As a dog owner, I don’t think that my home smells doggie at all. However, the reality is that it probably does!
And knowing how to get rid of dog smells can be as much an art as it is a science. By that I mean, it’s not all about chemicals, rather it is a combination of things.
As a general rule, the type of dog you have can determine how much your dog and house smell doggy – the smaller the dog the smaller the smell, the bigger the dog the bigger the smell.
For example, a Jack Russell compared to a Newfoundland, by the very nature of the dog the smells will be different.
The difference is not simply the size differential between these two breeds of dog, but the type and amount of fur each has.
Want to Cut to the Chase and just get something
to get rid of dog smells now…
May 2024 update: I recently discovered the Isle of Dogs Deep Cleaning shampoo.
It’s a gentle shampoo that removes odor without being harsh on my dog’s skin or coat. AND this shampoo is sulfate and paraben-free.
*This page contains Amazon.com Affiliate links, which means that I may earn a small commission should you buy a product featured on this page. At no extra cost to you.
Wahl has a great range of products designed specifically for dogs.
The range includes shampoos and No-rinse waterless shampoos, deodorants, cleaning wipes, and odor neutralizers. The shampoos are PEG-80 Free, Alcohol-Free, and Paraben Free.
The ‘No-rinse Waterless Shampoo‘ with lavender is a godsend, as far as I am concerned.
I like the no-rinse waterless shampoo because it is a plant-based cleanser that soothes damaged skin, and the Coconut Lime Verbena fragrance is designed to give your dog a clean, fresh smell without bathing.
So if you are like me and want to avoid using harsh chemicals on your dog/s then check out the WAHL range of dog grooming products on Amazon.
We Love Dogs, But Not That Wet Dog Smell!
Knowing how to get rid of dog smells on carpet, couches and even my bed has saved my relationship with my dog, and my wife many times. Because, as much as we love our dogs, I can’t say the same about wet dog smell!
It goes without saying, Newfoundland dogs were born to swim. They are natural swimmers and excellent water rescue dogs. Trouble is, their thick woolly coat of fur can carry an awful lot of water and can stay wet for hours (24 or more in winter).
So like much of the advice we give on this website, “prevention is better than any cure”, the same applies here.
The best way to get rid of dog smells is to avoid them in the first place.
I often get asked why we have a van. The answer is simple, and to me very obvious. The back of our van did not have seats, Chester our Newfoundland could jump in after a swim at the river or beach and we wouldn’t be worried about liters of water dripping everywhere. Unlike a car, with carpet, seats, other upholstery, etc.
The Art Of How To Get Rid Of Dog Smells
However, that being said no matter how much thought and planning we’d do there was always a time when he’d sneak into the house wet. Or dirty from day-to-day fun like rolling in the mud and unpleasant discoveries (like the time he found an offal pit…) I’ve perfected the art of how to get rid of dog smells!
Products like the WAHL no-rinse shampoo, mentioned above, are great in these situations – after a good brushing down with a soft wire brush that is. Never pleasant to do, but always better to get off the dog than the furniture and bedding inside the house.
As I said above, there are invariably times your dog will mess up in the house. Either a little (or not so little in the case of a Newfoundland) “Package from God” as a good friend of mine likes to call them, or simply dirty and/or wet patches. To deal with these I tend to rely on old towels, some elbow grease some homemade cleaners, as detailed further down in this article.
Then there is always my trusty Karcher wet and dry vacuum cleaner from my workshop. You could probably get away with a smaller cheaper wet and dry vacuum cleaner, it’s just that I have this one in my workshop. However, they are reasonably cheap, less than $50, although you can pay hundreds if you wanted to.
In my opinion, they are invaluable as far as getting rid of dog smells on the carpet and in some cases bedding, as well as the car. And it’s cheaper than paying professional carpet cleaners.
Use Amazon to do some research on wet and dry vacuum cleaners before deciding to buy.
Look After Your Dog’s Skin and Coat
The best starting place is your Dog themselves! There are a number of things you can do to keep your dog smelling great!
- Regularly brush your dog – This helps distribute sebum throughout the coat. Sebum is the natural oil in your dog’s coat that protects the skin, and hair and leaves them looking glossy. Unfortunately, this is also what causes the distinctive “dog smell.”Brushing not only helps maintain oil balance and prevent overproduction but is also great for removing any debris or dirt in your dog’s coat.
- Heal from the inside out – Feeding your dog a high-quality diet supports skin and coat health and reduces the chance of allergies developing. Dogs that suffer from allergies tend to develop increased levels of sebum, as well as an increase in sweat – which can lead to a smellier AND itchier dog.
- Lather up your dog- Let’s face it, none of us would smell very good without showers! Your dog requires regular baths. Although too few baths can cause a smelly dog, too many can worsen the problem. The ideal time period between baths is 3-4 weeks. Make sure to use a pH-balanced, gentle shampoo and get lathering.
Tips to Keep Your House Smelling Fresh
Once you have addressed your dog, there is a range of things you can do around your home to keep it smelling fresh.
- Keep your dog off the furniture – It may seem obvious, but this really is essential!
