What To Do If Your House Smells Like Your Dog

Does your house smell like a kennel? What if it did? Would you even know? You might be used to the smell of your pets, but guests might get a rude shock. Your home may be due for a deep clean. Follow this handy checklist and your home will be free of pooch perfume once again.

Why do our precious pooches smell so bad?

Although we love them like family, we could do without all the smells that come along with them. However, you can't deny the pride your dog takes in its scent. This is their identity, their mark on the world. Imagine that stinky hot dog breath and saliva on everything from their toys to their bed to your face. Just like humans, dogs have oily skin and waxy ears. Did you know they sweat through their feet? There's a lot of dog body odor to contend with.

Getting Rid of Smells!

There are many ways to get rid of dog odor in your house. Depending on how foul the smell is, you may have a lot of work to do. Here are our best practices for deep cleaning your puppy palace.

Vacuum Everything. Repeat.

Sweep, mop, vacuum, repeat to remove hair, dirt, and dander. This routine should be followed regularly. It's probably more often than you think. All carpets, curtains, furniture, rugs, and floors need to be vacuumed. Also, make sure your vacuum filter is cleaned and changed frequently. Your house will not be overrun by fur if you vacuum regularly.

Pet-specific Cleaning Tools.

The latest cleaning tools and products designed specifically for pet owners are your new best friends. These types of tools extend to reach those awkward places where hair might be hiding e.g. ceiling fans. They are designed with special fibers that trap and lock in dust and allergens such as dander and dust mite matter – yuck.

Call a Professional.

Hire a service to clean your carpets with pet-friendly chemicals. There is a possibility that the change of carpet odor may confuse your pet. Be mindful and vigilant against unproductive territory marking after a deep clean.

Sweep

Replaceable cloth sweepers are ideal for quickly sweeping floors without having to deal with dustbins. The dog hair sticks directly to the disposable cloths, which you can then remove and toss straight in the trash when you’re done. Most brands design their clothes to be recyclable so you don't have to be worrying about waste.

Mop

Use a cloth mop to clean finished floors, saving you from having to haul buckets of water and detergent. The wet mopping cloths are also disposable, leaving your floors hairless and your hands-free when you’re done.

Neutralize Furniture

After washing removable covers in the laundry, scrub any suspicious mystery stains with baking soda. Baking soda is your new best friend! Despite its odorlessness, baking soda absorbs other odors, making it the most effective deodorizer. You can dust hair and dander off your furniture with a soft-bristled brush if its covers are not removable. Vinegar and water can be used to clean leather furniture, but be careful not to oversaturate it.

Wash Your Dogs Bed

Dirt, saliva, urine, dander, and hair are stored within the fabric and stuffing of your dog's bed, which gives it that musty smell. If your dog’s bed isn’t washable and you suspect it stinks, it may be time for a new one and maybe opt for one that can be washed. Stain repellent can also be used to prevent future dog smells, but that's a short-term solution.

Clean Air is Good Air!

Allow fresh air to enter your house by opening all the windows and doors. To maximize airflow and circulation in your home, change the air filters in your heating and cooling systems. You may also want to consider investing in an air purifier if your budget allows. With these handy gadgets, you can reduce odor issues by killing bacteria and fungi in the air.

Last Resort

For those who have tried everything else, consider purchasing an essential oil diffuser, scented candles, or fresh flowers. This will help combat the dog smell, or at the very least offset it with something more pleasant.