We all love our furry friends but certainly not the way they make our homes smell. Unfortunately, over time, the odor tends to seep into your furniture, carpets, and flooring, making it harder to eliminate. The worst part about this is you'll probably not notice the smell if you have gotten used to it. However, your guests surely do, and so will a potential buyer if you decide to sell your home.
Why Does My Dog Smell?
Your dog could exude a body odor for several reasons. Here are some of the most common:
- Natural body odor: Oils in the skin (known as sebum) emit an odor, which could be the reason your dog smells. Also, dogs sweat from their paws, meaning they can emit a body odor if they are overly warm or active.
- Drool: Dogs tend to drool a lot. The saliva can leave a stench on furniture, carpets, and dog toys.
- Dirt: After a day in the park or yard, your dog can collect dirt from playing in the mud, which can make them have a foul smell.
- Illness: If your dog has an ear, skin, or eye infection, it can release a bad smell. Knowing your dog's natural scent can help you notice when they are unwell.
- Gas: Dogs release gas, which is perfectly normal. However, if the gas is frequent and severe, your house can begin to stink.
- Clogged anal glands: Anal glands can get clogged, releasing strong and persistent odor as a result.
- Diet: Your dog's food could have something that's causing them to release a bad smell. Check with the vet about your dog's diet if you suspect the odor results from the food your dog eats.
How to Get Rid of Dog Smell
Now that you are up to speed with the most common reasons why your dog could be having a bad odor, read on to learn how you can conquer it to keep your home clean and fresh always.
Use air fresheners and odor eliminators
One effective way to get rid of dog smell is to invest in air fresheners and odor eliminators. They work by diluting the smell from oils and proteins that dogs naturally secrete, leaving your house free of any odor. These are the Air Fresheners that are helpful in removing dog smell from your house.
Baby Powder Long Lasting Air Freshener
Black Rain Spray Air Freshener
Here are the fabric-safe eliminators that can help remove foul smells without damaging your furniture.
Caribbean Escape Odor Eliminator
If your dog happens to have an accident on the floor or leaves your couch smelling funny after a nap, odor eliminators can come in handy in getting rid of the smell.
Vacuum
Vacuuming floors and carpets help to get rid of dust, fur, and dander that accumulates when you have dogs. Pay attention to the cushions of your couch, furniture, curtains, area rugs, and generally places that your pet loves to hang out. Regular vacuuming gets rid of pet hair and dirt and eliminates any foul smells in the house.
Go for a vacuum cleaner specifically designed for homes with pets. Also, remember to change or clean its air filters to keep it efficient.
Sweep and mop with vinegar
For wood and hard surfaces, experts recommend using a vinegar solution to neutralize any odor. Begin by sweeping the floor, focusing on areas that have stains. Once the floors are swept, make a solution of vinegar and water and spray it on the surface. Distribute it evenly using a mop. Proceed to mop away the excess solution and let the floor dry.
You can also use vinegar in combination with baking soda to clean cushions and bedding. This will neutralize any lingering odor to keep your house smelling fresh.
Steam clean the carpets
Carpet steaming is a rather effective solution for dog odor thanks to its ability to access dog smells lodged deep in the carpet fibers. Handheld carpet steamers are common and easy to use.
Make sure the carpets are completely dry before letting your dog on them. You may also consider keeping them from marking their territory afresh right after steaming the carpets.
Bathe your dog
Dogs are not enthusiastic about baths, but in order to stay on top of things, you have to schedule regular baths, preferably once a month. More importantly, ensure your pet gets 100 percent dry after cleaning as moisture on the skin is a breeding ground for bacteria and yeast that could cause infection.
Choose pet-friendly shampoos and one that works for your dog's individual needs.
Clean your dog's stuff
Sometimes the bad odor filling your home comes from your dog's paraphernalia—toys, bowls, towels, leashes, collars, etc. When doing laundry, remember to clean these items as they not only hold on to order but can also host bacteria, further contributing to the bad smell. Be sure to use the recommended detergents to clean your dog's stuff.
Let in fresh air
A simple yet effective solution for eliminating dog smell is to keep your windows open when you can. Letting the fresh air in can help air out your home, in the process removing bad odor. If you can't keep windows open due to the weather or pollution in your area, invest in an air purifier and air freshener to get rid of bacteria and foul smells.
Minimizing Buildup of Dog Smell Down the Line
The truth is, as long as you have a dog, you will always have to deal with dog smell. However, you can employ preventative tactics to deter the buildup of bad smells. Here are a few tips:
- Clean your house regularly.
- Wipe your dog's paws after spending time outside.
- Wash your dog's stuff before it starts to stink.
- Switch on the air purifier to get rid of odors.
- Keep windows open when possible.
- Use a lovely smelling air freshener.
Summary
Over time, dander, dog hair, and oils on your dog's skin can build up to create bad smells in your home. Thankfully, you can get rid of the bad odor by applying odor-reducing methods like cleaning your home regularly and using the recommended air fresheners. That way you can keep your house smelling fresh at all times, no matter how many furry friends you have.
If you are still undecided on the best air freshener and odor eliminators for you, BluntPower has the best options in the market. Contact us to try our range of products that include air fresheners, odor eliminators, and hand-dipped incense.
