How do I keep my dog’s poop from smelling in the trash can?

Use biodegradable bags

The best way to prevent dog poop from smelling up your trash can is to use biodegradable poop bags. Unlike regular plastic bags, biodegradable bags are made from plant-based materials that allow airflow. This prevents odors and bacteria from being trapped inside. Some popular biodegradable bag brands include BioBag, Earth Rated, and Gorilla Supply. Be sure to double bag the poop to contain smells. Tie the bags tightly before disposing.

Pick up poop quickly

Don’t let your dog’s poop sit in the yard for long periods. The sooner you pick it up, the less time it has to start smelling. Try to scoop the poop right after your dog goes. Carry poop bags with you on walks so you can immediately dispose of it. Leaving poop sitting around will make the smell much worse by the time you go to collect it.

Use baking soda

Sprinkling some baking soda at the bottom of your trash bag or can help absorb odors. The baking soda will help soak up some of the smelly moisture. Just pour a bit in before placing the tied poop bag in the trash. Arm & Hammer and other brands make larger bags of baking soda specifically designed for odor control.

Empty frequently

Even if you use odor-blocking bags and baking soda, take your trash bags outside frequently. Leaving them sitting around inside for days will make smells build up. Make it a habit to take the trash out at least every 1-2 days. If you have more than one dog, you may need to empty every day.

Use a diaper pail

Invest in a diaper pail with an airtight lid. These are specially designed to contain dirty diapers, so they work great for dog poop bags too. The tight seal prevents smells from wafting through the house. Just drop the tied bags through the top opening.

Some popular pails are:

• Ubbi Steel Diaper Pail
• Playtex Diaper Genie
• Safety 1st Easy Saver Diaper Pail

Use scented refill bags to help block odors. Or put baking soda or charcoal inside the pail. Empty frequently.

Use an outdoor trash can

If the smell is really bad, consider keeping an outdoor trash can just for the dog poop. This prevents it from stinking up your indoor cans. Look for a can with a tight seal and lockable lid to keep pests out.

Place it away from doors or windows so the smell doesn’t waft into your house. An outdoor can also removes the hassle of having to constantly walk garbage to your curbside bin.

You can find cute “doggie stations” designed just for holding poop bags and waste bins. Or a regular outdoor trash can works too. Just empty it frequently to control odor.

Use odor control spray

There are sprays made specifically to eliminate pet odors. Spritz these inside trash bags and cans to help block smelly poop odors. Some popular options include:

• Out! PetCare Odor Spray
• Angry Orange Pet Odor Eliminator
• Nature’s Miracle Just for Cats Odor Destroyer

Look for enzyme based formulas designed to permanently destroy odors rather than just masking smell. Avoidproducts with harsh chemicals.

Use a trash can with a lid

Open trash cans will let smells waft right out into your home. Make sure to use trash cans with tight fitting lids. The lid will seal when closed to contain odors inside.

For indoor cans, look for models with rubber seals around the rims to really lock in smells. If using a metal or ceramic bin, consider drilling air holes to allow some ventilation while keeping the lid closed.

Clean cans regularly

Over time, odors can seep into the plastic of trash cans. Give them a regular scrub to freshen up. Use a pet-safe disinfectant or a vinegar cleaning solution. Let the bins soak for 10 minutes to fully dissolve smells.

For a quick odor removal, sprinkle baking soda in the empty can and let sit overnight before dumping out. The baking soda will absorb lingering funky smells.

Tips for cleaning the trash can:

• Remove trash bag and dump out any loose debris
• Fill with hot water and a bit of dish soap, vinegar, or enzymatic cleaner
• Let soak 15 minutes then scrub inside with a scrub brush
• Rinse until water runs clear
• Let air dry completely before replacing bag

Do a deep clean of cans every 1-2 months.

Use charcoal deodorizers

Charcoal is excellent at trapping unpleasant smells. Place charcoal briquettes or activated charcoal bags in the bottom of your trash can to absorb odors. You can find charcoal designed for air purification and odor control at pet stores.

