Sprays to Make at Home for Your Dog's Body Odor

There are dog breeds that smell no matter how often they're bathed. Perhaps it is because of their long fur or they spend time in the water, or maybe they just have body odor. If you aren̵7;t interested in spending a fortune on doggie perfumes and canine colognes, there are a few sprays that can be made at home for much less than what specialty pet stores charge.

  1. Herbal Sprays

    • Lavender is one of many herbs that can be added to your spray

      For these sprays you can use boiled water as a base and steep any of these herbs or a combination in it for an easy herbal perfume: lavender, chamomile, peppermint or spearmint or whole cloves. Start with a cup or two of boiling water and steep one cup of fresh or dried herbs in the water until it cools. Strain the herbs out of the water and pour into an empty spray bottle and it's ready to use. For an added benefit, use rosemary leaves. Rosemary is a natural flea deterrent in addition to smelling pleasant.

    Oil Based Sprays

    • Choose your favorite essential oils to add to your spray.

      Concentrated herbal and flower oils can be purchased from health food stores and other large retailers. These oils are used in making sachets, potpourri and candles. You will also need glycerin oil or mineral oil for this concoction. Mix ½ cup of water with ½ tsp. of glycerin or mineral oil and add several drops of the scented oil of your choice. Pour into a spray bottle and shake well before use. Your canine can smell like roses or lilacs, bergamot or any other scent you choose.

    Fresh Smelling Sprays

    • Use fabric softener in your spray for a clean scent

      Fabric softener always smells fresh and clean. With these mixtures that use fabric softener as an ingredient, your canine will smell as fresh as your laundry. Mix two cups of lukewarm water with 1 tbs. baking soda (another natural freshener) and ¼ cup of your favorite fabric softener. If you prefer, you can purchase natural fabric softeners sold at most large grocery and retail chains. Pour mixture into a spray bottle, and shake well before using. If the spray gets too cold, the fabric softener has a tendency to coagulate and clog the spray bottle, so keep at room temperature or a little warmer.

    Alcohol-Based Sprays

    • Many people like alcohol-based sprays, because the alcohol evaporates quickly leaving only the scent. You will need 3 tbs. of either rubbing alcohol or vodka for the alcohol base, 2 cups of distilled water and a dozen drops of essential oil. Try mix and matching smells to invent your own scent. This mixture works best if left in a tightly sealed jar for two or three weeks before using. You can also try substituting a vanilla bean or two for the essential oil.