How to get rid of the smell of dogs and other pets in the apartment


Most likely you love your dog or cat very much, but cannot stand the unpleasant smell of pets in your apartment or house. Unfortunately, some level of dog odor is usually unavoidable for two main reasons. First, dogs do not sweat like humans, but rather produce sweat through their paws and hair follicles. Each dog has its own specific smell, although the same can be said about us. Secondly, a dog's fur and skin are covered with a small layer of fat (some dogs have a thicker layer than others), which also contributes to the animal's odor.

Why does the apartment smell like dog - probable reasons

An unpleasant odor from a dog appears in most cases due to the laziness of the owners, when not enough attention is paid to the pet’s hygiene. But there are other factors that affect the body aroma of your four-legged friend.

Seasonal factors

Although dogs don’t sweat, they still start to smell when it’s hot in the summer. This is due to the fact that because the weather is too hot, the animal looks for any source of moisture - puddles, ponds. Wool that remains wet for a long time begins to emit an unpleasant, sour odor.

Attention! If the wool is not dried in a timely manner, pathogenic microorganisms develop in it, which only intensifies the unpleasant aroma.

Breed Predisposition

How intensely a dog will smell like a dog depends not only on proper care, but also on the breed. There are varieties of dogs in which, due to their innate characteristics, the smell of a dog is felt much stronger:

  • Beagles - by their nature, emit a rather intense, pronounced aroma.
  • Bloodhound - dirt accumulates between the skin and drooping ears, which often causes skin diseases and, as a result, a stink.
  • Boxer - suffers from excessive gas production and should not be bathed or shampooed too often.
  • Pug - the smell occurs due to dirt in the folds and a tendency to flatulence.
  • Yorkshire Terrier - prone to tooth decay, which causes an unpleasant smell from the mouth. In addition, the Yorkie's coat requires careful and regular care.

Other breeds that have long hair - Spitz, Chihuahua, retriever, husky, shepherd, Labrador - also have a predisposition to smell like a dog if the owners neglect proper and regular care for them.

In the summer, if the breed allows it, it is recommended that the pet have short haircuts, and it will be easier for the dog to endure the heat, and it will be easier to care for the coat.

Even with the predisposition of the breed, the main condition for minimizing the smell is regularity and proper care of the pet.

Additional Information! The record holder for gas production and, accordingly, the production of an unpleasant aroma is the French bulldog.


The thicker and longer a dog's coat is, the more difficult it is to maintain its frequency and pleasant smell.

Errors in diet

Ridding your pet of dog odor must begin by identifying the cause. And one of them is an incorrectly composed diet. Main errors:

  • the dog often eats food from the human table;
  • imbalance of fats, proteins and carbohydrates, which leads to disruption of the digestive system;
  • Eating raw meat by animals increases the risk of helminth infection.

Poor nutrition can cause obesity in a dog, which can lead to hormonal imbalance. This will only intensify the aroma.

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Menu for neutralizing unpleasant odor in dogs

Often the cause of an unpleasant odor in a dog is poor nutrition. The veterinarian will explain the reason in more detail. He will also help you create a menu for your pet, taking into account its age, breed, and health status.

It is important that when feeding your dog, you maintain the balance of fats, proteins and carbohydrates recommended by your veterinarian. If your dog needs more protein, add boiled meat and fish to his diet.

There is no question of fried or raw food, since there is a danger of infecting the animal with helminths. Dog food should not be flavored with any seasonings, salt or sugar.

The animal receives carbohydrates by eating cereals: millet, buckwheat, rice, oatmeal. It is not recommended to give pearl barley to dogs, as it has a laxative effect. Porridge is cooked in water. Porridge is a complementary food for boiled meat, which should be three times more in the dish.

The source of vitamins is vegetables: carrots, zucchini, pumpkin, cabbage. They are crushed and seasoned with soup or porridge for the dog. You can also add greens. Not all pets like vegetables in their food. In this case, the veterinarian must select a complex of vitamin preparations for them.

Why does the house smell like dog?

Before you start fighting an unpleasant odor, you should understand the root cause of its occurrence. The stench can appear both from the pet’s body and from secluded corners where it can quietly “bury a bone” or “mark its territory”; the same applies to cat odors in the house.

Important! Often the main reason is the laziness of the owners, because timely walks with the four-legged dog and regular wet cleaning can solve the “fragrant” problem forever.

  • Odorous rocks. There are no dogs that smell like flowers and vanilla. For example, shepherd dogs and spaniels smell much stronger, but crested Chinese chubs begin to “smell” only if they have not taken a shower for a couple of months.
  • Hygiene. As you know, your pet should be washed. If the animal is indoor, once a month, and if it is a yard species, then less often. The thing is that the fats that accumulate on the dog’s fur begin to smell unpleasant over time. Your pet should be accustomed to bath days from infancy.

