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5 Ways to Get Rid of Dog Smell
If you have a dog, you’ll have to deal with the occasional accident, whether you have a puppy still in potty training, a four-legged friend who has an accident when they get excited, or a senior pup who’s having a harder time controlling their bladder.
What you shouldn’t have to deal with is the smell that accompanies an indoor accident.
Getting the urine odor out of your carpet or upholstery is relatively easy. Here are our top five tips for getting your home smelling normal again:
- For Carpet Accidents: Use a professional cleaning product that will penetrate the carpet fibers. Urine is acidic, and if it isn’t thoroughly cleaned, it leaves behind an alkaline residue that may leave an odor for years to come, especially if you live in a humid area. Whatever cleaner you buy to take care of urine stains, you want to make sure you get an enzymatic cleaner filled with potent enzymes that work to get rid of stains while neutralizing odors.
- For Couch Accidents: Start by using a professional cleaning product, then follow up with a urine and odor remover. If you have more than one dog, we recommend laying down a laundry basket or blanket until the smell goes away to prevent one of your dogs from marking the same spot.
- For Wood and Hard Surface Floors: Mop the area with a vinegar solution with equal parts white vinegar and water. White vinegar is a natural deodorizer that neutralizes both new and old scents.
- For a Quick Fix: If you find yourself with an accident on your hands but don’t have a chemical cleaner handy, check your pantry for baking soda. As a universal cleaner, baking soda reacts with the acidity in urine (even if it’s an old stain) to neutralize the smell. Sprinkle the baking soda on the affected area, let it sit overnight, and wipe it away with a damp cloth or paper towel or vacuum it up in the morning.
- For Machine Washable Upholstery: If your furniture coverings can be removed or your rug can be tossed in the washer, it’s best to wash them once a week or once every two weeks. This will help keep all doggy smells at bay and is significantly more effective than spritzing an air freshener on your fabrics.
Don’t Forget About Baths!
Like humans, dogs can get a little stinky when they don’t get regular baths. Some breeds are prone to more pungent odors than others, so your dog’s bathing schedule may depend on their breed. Frequent bathing can keep your pip bacteria, fungi, dirt, and grime-free, limiting their smelliness. Additionally, you may want to wipe off your dog’s paws with a wet wipe or damp towel when they get in from a walk to prevent them from tracking in stinky smells.
Addressing a Bigger Issue
If your dog’s urine is especially pungent, you may want to talk to your veterinarian about their diet to ensure that they’re getting the proper nutrients or if they may need a supplement.
If you have a puppy who still needs potty training or a dog who has event-triggered accidents (like peeing when someone new comes through the door), we recommend enrolling your pup in dog training.
With the right dog trainer, your pup will learn what to do to signal when they need to use the bathroom or control their bladder when they experience the triggering emotion. Your trainer will help you figure out the best options for your precious fur baby that will prevent you from having to clean the carpet every other day.
Many dogs daycare and dog boarding facilities offer programs that allow you to drop your dog off for a few days so they can build a relationship with the trainer before beginning their work to hone their potty training skills. Doggy daycare training courses are an excellent option for puppies to learn new skills (including potty training) while safely socializing with other pups.
Contact Ruffgers to schedule your dog’s training vacation in Bonita Springs, Naples, or Stuart, Florida.
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