Dogs are a part of the family, and we love them dearly - even when they get smelly. Pet parents often struggle with getting rid of bad doggy smells in their homes. But don't worry, we're here to help! Your Camp Bow Wow team is here with some tips and tricks to help keep your home and pup smelling fresh.
What’s That Smell?
First things first, it's important to understand where the smells are coming from. Obviously, their urine and poop don't exactly smell like roses. But in addition to stinky bathroom accidents, there are other ways a dog brings smells into your home.
Dogs have two types of scent glands: apocrine and sebaceous. These glands produce the majority of the odors that we associate with dog smell. They are found all over a dog's body and produce an oily substance that helps keep their skin and coat healthy. When a dog gets wet, the water mixes with this oily substance and can create an unpleasant smell.
There are a few things you can do to help reduce bad doggy smells in your home:
Groom your pup regularly.
This will help remove the oily substance from their skin and coat before it has a chance to mix with water and create an unpleasant smell. Depending on your dog's activity level, you may need to give them a bath once a week or so. Be sure to use a dog-specific shampoo that won't dry out their skin.
Another grooming task that will help is keeping your pup's nails trimmed. Long nails can harbor bacteria and dirt that can contribute to bad smells.
Use an air purifier.
An air purifier will be your new best friend — after your pup that is. It will help remove any lingering smells from the air and make your home smell fresh and clean.
Clean up after them.
This last one may seem obvious, but some parents can forget to keep up with cleaning up after their pup. As soon as an accident happens, grab your supplies!
For urine smells, mix 1 part vinegar with 3 parts water in a spray bottle, spray generously on the area, scrub, and allow it to dry.
When your dog goes #2 inside, don't panic. Use gloves or a plastic bag to pick up the droppings as much as you can. Use warm water and dish soap to clean the area before sprinkling baking soda over it. Baking soda is a great deodorizer and will keep the stink to a minimum!
We hope these tips help you keep your home smelling fresh and clean! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at Camp Bow Wow. We're always happy to help!