Pets become a beloved part of our families, providing companionship and unconditional love, but they don’t always make good neighbors in an apartment community. Most apartments allow pets, and pet-friendly communities often offer amenities such as dog washes and dog parks. But keep in mind that your neighbors may not share your enthusiasm for our furry friends. They may complain about noise and odor, and you may not notice pet odors in your apartment because you’re accustomed to them. Trying to contain barking and meowing is difficult, but it can be a lot easier to control odor.
Here are some tips on minimizing pet odor:
Clean Up Accidents Immediately
If your dog or cat has an accident, clean it up immediately and use an odor-neutralizing treatment on the area. (You can find these products online, at pet stores, and hardware/big box stores.) Cat urine, in particular, has a foul odor and can quickly penetrate carpets and carpet pads.
Keep Your Pet Clean and Groomed
This is the time to use that dog wash station on the property to keep your dog clean and fresh. While cats are “self-cleaning,” some cats don’t mind being bathed. If your cat likes water, and if you’re brave, you can try to wash your cat. Otherwise, there are waterless shampoo sprays designed for cats. Both breeds will benefit from regular grooming and nail trims.
Keep Your Apartment Clean
Pet hair and dander can cling to every surface in your apartment, causing odors and aggravating allergies and respiratory issues. Keep your apartment vacuumed and dusted to prevent this. Nothing looks worse than pet hair clinging to your black clothing, so a lint brush or roller is a must for any pet owner.
Purify the Air
Running air purifiers can reduce the risk of pet odors in your apartment. You can also have HEPA filters installed in your HVAC system. You may have to pay for them yourself, but it’s worth it. HEPA filters also remove allergens, dust, pollen, and other pollutants. Opening the windows during nice weather will also refresh your space.
Keep Pet Areas Clean
Wash your dog or cat’s bedding frequently and keep the area where they eat clean. Store dry pet food in sealed containers to prevent infestation by rodents or insects. Promptly wash bowls with remains of wet food. If you have a cat, keep its litterbox scooped every day and change the litter frequently.
Perfume Sparingly
You can also reduce pet odors by spraying or simmering pet-friendly essential oils in water on the stove. You can use scented candles or wax melts, but be mindful of curious paws, whiskers, and tails. Always check that the ingredients and scents aren’t harmful to pets. Don’t rely on fragrances to mask odors; if you haven’t addressed the root problem, fragrances will only serve as a short-lived solution and aggravate the odor.
Being diligent about keeping your apartment and pet clean will go a long way toward minimizing odors. Your neighbors will appreciate your efforts and be more accepting of your pet. You and your pet will also be happier and a lot healthier. It’s a win-win-win situation!
Explore a Vision Community Apartment
At Vision Communities, we create great communities where you can put down roots for you and your pet and live your best lives. Our property management staff is here to manage all of the details that make this a great place to live. Our spacious studio, 1 bedroom, 2 bedroom, and 3 bedroom apartment layouts provide cozy space. Check out our luxurious apartment floor plans in one of our communities and enjoy life at the VC.
Schedule a tour today and see why Vision Communities is a great place to live.