  • Unsuitable bathing products. Remember that human shampoos are not suitable for dogs. The acidity level in such products is absolutely not suitable for the fur of a four-legged animal. Don't skimp on shampoos; buy dog ​​shampoos for your pet. Cheap compounds will not remove the stench, but will only dry out the skin and ruin the coat. If you use an alkali-based bath product and do not use a balm, this can lead to disruptions in the production of sebum, as a result of which the dog smells like a dog.
  • Blockage of the anal glands. If you notice that the animal diligently licks the area near the anus, tries to bite its butt and rolls on it, and besides that it itches and looks worried, then these are direct signs that it is time to clean the glands. Otherwise, inflammation may occur and this will cause an odor.

  • Otitis media or earwax. If the animal is not accustomed to regular ear cleaning, then the scent will haunt you constantly. The odor from a dog’s ears is much stronger during otitis media. In any case, play it safe and consult your veterinarian.
  • Bad breath in dogs can be prevented by teaching your puppy to brush his teeth. In addition, food and special toys that remove plaque and bad breath from a dog are perfect.

  • Seborrhea. It is observed in hunting dogs, as they have an increased production of fat as protection from getting wet.
  • Digestive problems. The excretion depends on the feed. Accustom your animal to proper, balanced nutrition.

  • Seasonality. An intensification of amber is observed in summer. Because of the heat, the animal tries to plunge into all the nearest puddles. This makes the wool smell sourish and pungent. And in wet wool, microorganisms multiply much faster.
  • Physiology. Hormones, excess weight and other diseases. At the same time, we note that males stink stronger. The only exception is the period of estrus in females. Use special dog perfumes or ear deodorants that are impregnated with an anti-parasite compound.

If you follow all the rules of hygiene, but your dog still smells, consult a doctor; perhaps there has been a problem in your pet’s health and he is sick. For example, if your dog’s mouth smells “antifreeze” or sweet, be sure to contact your veterinarian.

Dog smell - why does it happen?

Some dog breeds differ significantly in odor from other breeds. Small short-haired dogs emit much less scent than large breeds. But even small and medium-sized dogs smell bad if:

  • do not bathe your pet or use human shampoos or soap for bathing;
  • the dog suffers from excessive accumulation of wax in the ears, ear diseases, blockage of the paraanal glands or tartar;
  • the dog has digestive problems due to illness or improper feeding;
  • The pet developed seborrhea.

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Also, four-legged friends smell strongly as a result of seasonal or physiological reasons, as well as stress and anxiety.

A “dog” doctor will always help determine the exact cause of an odor associated with health or poor hygiene.

Odor control products

The following remedies will help get rid of the obsessive smell of a four-legged pet in your apartment:

  • Domestos;
  • White;
  • Mister proper;
  • Mr. Muscle.

They are added in small quantities to water when washing floors.

Pet departments sell special cleaning concentrates that eliminate the specific aroma from pets. They effectively eliminate it, rather than mask it for a short time. List of such funds:

SmellOff Pet Odor Eliminator effectively removes pet odors, including the specific odor of pet urine.

The neutralizer copes with both newly formed urine stains and already ingrained odor. The action of the product is to remove the smallest particles at the molecular level, so that the smell does not return.

To remove odor from a new stain, you must:

  • Remove urine using wet wipes and towels, absorbing all the urine from the depth of the product, and then dry it;
  • Apply the neutralizer by spraying, covering the area not only of the stain itself, but also of surfaces within a small radius from it. It is necessary to pour the product onto the stain itself so that it reaches its maximum depth.
  • Leave the surface to dry completely, avoiding drafts and cold temperatures, and then ventilate. If necessary, the treatment can be repeated.

In general, please note that there is no need to ensure that your pets do not sniff the treated stain, since the neutralizer is absolutely safe for them, thanks to its natural composition.

  • Bio-J;
  • Zoosan;
  • Vaportek;
  • Ultrasun;
  • Orange-Oxy;
  • Le Artic;
  • UF 2000.

The important thing is that these compounds are absolutely harmless to animals and people.

They are produced in the form of cans with a spray device, which is convenient to use. It is enough to treat surfaces, curtains, carpets and other objects with it to make the house smell delicious.

Folk recipes

To restore a favorable atmosphere in the house, where there is no place for depressing aromas, some proven methods from folk practice can come to the rescue:

  • Cut the apple into 2 parts and apply the cut side to the area that emits the smell of dog urine. After 5-6 hours, the fruit will completely absorb it.
  • Sprinkle cornstarch on the flooring and vacuum it up after a few hours.
  • Pour warm water into a spray bottle, add 3-4 drops of any essential oil and shake well. This product is used to spray the living space, furniture, curtains and other things. Thanks to this, the air is filled with fragrance. The advantage of this procedure is that, along with aromatization, an antibacterial effect is noted.

How to wash your dog so it doesn't smell like dog

You should not wash your dog with human shampoos and conditioners, as their chemical composition is not suitable for animals. You need to buy special products at a pet store. It is necessary to select an appropriate conditioner for the shampoo to maintain the structure of the hair.

Saving on hygiene products is also not recommended - cheap products do not cope well with extraneous odors, and also negatively affect the epidermis and fur of the animal.

