How to Eliminate Dog Smell

Even the most enthusiastic pet lover will admit that dog smell is an annoying odor that can be difficult to eliminate. Using a combination approach that treats the animal and the surrounding areas that have been affected is the most effective means of removing pet odors. Fortunately, you can use common, inexpensive items to treat offensive dog smells.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog shampoo
  • Veterinarian (possibly)
  • Prescription medication for possible dog health problems
  • Vacuum
  • Baking soda
  • Carpet-cleaning solution
  • Water
  • Rag
Show More

Instructions

  1. Treating the Dog

    • 1

      Examine your dog to see what may be causing excessive odor. Begin with regular baths for your pet. A weekly bath may be enough for some dogs, especially those kept indoors. Outdoor dogs may need to be bathed every two to three days, depending on how dirty they get. Use a conditioning shampoo for dogs with dry-skin issues.

    • 2

      Look for bacterial skin infections, which can cause odor. If your dog has symptoms of hair loss, rashes or scaly skin accompanied by a foul odor, visit your veterinarian. You may need to treat your pet with a special type of antibacterial soap.

    • 3

      Check for ear infections. Symptoms include dried blood in the ears, drainage, excessive scratching and a bad smell around the ear area. See your veterinarian for an antibiotic ear-drop treatment. Maintain ear cleanliness by regularly cleaning your pet's ears with a cotton ball dabbed in mineral oil.

    • 4

      Check for anal gland infection. You probably will want a veterinarian or dog groomer to do this for you. The anal glands are located near the anus and need to be expressed regularly in order to prevent buildup of bacteria and occasionally infection.

    • 5

      Inspect your dog's teeth and gums for possible tooth decay and gum disease. Bloody gums, receding gum line, foul smell and teeth that obviously appear to be decayed should be treated by a veterinarian.

    Treating the Area

    • 6

      Vacuum areas in the house or car that have dog odor.

    • 7

      Apply a light to moderate dusting of baking soda to the affected areas. Let it sit overnight. Vacuum the baking soda the next day.

    • 8

      Treat the area with carpet shampoo (furniture and cars, too) if the baking soda doesn't eliminate the smell. Some brands of carpet shampoo (such as Bissell) make shampoos especially for the purpose of removing pet odors and stains. You can use a carpet shampooing machine to apply the product to carpets, or you can spot-treat carpets, furniture and car upholstery.

    • 9

      Spot-treat by mixing half water and half carpet shampoo. Dampen a rag with the mixture and rub into the affected area with small, circular motions. Expose the area to sunlight and a fan or breeze in order to dry thoroughly.

    • 10

      Place protective towels on car seats or furniture in order to prevent odors from attaching themselves to these areas. Washing a towel is easier than cleaning furniture or car seats. You may have to restrict your dog to certain areas of the house and car.