When you have a dog, there’s no question that your house is going to start smelling like them. And while most people love the smell of their dog, others might not find it as pleasant.
There are a few things you can do to remove the dog smell from your home. First, make sure that your dog is well-groomed and bathed regularly. Second, vacuum and clean up any areas where your dog spends a lot of time. Third, use air fresheners and scented candles to help mask the smell.
If you’re looking for ways to remove the dog smell from your home, you’re in luck! We’ve put together a list of tips and tricks that will help make your house feel (and smell) fresh again.
13. Use An Air Purifier
A good air purifier will take care of most pet-related odors by getting rid of the air-borne particles that cause them. You just have to make sure that you invest in the right one and change the filters regularly.
We recommend you check out the TaoTronics HEPA Air Purifier. This model features a 3 step filtration system including a carbon filter for odor fumes and a fine HEPA filter for the particles that cause them.
12. Invest In A Pet-Specific Vacuum Cleaner
Sometimes, all your house needs is a good cleaning in which case vacuuming is one of the most effective methods. This helps to get rid of fur and other forms of pet dander that could be lying around the house harboring bacteria.
The BISSELL Upright Vacuum Cleaner is easily the best pick on the market when it comes to these types of messes. It features special tools meant to brush fur off surfaces for the powerful suction to pick up.
11. Establish And Stick To A Dog Grooming Routine
Failing to wash your dog enough is one of the main reasons why your house may be as smelly as it is. Remember that, unlike cats, dogs are not very fastidious about self-grooming. As such, they rely heavily on you to brush and wash them on a regular basis to get rid of dirt and grime.
However, there is such a thing as washing too much which could, paradoxically, contribute to the bad odors. So try and find a balance with a 1 to 2 monthly washing schedule being enough to keep things fresh.
10. Wash All Linen The Dog Is In Contact With
Most dogs have Velcro personalities and will follow you pretty much anywhere you go in your home. This includes your favorite spot on the couch and even your bed. As they play with you or cuddle you, they unwittingly leave things like dead skin and fur all over the house.
So if you notice that things have started smelling a little ripe in the home, it may be time to throw any clothes or linen your dog has been in contact with into the washing machine.
9. Air Out And Clean Your Dog’s Bed
Dog beds are super dirty and are more often than not the main source of dog-related stenches in your home. Cleaning it should therefore be high on your agenda when figuring out how to get rid of these odors in your home.
You could also just leave it outside for a few hours every few days or weeks. The fresh air will do wonders for the surfaces leaving them less stinky.
8. Use Baking Soda
Using baking soda to get rid of dog odors is one of the oldest tricks in the book. You just have to sprinkle it over surfaces you have identified as the worst hit by the stink and then wipe it off after a day or two.
Baking soda works particularly well on fresh pet-related stains. So if your pooch leaves a mess or has a potty accident, clean up as soon as possible and sprinkle the baking soda.
7. Steam Clean Your Carpets And Upholstery
Dogs leave a lot of dead skin and fur on carpets and couches. With time, germs take advantage and take over the surfaces releasing horrible smells. The best way to deal with this is by getting your carpets and sofas deep cleaned.
Steam cleaning in particular helps to get rid of most sources of odors whether it is pee stains, bacteria taking advantage of dander or even parasites like fleas and mites. The Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Max Clean Pet Pro Full-Size Carpet Cleaner will do this job easily.
6. Try Enzyme Cleaners For Surfaces
A lot of dog odor in your home may not even be from the dog itself. It is usually on surfaces like couches or even the floor where the dog leaves all their dirt, dander, and secretions. An enzyme cleaner would be the best cleaning product to get rid of these as it is more powerful than regular soap.
Try the mildly scented and highly effective Sunny & Honey Enzyme Cleaner for yourself and you will see exactly what we are talking about.
5. Deodorize Your Dog
Washing your dog too frequently could be a contributing factor to odors in your home as this strips their skin and fur of natural oils. This irritates the skin and could facilitate the overgrowth of bacteria when new oils are produced.
Dog deodorizers come in handy here allowing you to get rid of odors before their next bath. The Bio-Groom Cologne is a fantastic option if you want something effective but not too strong.
4. Use Odor Control Grooming Products
It is not enough to simply wash your dog. This is because most shampoos and conditioners are not designed to remove odors. It is thus best to go with an odor control shampoo and conditioner that not only gets your pooch clean but also leaves them smelling nice.
Nature’s Miracle Supreme Odor Control is worth a try in this case. It has an oatmeal formula designed to soothe irritated skin that could be contributing to the odor. It is also naturally scented with sage and honey to help with odor control.
3. Get Some Essential Oils
Essential oils could make all the difference when it comes to dealing with dog smell in your home. The secret is to get something fragrant and strong enough to mask the odors without being overpowering. Lavender, lemon, and peppermint are perfect in this case.
In addition to the oils, you will need a diffuser in which case the ASAKUKI Essential Oil Diffuser is definitely worth considering with its 5-in-1 multifunctionality and automation capabilities.
2. Get Your Dog A Health Check
Sometimes, the best way to deal with the dog stink in your home is by addressing the root of the problem. A lot of times, the source has to do with your dog’s health. It could be irritated anal glands, halitosis, skin infections, or even diseases causing incontinence.
Therefore, it is best to start by having your pooch checked out so you can permanently deal with the issue.
1. Crack Open A Window
Yes, something as easy as opening a window every now and then could be the magic solution to your dog odor problem in your home. The wave of fresh air technically will dilute the odor particles floating around in the air in your home.
The moving air also could help carry away particles that settle on surfaces further reducing the intensity of the smell. It may not get rid of the stench entirely, especially with really bad cases, but it definitely makes a difference.
Related Questions
Which Dog Breeds Are The Least Smelly?
The basenji is widely regarded as the least smelly of all dog breeds. This is mainly due to its short coat that is very easy to manage. They are also generally very calm dogs and do not work up as much of a sweat as other dog breeds do when they are playing.
Why Does My Dog Smell When Wet?
Wet dog smell is one of the worst odors there is.
The reason why dogs smell so bad when they are wet has to do with the relationship between water and a combination of volatile compounds and microorganisms on the dog’s coat. These odorous compounds are released into the air when the dog gets wet.
Why Does My Dog Smell So Bad Even After A Bath?
Dog coats harbor bacteria and their products which release odors once in contact with water even after a bath. Furthermore, the dog’s skin and fur are stripped of oil during baths prompting heavy production of more natural oils which in turn attract bacteria in what can only be described as a vicious cycle.