When bringing a four-legged pet into your home, you should remember that it requires care and attention. Only under such conditions will the dog be healthy and happy, and the olfactory organs of the people living in the house will not be disturbed by any foreign odors.

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Using traditional methods

You can clean your apartment to eliminate the stench from your pet not only with specialized cleaning and disinfectants, but also with the use of traditional methods. In some cases they are even more effective. Another advantage of using home methods is the absence of chemical components in the prepared solutions that can have a negative impact on the health of the dog and household members.

Vinegar with potassium permanganate

If the apartment smells like a dog, it is not enough to take it to the bathroom and wash things in the washing machine. Getting rid of stench requires comprehensive measures, which include wet cleaning with substances that eliminate unpleasant odors, rather than masking them.

Recommended techniques:

  • Prepare a weak solution of potassium permanganate. It is used to treat any surfaces from which an unpleasant odor emanates. It may be necessary to carry out this manipulation several times with a short time interval to completely eliminate the problem.
  • White vinegar is mixed with clean water in equal proportions. This solution is used to treat pile floor coverings and upholstered furniture. If there are traces of dog urine on the coatings, the stains must first be moistened with a vinegar solution, after 5-10 minutes, blot off the moisture with a dry cloth, allow to dry and vacuum.

Additional Information! To quickly get rid of the sharp and unpleasant smell of vinegar, it is necessary to ventilate the room during and after cleaning.

Wiping wool with vinegar solution

What to do to prevent your dog from smelling like a dog - it is recommended to wipe its fur with a vinegar solution. The product is completely safe for animals, it has a wide range of positive effects:

  • softens the hair, makes it shiny and very soft to the touch;
  • facilitates the combing process;
  • prevents the formation of tangles, which is especially important in breeds with long hair;
  • is a natural deodorant that slows down the process of sebum production;
  • prevents dryness and flaking of the skin.

When the procedure is carried out regularly, the coat gets dirty less, the fresh smell remains on it longer and the dog stops smelling like a dog.

Vinegar is diluted in equal parts with water. Using a spray bottle, the solution is applied to the wool, which is combed out with a comb.

Attention! Before carrying out this procedure, you need to make sure that your pet’s skin does not have scratches, wounds or other violations of its integrity.

Timely treatment

While studying ways to get rid of dog smell, some people don’t even think: is the animal healthy at all? Still, too strong a smell should be a cause for concern. It may be a symptom of cancer.

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In this case, first of all, you need to take care of the dog’s health, and then think about how you can remove the dog’s smell at home. At the veterinary clinic they will take tests from her, if necessary, send her for an ultrasound or MRI and either make a diagnosis or rule it out. Timely treatment of the dog will not only relieve the owners of the need to smell, but will also save it from death.

A smell in the dog's anal area indicates blockage of the paraanal glands. This causes anxiety for the pet as it causes itching. The neglected state of the paraanal glands can lead to inflammation.

If a dog's ears are not cleaned of wax, they emit an unpleasant odor. And with otitis it also intensifies.

Hunting breeds may experience seborrhea because they move a lot and their sebaceous glands work overtime. This also causes an unpleasant odor. Also, the sebaceous glands produce more secretions under stress.

When is it necessary to take your pet to the veterinarian?


Hygienic procedures will only help if the appearance of dog odor is not a consequence of pathological provoking factors.
Knowing how to remove dog odor from a dog, you need to act immediately and the measures taken should be regular, especially if the breed has a predisposition to emit unpleasant animal odors.

But if adjusting the diet, ensuring proper hygienic care and thoroughly cleaning the premises does not give a positive result and does not help remove the unpleasant odor from the premises, the pet must be shown to a veterinarian.

Often, the stench of a dog from a dog is a symptom of a number of diseases. The exact cause can only be determined by undergoing detailed diagnostics.

So, the reasons for the “dog” smell in your home...

