Having a pet is not always an easy task, especially when it comes to disciplining it and house breaking. The truth of the matter is that even after you’ve successfully taught your pet where to do their business, accidents can and will happen.
For many owners they observe that these slip-ups seem to occur in the same areas. This happens as a result of your pet marking its territory. The odor from previous accidents sticks to the area and that’s what your pet looks for. Although you may not be able to smell it your pet can. The best way to avoid this is to completely eliminate any smell left behind.
Cleaning up after a pet’s accident is never anyone’s preferred chore, but it must be done. Here’s how to do it more effectively so you avoid having your pet turn that one spot into its personal comfort room.
Carpets and Fabric Surfaces
- Dry out the soiled area. It’s always best to catch an accident early on. This will allow you to get the area dry as much as possible. Use towels, or paper towels to pat dry the soiled area and absorb as much wetness or moisture as you can. Do not rub the carpet or fabric since this will only push in the wetness and smell.
- Disinfect the spot. Use a commercial cleaner to kill any bacteria that may have been left behind and to sanitize. Make sure that your product is safe for pets and is safe enough for your carpet or fabric. If you prefer a natural approach to cleaning mix a cup of water with one and one thirds cup of vinegar. Use this solution to dampen the soiled area, and then cover it with some plastic for a while to let it absorb.
- Clean the area. Once the odor and stains have been removed spot clean the area to remove any smell left behind by the vinegar.
Wood Floors
- Remove the accident on the area. Start by wiping off any remnants on your wooden surface and disinfecting the affected area.
- Wipe it down. Using special hardwood bleach or any two part bleach that is appropriate for hardwood surfaces. Scrub out any spots or stains left behind. Note: Make sure that your pets are not in the area when using this cleaning agent. Gloves, goggles and proper cleaning gear should also be used when cleaning.
Laminate Floors
- Clean out the accident. Since laminate flooring does not absorb like wood or carpet, it is easier to wipe up the accident. Remove any trace of the accident as you normally would.
- Disinfect the spot. Dampen the area and sprinkle some baking soda onto it. Allow this sit for a couple of minutes then gently scrub the baking soda to allow it into the spaces in between your flooring. Spray some vinegar onto the baking soda and allow it to foam.
- Remove the baking soda and vinegar solution. Wipe off what is left of the baking soda and vinegar with a damp cloth. Allow the area to dry completely.
Walls
Occasionally your pet may have an accident close enough to your walls to affect it. This is especially true if you have a bigger pet. Like other accidents the area must first be cleaned and dried out. After the accident has been removed wipe down the wall with a mixture of warm water and bleach. Make sure that your pet does not go near or lick the wall while it is still wet.
Preventing Future Accidents
As mentioned earlier, accidents can be prevented by eliminating any trace of odor left behind. Bleach often does the trick, however, those who want a more natural way of eliminating odor can turn to baking soda and vinegar. The strong smell of vinegar can also be countered by mixing lemon juice with it.
Aside from getting rid of the odor, it is also important to re-asses the accessibility of your pet’s litter box or exit. One reason pets have accidents inside the home is because they are not able to do so elsewhere. Make it a point to empty out litter boxes on a regular basis as some pets do not like using it when it is even slightly full. Also check that exits such as doggy doors are easy to access even when you are not around.
Lastly, some pets also relieve themselves in the wrong places when they have anxiety. Make sure that your pet does not suffer from separation anxiety when you leave. It would also be a good idea to ensure that your dog feels secure and happy. If you must, go through house breaking again to help refresh your dog’s training. If all else fails a visit to the vet may be helpful. For your pet’s grooming needs, please take him or her to Petco or Petsmart.
