Does your house smell of dog when the weather turns humid? Worry not-this is a common issue-one that has many solutions to fix. Pet parents are usually immune to dog smells but this is not the case with guests that visit. So here are some remedies and quick fixes to get rid of dog smell on carpet, couch and anywhere else Fido spends his time.
Know where the odors are coming from
As stated above, your guests will notice the dog odors quicker than you can. So ask a pal to assist you and have them recognize the different odors. They could be ammonia from pet urine or dog feces odor. In what parts of the home can they smell these odors? Then, as you work to get rid of these dog smells, ask them to periodically assist you in ‘sniffing’ so you know if your methods are working.
Bathe your dog
Sometimes, a simple trick like bathing your dog properly can eliminate all dog odors from the home. Always use a shampoo made for dogs, not for humans. Wet your buddy’s fur thoroughly and massage in the deodorizing shampoo. Here is a homemade dog shampoo to remove odors:
- 1 quart hydrogen peroxide
- ¼ cup fresh baking soda
- 10 tsp of (vet approved) dog shampoo
- Few drops of Lavender essential oil
Mix all ingredients. The mixture will fizz. Soak your dog massaging the mixture in the fur deeply. Rinse thoroughly. This powerful remedy will get rid of dog odors as well as skunk odor if your pet has been sprayed.
Brush his teeth
Dogs have other odors too. If you haven’t been regularly brushing your pet’s teeth, his breath might stink due to tartar and plaque. Inspect your pet’s teeth from time to time and start using dog toothpaste regularly. These days, there are convenient canine teeth cleaning products available for in the market. Products like dental chew sticks, raw hide bones, and dental sprays make it rather convenient to keep your pet’s breath fresh. Do check out my article on dog chews and other dental hygiene products that can help you keep your pet’s breath clean and fresh.
Ensure there is no ear trouble
Dogs with floppy ears often develop mites, fungal or yeast infections inside the ear canal. These can stink up the house and couch where your pet sleeps. Regular ear inspection can help get rid of the infections and prevent odors. Here is a homemade dog ear cleaner that is very effective in getting rid of ear odor in floppy ear dogs:
- 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil or cold pressed coconut oil
- 5 drops each Tea tree oil, Lavender oil and Geranium oil
Mix above ingredients and use a dropper to add the blend inside your pet’s ears. This will eliminate fungus, bacteria and mites as well as ear odors. You can also use this simple remedy to get rid of that pesky ‘dog smell’ on your dog.
Remove dog urine odors from carpets
Let’s face it; dogs will have accidents. If your puppy urinates, poops or barfs on the carpet, you must clean the area immediately to prevent odors from setting in. Puppies often use the same spot to urinate upon and their sharp sense of smell helps them sniff out this urine spot for months. So here are some tips to get rid of pet urine odor:
- Remove all solids. Mop up all liquids.
- Chemically and aesthetically eliminate the odor. You can use white vinegar for this job; dilute vinegar with water and treat the soiled area. Pour the mixture liberally over the mess and mop up carefully after a few minutes.
- Next, sprinkle baking soda over the damp area. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes.
- Finish up by vacuuming thoroughly.
You can also use enzyme based cleaners which specifically advertise pet urine removal.
Clean your pet’s rectal glands
Dogs have rectal glands on their rear which can get impacted causing foul odor and discomfort to your pet. If your pet is scooting on its behind, you might have to get these glands cleaned. Seek help of your vet to do so. Also deworm your pet every 3 months (or as advised) to keep his intestines clear off worms.
Allergies and underlying health issues
Sometimes, no matter how much you bathe your pet, the foul odors remain. To get rid of these odors, ensure your pet is not suffering from food allergies. Changing the diet can give your furry friend a healthier, shinier and odor free coat.
Best home remedies to get rid of dog smells in house
Open all windows
As long as the weather permits, air out the rooms to eliminate pet odors.
Bring out the Vanilla
If it is too cold to open the windows, use this trick. Place a few drops of vanilla extract on your furnace filter or soak up a few cotton balls in vanilla and place them on the couch. This will get rid of even the strongest doggy smells.
Coffee beans
Place coffee beans in a small glass bowl and add a tea light in their midst. Not only will your house smell of freshly brewed coffee, it will also look pretty.
Fruit
Cut up an orange, pierce the halves with cinnamon and cloves. Place these orange halves all around the rooms which smell of dog urine or wet doggy odors.
Fabric softener sheets
Tape used fabric softener sheets on your room’s heating or cooling ducts and the room will smell great in no time.
Baking soda spray
Fill up a spray bottle with club soda (or mix ½ cup baking soda with 2 cups water) and spray all over the couch and carpets to get rid of dog smells. You can also use this remedy to get rid of pet odor in hardwood floors.
Make your own rug deodorizer powder
Mix baking soda with your favorite essential oil. Make sure you break all lumps from the mixture. Fill up the mixture in a salt shaker and sprinkle it all over the carpet. Vacuum clean thoroughly after 30 minutes.
Erase stink with vacuum cleaner
Fill up your vacuum cleaner bag with potpourri of fresh or dried herbs (or cotton balls soaked in vanilla or lavender essential oil). As you vacuum, the lovely scent will make the dog smells a thing of the past.
Vodka
If your pet sleeps on the couch and it starts stinking, simply spray a bit of vodka and water mixture all over the upholstery. This will neutralize odors without the need to use chemical cleaners.
We hope these tips help you get rid of dog smell in carpets, couches and hardwood floors.