How to get rid of dog smells in the house

Here are five things you should do regularly to remove dog smells throughout your home.

1. Use enzymatic cleaners 

You can use these on upholstery, carpets and fabrics and clothing. The enzymes break down the molecules that create odors and can eradicate dog smells without leaving harsh chemicals or fragrances behind, making them safe to use around both pets and children. 

The cleaners come in both spray and liquid forms and you can buy them at most major stores.

2. Vacuum with a HEPA device

While your dog may not be too keen on the sight and sound of the vacuum cleaner, it’s essential to hoover carpets and rugs frequently.  Devices that use a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter are the most effective for eliminating odors. This is because they capture dog fur, dander and odor particles rather than recirculate them back into the air like regular vacuums. 

3. Sweep and mop floors

If you have wood, laminate or tile floors, give them a good sweep to remove dirt and dust and then get to work with your mop. But before you reach for the store-bought floor cleaner, consider using vinegar instead. Due to its high acidic content, vinegar is excellent for breaking down and neutralizing odor particles, thus obliterating dog smells.  

4. Freshen up with baking soda

The various chemicals within the soda neutralize and absorb other smells. Unlike vinegar, which has its own pungent smell, baking soda is odorless.

5. Wash your dog’s bedding and toys

A dog’s bed is often a significant odor source due to all that fur, dander and saliva.  And when their saliva gets all over their toys, the odor can permeate your home.

Why does my house smell of dog? (and how to prevent it) 

Now, let’s look at the potential causes of that dog smell and how you can fix each one.

Odor Cause 1: Poor hygiene

If your dog gets wet from the rain or has rolled about in muddy patches and puddles, this can lead to a very pungent “wet dog smell.” When your dog’s coat gets wet, microorganisms in dog hair effectively break free as the water evaporates. Waste products in the dog’s skin, like bacteria and yeast, fill your home with odors.

Equally, some dogs’ fur can become matted with dirt and bacteria, causing unpleasant smells.

Odor Cause 2: Skin infections 

If you notice that your hand smells after stroking the dog, their skin could be to blame. Microbes, including bacteria and yeast, cover the skin and injury or disease can affect the skin’s natural barrier, leading to smelly infections. Skin infections can also result from poor hygiene, so bathing regularly, as described above, will help. 

Chafing is another cause of odors and often affects parts of the dog where there’s enfolded skin. For example, skin folds on their face, particularly the ears and body, such as the feet, anus and vulva. 

Odor Cause 3: Ear infections 

Dog ears are often warm, moist environments, yet certain breeds may be more prone to problems. For example, Springer Spaniels and Basset Hounds have notably hairy and floppy ears. This could make them more susceptible to ear infections, commonly caused by increased bacteria and yeast. 

Similarly, if your dog has allergies or experiences hormonal imbalances, this can create a bacterial surge, leading to a toxic smell. 

Odor Cause 4: Bad breath 

Poor dental health is often the cause of bad breath, particularly the build-up of tartar and plaque. All mouths contain bacteria, but when plaque and tartar form on the teeth, the bacteria rise. Dental infections can then occur, which results in a putrid smell. Hair and food can also get caught in the tartar and inflamed gums, exacerbating the stench.

An underlying condition or disease can sometimes cause strong doggy breath, so visit your vet if you’re worried.

Odor Cause 5: Flatulence and poor diet

As much as we love them, dogs can be pretty disgusting regarding some of the things they consume. They can also eat very quickly, which may trigger digestive issues. Usually, however, if they ingest rotten food, any flatulence (aka farting) will be temporary. But the odor can still be a real problem. 

Avoid letting your dog scavenge and feed them a plain, easily digestible diet to ease flatulence. If it continues, visit your vet if they have an underlying condition affecting their digestion.

Odor Cause 6: Anal glands 

The anal glands are a natural part of your dog’s anatomy and are two tiny sacs on both sides of the rectum. They fill with pheromones to mark your dog’s territory and then empty again when the dog passes feces. However, they can become impacted and infected if they don’t empty. 

It’s not just a terrible smell you’ll notice because the dog will probably also be very uncomfortable, dragging their bottom on the floor and scratching and licking their anus.

Can air purifiers ged rid of dog odors?

In a word: Yes. 

The best air purifiers can sanitize the air inside your home while eliminating odors like dog smells. However, choosing a device with both a HEPA filter (just like with a vacuum) and an activated carbon filter is essential. 

The HEPA can capture and trap tiny, airborne particles like pet dander, while the activated carbon (sometimes called charcoal) removes smells. The latter uses adsorption, meaning that odor particles stick to the carbon. Note that the more activated carbon a filter contains, the better it will be at removing odors.

The top 3 air purifiers for dog smells 

We’ve tested many air purifiers at HouseFresh. We have our own testing room, which we fill with incense smoke and track how fast and effectively the purifier cleans the air. 

Here’s our pick of the best air purifiers for dog smells.

Final thoughts 

It’s important to know what might be causing dog smells, and sometimes there can be a serious cause. Generally, however, simple things like regular bathing and teeth brushing can solve the problem. 

If dog smells are a particular issue in your house, you can do many things to eliminate the odor. On top of methods such as vacuuming and utilizing vinegar and baking soda, an air purifier is one of the most effective ways to eliminate smells.

Last update on 2024-10-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API