Washington County Weekend Post

GMTODAY.COM SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2020 • WASHINGTON COUNTY POST • 3A Dogs, cats, birds, and lizards have evolved from wild animals and outdoor companions to become beloved, largely domesticat- ed members of the family. The number of pets in homes across the country continues to grow. According to Statista, as of March 2017, 94.2 million cats and 89.7 million dogs were estimated to live in the United States as pets. Canada's Pet Wellness report estimates that there are approximately 7.9 mil- lion cats and 5.9 million dogs in Canada. Over time, pet owners grow accustomed to their pets' antics, messes and even their odors. Dealing with smells is par for the course for pet owners, and many become desensitized to cer- tain common smells. But when company is on the way or people are thinking about selling their homes, pet odors must be addressed. Even though it will take effort, homeowners can freshen their homes and eliminate unpleasant pet- related smells. • Find ways to venti- late. Odors can build up inside closed environments and prove overpowering. Opening windows when applicable, using exhaust fans and encouraging cross- breezes can air certain odors from the home. • Clean frequently. Cats and dogs can leave behind fur, dander, food messes, and more. Eliminating the debris that pets create can reduce odors. Sweeping, vacuuming and mopping floors can help as well. Don't forget to vacu- um draperies and furniture, and consider purchasing cleaning appliances specifi- cally designed for homes with pets. • Keep on top of acci- dents and litter boxes. Puppies and even adult dogs may have their share of acci- dents. Cats may avoid litter boxes if they are not cleaned frequently and then soil around the house. Be sure to clean up pet waste messes promptly. Baking soda and vinegar solutions are all-nat- ural ways to clean up and can help remove urine odors more readily. Also, look for safe deodorizing cleaning products that can be used on carpeting, flooring and upholstery. • Purchase an air puri- fier. Air purifiers can help remove odors and allergens from the air. They're rela- tively inexpensive and can be placed in rooms that pets frequent. • Wash pet blankets and beds. Launder pet beds, cloth toys, blankets, and any other items that pets lounge on. Sweat, saliva and dander can cause these fabrics to become stinky, and, in turn, make the house smell worse. • Keep pets clean. Most pets are very good at self- grooming, but can benefit from a spa treatment once in awhile. Dogs that spend ample time outdoors or fre- quently get wet and dirty may need routine baths. Ask a professional groomer what he or she recommends to address potent pet odors. Neutralizing pet odors takes effort, but it can make for a more pleasant-smelling home environment. How to banish pet odors from a home Newspapers have helped shape the world for decades, serving as invaluable resources that highlight both national and local news, retail information, cultural events, and much more. Although several newspa- pers now offer online ver- sions of their publications, many readers remain partial to print versions. Those who purchase printed newspa- pers daily or subscribe to home delivery should con- sider recycling the papers to protect the planet. Accord- ing to the environmental resource EarthEcho Interna- tional, recycling a single run of the Sunday issue of The New York Times — or a comparable paper's Sunday edition — would save 75,000 trees. Did you know?

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