  • "The odor of the rock." Yes, that happens. Not all dogs, alas, smell of flowers and vanilla shampoos. Actually, such dogs simply do not exist. If only immediately after a shower and only for a few hours. In general, dogs can be highly odorous and practically odorless. For example, spaniels and shepherd dogs are the most “smelly” of all breeds, but in Chinese crested dogs the smell appears only if the dog has not been washed for 1-2 months.
  • Hygiene reasons. You will be surprised again, but the dog should be washed. Optimally - once a month, if your affectionate and gentle animal is indoor. Less often if the animal lives on the street. Natural fats accumulated in wool over time emit a very unpleasant odor. And yeast fungi living on the skin and multiplying aggravate this problem. Train your pet to bathe from infancy, and the odor problem will be solved by 50%.
  • Incorrectly chosen bathing products. Not everyone knows, so owners should take note: human shampoos are not suitable for pets! The acidity of these products is not for the fur and skin of four-legged animals. Choose a shampoo specifically for your pet. Don't skimp on shampoo! Cheap products do not remove odor well, dry out the skin too much and damage the coat. In addition to the shampoo, buy a special product that will restore the structure of your friend’s coat and eliminate the unpleasant odor. The choice of such funds today is quite wide. Remember that a powerful alkaline bathing product (and even without balm) disrupts the production of sebum and, as a result, a strong odor.
  • Blockage of the anal glands. If you notice that your pet is intensively licking the area around the anus, rolling on its butt, trying to bite itself on it, or itching for no reason, it’s time to clean the glands. Otherwise, inflammation may begin. The smell always appears with this phenomenon, and, of course, not the most pleasant one.
  • Excessive wax in the ears or otitis media. If your dog is not accustomed to cleaning its ears, the smell from them will haunt you constantly. But it’s even worse if otitis media begins - this smell is very specific, it is difficult to confuse it with the usual “sulfur”. If you have any doubts, it is better to consult a veterinarian.
  • Smell from the mouth. Again, the dog should be trained to brush its teeth. In addition, special toys, food and treats can be used to remove plaque. But only a specialist can remove tartar.
  • Seborrhea. It is characteristic of specific breeds and produces a rather intense odor at the end. Seborrhea is observed, as a rule, in all hunting breeds. The reason is simple - intensive work of the sweat and sebaceous glands, as well as increased production of sebum (approx. - 30% stronger than in other breeds), as protection from getting wet.
  • Improper digestion. Feed your dog correctly! Allergies and disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract begin from disorderly and illiterate feeding, unsuitable feed, human products and “biting”. And, accordingly, skin problems. Everything here is like with people: if you eat all sorts of “nonsense”, then pimples on your face, excess weight and severe sweating will haunt you endlessly. Odor often appears from dogs that are fed fish or “fish” food.
  • Seasonal reasons. The dog smell always gets stronger in the summer. Firstly, the pet is hot. You can wear shorts and a T-shirt, but the dog has nowhere to undress. In addition, in the summer, dogs often plunge into all the rivers, small ponds and even puddles located near the house to cool off. And wool always smells sharply sour when wet. And various microorganisms multiply more actively in wet wool, which also does not add aroma.
  • Physiological reasons. For example, hormonal surge, obesity, metabolic disorders and other human “sores”. However, it is worth noting that males are initially more odorous than females. The exception is the period of estrus. Therefore, if a bitch’s odor appears outside of her period of heat, consult a doctor (this is a symptom of serious problems in the “female line”).
  • Diseases. If you bathe your pet regularly with medicated shampoo, dry it properly, feed it, walk it, and it still smells, consult a doctor. A strong unpleasant odor can be a symptom of infection, liver or gastrointestinal diseases, ears, allergies, abscesses and even oncology. Remember that a sweet or “antifreeze” smell from your pet’s mouth is a reason to urgently go to the veterinarian.

Why does a dog smell and stink like a dog?

The smell of a dog can in no way be compared with the smell of sweat, since dogs hardly sweat. The exception is the paws, which can also emit an individual scent. But let's not start with that, let's start with the fact that all breeds smell differently. There are also dog breeds that emit almost no odor. And the point here is not the size of the pet. What?

The fact is that this is their physiological feature.

In the wild, each individual has its own individual smell, otherwise it is difficult for animals to communicate with each other, and it is difficult for them to survive. The smell is produced by special glands located in the skin. The intensity of the emitted odor depends on the number of these glands and their sensitivity. A large number of such glands have been identified in those dogs that live in harsh climatic conditions or in those that are intended to work in water bodies. There are many specific glands in short-haired dogs.

Also, the sweat glands located between the fingers emit a special odor characteristic of a particular animal. Thus, each animal has its own individual, unique smell, which cannot be confused with anything else. The subcutaneous glands have a specific purpose - they secrete lubricant for the coat.

A person can partially neutralize an unpleasant odor, the main thing is to do it correctly. It is sometimes believed that a haircut or frequent washing with a fragrant shampoo will help correct the situation. But this opinion is wrong, since frequent washing can provoke an even greater stench. However, like a haircut, to which the dog’s body cannot always adapt. The quality of the feed also matters.

Some odors should be alarming because they appear as a result of illness.

The smell may intensify or weaken at some points. For example, in those dogs that do not have an undercoat, the glands work intensively when the coat is moistened, etc.

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When choosing a puppy, get to know the characteristics of your chosen breed better. Find out how she is doing with her “stinkiness.” The most “fragrant” breeds include:

  • cocker spaniel (English and American);
  • beagle;
  • Shar Pei;
  • basset hound;
  • Bloodhound.

This is if we talk about the natural smell. But there are others.

The dog stinks of rotten meat and rot.

A healthy dog, in principle, cannot emit foul odors. If at any moment the smell of rot or rotten meat appears, it is necessary to find out the reason for its appearance. An unpleasant odor does not always indicate a disease; it can be caused by:

  • Hormonal changes in estrus or pregnant bitches;
  • Dirty wool. This is especially true for hunting breeds or those dogs that like to wallow in sewage;
  • Molting, because during this period the glands work more actively, and the smell becomes concentrated.

The cause of an unpleasant odor can be increased physical activity. And during this period, the excretory system begins to work more intensively. The result is a strong, specific odor.

