Dog odours in the home: how to get rid of them

Some wild animals give off odours to protect themselves. Dogs, on the other hand, have a natural skin odour partly caused by sebum, an oily substance secreted by the skin. Sebum helps protect the skin and coat and supports the skin’s natural barrier. However, excess sebum can intensify the odour. While an unpleasant smell is usually nothing to worry about, it can sometimes indicate an underlying health problem. Here are some possible causes of an unpleasant smell in dogs:

• An ear infection: redness or thickening of the skin inside the ear may indicate an ear infection.

• Parasites: certain external parasites can contribute to unpleasant odours.

• An allergy: allergies can lead to skin irritation and changes in odour.

• Wounds that are slow to heal or an abscess.

• Flatulence: excessive gas may be associated with digestive problems.

• Bad breath: persistent bad breath may be a sign of an oral health problem.

Unlike cats, dogs sometimes need a bath. How often you bathe your dog will depend on their habits, such as whether they spend a lot of time outdoors or prefer the comfort of the sofa. An occasional bath can help freshen your dog’s coat and remove loose hair. Here are our tips for bathing your dog properly:

1. Wet your dog’s coat with lukewarm water.

2. Wash your dog with a dog-friendly shampoo. Products containing aloe vera or oats are good natural alternatives that may be suitable options.

3. Gently wash your dog’s entire body.

4. Once bath time is over, wrap your dog in a towel and gently remove as much excess water as possible.

You can minimise unpleasant dog odours by following a few simple daily steps to keep your home smelling fresh.

1. Air your home properly: open your windows for 5–10 minutes each day to let in fresh air.

2. Use an air purifier : these devices can help filter airborne particles, including pet dander.

3. Certain essential oil blends can help neutralise unpleasant odours when diffused. Make sure your pet is not in the room while diffusing.

4. Room freshener spray create a room freshener spray using tea tree essential oil to help freshen the air.

5. White vinegar: for suitable surfaces and fabrics, such as sofas and carpets, mix our white vinegar with lukewarm water and pour the solution into a spray bottle. Test on a small, hidden area first.

6. Bicarbonate of soda: sprinkle our bicarbonate of soda on suitable fabrics, leave for 30 minutes, then vacuum thoroughly. It can help absorb unpleasant odours.

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Giving your dog a bath is a great way to help them smell fresh again. However, to keep your four-legged friend happy and healthy, it’s important not to bathe them too often. Frequent washing can irritate their skin and lead to skin problems.

On days when you’re in a hurry, you can simply sprinkle bicarbonate of soda onto your dog’s coat. This product is sometimes used as a deodorising dry shampoo, but it’s best to check with your vet before using it on your pet. To prevent the dog’s odour from spreading into the air and soaking into fabrics, restrict your dog’s access to the sofa, bed and other fabrics in your home.

Find out here how to look after your pets naturally

Gipsy is a graduate of ESJ Paris. After 10 years’ experience in general and women’s magazines, she decided to specialise in writing about health and well-being. With a yin yoga qualification under her belt, she now skilfully combines her writing with her yoga mat. Her aim goes far beyond mere words. Her commitment runs deep: to help readers incorporate small tips into their daily lives that help them look after themselves and their environment. Every word is an invitation to adopt a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.