Puppy Odor Removal Ideas

Puppies are prone to smelly inside accidents when they are young and in the early stages of housebreaking. While this is a normal part of your pup̵7;s development, the odors left behind can be unpleasant, and can lead to future marking by the puppy, as well as other household pets, if left unattended.

  1. Clean Accidents

    • Clean up accidents as soon as you find them. Blot wet spots with a paper towel until dry and use a commercial dog stain and odor removal product designed to break down enzymes and eliminate smell completely. If you don̵7;t get rid of the puppy odor the first time, he may go back to the same spot to do his business because of the smell. Good cleaning during the puppy training stages can set the stage for good elimination habits as an adult.

    Use Odor Neutralizers

    • Use commercial odor neutralizing sprays to clean the air if you have lingering puppy odors. Open windows and use fans to circulate air through your home to help it smell clean and fresh. Sprinkle baking soda on your carpet before vacuuming any time your house starts to smell a little ̶0;puppy-ish.̶1;

    Wash Bedding

    • Wash your puppy̵7;s bedding weekly to eliminate unwanted odors, more frequently if the bedding starts to smell bad. While you want your dog to have a welcome place that smells familiar to him, if he̵7;s an inside-outside dog who tracks in dirt, chews bones in his sleeping area or otherwise soils his bedding, regular washing will help eliminate odors that can linger. Cold water, regular detergent and a cup of white vinegar work well unless you're cleaning urine, in which case a commercial enzymatic cleaner can give you an extra boost of odor removing power.

    Brush Teeth

    • Eliminate puppy breath and set your pup on a lifelong course of good oral hygiene by brushing his teeth. If your dog gets used to tooth brushing when he̵7;s young, you̵7;re less likely to encounter dental and gum problems down the road. Regular brushing will also help eliminate food buildup that can lead to bad mouth odors. Use a toothpaste specially formulated for puppies, asking your vet for a recommendation. Human toothpaste, especially brands containing fluoride, can be dangerous to your pup, who doesn't have the ability to spit out the paste after brushing.

    Bathe Your Pup

    • Your puppy will have different grooming needs based on his breed, how often he̵7;s outside, and how dirty and smelly he gets. Additionally, long-haired breeds often require regular grooming to prevent matted, smelly hair. Ask your vet about the best shampoo to use for your dog and get into a regular bathing and grooming routine to keep him smelling good. Many shampoo formulas are formulated with light fragrances, and "puppy colognes" can keep your pup fresh and smelling sweet. A light sprinkle of baking soda before brushing can also eliminate smells. Never use products made for people, which can irritate your pup's skin and eyes.