When the wool gets wet, it also begins to smell strongly, but after drying, the smell goes away.

The smell can be produced by problem areas of the body - ears, mouth, eyelids. In order to detect this, you should carefully sniff each area separately:

  • The ears are the most insidious and smelly area;
  • Oral cavity - the smell of rot appears as a result of the formation of tartar, with the appearance of ulcers, inflammation, etc.;
  • Eyelids - even a slight inflammation of the conjunctiva can cause a foul odor.

But a separate point is the dog's paws.

Will you contact the vet if the smell persists?

Yes, as soon as I understand that standard means do not help.

78.95%

A little later, when there is more money.

10.53%

It will go away on its own

10.53%

Voted: 19

Why do dog paws smell?

A dog’s paws are its “calling card.” They are the ones who emit that smell that is the unique scent of a dog. It would be wrong to assume that it must be disgusting; in some individuals it is even very pleasant. As mentioned above, dogs have sweat glands between their fingers, and they emit this individual scent. If your paws literally stink, you can slightly improve the situation by wiping them with a damp cloth and saline solution.

The dog's fur smells

A dog’s fur can smell directly only in two cases:

  • If it's wet;
  • If it's dirty.

The first option does not create problems at all. You just need to wait for the wool to dry

But in the second option, everything is obvious - wash your dog. Not all dog breeds require frequent washing. Sometimes it's even harmful. But not washing the dog is also unacceptable. Over time, the lubricant secreted by the glands becomes as concentrated as possible, which leads to an increase in odor. Some dogs simply love dirty places; wallowing in sewage is a real pleasure for them. This is characteristic of hunting breeds to a greater extent, but other dogs can also do this. In this case, a lot depends on the owner; such habits must be “cut down in the bud.”

Dog hair is a great indicator. If it has become dull, the hairs have begun to break, etc., this clearly indicates the occurrence of pathology. A healthy dog's coat always looks healthy.

If the dog smell appears without additional signs, you should simply pay more attention to your friend’s hygiene.

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If your dog itches and smells unpleasant

Another cause of foul stench can be allergies. In most cases, a rash appears on the pet's skin due to allergies, and the dog begins to itch. This process is often accompanied by an unpleasant odor. Another point is parasite infection. The dog also begins to itch and a rash may appear. As with any unsolved phenomenon, observation and, if necessary, consultation with a veterinarian are required. It is necessary to identify the cause of the allergic reaction or treat the animal for helminths. Sometimes it’s enough just to adjust your diet for the problem to go away.

If scratching is accompanied by indigestion, and the stench becomes sweetish, then contacting a veterinarian is necessary. Such symptoms indicate pathology in the liver.

Puppy smell

Puppies up to 4 months old do not emit unpleasant odors at all. At this age they smell like kittens. If your nose detects an unpleasant aroma, but you do not violate the rules of hygiene, then quietly sound the alarm, something is wrong with the baby.

Effective folk remedies for dog stink

In addition to the above, you can use the following tools:

  • Corn starch. Sprinkle it on the floor where the stinking spirit is coming from, let it sit for 3-4 hours, and then vacuum up any remaining residue.
  • Apples. Cut the fruits into halves and place them in the area where the dog smells unpleasant. Fruits absorb unpleasant aromas for about 6 hours.
  • Pour warm water with 5 drops of essential oils into a spray bottle. Spray the scented liquid onto curtains, floors and rugs. This gives the room a pleasant aroma, disinfects and produces an antifungal effect.

  • Buy removable covers for upholstered furniture. As soon as you smell the dog, immediately remove and wash the covers. This way the apartment will always be clean and fresh.
  • To avoid smelling your home, purchase special products from veterinary pharmacies that do not mask odors, but completely remove microorganisms. For example, Zoosan, Ultrasan, BIO-Zh, Vaportek, etc. Moreover, these drugs are completely harmless to children and pets.

Dogs give their owners comfort and happiness. Give your pets a little time, and they will repay you with devotion and love.

Getting rid of dog smell in the apartment

To eliminate odors, use household products for wet cleaning: Domestos, Mister Muscle, White, prepare the solution according to the instructions on the package. To improve the aroma, you can add a few drops of essential oil to the solution. Remove wool from all corners of the apartment. Wipe the floor after cleaning with a solution of vinegar or ammonia.

Vet pharmacies sell special products for removing organic odors. They completely remove microorganisms and disinfect treated surfaces. These products are safe and can be used when cleaning your apartment.

If you need to completely get rid of odors, you can use dog deodorants. And then the smell of dog in the house will no longer bother you.

  • Author: iarriba
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Smells in your home

If your pet is healthy and medical causes for the odor can be ruled out, then it’s time to look into the places in your home or apartment where unpleasant odors may be lurking. Whether you own a dog, a cat, or even a rabbit, here is a list of steps to take first:

Bed sheets

If your pet sleeps with you, be sure to wash your bedding in hot water at least once a week. Don't forget about the pet's bed, it also needs weekly washing to avoid the build-up of unpleasant odors.

