How to Get Rid of Dog Smell and How to Prevent Dog Odor?

Our dogs are animals, after all. So messy activities are amongst their favorite. And overall, they just can get an odor from running around so much. But what is that dog smell exactly?

Dogs actually do not sweat as humans do. This is because they do not have the same pores as we do that perspire and roll off their skin. Instead, their hair follicles produce light sweat from their paws–this is a unique chemical scent to each canine. 

This smell may mean nothing to humans, but it is what differentiates dogs from each other. Ever noticed dogs smelling each other right away or marking a spot they smell from another dog?

That’s all due to their odor. Other sources that create that “dog smell” are from fat that they also produce, maintaining healthy hair and skin. Glands in their ears also create a smell. It all starts to get messy when bacteria and fungi move in. Hence, it’s essential to take care of our dogs! There are various ways to tackle this issue of getting rid of dog smell and home remedies for pet odor. 

For a quick answer to your pet odor problems, this product –  Thornell KOE-P Kennel Odor Eliminator is a proper solution. It is recommended by vets, has a lasting effect on eliminating odor, and is safe for pets and children.

Do you have a specific interest in learning how to get rid of dog smell? Then use the table of contents below to jump to the most relevant section. And you can always go back by clicking on the black arrow in the right bottom corner of the page. Also, please note that some of the links in this article may be affiliate links. For more details, check the Disclosure section at the bottom of the page. 

How to prevent dog odor?

To actually prevent dog odor, there are a couple of things an owner can do. The first is to make sure that your dog is being given a bath regularly. Veterinarians recommend every three months is sufficient because too many baths can also dry the dog’s skin.

If your dog is one to get messy often, of course, once a month is still a must. After all, I understand that if your dog comes in on a particularly rainy or muddy day, then yes, best to clean them off right away!

If you are going to follow the three-month plan to shower them, maybe in between those times, you could also give them a quick dry bath using baking soda or cornstarch and gently pat it on your dog’s fur. These materials can neutralize odors.

Another thing you can do to get rid of dog odor is to simply brush your dog! Two to five times a week will do. By doing so, you are distributing natural oils and helping with getting rid of dead fur. Also, another pet odor removal solution is to wash your dog’s bedding often too. A smelly, dirty dog leads to a stinky dog, which can also lead to your smelly furniture and carpets! So, remember to clean their belongings too. 

Another solution that requires a little bit of effort is to feed your dog with high-quality foods. Healthier food translates to better digestion that can reduce gas and maintains healthy gums and teeth. 

How to get rid of dog smell?

As I’ve mentioned before, giving your dogs regular baths is essential. If you already do so and they still obtain a pet odor, then best try a different shampoo. Give an aromatherapy, citrus, or tea tree shampoo–these are usually thought to be the best at fighting odors. Do not be fooled by the sweet-smelling shampoos because the fragrances in them can actually be irritating. 

For their diet, it is recommended to give dogs more fatty acids. A diet with low fatty acids and high starches (like cereal-based and grain foods) may cause overly dry skin. Then, when washing or grooming your dog, make sure to use a soft brush, then rubbing unscented baby powder into the fur.

Also, make sure their nails, paws, breath, and ears are clean enough. You can do this using a cotton pad or ball, with an ear cleaner or hydrogen peroxide. All of the above is also crucial as a dog odor removal solution. 

Use pet odor eliminator  

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One product you could get hold of to remove pet odor is this – Angry orange Odor Eliminator. It is not actually just for dogs, but for cats too. It is a citrus pet odor remover that can eliminate the toughest smells, including urine odors. What makes this product effective is that you can spray it to your dog and your tiles, carpets, litter boxes, kennel surfaces, and in the yard. 

Try DIY smelly dog remedy

  If you are a do-it-yourself type of person, then one idea for a smelly dog remedy is baking soda and water in a spray bottle. Another option is baking soda and vinegar. You can also put this in a spray bottle then spray it on curtains, carpets, and the dog bed. In general, baking soda, water, vinegar, and apple cider vinegar will make great remedies for pet odors. 

Best way to get rid of pet odor

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     The best way to get rid of pet odor is to consistently maintain a clean environment. As said above, one way is to get a dog odor spray. Also, you could try an air purifier. It kills bacteria and fungi in the air before hitting the furniture).

Or a general air freshener like Febreze, which also actually has its own Fabric Pet Odor Eliminator. A simple solution is simply to fill your house with new (and nice-smelling) things. For example, an oil diffuser, candles, and even flowers or plants can work all together to keep the air fresh and clean. 

How do you deodorize a dog?

What can I wash my dog with to get rid of the smell? The easy (and efficient) way to deodorize a dog is to ensure you use the right shampoo with nice ingredients.

