Dog odor can become an issue for dog owners, and it often lingers on furniture, in carpets, and on clothing. While bathing dogs regularly can help reduce doggy smell, sometimes odors still persist. There are several methods and products available to help neutralize and eliminate dog odors so homes can smell fresh and clean.
Page Contents
- 1 Why Do Dogs Smell?
- 2 Common Sources of Dog Odors
- 3 Tips to Reduce Dog Odors
- 4 Best Products to Neutralize Dog Odors
- 5 Tips for Using Odor Eliminating Products
- 6 Tips for Preventing Dog Odors
- 7 When to Seek Professional Help for Dog Odors
- 8 When to See a Veterinarian about Dog Odors
- 9 Frequently Asked Questions
- 10 Conclusion
Why Do Dogs Smell?
Dogs naturally produce oils in their skin and coat that help keep their skin and fur healthy. However, these oils, combined with moisture and bacteria on a dog’s skin, can create a musty, distinct scent known as “dog smell.”
Dogs also have oil producing anal glands that can secret fluid and leave a very pungent, fishy odor when a dog passes gas or if the anal glands express fluid. Other factors like rolling in smelly things, skin infections, dental disease, and ear infections can also cause bad odors in dogs.
Common Sources of Dog Odors
Some common places dog odors linger include:
- Pet beds and sleeping areas
- Carpets and rugs
- Upholstered furniture
- Dog crates, toys, and accessories
- Areas dogs frequently lay or rest
Oils and odor can transfer from a dog’s body onto surfaces in the home. Dogs also bring in odors from outside on their paws and fur. Accidents on floors or furniture can leave lingering urine and feces smells.
Tips to Reduce Dog Odors
Here are some tips to help reduce doggy odor in your home:
- Bathe dogs regularly using deodorizing shampoo
- Brush dogs frequently to remove loose hair and distribute oils
- Clean dogs’ ears, wrinkles, and anal glands as needed
- Wash dogs’ bedding, crates, and toys weekly
- Vacuum and clean floors and upholstery often
- Open windows regularly to circulate fresh air
- Clean up accidents right away and deodorize soiled areas
Regular grooming and cleaning habits can help minimize doggy odor. However, you will likely still need additional deodorizing methods to fully neutralize smells.
Best Products to Neutralize Dog Odors
There are many commercial and homemade solutions available to help neutralize dog odors. Here are some of the most effective options:
Enzymatic Cleaners
Enzymatic cleaners work to break down odor causing organic matter through natural enzymes. They help destroy odors rather than just masking smells. They are excellent for removing urine, feces, vomit, and other organic stains and odors from floors, carpets, concrete, grass, and more. Some popular enzymatic cleaners include:
- Nature’s Miracle
- Simple Solution
- Bubba’s Super Strength Enzymatic Pet Odor Eliminator
- ANGRY Orange Pet Odor Eliminator
Odor Absorbing Products
Odor absorbing products contain activated charcoal, baking soda, zeolite, or other ingredients that work to absorb foul odors. These can be used in confined areas like crates, pet beds, carpet, or under furniture to tackle odors. Some options are:
- OdoBan Odor Eliminator
- Febreze Pet Odor Eliminator
- Arm & Hammer Odor Neutralizers
- NonScents Pet Odor Absorber
Deodorizing Sprays
Deodorizing sprays help break down odors and leave a fresh clean scent. They can be used on pet beds, upholstery, carpets, crates, and other areas. Some popular options include:
- Rocco & Roxie Professional Strength Stain & Odor Eliminator
- Earth Rated Dog Odor Remover
- Bubba’s Super Strength Commercial Grade Odor Remover
- Nature’s Miracle Stain and Odor Remover
Air Purifiers
Air purifiers with activated carbon filters help remove pet odors, dander, and other particles from the air. They are great for keeping entire rooms smelling fresh. Some top choices are:
- PARTU HEPA Air Purifier
- GermGuardian Air Purifier
- Winix 5500-2 Air Purifier
- Blueair Classic 480i
Essential Oils
Natural essential oils like lemon, lavender, peppermint, and tea tree help neutralize odors. Add a few drops to water in a spray bottle and use on smelly areas. Do not apply directly on pets. A blend of purification essential oils can also be diffused in rooms.
Baking Soda
Baking soda absorbs odors rather than covering them up. Sprinkle it on carpets, pet beds, crates, car seats, and more then let sit for a few hours before vacuuming. It also neutralizes odors when added to laundry.
White Vinegar
White vinegar helps neutralize odors and can be used alone or mixed with water for cleaning surfaces. It works to counteract the alkaline salts and organic matter left behind from urine and feces odors. Always test on a small area first.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is naturally antibacterial and antifungal. Lightly spritzing it on soft surfaces like carpets, upholstery, and pet beds can help remove stains and deodorize. Rinse after use and allow surfaces to fully dry.