Sofa

Run pillows and throws from your sofa through a hot cycle. You can also try using baking soda to remove the smell: Sprinkle a large amount of baking soda on the couch and the area around it. Leave it overnight so that the baking soda absorbs the unpleasant odor, and the next day, vacuum everything thoroughly.

Carpets

Vacuum cleaning your carpets daily will help prevent the accumulation of pet hair, which can be a source of unpleasant odors. It is also worth steam cleaning your carpets every few months to keep them fresh. If your dog pees on the carpet, immediately soak the area with a paper towel and rinse in cool, clean water. Avoid using chemicals or vinegar, strong odors may make your pet want to re-mark the area with urine.

Hard or tiled floors

Sweep the floor every day and mop every few days. Pay special attention to baseboards and corners where dust and hair can accumulate.

Lastly, make sure you bathe your dog regularly and properly. Follow these tips, and your friends won't even know you have a pet in your house!

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How to get rid of odor in your home

When entering a dog owner's apartment, a specific smell immediately hits the nose. To get rid of it, it is not enough just to put things in order. In such a situation, an integrated approach to solving the problem is needed.

In room

If a dog spirit is present in literally every room of the apartment, you will need to first take a set of measures aimed at the dog’s hygiene. Here are the main actions that will help get rid of dog odor:

  • Regular water treatments help remove dog odor most effectively. Therefore, your pet needs to be bathed periodically using appropriate products. This should be done once every two to three weeks, but it can be done more often, depending on the cleanliness of the dog.
  • Particular attention should be paid to dog hair. You shouldn't let it grow too much. Currently, many hairdressing salons provide services for animals, where specialists will tidy up your pet’s fur and claws for a reasonable fee.
  • Under no circumstances should you skip walking your dog daily - morning and evening. If your pet lets you know that he needs an unscheduled trip to the toilet, you should forget about laziness and take him for an extra walk. After the dog has walked outside, upon returning home you need to at least wash its paws, even if the weather outside is good.
  • The dog's diet is of particular importance. It is better to purchase special food for the animal that matches its breed and age characteristics.
  • Pets, like other family members, have their own personal belongings in the apartment, for example, a bed, toys, bowls. These items also need to be carefully looked after and not allowed to become dirty.
  • Use specialized sprays that can get rid of animal odor for a long time, for example, Mr.Fresh, Animal Play, Gimborn.

Expert opinion

Evgenia Taran

Housewife

The measures listed above aimed at keeping your pet clean will help not only get rid of dog odor in the apartment, but also prevent its appearance in the car. After all, owners often take their four-legged friends with them on long trips.

On carpets

Dogs spend most of their time on the floor. If it is linoleum or tile, there will be no problems cleaning it. However, if the dog likes to lie on the carpet, the situation becomes somewhat more complicated, since the dog's smell eats deep into the structure of the fabric. This makes it quite difficult to get rid of. To give carpets a pleasant aroma, follow these recommendations:

  • do not arrange games with the dog or wallow on the carpet; the dog should have its own place, away from carpeting;
  • rugs and paths must be thoroughly vacuumed daily;
  • Once a week, carpets need to be cleaned with specialized household chemicals - Help, Cinderella, Vanish, Unicum.

Expert opinion

Natalya Osadchaya

Cleaning company employee

In a situation where, despite all efforts, the carpet still stinks, only dry cleaning will help get rid of the dog plume. You will have to pay for this service, but after cleaning the product will acquire a pleasant smell of freshness.

On a sofa or chair

Some pet owners are not only relaxed about their presence in the apartment, but also allow the dog on the sofa or armchair. It is not surprising that over time, upholstered furniture emits a specific dog odor that is difficult to remove. Here are a few tips that will help you get rid of the dog odor on the sofa:

  • from the first days a dog appears in an apartment, you need to accustom it to the fact that jumping on a sofa or bed is strictly prohibited;
  • Remove loose animal hair from upholstery every day;
  • clean upholstered furniture with professional products - Luxus Professional, SELENA, Doctor Medix Carpets.

Expert opinion

Irina Kovtun

Head of a cleaning company

Special covers for upholstered furniture, which can be changed periodically, will also help get rid of the problem.

From parquet and laminate

Wooden surfaces perfectly absorb moisture and odors, so they are quite difficult to clean from dirt. We list the steps that will help get rid of the unpleasant aroma emanating from a parquet board or laminate flooring on which the dog left a puddle:

  • Wipe up dog urine with a damp cloth.
  • Walk over the stained area with a slice of fresh lemon.
  • Prepare a cleaning mixture from baking soda by mixing it with water to form a paste-like consistency.
  • Apply a thick layer of the resulting mixture to the problem area and wait for it to dry.
  • Brush off the mixture with a soft brush and wash the floor with water and a scented detergent.

Important! When wet cleaning the apartment, you should not get the wooden floor too wet. Therefore, you will need to carefully twist the rag. Otherwise, the parquet may become deformed.