E.g., tea tree or various citruses. Making sure that you brush your dog regularly will also ‘deodorize’ them. It distributes natural oils and gets rid of any dead fur, reducing shedding.

Another option, which you can do regularly, is baking soda as a dry shampoo. Sprinkling this on them and rubbing it in their fur. To get rid of a strong smell, like a skunk, for example, mix ¼ cup of baking soda, 3% hydrogen peroxide, and one teaspoon of liquid dish soap. Wear rubber gloves to massage it all over their bodies.  

What kills the smell of dog urine?

The answer to this question is something you will see a lot in this article: Baking Soda. Spread the baking soda evenly on the spot. Let it sit overnight, then vacuum it up. Another solution is vinegar, plus one cup of water and 2 teaspoons of baking soda, mix and put in a spraying bottle. Spray it on the spot, leave it for a few minutes, then dry it up. 

How to get dog smell out of furniture?

Sometimes, owners don’t even realize that their place already smells like their pet when living with your dog. From the carpet, beds, and even the couch smells like a dog. To get rid of the odor, you have to start by cleaning more often.

Getting heavy duty pet cleaning products can definitely be useful. It can be extended to get to hard-to-reach areas around your furniture that traps hair or dust and allergens (common from dogs). Do this, and you can avoid having your whole house smelling like dog urine. 

You could also do a deep clean of your couch by taking off the removable covers and scrubbing them with baking soda if needed. What’s great about baking soda is that it is odorless. When you place your covers in the laundry, also add a quarter cup of apple cider vinegar.

How to get dog smell out of carpet?

As mentioned above, one way is to buy a spray to specifically get rid of pet odor. Another way to get it out of the carpet is using baking soda because not only is it odorless. But it absorbs other odors, thus making it a great deodorizer.

Mix the water and baking soda in a spray bottle. Remember to vacuum once a week too. You can use a soft brush to dust any hair then wiping it with a damp cloth. As mentioned, a mix of vinegar and baking soda will also work! Simple smelly dog remedies. 

What can I use to make my dog smell better?

Now that we’ve gone over ways to clean your environment and belongings, the next question would be how to make your dog smell good. First, bathe them regularly (3 months) with a good dog shampoo, one with citrus or tea tree.

Always remember to check the ingredients and go for trusted brands that use reliable, natural ingredients. You have got to water the dog thoroughly first, spread the shampoo as evenly as possible. 

The most crucial step to do is to properly dry your dog. This is crucial! If not completely dry, this causes the wet-dog smell that builds the bacteria (which thrive in moist areas). Also, make sure to dry them thoroughly before letting them roll on a towel, as they can absorb scents this way too.

Best air freshener to eliminate pet odor

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The best spray for pet odors is the Febreze Air Freshener, which provides a fresh scent for any of your rooms. With its light and refreshing scent, it can cover pet odors easily.

Pros

  • Great, light smell that does not give headaches
  • Eliminates the pets’ odor

Cons

  • The packaging is not the best 

Dog poop odor eliminator

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Training our dogs can be quite a challenge. As they can make a mess in your houses in the first few weeks. The My Pet Peed remover is an excellent way to get your home from smelling like a dog. What makes it an easy and efficient product is that it does not require you to scrub. 

Pros

  • One spray over a spot is effective
  • Safe to use around pets, kids, and plant
  • Specifically designed for pets, really getting rid of the smell permanently

Cons

  • May require a second spray session the next day
  • Quite expensive

Best odor neutralizer for dog urine

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The best pet odor neutralizer available is the Angry Orange Odor Eliminator that indeed removes tough pet odors. This unique product uses the oil found in orange peels to get rid of the urine smell. It can be used on both tiles and carpets, litter boxes and yards, and kennels. 

Pros

  • Lovely smell
  • Very effective with fixing/covering pet odors
  • Can be used on different surfaces

Cons

  • Smell can be powerful, which may make you sick if not used carefully

Dog kennel odor control

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The Thornell KOE-P Kennel Odor Eliminator is another option for odor elimination, said to be recommended by veterinarians. Not only is it cost-effective, but very easy to use by just spraying it. 

Pros

  • Safe to use around pets and children
  • Has a lasting effect of eliminating odor and great smell
  • It can be used to wash bedding, rugs, kennels, and specific spots

Cons

  • The scent may be too intense for some people 

Best natural dog odor remover

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For the best natural odor remover, the Fresh Wave Odor Eliminator is your best choice. It can remove pet odors quickly while using no harsh chemicals. 

Pros

  • Natural ingredients (plant-based) and no harmful ingredients
  • Effective in covering up odors
  • Works as a deodorizer, and a refresher for furniture, bedding, backpacks, shoes, and closets

Cons

  • Bottle may leak

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