We’ve all been there. You walk in the door and it hits you like a ton of bricks. That stench you know all too well, provided by your lovable (but stinky) little four-legged friend.
So how do we get rid of it? Here are some of our favorite tips on how to get rid of smelly dog odor in and around your house.
How to Eliminate Dog Odor in the House
Vacuum Frequently
Dogs are much closer to the ground so their hair and dander are going to be all over your floors and carpet. Dander is tiny little pieces of your dog’s skin, which is typically responsible for allergic reactions.
Along with odors, dander is incredibly important to watch out for, because you may have guests who are allergic. Be sure to vacuum and sweep to get up as much of that dander as possible. Make sure to go under and behind furniture to get every little bit you can.
A great tip for vacuuming is to sprinkle a little bit of baking soda on the ground and let that soak up any of the odors. We like to use this baking soda because it is a natural product. Then you just need to vacuum the baking soda and all the dander and odors will be sucked up with it.
Remove Dog Urine Smells
You can remove dog urine smell from carpet in the same way. Make sure you clean up these accidents as soon as you notice the. Soak up as much of the urine as you can first. Then add some baking soda followed by some distilled white vinegar. It will bubble up a bit while it works in. Let it sit for about 5 minutes then blot and rub with a cloth to clean. When dry you can vacuum out any remaining baking soda.
If you have tried this and still can’t get rid of the smell you could try something a bit more heavy duty like the Natures Miracle Advanced Formula. I personally find the residual smell of these sprays a little overpowering, but sometimes that is better than the smell of urine.
Avoid any kind of steam cleaning as this can set the urine smell.
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Remove Dog Odor From Couch
Just like with your carpet and floors, your couch can also collect dander and dog hair. Regularly vacuum your couch getting right into the cracks and under the cushions. If you can wash your cushions then do so, or if you can remove the covers then wash them as well as any throw rugs you keep on your couch. Air dry the cushions or covers if you can to help remove any lingering odor and prevent shrinkage. If you can’t wash the cushions then you can at least air them outside for a while.
A white vinegar and water mix (equal parts) in a spray bottle can be sprayed over your couch at this point. Spray a light mist all over your couch and allow it to dry. Don’t worry about the strong vinegar smell, it will fade. Once the vinegar has dried, if an odor still remains, you can try baking soda. Just like with your carpet, sprinkle a light layer over your couch and let it sit, overnight if you can. Then you can vacuum it up.
Different fabrics may require special treatment so be sure to check your manufacturer’s instructions first so you don’t ruin your couch.
If this fails to remove the smell, you may need to try having your couch professionally cleaned.
Clean Your Air
If you don’t already have an air purifier, then you should get one. The best air purifier for pets will remove the dander and other allergens from the air and take the smells with it.
You then need to remember to change your air filters every month or so to improve the efficiency of your air purifier and keep your house odor free.
Your dog’s hair and dander, which holds a lot of the odors, travels throughout the air. Purifying your home’s air should help to clear up most dog odors and improve your home’s air quality altogether. They are great for people with allergies as well.
If you don’t have or want an air purifier you can try other odor removers like activated bamboo charcoal or a pluggable UV-C light air sanitizer to keep your air clean.
Clean Your Dog’s Stuff Often
If your dog is stinky, then their stuff is going to have a lot of that smell on it as well. A great way to eliminate the dog odor throughout the house is to clean all your dog’s things.
Make sure you are regularly cleaning their water and food bowls just as you would your own. Toys can be thrown into the washer or hand washed.
Your dog’s bedding should be cleaned about once a month. Many dog beds are now machine-washable, but if yours is not you should look for one that is, or take your current one outside and beat out the dirt like you would with a rug.
Recommended Reading: The Best Dog Beds
Groom Your Dog Regularly
Dirt and bacteria can linger in your pup’s coat so be sure to regularly have your dog groomed, or better yet, learn how to do it yourself. Brushing out long hair is a great way to fight against the smell and your dog will love the extra attention. Make sure to get rid of mats in your dog’s fur as well.
One thing to watch out for is to not over-groom your dog. Your dog’s skin produces natural oils and washing your dog too much can be bad for their coat. Your vet will be able to tell you how often is good for your particular dog. And, we all know how bad dog breath can be so remember to brush those teeth!
Recommended Reading: How to Groom Your Dog at Home
Pet Odor Removal Products
There are a ton of great products available for dog owners to keep their homes from smelling like a dog kennel. Just make sure that whatever you decide to buy is pet-friendly. Many cleaning products can be harmful to your dog.
Candles can be a great way to mask any smells. These Pet House Soy Wax Candles are eco-friendly and non-toxic to dogs. Keep in mind that these will not remove odors, only cover them with a better smell. But even that can make your house more pleasant to live in.
If your dog is big and clumsy, you might want to opt for plug-in wall inserts instead of candles.
Pet smell eliminators are great for couches and other furniture that frequently have dogs on them.
The best carpet cleaner for pet urine is something like this Natures Miracle Advanced Pet Trigger Sprayer that can be used on a number of different surfaces in your home.
Pick Up the Poop
If your dog goes to the bathroom in the backyard, you need to make sure you’re frequently picking up the waste. Washing down patios, decks, and outdoor areas where your dogs goes is also a great way to prevent any smells from overpowering you when you go outside.
Get yourself a well-made pooper scooper and go out back every other day to take care of the waste. Not only are you stopping the odors, but you’re also preventing bacteria, flies and other bugs from being attracted by the smells.
How to Remove Dog Urine Odor From Yard
Even after you have cleaned up after your dog there may still be a lingering urine smell in your outdoor areas. You can use a mixture of vinegar and water, or even add some baking soda, to help remove these smells. Scrub hard surfaces, like decks or concrete, with a stiff broom and rinse down. You may need to try an odor eliminator like the Simple Green Outdoor Pet Odor Eliminator for stubborn smells.
If All Else Fails, Go to the Vet
If you’ve tried everything on this list and you still can’t handle the dog smell in your house, take your pup to the vet. There might be something wrong with your dog that can easily be fixed. Ear infections are usually accompanied by a stinky smell. And, if the anal gland needs to be expressed (yes, that is as terrible as it sounds), there can be a pungent odor. Some infections and illnesses can also cause your dog to smell.
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I hope this has given you just the fix you need to get rid of dog odor in and around your house. Good luck to you and your pup!