How to remove dog smell from upholstered furniture and carpet

It should be noted that in this article we are not considering the olfactory effects of puddles and piles that are left by untrained puppies. Although most of the methods described here are also useful for “emergency” cases, we will focus on how to get rid of natural dog odor.

Commercial products are sold in any store for four-legged pets. They are divided into two groups:

  1. removing dog odor;
  2. masking unpleasant “odors”.

As a rule, special sprays and powders are safe for the animal, but it is necessary to monitor the dog for some time for allergies.

If you want to save money and prefer natural ways to combat stench, you will need:

  • baking soda;
  • vinegar (apple or table);
  • hydrogen peroxide;
  • baby powder;
  • a strong brush with soft bristles;
  • vacuum cleaner.

We recommend finding out how to clean paint from a roller.
You can read here how you can remove tomato stains from clothes.

How to clean carpet from dog smell

The specific dog aroma emanating from the carpet is the result of contact of the covering with the animal’s hair, lubricated with natural skin oils. Take a close look - in places where the pet especially likes to lie around, darkening is noticeable. Pay special attention to the most affected areas.

Sprinkle a layer of baking soda on the carpet - it will absorb grease and lingering odors. Gently rub the powder into the bristles with a brush and leave for 30 minutes. If possible, let the product work longer: treat the coating at night or in the morning before leaving for work. After the baking soda has soaked in, vacuum it up.

A way to not only remove dog smell from a carpet, but also to freshen it up is to mix baking soda with baby powder. The powder also works as an absorbent, absorbing oils and dirt, plus it adds a light aroma.

Important! Regularly changing the filter will prevent the appearance of odors from the vacuum cleaner!

Upholstered furniture - getting rid of dog smell

Dog handlers do not recommend allowing a dog to bask on the sofa, but not all owners have the courage to refuse, looking into the pleading eyes of their pet. The result is a sofa that is saturated with “fragrances” and slightly changed color. How to remove dog smell from a sofa step by step:

  1. remove and wash pillowcases from sofa cushions;
  2. unfasten the removable covers and also put them in the washing machine;
  3. Sprinkle baking soda on stains;
  4. brush;
  5. vacuum.

Use apple cider vinegar when washing. Whether you're washing laundry, couch cushions, or dog bedding, add a quarter cup of apple cider vinegar to the main wash compartment. Like apple cider vinegar, white vinegar can also remove dog odor, but apple cider vinegar is easier to use.

A steam cleaner is a modern multi-purpose device that effectively fights dirt, stains and odors. If you have already acquired this assistant, add vinegar to the water compartment to achieve one hundred percent results.

Important! Follow the steam cleaner's instructions as it may damage some surfaces.

Unpleasant dog odor - ways to eliminate dog hair odor

To make a dog’s fur smell—if not like flowers, then at least just clean—you need...

  • Wash your dog with special “dog” products every 10-30 days, depending on the breed. Wash thoroughly with shampoo and be sure to use conditioner.
  • Dry your dog after washing or swimming in water with a hairdryer or a special microfiber towel that absorbs water as much as possible.
  • Clean your pet's ears and teeth regularly. Preferably using a special paste.
  • Wipe the pet's fur with a solution of vinegar (approx. - 1 tbsp per 1 liter of water). The skin of hairless dogs can be wiped with chlorhexidine (at the same time, treat any inflammation on the skin).
  • Brush your dog regularly , remove the undercoat, which accumulates moisture and spreads an unpleasant odor.
  • After a walk, be sure to wash your paws, face, belly and area near the tail.
  • Trim the area under the tail so that feces particles do not stick to the fur in this area. Don't forget that even the smartest pet doesn't know how to use toilet paper.
  • Feed your dog correctly , taking into account the balance of all nutrients. Remember that not getting certain substances from food leads to metabolic disorders and, as a result, disruption of the sweat glands. Change your dog's diet completely - to a correct and balanced one, give up allergic foods, and perhaps this step alone will significantly reduce the size of the odor problem. Do not feed your pet raw meat/fish - cook without salt and steam it. This will protect your dog from helminths and subsequent problems with them, including odor.
  • Have your dog examined by a veterinarian in a timely manner and get tested. Remember: a healthy dog ​​smells, but does not stink. The unbearable smell of “dog” is the body’s signal of ill health.
  • Be a caring owner. That is, treat the dog carefully, paying attention to its mood changes. The smell can also be a protective reaction to stress or fear, during which the sebaceous glands begin to actively produce an unpleasant “smell.” Eliminate the causes of stress and fear. Do not scold your pet, and especially do not use force.
  • Use additional products when bathing your pet. For example, Doctor shampoo (by the way, it perfectly treats skin inflammation).
  • You can also pay attention to dog “deodorants”: OdorGone, Smart spray, Faithful friend, “Essential 6 spot on dermoscent” drops.
  • Wash clothes and pet mattress/bedding covers more often. At least once a week! And also wash his toys and put away his “stash” in the corners.
  • Walk the dog more often and longer so that it relieves its natural needs not on the carpet in the apartment, but under a bush on the street.

Why do dogs smell bad?

