How to Get Rid of Dog Smell & Eliminate Dog Odor

Just a Dirty Dog

Sometimes there is no explanation for your dog's outrageous odor other than the pure, simple fact that he's just dirty. Whether he played outside all day, rolled in something horrible or swam in a murky lake, your dog might stink because he needs a bath. If bathing Poochy doesn't get rid of the dog smell, it's time to dig deeper.

Gas or Digestive Problems

There's no polite way to say it. A dog's flatulence is no joke — the smell can be overpowering. Every dog owner has experienced that out-of-this-world smell that has you wondering what your dog's been eating. Your dog's nasty stench could be from a bad gas problem.

So, how to get rid of dog odor caused by gas? If the problem is occasional gas, he probably ate something that didn't agree with him. But if the gas problem persists, you might want to try switching out his food. Continual bad gas accompanied by diarrhea and vomiting calls for a trip to the vet.

Underlying Sickness

If your dog stinks no matter what you do, it could indicate an underlying health condition. If that's the case, it may be impossible to eliminate dog odor until the root cause is addressed. There are several diseases and infections that won't go away that could explain what causes a dog smell, such as:

If you've noticed a foul smell from a particular part of his body – especially if it's accompanied by other warning signs like excessive scratching and licking, scooting or biting himself – contact your vet and get your pup in for an appointment right away.

Keep Up on Grooming

Many dogs don't like getting wet, so it's tempting to let bath time take the back burner. However, regular cleaning and grooming are essential ways to get rid of dog smell and keep your pooch looking and feeling their best. With products like deodorizing shampoo, you'll be able to reduce odors while keeping your dog fresh and clean.

If you have difficulty remembering to give your dog regular baths, try making a schedule or setting aside a specific night of the week or month as "bath day." Your dog should get a bath once a month, but more frequent shampooing may be necessary if they romp outside a lot or go swimming. The answer to "What causes dog odor?" often lurks right outside your door.

When bathing your pup, use a high-quality shampoo that's best for his fur type. Use warm water that won't burn him, and thoroughly rinse out all of the shampoo because the residue can cause irritation and odors. Then add a few squirts of dog grooming spray to restore your pet's social standing at the dog park.

Bathing is essential, but you must also include regular haircuts and nail trims. Routinely removing excess fur around their face, ears and backside is critical if you want to get rid of dog smell for good.

Try a Pet Cologne

Even after a bath, you may still have that dog smell in your home. But thanks to GotDog pet cologne, you can maintain that just-bathed scent. Use it to help keep away the smelly dog odor.

This specially formulated dog odor spray is safe for your pup and ranges from sporty scents like Aqua Di Dog and Timmy Holedigger to chic fragrances like our Beautifur and Ms. Claybone. You can select the fragrance you and your pup like best and have confidence that it will last.

GotDog pet deodorizing sprays are tangle-free and non-matting, so you don't have to worry about disrupting your dog's day with a full bath — just squirt and go! Our premium pet colognes are great for in-between washes to get rid of dog body odor fast.

Between haircuts, you can help by brushing your dog regularly. Doing so will remove loose fur and dead skin cells, which can help you get rid of dog smell, too.

"The most affectionate creature in the world is a wet dog." ~ Ambrose Bierce

How to Make Your House NOT Smell Like Dog

If your dog is fresh, clean and smelling sweet, but your house isn't, it's time to get to work on carpets, rugs, pet beds and other surfaces where your pooch hangs out. Following are tips on how to make your house NOT smell like dog.

Home Remedies for Smelly Dog Issues

You may have stashed an open box of baking soda in your refrigerator at times to help absorb food odors, but have you tried it elsewhere in your home? One of the popular home remedies for a smelly dog is baking soda. You can sprinkle it around your dog's crate and on his bed to soak up that smell and eliminate dog odor throughout the house. You can also use a 1:1 mixture of apple cider vinegar and water.

Best Solution: How to Stop Dog Smell in the House

Of course, sometimes it's best to cut to the chase and use a product that's specially formulated to get rid of that dog smell on your carpet and furniture. If you want to know how to stop dog smell in the house, Mr. Kennel Pet Bed & Linen Detergent is the sweet-smelling answer to your prayers. Keep it handy, so you can eradicate dog odors whenever the need arises.