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How to Clean Pet Urine and Neutralize Odor

Filed under: Ages & Stages,Dog Behavior,Dog Training — DoggySpace on July 23rd, 2010

Whether your pet has a problem with indoor accidents or is simply trying to mark his territory, cleaning up pet urine is imperative to preventing recurrences. Your pet enjoys a particularly strong sense of smell and can easily identify areas where it has urinated in the past. If you have other pets, the smell of the urine may cause them to urinate in the same spot – even if they typically only urinate outdoors. Thus, when cleaning up pet stains, you must clean the stain thoroughly enough to neutralize the smell to both humans and animals.

Step One: Blot Away the Urine Stain

As soon as your pet urinates on the floor, blot up as much of the stain as you can with a towel or dishcloth. Terrycloth is perfect for this job. Your goal is to clean away as much of the urine as possible before it has an opportunity to soak into your carpet’s padding and dry there.

After you’ve soaked up as much of the urine as you can with a towel, use a thin, absorbent material, such as a paper towel or napkin, to absorb any remaining pet urine. Place the paper towel or napkin over the stain and press down as hard as you can. You can even stand on the spot to ensure that you’re applying adequate pressure. Do not stop blotting until the spot appears completely dry.

Step Two: Dilute the Remaining Pet Urine

Pour club soda liberally over the pet urine stain, giving it a few seconds to soak in. Club soda dilutes pet urine both beneath your carpet and on the carpet’s surface, making it less likely to give off a noticeable smell. While club soda is ideal for this, you can also use plain water or equal parts water and white vinegar.

After the club soda has a chance to soak into the carpet, blot it away using towels and paper towels in the exact same manner that you cleaned up the initial pet stain.

Step Three: Neutralize Pet Urine Smells

Once you’ve cleaned up the pet stain and diluted the remaining urine within your carpet, you can further combat the smell using baking soda. Pour baking soda over the spot where your pet’s accident occurred. Press the baking soda into the carpet using even pressure. This can be done by stepping on the pile of baking soda several times or placing a heavy object over the spot. Let the baking soda sit on the pet stain for at least one hour before vacuuming it away. The baking soda will pull any moisture you may have missed out of the carpet while also combating the unpleasant odor of pet urine.

Step Four: De-grease the Pet Stain

Even if you begin cleaning your pet’s urine stain as soon as the accident occurs, the ammonia in an animal’s urine gives it a greasy texture that allows it to rapidly adhere to fabrics such as carpeting. The end result is that neutralizing the urine may not remove the stain. Standard carpet cleaning sprays may also be ineffective at preventing a permanent pet urine stain on your carpet. Household degreasers, however, are perfect for this job.

Spray a household degreasing product, such as Greased Lightning, directly onto the pet stain. Use a warm, wet cloth to work the degreaser into the stain, wiping vigorously. Keep a bowl of water next to you throughout the process since you’ll want to rinse the cloth out frequently. If you have concerns about degreaser staining your carpet, test it out on an out of the way area of carpeting before applying it to the pet urine stain.

Step Five: Prevent the Smell of Pet Urine

While club soda and baking soda work wonders for neutralizing pet urine odor, you can opt for additional odor prevention by purchasing one of the many specialty products available for neutralizing the smell of pet urine on carpets. Call your veterinarian for a recommendation before making a purchase, as some products work better than others.

The best cure for pet urine stains is prevention. Consider installing a doggie door or taking your dog for more frequent walks if indoor urination becomes a problem. If you have a cat that urinates on the carpet, clean its litter box more frequently. Your cat’s definition of a full litter box and yours may vary! You can also provide your cat with more than one litter box to encourage it to use the litter box rather than your carpet. Should occasional accidents still occur, however, prompt cleanup ensures that your carpet will remain pristine and pet urine odors don’t become a problem.

Photo by jaimieo

5 Ways to Stop Separation Anxiety

Filed under: Dog Behavior — DoggySpace on July 20th, 2010

Does your dog exhibit bad behavior when you leave the house? Do you come home to find that your dog has ripped up all the toilet paper or chewed up your favorite pair of shoes? Does your dog have accidents in the house only when you’re not there? Does he cry or howl and dig at doors in windows in an attempt to get out?

If you’ve noticed any of the above behavior, your dog may be suffering from separation anxiety. Separation anxiety is not a way to get back at you for leaving them. It is simply a panic response to being left alone. It can happen at any point during a dog’s life but tends to happen once a routine is broken. For instance if you’ve been working from home for the last 5 years and you’ve all of a sudden transitioned to an office job. Now your dog doesn’t understand why you are suddenly not available all day long and panics when you leave the house.

Separation anxiety can be severe and may need the help of a professional animal behaviorist. However, there are several things you can try on your own before you call for backup.

