How to Get Rid of Dog Smell from Everywhere in Your House

We love our dogs … but that doesn’t mean we have to love the stinky smells that accompany them. Luckily, it's easier than you think to get rid of dog smell in your home, according to experts.

 

Our two Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Scarlett and Red, are part of our family—and, by far, its smelliest members. As a result, a big part of my regular cleaning routine revolves around figuring out how to get rid of dog smell from the various parts of the house. I worry all the time about whether people who visit are bowled over by the smell that we’re used to, but most of the time, I think I’m successful in my cleaning efforts … until we come home after being gone for a few days (or even a few hours!) and realize that our home does, in fact, smell like dog.

As someone who’s been writing about cleaning for more than a decade, I know how to clean a house from top to bottom and also use commonsense approaches to minimizing dog smell. The latter includes things like bathing your dogs regularly and making sure to wash their bedding and the areas that they make their own. (For us, that’s the family-room couch.) However, these strategies aren’t always enough, and I’m not sure why.

I decided that enough was finally enough and turned to the experts for a better solution. Two vets weighed in on the dog behaviors and health issues that can contribute to dog smell, and then cleaning experts Kathy Cohoon and Angela Brown pinned down the most effective strategies for addressing the odors that go hand-in-hand with dog ownership. Believe it or not, those strategies are a lot easier than you might think! Ahead, find out how to make sure that dog smell doesn’t become the dominant scent in your home.

 

About the experts Sarah Sprayberry, DVM, is a veterinarian at Capital Circle Veterinary Hospital in Tallahassee, Florida. Her areas of expertise include preventive and wellness care, dermatology, infectious disease and client education. Chandler Hawk Higdon, DVM, is a small-animal practitioner at Concord Veterinary Hospital in Tennessee. She has spent time on a critical care and emergency team. Kathy Cohoon is an operations manager for Two Maids in the Knoxville, Tennessee, area. She began her career as a professional house cleaner more than 20 years ago before opening her own Two Maids franchise. Angela Brown is a “cleanfluencer” with a worldwide audience of cleaning business owners, Airbnb hosts and homeowners. She has trained house cleaners in 37 countries and hosts three shows and podcasts related to the cleaning industry.

What is dog smell, exactly?

Dog smell is a combination of what dogs bring in from the outdoors and natural secretions from dogs’ bodies. Let’s deal with the outdoor aspect first. As you know all too well, when dogs roll in the dirt, they bring it back into the house, says Chandler Hawk Higdon, DVM, a small-animal practitioner in Tennessee. Any substances they bring inside, along with the smells they carry, transfer to your home’s indoor air and any surfaces they rub against or sit on. Of course, that’s not all that different from what humans do—well, not the rolling-in-the-dirt part, unless you’re dealing with kids.

The trickier component has to do with dogs’ bodies. “Dogs produce secretions that enable other dogs to recognize them by smell as dogs and as individuals,” explains Sarah Sprayberry, DVM, a veterinarian in Tallahassee, Florida. Dogs use these secretions to mark their territory and communicate with other dogs. The main culprits, she says, are:

• Apocrine glands, sweat glands that produce pheromones for communication
• Eccrine glands on a dog’s paws, which are also home to natural microorganisms
• Ceruminous and sebaceous glands on a dog’s ears, where “microorganisms also live naturally and give the ears a slightly yeasty odor, even when ears are healthy”
• The skin’s natural biome, which consists of bacterial flora
• Anal glands, which produce a noxious-smelling fluid that’s naturally expressed when dogs have a bowel movement but sometimes leak

These odors are, by design, hard to erase. Dr. Higdon explains that before dogs were domesticated, canines out in the wild had to mark their territories, and the marking had to “withstand all kinds of weather.” Dog smell is also so pervasive, adds Dr. Sprayberry, because “the materials that contribute to the smell are constantly being produced.”

