May 15, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • Page 23 Animals are important members of many households. Although a pet parent may love a wagging tail or the sweet purr of love, he or she may not enjoy the odors that can accompany a pet. All animals give off some type of aroma. Humans have different grooming products that can help them smell fresh and clean. Pets, however, cannot control their own odor and must rely on their owners to address any issues. Fortunately, there are different ways to keep everything smelling fresh. Identify the odor: Pets give off odors for different reasons. Some aromas may be linked to the pet, while others may involve the pet’s waste. Others may be indicative of illness and should be treated immediately. Once the source of the smell is identified, it is easy to take action. Clean pets: Naturally, a clean animal smells much better than one who needs a bath. Dogs and cats may accumulate bacteria in their fur and organic matter that gets stuck and decays. When animals groom themselves, the saliva applied to the fur through licking also may be prone to bacteria growth. Pet owners with dogs or cats that have long fur around the face may find their pet’s fur gets dragged through the water bowl and food dish, attracting Banish household pet odors with these easy steps the pet may need to be bathed. Dogs with oily skin may need frequent baths. Cats may not need baths often, but can benefit from a thorough brushing to remove matting and any debris caught in the fur. If grooming is not something a pet owner enjoys, he or she can sign up with a professional groomer for regular appointments for the pet. Illness: Certain pet illnesses lead to odors. For example, if a dog has an ear infection, there could be an unpleasant scent emanating from the ear. Pets that have tooth decay and gum disease will have poor breath. A pet with gastrointestinal upset may have flatulence or diarrhea. Skin problems like mange may lead to open sores or abscesses that can lead to unpleasant odors. Dogs and cats also have anal glands that contain an oily, smelly substance. The glands are usually naturally expressed during a bowel movement. However, if the glands become impacted or fail to drain, this can lead to leakage and odor. The glands also may rupture or become particles. Some pets also engage in “scent camouflage,” according to veterinarian Janet Crosby. The pet may roll around in the grass or something odoriferous to mask his own scent, and this can also be a source of foul odors. Considering that fur can be a prime source of odor problems, it is advisable to groom the pet as needed. Check with a veterinarian to find out how frequently infected. If a pet smell does not go away with routine bathing, it is advisable to take the animal to the vet for a checkup. If an underlying medical issue is identified, the vet can prescribe a treatment that will make the pet feel better and smell better. Waste: Stay on top of cleaning indoor waste receptacles for you and your pet. Pets generally do not like to use areas that do not smell fresh. Keep everything clean so odors will be limited and the pet may not try to find a location other than the designated waste receptacle. Dogs, especially puppies, may take some time to get acclimated to going to the bathroom outdoors. Accidents can happen indoors. It is essential to clean up quickly and remove all traces of odor. This way, the house will not smell and the animal will not have marked the indoor area with his or her scent. Otherwise, the dog may return to the same area over and over. Pet parents who are able to get to the root of the problem can banish odors for good.