Dogs are very curious and like to get into all sorts of nooks and crannies. Because of this, they can often bring with them bad odor that sticks on their fur and rubs all over your house. The smell will definitely stay on your hands after a good petting as well.
So what do you do when your dog smells bad?
First, why is it so hard to eliminate dog odor?
One reason why it is hard to keep the stink away is because there are multiple odor sources that have added up. Apart from getting it from what they rub against while on their walks, canines are also known to emit a good amount of sebum, or oil. This natural secretion is one major source of the smell. Other factors why your dog smells bad include:
- Sweat
- Dandruff
- Saliva
- Diet that causes bad breath
- Diet that causes gas
- Yeast that is normally present in skin
- Wax that builds up in their ears
- Urine, which dogs have the natural tendency to mark many things with
Easy Smelly Dog Remedies for Your Home
If you noticed the smell seeping into your home and you are now in dire need to eliminate dog odor from furniture, floors, and multiple other areas of the house, then this handy guide is for you:
#1 Simply sweep the area. Sometimes all it takes is a quick sweep to get rid of dog fur and other odor causing elements that are stuck on the floor or on furniture.
#2 Better yet, mop with a vinegar solution, too. After sweeping, mop the floor with a vinegar solution made of equal parts white vinegar and water.
Simply spray or lightly pour this on the floor, mop it from corner to corner, and let it air dry. Vinegar is a popular household deodorizer which helps neutralize even the strongest of odors.
#3 While you’re at it, best to vacuum everything. We recommend vacuuming after you sweep and before you mop. By adding this step, you will have yourself one hard to beat trio. Vacuum all the other places that dog fur may reach such as ceiling fans and windowsills.
#4 Now, sprinkle some baking soda. Another pantry must-have known for its cleaning superpowers is baking soda. This ingredient targets acidic smells such as urine and neutralizes them. Experts say they work even on old, long-lasting issues.
All you have to do is sprinkle it on the affected areas, let it sit overnight, and then wipe away any excess powder with a wet cloth the next morning. Similarly, you may also opt to vacuum it away especially if it is on things made of fabric.
#5 Wash fabrics and the dog bed. Wash any furniture coverings or fabrics that come in contact with your dog every other week. This is a straightforward way to get rid of smell and also a very important reason why you should opt for dog beds with removable and washable covers.
#6 Steam up your carpet. Carpet steaming is a great way to get rid of bacteria, dust, and odor. Carpet steamers utilize warm water and cleaning solution to suction out any smell lodged into the fabric.
#7 Let in some air. By opening the windows and letting air breeze through, you can help air out some of the odor. Just make sure the environment outside doesn’t stink as well!
#8 Or invest in an air purifier. Air purifiers are great for getting rid of odors, and killing bacteria at the same time.
How to Get Rid of Odor on Dogs?
Now that you have the house all clean and smelling fresh, be sure not to forget the source of all the odor! Here are quick ways on how to make dogs smell better:
#1 Regularly give them a bath. Bathe your dog every 1-3 months with an effective, odor-eliminating shampoo. Two that we recommend are:
- Antifungal
- Antimicrobial
- Veterinarian Formulated
- Packed with nutrients that penetrate the skin and distribute throughout the system.
- Made with aloe, oatmeal, cucumber, and melon
- Hypoallergenic
- Moisturizing
- Soothing
- Packed with nutrients that penetrate the skin and distribute throughout the system.
Be sure that your dog is completely dry before letting them run free because moisture is the number 1 breeding ground for bacteria and yeast that also cause a bad smell.
#2 Brush their fur. By brushing your dog 2-5 times per week, you help evenly distribute oils and get rid of dead fur. This also lessens the amount of shedding they do indoors.
#3 Sprinkle baking soda. This trick not only works on furniture but on your dogs as well. By gently patting baking soda on their fur, you help neutralize odors and give them a “dry bath”. This is one of many dog owners’ go-to smelly dog remedies.
#4 Feed them quality food. Many of us watch what we eat because we know how much it can affect our skin, hair, body, and even odor. This principle applies to dogs as well.
With quality food, your dog is healthier on the inside, thus making them smell better on the outside. This is also a great way to ensure their teeth and gums stay well maintained.
#5 Invest in a quality dog bed. As we’ve briefly mentioned, your dog’s bed should be washed regularly. This is the place they spend hours on each day and every night. Understandably, it can take on the many odors your canine is carrying, not to mention the amount of sweat, oil, saliva, fur, and whatever else it comes in contact with.
One surefire way on how to make dogs smell better is by getting a good pet bed that has removable and washable covers. That way, it won’t be such a hassle to keep up the routine of regularly cleaning it.
Dog Beds You and Your Pet Will Love
Our lineup of orthopedic, memory foam beds all include machine-washable and dryer-safe covers to keep your dog smelling fresh and ensure that clean up is a breeze for you, too.
