Get Rid of Dog Smell in Your Home – 11 Secret Tips

You’ve cleaned and aired out your home, and yet it still smells like dog? No surprise there – because effectively and permanently eliminating dog odor takes more than just mopping and letting in fresh air. With these tried-and-tested tips, your home will smell fresh again (and so will your dog).

11 Tips That Actually Work Against Dog Odor

11 Tips That Actually Work Against Dog Odor

Ever read those articles about dog odor that just tell you to clean and ventilate? I always wonder whether the author has no idea what they’re talking about or if they think their readers are dumb. Probably a bit of both.

In this guide, I’ll assume you already open windows now and then and know how to use a mop. So, here you’ll find tips that only few know – and that actually help eliminate dog odor.

Tip 1: Take a Closer Look at Your Dog’s Food

There are many reasons your dog might smell, and one of them is their food. It’s not just about the quality – although that matters too. It’s mainly about how well your dog tolerates the food.

The type of food also plays a role. Dogs fed only dry food tend to smell more strongly. On the other hand, if you feed your dog canned food, cook for them, use BARF (raw feeding), or include fresh ingredients, the smell decreases. Fresh, varied diets are also healthier for your dog’s digestive system and overall health.

Tip 2: Add Chlorophyll to Reduce Dog Odor

One reason why fresh food with a balanced vegetable content reduces dog odor (and thus smell in your home) is chlorophyll. This natural green pigment is crucial for photosynthesis, but also provides several benefits for both humans and dogs:

antibacterial
antioxidant
anti-inflammatory
promotes wound healing
cleanses the digestive tract
strengthens the immune system
supports blood formation

Good chlorophyll sources for dogs include:

broccoli
peas
fennel
leafy lettuce
cucumber
spinach
zucchini

Bonus tip: Is your female dog in heat? To make her less attractive to males, give her daily chlorophyll tablets during that time.

Tip 3: Ask the Vet About the Smell

A strong dog odor can be caused by health issues. Illnesses, pain, or intolerances often change a dog’s body odor, making it more intense and unpleasant.

Have your vet check if there are any underlying problems.

Tip 4: Proper Coat Care Against Dog Odor

Regular brushing, bathing, and blow-drying removes mats, dirt, loose hair, and excess oils. It also supports a healthy skin microbiome. So coat care helps fight odor in several ways.

If you need help with grooming, consult a qualified and reputable dog groomer.

Tip 5: Dry Your Dog Properly

Some dogs dry quickly, even in winter. Others take hours – or even days – if left to air dry.

Especially large dogs or those with thick, long, heavy coats are hard to dry thoroughly with a regular hair dryer. After a rainy walk, proper drying is essential to prevent that classic “wet dog smell.”

Invest in a powerful dog blower to solve that problem.

Tip 6: Make the Dog Bed Washable

I love the “Flocke” dog bed – and so do my dogs. But every time I look at the original cover, I think, „Whoever designed this doesn’t have a dog!“

Why?

The cover is white – every dark hair and speck of dust makes it look dirty.
It’s flimsy – even my tiny 2-kg dog tore it to shreds while scratching.
The cover is hard to remove and put back on (especially the larger versions).
It’s only washable at 30°C (86°F).

And the plush material absorbs odors like a sponge.

If you’ve got the same issue, here’s the fix:

I use microfiber blankets, modified with elastic bands, as covers. They’re easy to take off, machine-washable up to 95°C (203°F), and far more durable – without sacrificing looks. Dog odors are much easier to remove from them.

Tip 7: Collar, Harness & Leash

Often overlooked, but major sources of dog odor include:

collars
harnesses
leashes
dog coats
dog carriers
your own walking gear

Wash or clean everything that comes into contact with your dog regularly. Adding hygienic rinse or enzyme cleaner helps remove odors – even from items you can’t wash at high temperatures.

Tip 8: Clean Dog Toys Regularly

Plush toys, balls, and Kongs are also easy to forget – and over time, they can develop quite a stink. Depending on how often they’re used, wash or clean them at least once a month. Again, enzyme cleaners or hygienic rinses help here.

Tip 9: Wash All the Blankets (Yes, All of Them)

Blankets on your dog’s bed, the couch, or your own bed (if your do is allowed in there) can protect furniture from stains and collect most of the hair. They’re also super helpful against dog odor – but only if you choose the right kind and clean them properly.

Microfiber blankets that can be washed at high temperatures are ideal. Wash weekly (or every two weeks if used less) and throw them in the dryer. This keeps everything clean and fresh – and helps remove hair as well.

Tip 10: Upholstery Cleaner – Your Best Friend

Even with protective blankets and a clean dog, carpets and upholstered furniture can start to smell like dog (and other things) over time. Dust, mites, and all sorts of dirt collect in fabrics and cushions, affecting the smell of your home.

An upholstery cleaner – also known as a carpet or spray extraction machine – is a smart investment. Especially for dog owners.

Use it every few months (or as needed), and it will significantly improve air quality, remove dog smell, and boost overall hygiene.

Tip 11: Ozone Generator – Your Secret Weapon

When I bought my ozone generator, I was battling fleas. The dogs were washed, treated with spot-ons and tablets. I had cleaned, washed, and steam-cleaned the whole house.

And still – fleas kept appearing.

That’s when I discovered the ozone generator.

While it doesn’t kill adult fleas, it does destroy their eggs – which tend to hide in floor cracks and hard-to-reach spots.

The amazing side effect: ozone eliminates odors – from walls, fabrics, and upholstery.

It’s easy to use. Just remove all living beings from the room, turn on the generator, leave, and air the room well afterward. Done. Dog odor (and other smells like smoke, food, ammonia, etc.) will be gone – or at least dramatically reduced.

Like the upholstery cleaner, an ozone generator is a highly useful tool for dog households.

Getting Rid of Dog Smell – Easier Than You Think

Feed your dog a balanced diet, check for health issues, and use a few tricks when it comes to bedding and cleaning – and you won’t have to worry about dog odor in your home anymore.

Of course, you are still allowed to mop and ventilate regularly;)

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