July 21, 2024, 6:10 am | Read time: 5 minutes

As an owner, you accept that a dog has its own smell. However, some odors that dogs like to “perfume” themselves with are horrible to the human nose. Some don’t seem to go away with conventional products. What can be done when stubborn dog odors don’t go away?

Why dogs like to roll around in disgusting things

One might wonder why dogs are compelled to roll in dirt, feces, or even dead animals. With mud baths, the answer to this question is quite simple: It is a way for them to groom their fur. When the mud dries, it forms a kind of protective shield against the sun, rain, and cold, but also against parasites.

But why does a dog come running towards us full of joy when it has just rolled around in excrement or a foul-smelling carcass? It used to be assumed that this behavior originated from their relatives, the wolves, who like to roll around in smelly things in order to camouflage themselves from their prey while hunting. This is effective, as it covers up their own smell.

Today, it is assumed that dogs roll in strong-smelling things to perfume themselves. What we perceive as a terrible odor can be a fascinating and even appealing scent to a dog’s nose, one they enjoy and may use to impress their canine peers. Thus, indulging in a roll through an odorous carcass or feces is not only a natural behavior for dogs but also an important aspect of their well-being! Of course, you can try to train your dog not to do this, but even the best-trained dog will occasionally have mishaps.

How do I remove off-putting dog odors?

When your dog indulges in a thorough roll during a walk, the resulting odor can vary from mildly off-putting to overwhelmingly repugnant. As a result, you have to take action if you want to get rid of the stench, because it can come off the coat and spread all over the home or car.

Step one: clean the fur

Sometimes excrement or dirt can be brushed out of the coat once it dries. If this does not work, the dog must be washed in a bath with a special dog shampoo. Given that a dog’s skin has a higher pH compared to humans, it’s crucial to avoid using human shampoo on them. The coat also differs from dog to dog and needs appropriate care.

If the dog is not allowed to bathe for health reasons, there are absorbent dry shampoos that can be used. Baking soda is also a simple and inexpensive way to remove dirt and odors. The powder is massaged into the coat. It absorbs the moisture from the coat and can then simply be brushed out. Just be careful not to get it in the eyes and ears.

It’s important to note that fragrance sprays or odor-neutralizing products are not suitable for dogs. They are usually synthetically produced and can be unpleasant for their sensitive mucous membranes. If you want to treat furniture or carpets with these products, you should only do so if your dog is not in the room while it is being sprayed. However, there are even more tricks to neutralize nasty dog smells:

The tomato tip for nasty dog odors

If an ample amount of shampoo proves ineffective and your dog is still emitting odors reminiscent of a decaying rabbit, it may be time to resort to the ultimate insider tip for dog owners: tomato juice or ketchup. Once the dog shampoo has been washed out, the particularly bad areas should be massaged with tomato juice or ketchup. Left on briefly, rinsed, and rubbed dry. Once the dog is completely dry, it should smell like a normal dog again. The result seems like magic!¹

More on the topic

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How to remove the smell from your car and home

Dogs usually like to spread their scent around your car and home before you even get around to cleaning them. This affects floors, sofas, car seats, and, of course, sleeping and lying areas. All cushion covers and blankets should be washed once a week anyway. However, it’s essential to refrain from adding any fabric softener to the wash. Instead, the following products have proven to be effective:

Vinegar

If the smell has already settled in the car upholstery or home, a splash of vinegar in the wiping and cleaning water will help. Upholstery and carpets can be soaked in diluted vinegar and, once dry, vacuumed. Parquet or linoleum floors can also be stripped with vinegar and water. The smell of vinegar disappears relatively quickly if you ventilate well.

Baking Soda

It is best to mix two tablespoons of baking soda with three cups of hot water to obtain a solution that effectively combats odors. This can be particularly helpful for treating stains if the dog has rubbed the dirt onto the carpet or upholstery. Baking soda is also known to reduce odors after just 30 minutes.

Effective microorganisms in enzyme cleaners

Many people swear by effective microorganisms. They are said to bind to unpleasant odors without overlaying them with fragrances. They can be added to the cleaning water. The advantage is that they do not smell as strong as vinegar and can still neutralize unpleasant odors. Remarkably, they are even touted to be effective if the dog is afflicted with halitosis. Microorganisms are generally recommended as they are not harmful to health or the environment. They combat strong odors through their metabolism alone.²