When you leave the house, leave an item that smells like you with your dog. An old t-shirt works well. Just having your scent with him may be enough to calm your dog down while you are away.
Keep your departures and arrivals from the house times of calm. Don’t make a big deal out of leaving or coming home. This can add to your dog’s anxiety level. Quietly leave the house and come home when you can.
Establish a safety cue. Whenever you leave the house, do something that lets your dog know you’ll be back. You can leave the radio on or the TV on for him, or give him a special toy. Practice this with your dog by doing this action and then only leaving for a little bit. Gradually increase the time you are gone and soon your dog will associate this action with the fact that you will be back soon.
Give your dog something to do. Toys like kongs are great for keeping your dog occupied while you are away. It allows them to focus on something other than the fact that they are missing you.
Desensitize your dog to your comings and goings. There’s probably a good chance that your dog has certain triggers that let him know you are leaving. This may be getting your car keys out or putting on your coat. Do these things around him when you don’t leave the house. Jingle your car keys and then go sit on the couch. Put your coat on and watch TV. Pretty soon your dog will learn to not associate these behaviors as triggers for you leaving.

Separation anxiety can be a serious problem for some dog owners, but with a little work and patience, you should be able to calm your dog and alleviate his anxiety when you leave.

Photo by *christopher*

Is Your Dog’s Food Causing Agression?

Filed under: Dog Behavior,Dog Life — Chantee Hale on May 26th, 2010

Ever wonder why your dog has become more aggressive after eating a piece of meat or high protein dog food? While protein is important for dogs, studies show that some dogs are fed too much protein, causing them to become aggressive. Unless your dog is under a year old, pregnant, nursing, or an actively working dog such as a herding, sled, or hunting dog, a high protein diet is unnecessary and can cause dominance and territorial aggression. While studies have shown that puppies under a year old need a diet with 28% protein content and working dogs require a diet with a protein content of 32%, chances are your dog needs less.

Medical studies have determined that feeding dogs lower protein diets can help curb both dominance and territorial aggression problems. In some studies, besides switching to a lower protein diet, tryptophan was given as a supplement. Additives and fillers have also been shown to have a negative impact on dog aggression. If your dog is displaying aggression consider changing your dog to a lower protein diet, many veterinarians recommend about 18% protein, and choosing premium dog foods with little or no additives and fillers.

Photo credit Brian Ford

The Well Socialized Dog

Filed under: Dog Behavior,Dog Life,Dog Training — Chantee Hale on April 13th, 2010

Some dog experts say that a socializing your dog is just as important as how you feed and shelter him or her. But what does “dog socialization” and being a “well socialized” dog mean, anyways?

Dog socializing is a form of training your dog. When you socialize your dog you teach him or her how to react to external stimuli, from new places, large groups, or an unusual characteristic such as wheelchairs or mustaches on men. While socialization is extremely important during the first year of a puppy’s life, it in no way ends at 12 months of age, and good socialization tactics continue throughout your dog’s lifetime.

While socialization classes can be found, the best kind of socialization training is found in daily life. As you walk your dog, take him or her to the dog park, meet strange people or dogs while on a walk, or host a party, you are providing your dog with the best kind of socialization. But, for socialization to be good and your dog to become “well socialized” you must be in control of the situation, endeavoring to make sure that he or she enjoys the new experience and gets past any initial fearful reactions he or she has, and making sure that your own reactions to the situation show that your are in control, worry free, enjoying yourself, and you feel your pet is safe.

Poorly socialized dogs often react to stimuli by growling, cowering, trying to bite, or other fear-induced behaviors. Not only are these signs that your dog is frightened, but they can be difficult or embarrassing to deal with, or even cause harm. No matter what age your dog is intentional socialization should be as much a part of his or her daily routine as meals and taking walks.

Photo by lleugh

Manners for Dog Party Guests

Filed under: Dog Behavior,Dog Life — Chantee Hale on February 16th, 2010

Your pooch has finally received his or her first invitation to a dog party. While he or she is looking forward to playing with his or her doggy pals you’re fretting about embarrassing yourself with your dog’s behavior. Worry no more; these tips will help you and your pet shine. The key to a successful evening is being prepared. Don’t assume that your host will think about your dog’s specific needs. If your dog has a health condition, particularly relating to food, make sure to tell them in advance.

Prepare and bring a ‘doggy diaper bag.’ This should have: gifts for the hosting dogs, a couple of treats, food if your dog’s on a special diet, water, bowls for your dog to eat and drink from, a leash, a special treat for the car ride home, and – most importantly – bags to pick up your dog’s poop. Even though Fido will undoubtedly make his or her mess outside, no one wants to spend the day after a party picking up after a houseful of hounds. Picking up your dog’s poop will set you and your pet above the rest of the “party poopers.”

When you’re at the party, make sure to keep a close eye on your pooch. Besides introducing him or her to new playmates and party attendees make sure to keep an eye on where your dog is playing and what he or she is eating. With a lot of other doggy mommies and daddies around, things may get a little out of hand, and the only way to not be caught by surprised is to be aware of your pup’s whereabouts.

