The problem of a smelly dog can be solved by spraying your pet with a homemade dog spray for odor. You can also minimise the smell in your house by keeping the carpet regularly vacuumed and by keeping soft furnishings, dog bed and dog toys regularly washed.
As much as I love my dog, I don’t love her smell. Unfortunately, she hates water which includes bathing.
The advice is to bathe your dog once per month, any more than that could cause skin issues, and for my dog, more regular bathing is far too traumatising.
In-between baths she tends to smell a bit too much of ‘dog’ for our comfort. The best solution, we found for the smell, is to use some sort of spray or dry shampoo to help her through to the next bathtime.
There are lots of commercial dog sprays you can buy but I prefer to avoid using any type of chemical spray in the house. So, I have a more natural option to share today that is effective, cheaper and the best bit, you can make it yourself at home.
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5 Essential oils you can use on dogs
There are lots of different essential oils available to purchase. They all have varying uses and properties that make them good for a myriad of conditions. But, which essential oils are safe for dogs?
Remember that all essential oils must be diluted. Never put essential oils on your dog straight from the bottle either on your dog or on you.
Tea tree oil is not safe for humans when not diluted enough, even more so for pets. I always avoid tea tree oil despite its antiseptic qualities, it’s just too much of a risk.
If you switch oils always test it on your dog (and you) first on a small area and wait for 24 hours. If there is no reaction then you are safe to carry on using it.
Let’s have a look at the different essential oils safe for use on your dog’s skin and coat.
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This is my favourite essential oil and the one I always use on my dog. Lavender is known to have a calming effect. If your dog needs soothing as well as smelling great, choose lavender for your dog spray.
Chamomile oil can soothe skin conditions and has a calming effect.
Eucalyptus oil is antiviral and anti-inflammatory and is a natural flea repellent.
The natural anti-microbial properties of peppermint essential oil mean it can reduce inflammation and relieve skin issues.
Orange oil contains a substance called limonene which acts as a natural pesticide. It is a perfect natural deodorizer for your dog.
Dogs don’t sweat as humans do. They perspire sweat through their paws. The smell we associate with dogs is caused by the oils and small amounts of sweat released through the follicles and skin. The glands in their ears produce a yeasty smell.
There are lots of other things that can make your dog smell bad which includes, smelly breath due to dental issues, flatulence, yeast overgrowth, or rolling in animal faeces.
All dogs smell to some degree, it is natural and part of their unique identity. We shouldn’t aim to eliminate it, but we can certainly keep odors to a minimum with bathing and grooming.
If your dog is excessively smelly then you should go to a VET to rule out medical issues.
DIY Essential Oil Dog Deodorant Spray
Thanks to the insect repellant properties of Witch hazel and lavender, this deliciously scented dog spray absorbs unpleasant odors and even staves off ticks and fleas, keep your pooch presentable and cuddly even between bathtimes. Here’s the DIY.
How to keep your dog smelling good in-between baths
Whilst you can deodorize your floor and soft furnishing with regular cleaning and vacuuming, you really need to address the source of the issue and that is the dog itself.
So, if we shouldn’t bathe our beloved pet more than once per month what can be done to reduce the smells in-between washing?
There are several things we can do:
FAQ
How do you neutralize the smell of a dog?
How can I deodorize my dog fast?
What spray Can I use on my dog to smell good?
- Best overall dog perfume: THE COAT REFRESH.
- Best deodorizing dog spray with baking soda: Arm & Hammer for Pets Super Deodorizing Spray for Dogs.
- Best aromatherapy dog spray: Lavender & Chamomile Aromatherapy Freshening & Shining Spray for Pets.
What neutralizes pet odors?
If you’re looking to make a spray solution containing baking soda, white vinegar & baking soda are a great combination (as mentioned earlier). This solution can be applied to pet stains and urine spots for a thorough clean.