Tips for Using Odor Eliminating Products
– Always spot test products in a small, inconspicuous area first to check for discoloration or damage.
– Read labels carefully and avoid using products that contain ammonia, which smells like urine to dogs and may encourage re-soiling.
– When using sprays or cleaners on soft surfaces, only apply a light mist and avoid over-saturating the area.
– Allow time for products to fully dry before allowing pets back on treated surfaces.
– Open windows, use fans, and run air purifiers when using odor removing chemicals in your home.
– Look for plant-based, eco-friendly products to avoid harsh chemicals around pets.
– Combine products like using an enzyme cleaner followed by an odor absorber for best results.
Tips for Preventing Dog Odors
Here are some proactive ways to keep dog odors at bay:
- Brush dogs weekly or more to distribute oils.
- Wipe paws after being outside to reduce dirt buildup.
- Bathe dogs every 1-3 months or when dirty.
- Clean dog beds and rotate multiple beds weekly.
- Wash dog toys, leashes, collars, and accessories regularly.
- Use mattress and furniture protectors where dogs rest.
- Shampoo carpets and upholstery every 3-6 months.
- Replace worn or soiled pet beds frequently.
- Keep dogs well-groomed and nails trimmed to prevent infections.
- Use air purifiers and deodorizers during times of high odor.
Regular cleaning and neutralizing quick odor occurrences can prevent smells from building up over time.
When to Seek Professional Help for Dog Odors
If odor issues in your home have become unmanageable, it may be time to call in a professional. Signs it’s time to hire help include:
- Odors have permeated deep into carpets, floors, furniture, or walls.
- You have extensively cleaned but smells still persist.
- The odors are making you or family members ill.
- The smell is preventing you from using parts of your home.
- You have a large home that’s difficult to thoroughly clean on your own.
Companies that provide professional odor removal services for pets include:
- Stanley Steemer
- SERVPRO
- Rug Doctor
- Angie’s List Pros
- Care.com
They have industrial strength products, tools, and techniques for eliminating severe pet odor situations.
When to See a Veterinarian about Dog Odors
Sometimes excessive odors can signal an underlying health issue in dogs that needs veterinary attention. Make an appointment with your vet if your dog has:
- Itchy, irritated, or infected skin
- Excessive ear buildup
- Signs of dental disease
- Foul-smelling gas
- Loss of housetraining
- Scooting behavior
- Changes in grooming habits
- Recent diet change
A vet can diagnose and treat any condition contributing to increased odors. Never ignore severe or persistent odor changes in pets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best dog shampoo for smell?
Some top deodorizing dog shampoos include SynergyLabs Veterinary Formula Triple Strength Dirty Dog Concentrated Shampoo, Skout’s Honor Probiotic Shampoo, Earthbath All Natural Shampoo, and Burt’s Bees Natural Dog Shampoo. Look for natural ingredients free of dyes and parabens.
How do you get old dog urine smell out of carpet?
Use an enzymatic cleaner to break down urine proteins and odors in carpet fibers. Allow it to soak in for 5-10 minutes then blot thoroughly with clean towels until dry. Follow up by sprinkling baking soda, allowing it to sit overnight, and vacuuming the next day.
How do you neutralize dog odor in a room?
Open windows, run fans, and use air purifiers to circulate fresh air. Apply an odor eliminating spray to soft surfaces, then place bowls of white vinegar or baking soda around to absorb odors. Diffuse essential oils like eucalyptus, clove, rosemary or tea tree to purify the air.
What scent neutralizes dog urine smell?
White vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, lemon juice, and baking soda help neutralize the alkaline odors from dog urine. Essential oils like lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, tea tree, and citrus oils can also overpower urine odors. Avoid using ammonia!
How do you get dog smell out of blankets?
Wash dog blankets frequently using an odor eliminating laundry booster or white vinegar in the rinse cycle. For blankets that can’t be washed, spot clean stains with an enzymatic cleaner then let air dry. Follow up by spraying leftover odors with an essential oil cleaning mist.
Conclusion
While dog odors can be difficult to eliminate entirely, there are many effective solutions for reducing smells and creating a fresh home environment. Natural enzyme cleaners, deodorizing sprays, odor absorbers, air purifiers, baking soda, vinegar and essential oils can all be used to neutralize dog odors throughout your home.
Implementing preventative cleaning habits, identifying and treating any health issues in dogs, and enlisting professional help for severe smells can further help conquer dog odor challenges. With consistent effort using the right odor busting products, you can keep your house smelling clean and enjoyable for both you and your furry friends.