Replace the charcoal monthly for best results. Over time it will become saturated with smells. Charcoal is not a cure-all but can help dampen some odor when combined with other methods.

Types of charcoal deodorizers:

• Activated charcoal bags
• Bamboo charcoal air purifying bags
• Charcoal briquettes (unused ones for grilling)

Use gel litter deodorizers

Crystal cat litters and gel odor absorbers made for litter boxes also work well for controlling poop smells. Sprinkle these at the bottom of trash bags or cans to soak up urine odors. Popular absorbent litters are:

• Arm & Hammer Clump and Seal
• Fresh Step Crystals
• Tidy Cats Breeze Gel Pellets

The beads or crystals trap liquid and odors. They help solidify poop to reduce smells too. Just use sparingly, as they can absorb moisture from the trash bag itself.

Mask smells with other items

Cover up poop odors by dumping other smelly items on top in your kitchen trash. Coffee grounds, citrus peels, and used tea bags all have stronger scents. Their aromas help overpower and mask any poop smells emanating from lower in the trash.

Banana peels in particular work well to conceal all types of unpleasant garbage odors.

Use a pail with plastics bags

Rather than placing poop bags directly into your indoor trash can, use plastic shopping bags as an extra barrier.

First place the tied poop bags into a plastic grocery bag. Before taking the trash out, tie the grocery bags closed to seal in smells.

This adds an extra containment layer to keep odors from spreading if the poop bags have small holes or tears. The plastic bags also make easy to toss the poop bags outside into your main garbage bin.

Type	Brand	Key Features
Biodegradable poop bags	Earth Rated	– Made from plant-based materials – Allow airflow to reduce odor – Durable construction
Diaper pail	Ubbi Steel	– Steel construction – Rubber seal on lid – Locking mechanism
Odor spray	Angry Orange	– Enzyme-powered odor elimination – Pet-safe ingredients – Also removes urine smells

Train your dog to poop in one spot

If your dog always poops in the same area of your yard, it will be easier to locate and clean up promptly. Choose an out-of-the way spot and keep taking your dog back to that zone. Use a verbal cue like “Go potty” when they poop so they associate the phrase.

Dogs want to keep their dens clean, so with time they will learn to use the designated bathroom area. This prevents forgotten poop around the yard that leaves smells.

Tips for training a poop spot:

• Choose an area away from high traffic zones or play spaces
• Use a cue phrase or command when they poop
• Reward with treats immediately after
• Clean up old poop so the area remains appealing
• Reinforce by taking them back to the same spot repeatedly

With consistency, your dog will learn to poop in one place.

Consider a doggie septic tank

For a high-tech solution, install an underground dog septic tank in your yard. These contain the poop underground and naturally filter out smells and nutrients.

Waste funnels into the buried septic tank. Microbes inside break down the poop into fertilizer that leaches into the soil. There’s minimal odor, and you don’t have to handle poop bags.

Installing an underground septic tank for dog waste costs $1,000 to $2,500. Pricing depends on:

• Size of tank
• Excavation needs
• Soil conditions
• Permit requirements in your area

This is a pricey investment, but can be a set-and-forget solution if you can afford it.

Use a poop composter

Composting dog poop breaks down waste while killing bacteria and controlling odors. Certain compost bins are designed just for dog waste. These have features like:

• Sealed bins prevent smells escaping
• Carbon filters keep odors contained
• Slow composting kills pathogens
• Leachate collection system
• Bones and fur can be added

Popular dog poop composter bins include the Doggie Dooley, Pet Waste Coach, and Daisy the Dog Waste Digestor. Prices range from $299 to $599.

Composting poop takes 4-8 weeks. It produces a fertilizer that can be safely used in non-edible gardens.

Tips for composting dog poop:

• Use compost bins designed for pet waste
• Don’t add to normal backyard compost pile
• Compost fully for 6-8 weeks before using
• Only use compost on ornamental plants
• Wear gloves when handling finished compost

Composting poop requires some work but avoids bagging waste and can reduce trash odors.