Washing pet bedding is much easier than stripping off your entire couch. Make your dog up a special bed in their crate. Far from being a “cage”, a crate can be your dog’s den and safe place. I highly recommend you read our article on crate training and its many benefits How To Crate Train your Puppy. - Tackle the bedding – Regularly wash your dog’s bedding in a hot wash and allow it to dry in the sun to kill any bacteria. Consider using a natural anti-bacterial and odor neutralizing bedding such as natural sheepskin.
- Regularly wipe out your dog’s kennel and crate cage with an enzymatic cleaner. Try our natural, safe, and cheap recipe below!
- Prioritize potty training. It goes without saying, less mess, less smell! Toilet training requires patience, consistency, and routine. Knowing how to get rid of dog smells from accidents is essential to prevent your puppy from repeating this in the same place.
How To Get Rid Of Dog Smells Naturally
You don’t have to invest in expensive, potentially toxic cleaners to keep your house smelling fresh! These simple recipes make effective cleaners, but keep in mind, always test colorfastness prior to use!
Natural Citrus Enzymatic Cleaner
Unlike many commercial cleaners that are harsh, pungent, and can even be toxic, this cleaner is perfectly safe around pets. Plus, it will keep things smelling citrus-y fresh!
Use this cleaner on your floors, to wipe up accidents and to clean out your dog’s crate.
Ingredients
- 80g of soft brown sugar
- 1 1/2 cups of the peel of citrus fruit – I use lemons or orange
- 1 liter of distilled water
Directions
In a large, glass container add sugar and fruit peels
Pour over water
Tighten lid and shake until the sugar has dissolved.
Loosen lid to halfway to prevent gas build-up
Leave for 3 months
Strain peel using a sieve or cheesecloth
Store in a spray bottle and use to clean anything from blood to food, or potty accidents!
Vinegar Baking Soda Spray
My Grandma swore by baking soda and vinegar for everything from whitening clothes, to cleaning the toilet! Sure enough, this mixture is unparalleled when it comes to removing funky odors and to get rid of dog smells in a carpet.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of warm water
- 2 cups of white vinegar
- 4 heaped tablespoons of baking soda
Directions
Combine ingredients in a large bowl, taking care to add baking soda slowly to prevent overflow. Pour into a spray bottle and apply to stains or spills.
Tip: When using this spray for puppy potty accidents make sure to absorb as much liquid as possible first. I use a paper towel to soak up any urine and follow with a generous dusting of baking soda. I leave this for 10-15 minutes and then vacuum, followed by a spritz of this spray. For stubborn odors leave for 5 -10 minutes before blotting away with a cloth.
So there you have it, how to get rid of dog smells with no harsh cleaners or chemicals!
Speaking of no harsh chemicals
to get rid of dog smells…
Wahl has a great range of products designed specifically for dogs.
The range includes shampoos and No-rinse waterless shampoos, deodorants, cleaning wipes, and odor neutralizers. The shampoos are PEG-80 Free, Alcohol-Free, and Paraben Free.
The ‘No-rinse Waterless Shampoo‘ with lavender is a godsend, as far as I am concerned.
I like the no-rinse waterless shampoo because it is a plant-based cleanser that soothes damaged skin, and the Coconut Lime Verbena fragrance is designed to give your dog a clean, fresh smell without bathing.
So if you are like me and want to avoid using harsh chemicals on your dog/s then check out the WAHL range of dog grooming products on Amazon.
How To Remove Pet Stains From Carpet
In my experience, White Wine Vinegar and Baking Soda is the cheapest and easiest way to remove pet stains from the carpet.
However, in this instance, the vinegar and soda are not mixed together as a spray – as mentioned above, which is a great way to remove dog smells and odors. Rather, to remove pet stains from carpet:
1) Pour a little white wine vinegar onto the stain. Leaving the carpet damp but not soggy.
2) Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the soaked stain.
3) Leave it for 2-3 days until the baking soda is dry.
Important: Leave it to dry naturally. Do not try to dry it artificially with a heater or hairdryer and try to avoid direct sunlight.
TIP: While the vinegar and soda mix is drying, cover it with something that will let it breathe and keep it undisturbed – an upturned laundry basket is ideal as it allows fresh air to circulate.
Protecting the stained area with a covering also prevents the baking soda from being walked on and spread throughout the house. And it stops your pet from scratching at the mixture and getting it on themselves and making a bigger mess.
4) Once the soda has dried naturally, clean up as much as you can, throw it away, before vacuuming the area clean.
Your carpet will be as good as new.
NOTE: This method (above) is for removing ‘spot’ pet stains on the carpet, such as pee, poop, and vomit stains. It is not suited for an entire carpet or rug.
For bigger stains, I like to use Simple Solution Stain & Odor Remover to break down, neutralize and permanently remove extreme stains such as urine, feces, or vomit.
The Simple Solution Stain & Odor Remover is specially designed for use on carpets, upholstery, bedding, fabric toys, clothing, and other water-safe surfaces. Furthermore, this stain and odor remover actually discourages repeat accidents. How good is that?
Full disclosure – Affiliate Links: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means that if you choose to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you. Please understand that I recommend them because they are helpful and useful, not because of the small commissions I make if you decide to buy something. Please do not spend any money on these products unless you feel you (your dog) really need them.