 

What to keep in mind about dog smells in your house

Each dog has a distinctive smell. It’s just a part of who they are and how they operate in the world. But that doesn’t mean you have to consign yourself to a stinky house. Before we show you the best way to get rid of dog smell, there are a few things you should know:

• You’ll need to clean more often than people who don’t have dogs. This includes basic tasks like dusting and vacuuming to remove the dirt that your dog tracks in, as well as the fur and pet dander that carry many of their secretions and accompanying smells.
• Some dog smells are a sign of a health problem. “Your dog should smell unique but not offensive,” says Dr. Sprayberry. A fishy smell could signify an anal-gland issue, while a foul odor from the face could be a sign of dental, ear or eye disease, adds Dr. Higdon. As always, check with your vet if you have any concerns.

 

How to get rid of dog smell from carpet

Whether you have area rugs or wall-to-wall carpeting, you know that dog smell seems to permeate those fibers. The good news is that because so much of a dog’s smell is transmitted through its fur and dander, frequent vacuuming will go a long way toward removing dog smell from carpet. Follow this deodorizing routine recommended by Cohoon, who has been a professional cleaner for more than two decades, for best results.

Supplies you’ll need

• Baking soda
• Vacuum cleaner
• Carpet shampoo (optional)

Directions

1. Sprinkle baking soda liberally over the area of carpet where the dog smell is concentrated.
2. Let the baking soda sit for at least 15 to 30 minutes to absorb odors.
3. Vacuum the carpet thoroughly to remove all traces of baking soda. Move the unit slowly, passing it over the area several times and in several different directions.
4. If the smell persists, consider using a carpet shampoo specifically designed to eliminate pet odors. Follow the directions on the product.

♦ Pro tip

For the best chances of success with baking soda, especially for tough jobs, cleaning expert Mary Marlowe Leverette recommends extending the dwell time. Try sprinkling the carpet with baking soda at bedtime and allowing it to absorb odors overnight before vacuuming it away the next morning.

 

How to get rid of dog smell from couches and upholstery

Even if your dog isn’t allowed on the couch and chairs, ambient dander and fur can carry dog smell to your upholstery. While regular furniture-cleaning is a must, make sure to check manufacturers’ codes for cleaning recommendations and instructions before you do it for the first time, says Cohoon; otherwise, you could accidentally damage the fabric. Once you have the green light, follow these steps for how to get rid of dog smell in these fabric-covered areas:

Supplies you’ll need

• Baking soda
• Vacuum cleaner
• White vinegar
• Water
• Upholstery cleaner

Directions

1. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Vinegar will neutralize the odors.
2. Lightly spray the affected areas on the couch or upholstery. Since the point of the vinegar is to neutralize odors rather than clean, there is no need to make the fabric wet; a mist is sufficient.
3. Sprinkle a light layer of baking soda over the dampened areas, and let it sit for about 15 minutes. The baking soda will absorb the dampness and also help neutralize the odors.
4. Let the fabric dry completely.
5. Next, vacuum the area thoroughly, using the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner. Make sure to remove all traces of the baking soda.
6. For stubborn odors, use a machine designed for upholstery cleaning. Dr. Higdon recommends Bissell’s handheld portable cleaner, especially when used in conjunction with the brand’s cleaning solution designed for pets.

♦ Pro tip

I have found that leather furniture doesn’t absorb dog smell nearly as much as upholstered furniture. For this reason, we allow our dogs to sleep on our leather family-room couch (which also somehow doesn’t show any scratches from their claws) but not on the upholstered couches in our living room.

 

How to get rid of dog smell from bedding

If your dogs sleep in or on your bed, they will mark your bed as theirs with their scent glands, purposely or not. While you are probably washing your bedding regularly anyway, you’ll need to take a few extra steps to address pet odors. Cleaning your mattress should also be a regular part of this process.

Supplies you’ll need

• Laundry detergent
• White vinegar
• Baking soda
• Vacuum cleaner with attachment (for mattress)
• Washing machine

Directions

1. Strip your bed.
2. Place sheets and other bedding in your washing machine, making sure it’s not more than two-thirds full (which could reduce the effectiveness of your wash cycle).
3. Add the laundry detergent of your choice, and use whatever water temperature is recommended on the care labels of your bedding. Water temperature does not affect odor neutralizing.
4. Add 1 cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle, putting it in the fabric-softener or bleach compartment of your machine.
5. While your bedding is in the washer, sprinkle baking soda onto your mattress and any throw pillows that cannot be put in the washing machine. Allow it to sit for 15 to 30 minutes.
6. Vacuum away the baking soda, using the upholstery attachment.
7. Replace the freshly washed and dried bedding.

