We. Love. Dogs. Period. End of story. Forever and ever!

Their soft fur, their precious kisses, their tail wags, their musty smell. Well, maybe not that last one.
It doesn’t matter if you prefer tiny little chihuahuas or massive St. Bernards, dog smells are not fun in any household. The good news? You don’t have to choose between a house that smells good and your canine companion. Follow these steps to get rid of dog smell but keep lovin’ on that dog!

How to get rid of dog smell

When you’ve amassed amazing amounts of “I love dogs” T-shirts but find you don’t love dog smell, start with these steps to get rid of unwanted animal aromas.

Step one: Buster gets a bath

In the game of odor elimination, start with your most valuable player: the dog.

1. Give the dog a bath before you clean so you aren’t fighting a losing battle. A stinky dog lying all over your furniture seconds after you clean it is like brushing your teeth while eating. Animal Scents® Shampoo is formulated with your pup in mind, so you know it is safe and toxin free.

2. In a pinch? Make Rufus smell better—at least temporarily—with a scent like Animal Scents® T-Away™. Put a drop or two in your palm (depending on the size of your dog), rub your hands together, and give him some pets and pats of love to rub the oil through his fur.

Real talk: If your dog is too stinky, it is worth a trip to the vet. Dogs get their distinct smell from an oil that their skin produces, but if Fido’s funk goes beyond what’s normal, the vet may be able to help. As always, check with a vet knowledgeable in essential oils before using them on your dog.

Step two: Sparky’s stuff needs a wash

Pupper’s bed, blankets, and crate get stinky the fastest. Add washing and scrubbing these items to your Monday through Sunday cleaning checklist to prevent smells from getting overwhelming.

1. Wash Bandit’s blankets. Dog bedding may be the smelliest part of the house because she is constantly rolling around in it. Thieves® Laundry Soap is plant based and leaves no chemical or synthetic residue, so it’s safe for pets.

2. Vacuum dog beds. If your mutt’s mattress doesn’t come with a removable, washable covering, vacuum up hair and dander on a weekly basis. Use an attachment to get into the seams and corners. But really, if removal is possible, throw the bed’s cover in the wash with the blankets.

3. Wipe down the crate. Wipe down the crate inside and out with a damp rag and this DIY cleaner packed with extra deodorizing power, thanks to white vinegar.

Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle. Spray liberally inside and outside the crate and wipe with a clean cloth.

Dog accessories and bottles of scents on the ground.

Is Thieves Household Cleaner safe for dogs?

Thieves Household Cleaner can do just about everything, but is it safe for furry friends? Yes! When used as directed, it is A-Okay to use around cute and cuddly canines!

4. Food and water bowls. Give Chief clean dishes! Wash and dry all bowls and food stands once a week following manufacturer directions. Remember to wipe down their placemat while you’re at it.

5. Remember the little things. Collars and leashes can harbor stink too. Fill a sink with warm water and a small amount of gentle soap like Animal Scents® Shampoo or Thieves® Household Cleaner. Let the collar and leash soak for 10 minutes, then gently rub it together to remove any stains (avoid using a scrub brush, as it may damage the collar). Rinse and lay flat to dry. Finish with a drop of Animal Scents® ParaGize™ on the collar for an ongoing fresh scent.

Step three: Marley’s messes get tidied up

From drooly jowls to dragging the garbage throughout the house, these tail-wagging sweethearts can be good at making messes.

1. Accidents happen. Use this DIY pet stain and odor remover when they do.

2. Vacuum on the reg. We’re not just talking about carpets, although you should vacuum those twice per week depending on how much your dog sheds. Vacuum the couch, chairs, and anywhere you allow your dog to sit and lay. We know—it’s a hassle. But would the dog lovers of the world have it any other way?

3. Sweep well and mop with a strong solution. Sweep every nook and cranny often to pick up the dirt, hair, and dander your pet tracks through the house; then use a pet-safe cleaner (Thieves to the rescue again!) to mop the floors. For tile and laminate floors, mix up this recipe in your mop bucket:

    • 1 tablespoon dish soap
    • 1 capful Thieves Household Cleaner
    • 1 cup white vinegar
    • 1 gallon warm water

For wood floors, omit the dish soap and add 2 tablespoons of grapeseed oil.

4. Wipe up messes as they occur. Use the same spray you used in the crate to wipe up drool or muddy footprints.

5. Don’t forget the car. Can you get rid of dog smell in the car? Yes! Use a seat protector and wash it according to manufacturer instructions. Wipe down hard surfaces like the dash and door panels.

Step four: Spike’s smell gets evicted

Covering odors doesn’t cut it—you need to absorb them first. It’s similar to diffusing; why cover smells with toxic air fresheners when you can totally eliminate them with essential oils?

1. Scented baking soda. Infuse 1 cup of baking soda with 10–20 drops of your favorite dog-friendly scent—we like Valor®, Stress Away™, or Lavender. Sprinkle the baking soda on carpets, couches, and chairs and let sit overnight, then vacuum up baking soda in the morning. The baking soda will absorb odors, and the oils will leave a pleasant “Our house is always clean!” scent behind.

2. DIY charcoal satchels. Place a few odor-absorbing charcoal briquettes or lava rocks in an old sock and place it out of Bandit’s reach. Replace the charcoal every few months to ensure its odor eliminating effectiveness lasts. For adding great aromas once you take the nasty ones away, add a drop of essential oil to that sock each week.

Step five: Frankie adores fresh scents

When your house no longer smells like your favorite cuddle buddy, it’s time to infuse your space with inviting scents.

1. Choosy dog moms choose essential oils wisely. Remember to use essential oils that are as good for your little buddy as their go-to treats and toys. Check out our guides on using oils around all your pets, whether they have fur, gills, scales, or feathers.

2. Amazing aromas in your abode. Are you officially ready for an incredible-smelling habitat? Use these solutions to get your house smelling divine.

Scents on the floor with food and toy

Happy to use your favorite products on your favorite pups?

 Get all the doggo details! And for even more ways to use canine-friendly cleaners, read up on Thieves Household Cleaner.

It’s safe to say we’re dog obsessed!

Tell us what kind of dog you have and their name in the comments below!