If a dog has not just a specific, but downright unpleasant odor, the owners should be wary. This is not the norm, and there may be several reasons for this.

Hygiene rules are not observed regularly enough. Dogs, unlike cats, need to be washed at least once every 3 times a month to remove odors from their fur. For this purpose you need to buy dog ​​shampoo.

After the fur has dried, you can use a special deodorant from a pet store or a 1:1 vinegar solution. Never spray your pet with your own perfume or deodorant, as the strong smell can ruin his sense of smell.

An unpleasant odor also comes from the dog's mouth. She needs to brush her teeth with a special dog or children's toothpaste. The cause of odor from the mouth can also be infection of the animal with parasites. Therefore, it is necessary to worm it regularly.

Another possible source of unpleasant odor is the dog's ears. Therefore, they also need to be cleaned regularly with a cotton swab and otodectosis treated in a timely manner.

After finishing your walk, take the time to wash your dog’s paws, belly and especially the anal area.

Read here: Unpleasant smell in the apartment - ways to get rid of and effectively eliminate the causes

There may be an odor in the apartment if the owners do not take care to promptly remove hair from all surfaces accessible to the dog. If the puddle left by the pet was not washed away, but dried naturally.

The apartment where the dog lives must be cleaned daily. Wash the floor with a disinfectant, blot traces of urine on the carpet or upholstery with an odor neutralizer, for example, lemon, treating it on the reverse side as well.

The bedding on which the dog sleeps may smell. It needs to not only be cleaned of wool, but washed once a week.

How to remove dog smell from carpet and furniture - effective methods and means

It is worth noting that the smell appears on carpets and furniture in 2 cases:

  • A dog lifts its paw more often in an apartment than outside.
  • The dog is rarely washed, and the smell from it “eats” into the furniture and carpets.

Before removing odors from your apartment, follow the steps described above. Otherwise, any cleaning will be pointless.

  • Remove puddles as soon as they appear. The smells of urine ingrained into the upholstery or carpet only become stronger over time. Do not smear the puddle - absorb it as much as possible with paper towels, and then treat it with special products and after half an hour, remove the remaining product with a vacuum cleaner.
  • Sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda on the carpet (furniture area) and remove with a vacuum cleaner after 4-5 hours.
  • For non-fabric surfaces, you can use a mixture of baking soda (2 tbsp), peroxide (20 ml) and regular dishwashing detergent (1 tbsp). This mixture should be applied to the “smelly” area, rubbed in and washed off after a couple of hours.
  • Rinse the stain with a solution (approx. - weak and without grains!) of potassium permanganate. It helps neutralize ammonia.
  • Use household products to remove odors. For example, whiteness, Domestos or Vanish, as well as Mr. Muscle and Mr. Proper. You can add a couple of drops of citrus essential oil to products containing chlorine.
  • Dilute vinegar 1 to 1 , treat the desired area, and repeat after drying.
  • Dilute 15 drops of iodine per 1 liter of water , treat the wooden surface, and wipe with a dry cloth.
  • You can also use rubbing alcohol . We spray it from a spray bottle onto the desired area, rub it in, and absorb it with napkins until the alcohol is completely eliminated.
  • For fabric surfaces, you can use household soap . We grate it, mix it with water until it becomes a paste, apply it to the odorous area and wash it off after 10 minutes.
  • Lemon juice or fresh lemon peels. We simply wipe the furniture with juice or crust, and after 15 minutes with a regular damp cloth.

How to clean a carpet at home - recipes and tips for housewives

Removing traces of a dog's activity in an apartment

Most questions arise about how to get rid of dog smell on chairs and sofas. A puppy can easily urinate on them or drool on them during the period of changing teeth. And if the dog is rarely washed, and he is used to lying not on the bedding, but on the owner’s places, expect that everything will smell to him.

To reduce the smell to a minimum, you need to exclude situations where the puppy urinates in the apartment. While he is small, have time to move him to a diaper. As he gets older, get used to going for walks.

If a puddle does appear on the textile, immediately soak it up with a paper towel. Sprinkle baking soda on this area and leave for 4-5 hours. Remove it with a vacuum cleaner. By the way, if you are interested in how to remove dog smell from carpets, you can use the same methods as for upholstering furniture.

Read here: How to remove scratches from a smartphone screen: instructions for removing scuffs and chips from the surface of the screen (90 photos)

If the puddle was left on the floor without a carpet, you can remove it first with just a damp cloth, and then rub it with a mixture of baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and dishwashing detergent. It should be washed off after 2 hours.

How to get rid of the smell of dog urine if it is already old? If you can wash your textiles, do so and try to dry them outside in the wind. If not, use a pet odor neutralizer from a pet store.

Among home remedies, apple or lemon is one of them. The fruit should be cut in half and the cut should be rubbed onto the stinking stain. If the smell is too persistent, prepare a paste from apple or lemon and leave it in this place for 6-7 hours.

So, you can be sure that the smell from the dog is the fault of the owner. If you take care of her, you won’t have to inhale the unpleasant aroma.

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