Your dog may well be the most adorable member of your family. But does he sometimes make it impossible to stand in his presence, finding the foulest smelliest things and then rolling all over in it?
Some dogs seem to be obsessed with getting into the trash, lying around in the dirt, or even straight-up rolling in mud, leaving them smelling terrible.
Even if your pooch doesn’t smell of garbage, feces or anything foul, there is a high likelihood that you have found him and your home having that distinctive dog smell. Even with regular baths and proper grooming, dogs tend to emit an odor which can spread to their beds, your clothes, furniture, carpet, and the floor.
Other than bathing them daily, which is not only challenging but is also not recommended for their skin and coat, is there anything that you can do?
In this article, we will talk about why, despite all your attempts to keep him clean and smelling fresh, your dog often smells ripe. We will also help you understand what could be causing this odor and if it might be health related. We will give our recommendations for an essential oil dog deodorizer that will help you fight pet odor.
Why You Need a Dog Deodorizer
Before you can deal with the odor issue, it is important you understand why your dog smells like a … well, dog!
While all dogs might smell the same to us, they all have a chemical scent that is specific to them. And even though dogs do not sweat like us through the skin, they do emit some perspiration, along with skin oils for maintaining healthy skin and coat, through their hair follicles.
Additionally, yeast and bacteria grow in the moist and dark places on a dog’s body, even healthy dogs. These places can be your dog’s mouth, ears, folded skin, and under the tail. While all these smells are normal and their intensity maintained naturally in healthy dogs, it can further be managed by proper bathing and grooming.
The problem arises when the concentration of bacteria and yeast on your pooch’s skin becomes high as a result of some underlying health issue, like skin or ear infections, seasonal or food allergies, dental issues, or gastrointestinal problems. These issues make the smell strong and constant. This strong, unpleasant odor is referred to as malodor.
You will also find that this dog smell often becomes worse when your dog is wet, due to change in the odor-causing compounds on your dog’s wet skin compared to dry skin.
Your dog might smell worse if he loves rolling in dirt and mud, and other things unsavory. This habit is passed down from his wild ancestors, meant to hide their scent to sneak up on prey or mark their presence in a territory. Your dog wants to boast to you and his furry pals about his recent adventures.
In your fight against malodor, begin by getting your pooch checked by a veterinarian to eliminate any health issues. In addition, regular bathing and grooming him will help.
Along with these efforts, perhaps you just want a quick fix to remove that ever-present dog smell. That is where dog deodorizers come in. They are pleasant smelling products that you can apply to your dog and his surroundings, to mask or eliminate malodor.
Once your pooch is smelling great again you don’t have to worry about that stinky odor as you cuddle up with him.
The Benefits of Using Essential Oils for a Dog Deodorizer
There is a huge variety of deodorizing products available for neutralizing your dog’s malodor between baths, no matter how much fun he has been having in dirt and filth. For those of you looking for natural deodorizers, using essential oils is the most effective way to get it done.
Essential oils not only smell great and help to eliminate bad odors, but they are also packed with additional benefits for your dog. Here are some reasons to consider using essential oils in deodorizing products for your pup:
- Essential oils deodorizers are natural and free of harsh chemicals.
- These deodorizing sprays act quickly and effectively to neutralize dog odor, leaving your dog smelling fresh and clean.
- Essential oil deodorizers address and heal skin and other issues causing your pooch’s malodor.
- Certain essential oil deodorizing sprays have antibacterial, antiviral, and disinfectant properties, ensuring your pup and your home are germ-free.
- Some doggie deodorizers with essential oils also help in clean and removing stains from your upholstery, carpet and other furniture.
While urine-scent is the universal favorite scent for all dogs, some dogs do enjoy the beautiful fragrance of certain essential oils. However, their sharp sense of smell makes them less tolerant many of these oils. The smaller bodies of dogs along with their liver’s inability to process toxins as effectively as humans make it even more important that you pick a suitable essential oil for them.
So, you must be careful while choosing an essential oil dog deodorizer for your pooch. The general rule when exposing dogs to essential oils are:
- Always dilute the oils before using on your dog
- Don’t let your pooch ingest the oil
- Avoid application of these oils on your pet’s eyes and ears
- Always patch test before using a product on your beloved dog
- Don’t allow your doggo long term exposure to an essential oil
The following are a few essential oils that have been proven to be safe for dogs.
- Lavender has a calming effect on your dog in addition to its odor control properties. This oil also helps with allergies, insomnia, and car sickness.
- Cardamom has antibacterial properties that can help deal with odor-causing bacteria on your pooch’s skin and coat.
- Cedarwood is good for treating a variety of skin issues with your pooch while also providing a calming effect for him.
- Chamomile helps treat allergies, skin irritations, and inflammation on your dog’s skin.
Choosing the right essential oil for your pet can be tricky. It is always best to try it in small concentrations and for short periods before using it for long term help. We also advise consulting your veterinarian to help you find the most suitable product and determine a safe dosage.
Essential Oil Dog Deodorizer
Now that you know of all the amazing ways you can use essential oil deodorizers to help fight dog smell, let’s go ahead and look at a few options for you to choose from.
There are a number of products that can help you mitigate the smell your beloved pup is spreading around your home and belongings.
Check out this video for a recipe for a DIY dog deodorizer.
If you do not have the time to make your own deodorizer but are still looking for a safe and effective means to deal with pet odor, read on to find our top recommendations for essential oil deodorizers that you can pick from.
Sofee & Co. Natural Dog/Puppy Deodorizing Spray, Freshener (White Pear) – Made from safe and natural ingredients, this product not only eliminates dog odor but also deals with odor-causing bacteria.
Its white pear odor is not only pleasant but is also mild to not overpower your dog’s senses. It is safe even to use directly on dogs, as well as puppies, cats, and kittens. It can also be used in places where your pet frequents to keep them smelling fresh, and dog smell free.
Gerrard Larriett Aromatherapy Freshening & Shining Spray for Pets – Containing lavender and chamomile oil, this spray is sure to leave you with a calm and relaxed dog.
The lavender scent helps remove dog odor, while the addition of lanolin to the spray leaves your dog’s skin hydrated and moisturized.
WAHL Dog/ Pet Deodorant Spray – Containing spearmint and eucalyptus essential oils, this product adds a beautiful fresh fragrance to your pet, without bathing him.
Made from raw, natural materials that are safe for dogs, this product is safe to use even if your dog has sensitive skin.
Pets are wonderful additions to our families. They give us unconditional love and immense joy. So why let something as small as bad odor come between you both.
With your essential oil deodorizer, spritz your dog’s coat lightly and breathe in the lovely perfumed scent. Dig your face into their fur, cuddle up on the sofa and rest easy that you now have a natural, quick and effective solution to deal remove bad odor.
