Here's why:
* Urine always contains moisture: Even if it looks dry on the surface, the urine has soaked into the carpet fibers and padding.
* The odor comes from bacteria: When urine dries, the bacteria in it start to break down the uric acid, creating the pungent ammonia smell.
What you need to do:
1. Act fast: The sooner you clean up the urine, the less likely it is to stain or permanently damage your carpet.
2. Use an enzymatic cleaner: These cleaners contain enzymes that break down the urine molecules, eliminating the odor and stains.
3. Follow the instructions: Each cleaner will have specific instructions, so be sure to read them carefully.
4. Blot, don't rub: Blotting will absorb the urine without pushing it deeper into the carpet.
5. Repeat if necessary: You may need to repeat the cleaning process several times, especially if the urine has been there for a while.
Here are some tips for dealing with dog urine accidents:
* Keep a spray bottle of enzymatic cleaner handy.
* Train your dog properly. This will help reduce the number of accidents in the first place.
* Use a blacklight to find urine stains. Blacklights make urine stains glow, making them easier to find and clean.
Remember, prevention is key! If you can catch your dog in the act, you can often prevent a major stain or odor problem.