♦ Pro tip

I use both baking soda and vinegar to wash the blankets that our dogs cuddle up in on the couch with great success. I add 1 cup of baking soda directly to the washer along with detergent, then add white vinegar to the bleach compartment or fabric-softener cup. Separating the baking soda and vinegar in this way keeps them from canceling each other out, but also allows for “layering” odor-neutralizing substances within one cleaning task. I’ve found that even the stinkiest blankets come out smelling fresh with this method.

How to get rid of dog smell from the air

Pet dander is one of the hardest indoor-air contaminants to get rid of because it is so small and light. While dusting and vacuuming removes some of it from your environment, the very act of cleaning also disturbs both pet dander and fur—and that releases odors into the air. These can be captured by an air purifier fitted with a HEPA filter, which, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “can theoretically remove at least 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and any airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns (µm).”

Make sure to choose an air purifier that will be efficient for the square footage of the space you’ll place it in. Also, check and replace or clean the filter regularly, in accordance with the manufacturer’s directions. The time between filter changes will vary significantly based on how often you use it, the size of your space and the presence of additional airborne substances, such as pollen in the springtime. Failing to replace the filter when needed will compromise the effectiveness of your unit.

♦ Pro tip

Cohoon also suggests filling a diffuser with essential oils, such as lavender or eucalyptus, to create a more pleasant scent in the air. As an alternative, Dr. Higdon swears by Febreze. Just make sure to watch your dogs for signs that the fragrance may be irritating them (such as avoiding the area with the scent). And never spray Febreze directly on your dog.

How to get rid of dog pee and poop smells

Getting rid of the mess with everyday cleaning products isn’t enough to get rid of the smell … or stop your dog from going in the same spot over and over again. The key here is to attack the mess with a product that will neutralize the odors—namely, an enzymatic cleaner, which actually digests the molecules that make up the stain rather than superficially removing it or masking the smell. You’ll also need to follow certain steps and a few pro tips to do it right. For those specifics, check out these stories on how to get dog pee and dog poop out of your carpet and other accident-prone spots.

 

Tips to prevent dog smell in your house

Although there’s nothing you can do to stop dogs from producing odors, there are many steps you can take to keep the smell of your dog from becoming the scent of your home. Layering the following approaches as much as possible will help keep your home its freshest.

• Bathe and groom your dog frequently. While bathing your dog doesn’t affect naturally produced secretions, it will help with odors that are trapped in your dog’s coat. Dr. Sprayberry also recommends trimming away matted fur that can trap debris and odor.
• Keep up with your dog’s hygiene. For starters, maintain good dental hygiene with regular tooth brushing, dental cleanings and daily dental chews or treats. Beyond that, says Dr. Sprayberry, if your pet has skin folds around the face and eyes, use deodorizing wipes (labeled safe for pets) to clean in the folds where odor-causing moisture and debris collect.
• Wash all your dog’s items. In addition to washing your dog, regularly clean everything that belongs to him. We’re talking bedding, toys and food bowls. That last one is often overlooked, says Cohoon, but it’s super important since “odor can be trapped in food residues on the bowl.”
• Create a relaxed environment for your pet. Stress can exacerbate pet odors and cause some dogs to mark their territory by peeing in the house. But making sure your dog has its own space and feels relaxed, safe and happy will lessen this possibility, says Dr. Higdon. Have a dog bed or a small area that “belongs” to your dog, and keep these areas and their food bowls in the same spot. Consistency will help your dog feel secure.
• Increase airflow. Translation: Open the windows! This is the easiest way to reduce dog smell in your home, say both Cohoon and Dr. Higdon.

 

 

Sources:

• All photos used in this blogpost are sourced from the internet, and the rights belong to their respective owners
• Combiths, S. (n.d.). How to Get Rid of Dog Smell from Everywhere in Your House. Reader’s Digest. Retrieved July 22, 2024, from https://www.rd.com/article/how-to-get-rid-of-dog-smell/