Leaving can be the hardest part of a good dog party. You’re tired and want to go, but your dog is still busy enjoying him or her self. How you leave can make or break a party. During the party, make sure to interrupt your dog’s play, calling him or her to your side and rewarding his or her obedience with a treat. If your dog doesn’t respond, calmly go over and lead them back to where you were standing, then praise them for their obedience. Repeat this all throughout the party, until your pooch comes running whenever you call. This way, when it’s time to go he or she will gladly come to your side and you can snap on the leash and walk away without a fuss.

Curing Dog Aggression Through Socialization

Filed under: Dog Behavior,Dog Training — Chantee Hale on February 8th, 2010

Is your dog the type that barks at cars? Does he or she go running when a tall man enters a house, or growl at the mailman? These and other aggressive behaviors often stem from a lack of socialization.

Puppies who are heavily socialized are calmer, friendlier, and have an easier time handling new situations. But dog socialization doesn’t end at 12 months, or when your dog’s completed their first puppy training class. A lack of continual socialization can lead to your dog feeling anxious or frightened in new or unusual situations, and fear is a leading cause of aggression in dogs. If your dog is displaying unexplained aggressive behaviors, or is acting aggressively after a move or change in the social structure of the family, socialization may present a cure.

In order to socialize your dog you will want to pinpoint what he or she is afraid of, and target those areas. If people with glasses give your dog a scare invite some eyeglass sporting friends over. If possible, have them go without their eyeglasses until they have been introduced to the dog. Encouraging good play and treat-giving will help your dog overcome their anxiety and learn that these people are generous and fun to be with. If your dog barks at the mailman, try to introduce your dog to the mail deliverer. Walk your dog daily just so that you and your dog can great the mailman in a friendly manner as you pass each other’s paths.

For a dog suffering from under socialization, or a lapse in socialization, it is important to include him or her in every activity you do outside the home. Car rides, park days, long walks, visiting friends, and even shopping at dog friendly stores can all help expose and cure your dog from socialization related fear and aggression.

Aggressive Dogs

Filed under: Dog Behavior — Chantee Hale on January 20th, 2010

Aggressive dogs can leave owners feeling like they may have to choose between their pet and their loved ones. While aggressive behaviors are normal for dogs their tolerance for stimuli can vary depending on their environment and genetics. Fortunately aggressive dogs can be trained to have a higher tolerance for aggravation.

There are many different types of dog aggression, and understanding them can help you in your efforts to retrain your dog.

Protective, territorial and possession aggression is often supported by the dog’s family because they want a loyal family dog or believe a dog has a right to be protective of their meal or toys.
“Predator” aggression is natural for dogs and a dog displaying predator aggression may attack smaller dogs, cats, or small farm animals as it acts on its hunting instincts.
Because dogs are social creatures and instinctually crave a pecking order dominance aggression is common, and can even spur aggressive behavior towards a new human or animal member of the family as well as new playmates.
Fear aggression can occur even when a dog is not actually in danger, but perceives that they may be harmed.
Dogs sometimes also re-direct aggression, turning their aggression towards the cat outside their fence on their doggy pal or others.
Pain induced aggression is one of the most misunderstood and misdiagnosed aggressions, as many dog health problems are not easily diagnosed by the naked eye.
Very few dogs suffer from rage induced or idiopathic aggressions, aggressing without reason. Some breeds are predisposed but an owner should always have their dog fully diagnosed before assuming that their dog suffers from unfounded aggression problems.

While you should never accept aggressive behaviors from your dog, never punish them physically or verbally, as it may spawn fear aggression. If your dogs displays aggressive behaviors use kennel time outs, and a calm voice to correct his or her actions. If you feel your dog displays aggressive behavior in respect to its territory make sure to kennel your pet or otherwise remove him or her from the area when you have guests. For dogs who struggle with aggression it is important to not encourage aggressive play, such as tug of war, and to work with them to build their tolerance to stimuli that might trigger aggression.

Hints and Tricks to Stop Dog Barking

Filed under: Dog Behavior — Chantee Hale on December 13th, 2009

Is your dog an incessent barker? Does every little noise set him or her to yipping? Do they howl when you leave them alone for five minutes? Here’s some advice to help silence your dog’s barking.

For dogs who bark for attention a good way to handle the situation is to not praise your dog. If your dog is chronically barking for attention, not praising him or her will teach them that the only way they will get the attention they crave is through behaving properly. Retrain your dog, only praising or petting them when they do as directed. Make sure to act like you don’t notice your attention craving hound unless they are responding to a command.

If your dog suffers from seperation anxiety he or she may bark constantly when you leave the house. A good way to deal with this it to treat your leaving as commonplace by not saying goodbye or greeting your dog with excited love when you return. If your dog senses that you aren’t anxious about leaving them alone, they will be less likely to get anxious about it as well.

For owners who are exhausted from countless attempts to train their pet not to bark there are several innovations which can help deterr your dog. From anti-bark collars, like those made by Multivet that use a burst of citronella scent released when your dog barks, to outdoor or indoor devices, like the Lentek Bark Free sonic device that produces a sound detterent, there are many products on the market today to help you easily control your noise making hound.

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