not be an effective product. Excessive ones may lead to annoyance. Custom formulas are between ingredients that match each other and may not cause any issues. Custom shampoos in professional-grade products are tested and refined to deliver consistent results. Breed-Specific Benefits The grooming requirements of different dog and cat breeds vary. Those breeds with wire coats require products that retain their texture. Long-haired breeds require additional detangling assistance. Sensitive-skinned breeds like the short-haired variety require a mild formula that won't react. The requirements of these breeds can be customized with specific formulas. What would fit a silky-coated Yorkshire terrier badly would work badly in a wire-haired terrier. Groomers who understand such differences and apply the correct custom formulas are successful, and clients become repeat customers. Cost Versus Value Custom formula shampoos are typically priced higher than standard pet shampoos. Other individuals ask themselves whether it is worth it. A professional groomer would say yes. The products are more efficient, so fewer products are required per bath. They also perform better, which makes customers satisfied and helps them develop a good name. Most custom formulas are concentrated, so a little goes a long way. Although the initial purchasing cost can be quite high, the price per bath can turn out to be quite affordable. And the time saved in the application of first-time work products multiplies very fast in a busy grooming salon. Finding the Right Formula Professional groomers do not use a single custom formula for all pets. The majority of them have various formulas ready to use in many cases. They examine each pet separately, analyzing its coat type, state of the skin, age, and any particular issues that the owner raises. Professional grooming is what makes the difference between generic and custom-made bathing routines. It requires expertise, experience, and the appropriate instruments. One of these tools, which assists groomers in providing superior care, is the custom formula shampoos. The Results Speak for Themselves The quality of custom formulas' efficiency is evidenced in the findings. Grooming leaves the pets with healthier, softer, and better-looking coats. Applying the correct formulas can improve skin problems. Colors appear more vibrant. The mats and tangles will be easier to deal with. Pet owners notice these differences. They believe the people they love the most, find attractive, and look their best. That is why it makes sense to invest in professional grooming, and why custom-formula shampoos have become a major part of it. The Future of Pet Care As the variety of individuals treating their pets like own family increases, demand for extremely good grooming products is growing. Custom formula shampoos are a shift towards more customized, powerful puppy care. They reveal that universal solution cannot be relevant throughout the board. By adopting these high-tech products, professional groomers become more interested in the unique needs of each animal. This knowledge, plus the appropriate tool, equates to the most positive end result in pets and their owners. FAQs Q: Is it possible to use a custom formula pet shampoo at home? A: There are many professional-grade custom formulas available for purchase, but to get it right, it’s better to consult your groomer about your pet’s specific needs. Q: What is the frequency of bathing pets using custom formula shampoo? A: Bathing should generally be done every 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the breed, lifestyle, and skin condition of each pet; however, your groomer can recommend a specific schedule for your pet. Q: Can puppies and kittens use custom formula shampoos? A: Yes, young pets have special custom-made formulas designed for their delicate skin, but it's always wise to check or ask your groomer to use age-appropriate products.

Many pet owners like to keep their pets clean with scheduled body and oral care. They use products like anti-plaque toys, brushes, and even toothpastes to keep the pets safe. Although pets don’t need oral care since they have a high metabolism to fight oral bacteria, some pet owners prefer to use toothpastes suitable for pets. The only reason they use those pet toothpastes is they do not want bad breath and bacteria in their pets’ mouths.  Some pets may get infections, which could lead to lethal outcomes. These are rare cases, and veterinarians prescribe oral products to treat them. However, some pet toothpastes contain harmful ingredients that could be lethal for pets. Pet owners and even retailers must be careful when purchasing pet toothpastes. So, here is a list of toxic ingredients for pets, and everyone can avoid them with the help of this list.   Fluoride We all have heard about the use of fluoride in toothpaste for the fast removal of plaque. Do they really benefit in that way? Well, fluoride is neither safe for humans nor animals. When buying pet toothpastes, you must ensure they don’t contain fluoride. It can demineralize tooth enamel, whether it is for pets or humans. Since pets can’t spit, they will probably swallow fluoride. Pets can’t gargle their mouths to wash away the remaining fluoride left by the toothpaste in their mouths. Fluoride can leave spots on teeth since it demineralizes them.  How Toxic is Fluoride to Pets? If pets swallow the toothpaste, it can cause diarrhea, seizures, and vomiting. Fluoride can also cause gastrointestinal distress and the risk of skeletal fluorosis, which could be fatal if high quantities are swallowed by pets. Pet owners should avoid pet toothpastes that contain fluoride.  SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate)   Then the second ingredient you should avoid is SLS. It is sodium lauryl sulfate, which is a foaming agent. Many products contain it, and it is common in toothpastes. Since pets don’t know how to spit, they will probably swallow it. Once SLS enters the stomach, it will cause distress in the gastrointestinal system. Since humans can gargle their mouths to get rid of SLS, pets can’t do the same. So, you must ensure this chemical is not in the toothpaste you select for your cat or dog. Xylitol  Many products contain xylitol since it is an artificial sweetener. It might be safe at some level for humans, but not for pets. Pets have different sensitivity levels in their bodies, and xylitol can trigger some reactions in their bodies. It is a toxic ingredient when it comes to pet products like toothpastes.  How Quickly Does Xylitol Affect Dogs? It can lead to fast insulin release and a drop in blood sugar level. This is the side effect of xylitol on pets. A pet may vomit around 30 or 60 minutes after swallowing the toothpaste. When the blood sugar level drops because of xylitol, your pet may experience lethargy and worse conditions. Even seizures could strike because the internal organs may fail to deal with xylitol. You need to run towards a veterinarian for immediate help. Artificial Flavors and Coloring Usually, artificial flavors and colors in toothpastes are not harmful, but you never know what could happen. When it comes to pet toothpastes, you need to avoid the ones that contain artificial flavors and colors. They could cause irritation in the mouth and stomach for some pets and lead to allergic reactions. So, it is better to avoid pet toothpastes that contain these two artificial ingredients. Baking Soda as DIY Then some people use baking soda as a home remedy to brush their pets’ teeth. A mild quantity with another ingredient might not show side effects, but people should be careful. Baking soda can upset a pet’s stomach because it should not be swallowed. Again, pets can’t spit anything, especially toothpaste. Even if you use it with coconut oil, it will probably cause  Is Baking Soda Suitable for a Dog’s Teeth? Baking soda may clean the teeth and fight plaque, but there are side effects. It can lead to gum irritation and gastrointestinal distress in most pets. Since it has a bitter taste, your pet may get irritated and aggressive because of its taste. Then there is another risk, and that is electrolyte imbalance. Baking soda has a basic nature, and it could increase basicity in the body.  Hydrogen Peroxide as DIY Some people also use hydrogen peroxide as a home remedy against pets’ plaque. Using this chemical as a home-made toothpaste is not safe for pets. It could cause severe irritation in a pet’s gums, stomach, mouth, and esophagus. The entire digestive lining could get irritated, and even worse if the quantity is high. After some minutes of brushing your pet’s teeth, you may witness your pet suffering because of these outcomes. So, avoid using these chemicals as remedies and even as secondary ingredients in pet toothpastes. What Should You Look for Instead? Now, what should you go for when almost every kind of ingredient seems to be harmful? Well, many alternatives are safe and mild for your pets. Even if your pets swallow the toothpaste, there will be no need to panic. Toothpastes containing plant-based ingredients are safe for pets, whether cats or dogs. Here are some ingredients that should be in the pet toothpastes you are about to choose.  Enzymes Like Bromelain and Papain  Plant-based enzymes like bromelain and papain are the best ingredients for pets’ toothpastes. They help in the treatment of inflammation, infections, and wounds. They can break down the plaque without leaving harmful effects. Even if your pets swallow these enzymes, there will be no harmful effects for them. Coconut Oil Another safe ingredient is coconut oil. Whether in a pet's toothpaste or in a home-made paste, it is safe. Coconut oil’s antimicrobial properties reduce bacteria, plaque, and inflammation. Its soothing effects keep the gums free of inflammation after brushing.   Does coconut oil remove plaque from a dog’s teeth? Yes, it works as a temporary alternative. You need to find a pet toothpaste instead of just coconut oil or its paste with another home-made ingredient. The best solution for plaque is a veterinarian-prescribed toothpaste. A toothpaste has balanced ingredients with multiple functions like plaque removal, anti-inflammatory effects, and bad breath elimination.  Finely Grounded Sea Salt as Abrasive  Another ingredient that helps a lot is sea salt. Its finely ground state works great as an abrasive in the plaque removal process. Its antibacterial properties prevent pain and bacterial growth in the teeth. Since it contains various minerals, it stimulates saliva formation. As a result, pets get teeth cleaned and recover lost minerals. Cinnamon  The last is cinnamon, which is also a good ingredient in pet toothpaste. It safely reduces bad breath and plaque. Unlike harmful ingredients, it will not cause stomach distress or irritation in the mouth. Pet toothpastes that contain cinnamon are much safer than those that contain fluoride and xylitol. Even if cinnamon is swallowed, it will be harmless for the pet. Conclusion Pet owners have to choose pet oral products very carefully. Some ingredients don’t seem to be very harmful, but they are. A small quantity can cause stomach distress, irritation, and even seizures in pets. As soon as they swallow toothpaste, harmful ingredients like fluoride and xylitol can cause severe trouble in pets. That could become lethal if the quantity is high and the pet owners show negligence. So, it is better to choose plant-based pet toothpastes, which are way better than the other option.