For pet parents, the situation is all too familiar. You have guests coming over, and you start to notice a distinct smell in the air. It dawns on you that it’s your fur baby. Dog odors can come from several sources, including lingering smells from accidental accidents, pet dander, or their natural scent.
Whatever the cause, you can follow these tips on how to get rid of dog smell to keep your home smelling fresh and clean.
Why Does My Dog Smell?
The first thing to consider before learning how to get rod of dog smell is asking yourself why dogs smell. By being aware of the causes, you may be able to prevent stinky scents in the future.
- Accidents: If your dog has had an accident in the house, the dog smell will linger until you clean it properly. Urine and feces can seep into carpets, rugs, and floors, creating a persistent odor that can be challenging to eliminate. Prompt and thorough cleaning is essential to prevent these smells from becoming a permanent problem.
- Dander: All animals have dander, a collection of skin cells, hair, and other things that their bodies shed. Dander can cause allergies in some people and may also contribute to pet odors. Regular vacuuming and using air purifiers can help reduce the amount of dander in your home, minimizing the associated smells.
- Anal Glands: Dogs have two tiny sacs on either side of their anus containing foul-smelling liquid. This liquid marks their territory and usually goes away after your dog relieves themselves. However, sometimes the sacs can become full or infected, causing a foul smell. If you notice a persistent bad odor around your dog’s rear, it might be time for a vet visit to check their anal glands.
- Poor Hygiene: Irregular grooming may lead to your pet developing a foul dog odor. This is especially true if your pet has long hair that isn’t getting brushed often. Bathing your dog regularly and ensuring their coat is clean and free of debris can help reduce unpleasant smells. Additionally, keeping their ears clean and nails trimmed will contribute to overall hygiene.
- Diet: Believe it or not, a dog’s diet can also contribute to dog smells. What your pooch eats may cause them to emit a foul odor. Make sure that your dog has healthy eating habits. Foods high in certain proteins or fats can lead to stronger body odors. Consult with your vet to ensure your dog’s diet is balanced and appropriate for their needs.
- Medical Conditions: If your dog smells bad and you can’t figure out why, it could be due to a medical condition. Various infections, skin diseases, and even dental problems can cause odors. Yeast or bacterial infections on the skin, ear infections, and periodontal disease are common culprits. If a bad smell persists despite good hygiene, a trip to the vet is warranted to rule out any underlying health issues.
- Natural Scent: Some dogs have a more pungent, natural smell than others due to their breed, diet, and other factors. Breeds with oily coats or those prone to drooling may have a more noticeable odor. Understanding your dog’s natural scent can help you differentiate between normal smells and those indicating a problem. Regular grooming and maintaining their overall health can help manage their natural odor.
By understanding the various reasons why your dog might smell, you can now learn how to get rid of dog smell, ensuring a fresher environment for both you and your furry friend.
How To Get Rid of Dog Smell
Now that you know the causes of pet odors, you can start taking steps to remove them from your home. Fortunately for dog owners, there are several ways to eliminate that distinct pet smell from your home.
Vacuum Regularly
The first way to remove dog smells in your home is by vacuuming regularly. Vacuuming is one of the best ways to remove pet hair and dander from your floors and furniture.
Be sure to vacuum all surfaces, including under furniture and tight spaces where dog hair may be hiding. If possible, use a vacuum with a high-energy particulate air (HEPA) filter to trap more allergens.
Wash Your Dog’s Bed Linens and Blankets
Your dog’s bedding and blankets are likely coated with their scent. Wash these items frequently in hot water to help remove the dog smell. You may also want to consider using a pet-specific laundry detergent.
Clean Your Dog’s Toys, Bowls, and Collars
Another way to remove the dog smell from your home is to clean your pet’s toys, bowls, and collars. These items can trap pet smells even after a thorough washing. To remove these smells, scrub your pet’s belongings in an even mixture of white vinegar and water.
If you have any porous materials that are holding on to smells, like leather leashes or harnesses, you may need to clean them. Porous materials also absorb odors, making it difficult to get rid of them.
To clean a leather leash or harness:
- Wash it in a small amount of soapy water and gently scrub with an old toothbrush
- Apply a thin layer of leather conditioner after it’s dried
- Let the item dry completely before using it again
Brush Your Dog’s Teeth Often
Did you know that dental disease is a common health problem in dogs? Not only can it lead to pain and other issues, but it can also cause bad breath.
Be sure to brush your dog’s teeth regularly to help prevent dental disease and keep your dog’s breath smelling fresh. You can use a pet-specific toothpaste or a baking soda and water mixture.
Spot Clean Accident Areas
If your dog has had an accident in the house, get rid of dog smell by cleaning the area immediately. The longer the urine or feces remains, the harder it will be to remove, thus causing the odor to linger. Urine can be tough to remove, so act quickly.
Be sure to use a pet-specific cleaner and follow the directions carefully. Consider using enzymatic cleaners, which are wonderful to use when you have pets because they actively eliminate odors rather than simply covering them up with fragrance like most cleaning products.
Use Vinegar or Baking Soda on Pet Accidents
For accidents that have already occurred, you can try using apple cider vinegar or baking soda to help remove odors. Sprinkle either substance on the affected area and let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes before vacuuming or cleaning further.
A natural odor eliminator, such as baking soda, is also effective at absorbing carpet odors. Spread the baking soda evenly on the carpet and let it sit for 30 minutes. After, you can vacuum the area. You may need to repeat this process a few times for very stubborn odors.
Invest in an Air Purifier
If you’re struggling to remove pet odor from your home, an air purifier can help. Air purifiers work by trapping airborne particles, including pet dander, pollen, and dust mites. They can help to reduce allergy and asthma symptoms.
An air purifier with a HEPA filter is the best option for eliminating odors from your home. Be sure to get an air purifier that is the right size for your room. Otherwise, it won’t be as effective.
PuroClean is Available 24/7 for Your Pet Cleaning Needs
If the overwhelming dog smell persists, PuroClean is here to help. We understand how having a clean and fresh-smelling home is essential, and we’re here to assist you.
We offer 24/7 emergency cleaning services for tough-to-remove stains and odors. We also use the latest technology and state-of-the-art equipment to get your home looking and smelling its best. Visit our online office locator or call (800) 775-7876 today to find your local PuroClean office.
