Bringing home a new puppy or kitten is one of life's genuinely joyful moments — right up until house-training reveals just how many accidents a small animal can produce in a single week. The good news is that with the right setup from day one, you can stay ahead of odour issues rather than constantly playing catch-up. Here's your checklist.

Why Early Habits Matter

During the house-training period, accidents are inevitable — that's completely normal and not a reflection of anything you're doing wrong. But if those early accidents aren't properly treated, they can leave behind uric acid residue that pets are instinctively drawn back to. Animals tend to return to a spot they've already marked, which is why the first few weeks matter so much for setting the tone.

Your Odour-Control Checklist

✅ Choose a proper enzyme cleaner before you need it

Don't wait for the first accident to start researching what to use. Have smellBgone PLUS+ on hand from day one — it's certified organic, non-toxic and safe to use around young, curious animals who are likely to sniff or lick treated areas.

✅ Treat accidents immediately, not "later"

The longer urine sits, the more it soaks into carpet fibres, underlay or timber, making it harder to fully treat. Keep your cleaner somewhere accessible (not tucked away in a cupboard) so there's no delay between accident and treatment.

✅ Treat the whole area, not just the visible mark

Puppies and kittens often have small accidents that look minor on the surface but can spread underneath. Apply enough product to cover the full area, not just the obvious wet patch.

✅ Avoid ammonia-based cleaners entirely

Since urine already contains ammonia, cleaning with an ammonia-based product can reinforce the very scent that draws pets back to the same spot. Stick to chlorine and ammonia-free formulas.

✅ Set up outdoor areas properly from the start

If your yard has (or will have) artificial turf, consider your infill choice early. smellBgone PETFILL is a permanent, organic infill designed to absorb ammonia and prevent odour build-up — ideal if you're installing or landscaping around the same time you're bringing a new pet home.

✅ Be consistent with hard floors too

Tiles, timber and paved areas can absorb odour just as easily as carpet, particularly in grout lines and along skirting boards. Wipe these down with smellBgone PLUS+ as part of your regular clean, not just after visible accidents.

✅ Don't rely on your nose alone

New pet owners quickly become "nose blind" to smells in their own home. If you're ever unsure whether an area has been fully treated, ask someone who doesn't live in the house to check, or simply reapply — enzyme treatments are safe to use as often as needed.

Building Good Habits Early

House-training a puppy or kitten already comes with enough to think about — feeding schedules, vet visits, sleep training. Odour control doesn't need to be another source of stress if you've got the right products ready to go from the very first day.

Set your new pet (and your home) up for success. Shop smellBgone PLUS+ today.