Switch your dog’s diet

The ingredients in your dog’s food can affect the smell of their poop. Meat-based diets produce more smelly, pungent poop. Consider switching your dog to a food with less protein and meat content.

Some dogs do better on vegetarian or vegan dog foods. These can result in less noisy flatulence as well as less smelly stools. Try brands like:

• Natural Balance Vegetarian Formula
• Halo Vegan Garden Medley
• Purina HA Hypoallergenic Vegetarian

Gradually transition food over 2-3 weeks. Monitor your dog for signs of tummy upset or decreased energy from the diet change.

You can also try probiotic supplements or digestive enzymes to improve their digestion and stool quality. Check with your vet before making major diet changes.

Use a waste digester

Waste digester powders help liquefy solid poop and neutralize odors. Simply sprinkle a digesting powder into the hole immediately after your dog poops. Available brands include:

• PooPowder Original
• Only Natural Pet Waste Digester
• Doggie Doo Drainer Powder

The enzymes and microbes go to work digesting poop and reducing smells. This makes waste easier to clean up. It also minimizes odors clinging to your yard.

For best results, dampen the poop before sprinkling on the powder. Let it sit for at least 10-15 minutes before bagging. These digester products are pet-safe and all-natural.

Pick a healthy dog food

Your dog’s stool smell can be influenced by their overall diet. Cheap dog foods with lots of filler can lead to smelly, loose poop. Choose a high quality diet to support good digestion. Here are signs of a healthy dog food:

• Whole meat or fish as first ingredient
• No by-product meals, corn, or wheat
• Contains probiotics
• Free of artificial colors and preservatives

Look for dog foods meeting standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Avoid any dog food involved in a recall.

If your dog has stinky poop, gradually transition to a new food over 7-10 days. This gives their stomach time to adjust.

Give digestive supplements

Certain supplements can improve your dog’s digestion and lead to healthier, less smelly poop:

Probiotics: Help repopulate gut with healthy bacteria. Can reduce gas and odors.

Digestive enzymes: Break down fats, fiber, and carbs fully. Minimize loose or soft stools.

Prebiotics: Provide “food” for good bacteria. Promote healthy stool.

Pumpkin: High in fiber to regulate digestion. Firms up loose poop. Reduces odor.

Talk to your vet before starting supplements. Introduce one at a time slowly to check for tummy upsets. Supplements can optimize digestion and cut down on poop smells.

Scoop yard daily

Leaving your dog’s poop sitting around in the yard for days will intensify smells. Their bathroom habits will concentrate in one area too. Make scooping poop a daily habit.

Cleaning up stools promptly:

• Prevents odor buildup
• Stops flies from congregating
• Maintains a pleasant yard

Teach kids to pitch in with poop patrol. And remind guests to clean up after their visiting dogs. Keeping the yard poop-free minimizes smells wafting into your open windows too.

Home remedies for reducing poop smells

There are a few homemade solutions you can try to make your dog’s poop less stinky:

Pineapple Juice: Pineapple contains the enzyme bromelain, which can help reduce poop odors. Add 1-2 tablespoons to your dog’s water or food.

Parsley: Chopped parsley is rich in chlorophyll, which may curb odors. Sprinkle a few tablespoons over food.

Green Tripe: This gut-healthy superfood adds probiotics to promote digestion. Just a spoonful with meals can reduce stool smells.

Yogurt: Plain yogurt with live cultures adds good bacteria to your dog’s gut. Can improve stool quality and odor. Check for yogurt allergies first.

Introduce home remedies in small amounts to watch for tummy upset. Pair with improved diet and scooping habits for best odor reduction.

Conclusion

A few simple habits can keep your dog’s poop from smelling up the garbage. Biodegradable bags, frequent emptying, and deodorizers can contain trash can odors. Pick up waste in the yard promptly before smells spread. With the right tools and techniques, you can minimize unpleasant poop odors in and around your home.