Home Remedies To Make Your Dog Smell Good

Dogs are one of the most beloved members of any family. They are loyal and loving creatures that provide unconditional love and companionship. But sometimes, they can also be a little stinky! When your dog starts to smell, luckily, there are several ways to get rid of unpleasant aromas quickly. Keep reading this article to learn some home remedies for smelly dogs so you can get rid of unwanted odors quickly by applying simple tricks and using budget-friendly products that you probably always have in your cupboard!

Reasons why your dog smells bad

If your dog has a problem with her/his smell, in the first place, it is necessary to find the cause of the issue so it can be addressed accordingly. In most cases, simple things such as dirt or a little accident in the house are responsible for the odors which can be solved easily, but there are conditions that need to be checked with a professional so you may need to visit your vet too.

Stinky breath

Bad breath is common in dogs. Some breeds have bad breaths even if they are not suffering from any illness or disease. This is because the dog’s mouth, teeth, tongue, and gums all contain bacteria which can cause a foul smell, however, it can also be a sign of health issues.

A thorough cleaning (brushing the teeth or dental chews) should treat your dog’s bad breath. However, if the odor is persistent, see your vet to get a diagnosis.

Smelly bed and toys

Sometimes not your dogs smell but their bed and toys; while playing and sleeping, they cover their bedding and accessories with saliva and when they dry, they start to stink horribly.

Don’t worry, you do not need to wash your dogs’ toys and bedding as often as you wash your own clothes, but it is good to clean them maybe every 3 to 4 weeks to prevent strong pet odor in the house.

It is time for a bath

The best way to get rid of odors on your dog is by giving her/him regular baths. It does not only help remove visible dirt but also keeps the pup from parasites, so depending on the breed and environmental factors, bathing your dog is the key to keeping up good hygiene.

However, you may notice that your dog still stinks even after a bath; in such cases (if not a medical condition causes the smell issue), consider using a dog cologne.
To get rid of dog smell without a bath, make a natural dog deodorant spray that you can safely use whenever your four-legged companion needs instant refreshment.

Ear infection

Dogs often suffer from ear infections caused by bacteria that besides being painful for them, make them stink too. Clean the ears regularly with an ear cleaner or cotton ball soaked in hydrogen peroxide. The medical use of hydrogen peroxide helps stop the infection and remove the odor. Routinely, the ears should be cleaned every 1 to 2 months, but if you suspect an infection, a vet check-up might be required.

Wrong shampoo

Many dogs have an oily undercoat which may cause the dog to not only be uncomfortable but also smelly. The undercoat is made up primarily of sebum, a wax-like substance that forms on the skin of individual hair follicles and helps protect the skin from infection. If your dog has an oily undercoat (or has an allergy) you need to get a special dog shampoo that helps normalize the sebum production while not drying out the skin.

Dog odor home remedies that really work

If your dog already has an odor, you want to get rid of the smell as soon as possible. Before reaching for commercial (often chemical-containing) products, here are some natural ways to make your dog clean and fresh:

Vinegar

Vinegar is a commonly used household odor eliminator and disinfectant which is perfect for eliminating doggy odors too. Whenever you are dealing with smelly dog fur or want to keep pests away, this easy-to-make spray solution will do the trick.

Mix equal parts of vinegar and hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle to create a spraying solution. Then, spritz the mixture on your dog’s coat after brushing it. Leave it for about 10 minutes before rinsing off with water or shampooing. Spraying a solution with a few drops of dog-safe essential oil (like lavender) in their bathing water can work too.

Baking soda

Baking soda is a cheap, yet very efficient natural cleaner that can be used to neutralize pet urine smell. It acts as a base, while pet urine is acidic so when they are mixed, baking soda neutralizes the acidic substances, and so, odors.

Use the baking as a dry shampoo on your dog between baths. After brushing, sprinkle the baking soda on the fur and massage it gently so the powder reaches the skin too. Let it sit on the animal for 5-10 minutes before brushing it out.

Finally, wipe the remaining powder off using a damp towel then dry your pet. Although baking soda is harmless for pets in small quantities, make sure your pets don’t ingest it as it can cause an allergic reaction.

Cornstarch

If your dog has yeast skin infection which causes stinky and itchy spots, consider trying cornstarch.

It is a cost-effective home remedy for smells and skin irritation, reduces itchiness, and regenerates the skin.

Mix one part baking soda, one part cornstarch, and one part cornmeal in a bowl. Add enough water to make it into a thick paste. Apply it to the neck, paws, and underarms, and let it dry naturally. This method should help heal the affected areas overnight.

Inspired? Pin it!