Dogs are beloved members of many households, but they can leave behind a distinct odour that can be difficult to eliminate. Whether the smell is on the dog or whether the dog leaves their mark behind from accidents, there are ways to get rid of the smell and create a fresh-smelling home. In this article, we’ll explore some effective strategies for getting rid of dog smell.
Preventing Dog marking indoors
Preventing dog marking indoors can be challenging, but there are several strategies that can help. Firstly, spaying or neutering your dog can greatly reduce their urge to mark. Secondly, provide frequent opportunities for outdoor bathroom breaks and praise your dog for eliminating outside. If your dog does mark indoors, clean the area thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner to remove any scent. Consider using belly bands or diapers to prevent marking while indoors. Providing plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, and attention can also reduce your dog's stress and prevent marking behaviours. Finally, seek advice from a professional dog trainer or behaviourist if marking persists as it may be a sign of an underlying issue that requires further attention.
Dog smells and urine getting soaked in fabric
Carpets and couches can soak up dog smells or urine because they are absorbent materials. The fibres in carpets and upholstery fabrics can trap odours and stains, making it difficult to remove them completely. Additionally, dogs have a keen sense of smell and can detect even small amounts of their own scent, which can lead to repeated marking in the same area. If not cleaned properly, the scent can linger in the fibres and continue to attract the dog back to the same spot. To prevent dog smells or urine from becoming deeply embedded in carpets and couches, it's important to clean up any accidents as soon as possible using an enzymatic cleaner designed specifically for pet stains and odours.
Getting rid of dog smells in the carpet or couch
- Blot the area: If the area is still wet, use paper towels or a clean cloth to blot the area to remove as much moisture as possible.
- Apply an enzymatic cleaner: Enzymatic cleaners are specifically designed to break down the proteins in pet urine and other organic stains, effectively eliminating the odour. Apply the cleaner generously to the affected area and allow it to sit for the recommended amount of time.
- Use a carpet cleaner or steam cleaner: Once the enzymatic cleaner has had time to work, use a carpet cleaner or steam cleaner to thoroughly clean the area. This will help remove any remaining stain and odour-causing bacteria.
- Sprinkle baking soda: Once the area has been cleaned and dried, sprinkle baking soda over the affected area and let it sit for several hours. Baking soda is a natural odour absorber and can help eliminate any lingering smells.
- Vacuum up the baking soda: After several hours, vacuum up the baking soda from the carpet or couch.
- Repeat if necessary: If the smell persists, repeat the process until the odour is completely gone.
Keeping your house smelling fresh
Keeping your home smelling fresh when you have a dog can be challenging, but there are several strategies you can implement. Firstly, establish a regular cleaning routine to keep your home tidy and odour-free. This includes regular vacuuming, dusting, and wiping down surfaces. Invest in high-quality air filters and use air purifiers to help eliminate pet odours from the air. Wash your dog's bedding regularly and consider using odour-neutralising sprays on fabrics. You can also use natural remedies such as baking soda or vinegar to eliminate odours from carpets and furniture. Regularly groom your dog to prevent excess shedding and keep them clean and odour-free. Lastly, consider using odour-neutralising candles, diffusers, or sprays to keep your home smelling fresh and inviting. With these strategies in place, you can enjoy a clean and fresh-smelling home even with a furry friend around.
Training your dog to mark outdoors
Getting your dog to mark outdoors can be an effective way to get rid of dog smell in the house. When dogs mark indoors, the scent can become trapped in carpets, upholstery, and other absorbent materials, leading to a persistent odour. By encouraging your dog to mark outdoors, you can reduce the amount of marking that occurs indoors and prevent the buildup of scent. Additionally, outdoor environments offer more opportunities for natural air circulation, which can help disperse any odours that may be present. Providing frequent opportunities for outdoor bathroom breaks and praising your dog for eliminating outside can also reinforce positive behaviour and reduce stress, which can help reduce marking indoors and keep your home smelling fresh.
Here are some other tips on what you can do:
- Regular Grooming: Regular grooming is one of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent dog odour in the home. Brushing your dog's coat regularly can help remove loose fur and dead skin cells that can contribute to unwanted smells. Additionally, bathing your dog once every month or so can help keep their coat clean and fresh-smelling.
- Proper Diet: A dog's diet can also impact their body odour. Feeding your dog high-quality, nutrient-dense food can help prevent digestive issues and reduce flatulence, which can contribute to unpleasant odours. Additionally, giving your dog a daily dental treat or using a dog-safe dental rinse can help prevent bad breath.
- Regular Cleaning: Regular cleaning of your home is also essential to prevent dog smell. Carpets and upholstery can trap pet odour, so vacuuming and steam cleaning these surfaces regularly can help eliminate any trapped odours. Additionally, washing your dog's bedding frequently and cleaning any hard surfaces that your dog comes into contact with, such as floors and walls, can help prevent odours from building up.
- Odour Neutralising Products: There are several odour-neutralising products available on the market that can help eliminate pet odours in the home. Air purifiers can help remove pet dander and other particles from the air, while odour-neutralising candles, sprays, and diffusers can help mask any unpleasant smells.
- Enzymatic Cleaners: If your dog has had an accident in the home, it's important to clean up the mess as soon as possible to prevent the smell from lingering. Enzymatic cleaners are specially designed to break down the proteins in pet urine and other organic stains, effectively eliminating the odour.
- Seek Professional Help: If you've tried the above strategies and are still struggling with dog smell in the home, it may be time to seek professional help. A professional dog trainer or behaviourist can help identify any underlying issues that may be contributing to the odour, such as anxiety or territorial marking, and provide guidance on how to address them.
