If you’re trying to figure out how to get rid of dog smell in your house, you’re not alone. Pets bring love and companionship, but they can also leave behind lingering odors that settle into carpets, furniture, bedding, and even your HVAC system. According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), 70% of U.S. households have pets, meaning millions of homes struggle with dog smell, cat smell, dander, and deep-set pet odors.This guide explains why your home smells like dog, how to remove pet odor from your house safely, what health precautions to follow, and the best industry-approved methods for eliminating dog smell for good.

Health Precautions: Why Pet Odors Shouldn’t Be Ignored

PePet odors may seem harmless, but if you’re constantly trying to get rid of pet smells, those odors might be signaling deeper contamination. Lingering smells often indicate hidden bacteria, moisture, or organic waste inside your flooring or furniture, issues that affect indoor air quality and can negatively impact your health.

1. Bacteria & Mold Growth

Pet urine, saliva, and moisture create the perfect environment for bacteria, mold, and mildew, especially in:

These microorganisms worsen:

If you notice recurring pet odors, deep contamination may be present beneath the surface.

2. Ammonia Exposure from Old Urine

As urine breaks down, it releases ammonia, a strong irritant commonly responsible for the “cat pee” or “dog urine” smell.

Ammonia exposure may cause:

This is especially risky for children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and pets. If the dog urine smell won’t go away, the affected area may need professional treatment.

3. Litter Box Precautions

Cat litter boxes can harbor:

Pregnant women should never clean litter boxes due to toxoplasmosis risk. Unclean litter boxes can spread odors into carpets, curtains, and HVAC vents.

4. Contaminated Soft Surfaces

Porous surfaces absorb odor-causing materials like:

This includes:

If the dog smell returns quickly after cleaning, contamination has likely reached the carpet padding or subfloor, requiring professional deodorization.

Get Rid of Dog and Pet Smells

Why Pets Smell: The Most Common Odor Sources

Understanding the source makes it easier to remove dog smell and prevent future odors.

1. Accidents & Deep-Set Stains

Urine and feces seep into:

Once urine dries, it forms urine crystals, which release odor until professionally removed.

2. Dander & Shedding

Pet dander collects in:

This buildup causes persistent odors and worsens allergies.

3. Wet Dog Smell

Wet-dog smell occurs when moisture releases odor compounds, bacteria, and oils from your dog’s coat.

4. Litter Box Odors

Dirty litter boxes create:

If the smell spreads beyond the bathroom, your litter routine needs adjusting.

5. Anal Glands

Full or infected anal glands produce one of the strongest and most recognizable pet odors.

6. Diet Problems

Low-quality diets may cause:

Changing food can often reduce dog smell in your house.

7. Medical Issues

If you’re trying to figure out how to eliminate dog smell and nothing works, your pet may have:

A vet exam may be necessary.

How To Get Rid of Dog and Pet Smells in Your Home

These steps are the foundation of dog odor removal and the most effective way to get rid of dog smell in the house fast.

1. Vacuum Frequently (HEPA Preferred)

Vacuuming removes trapped odors from:

Health Tip: Wear a mask to avoid inhaling dander.

2. Wash Pet Bedding Weekly

Pet bedding is often the #1 source of dog smell.

It collects:

Wash in hot water using pet-safe detergent. If the dog smell remains, replace the bed, it may be harboring bacteria.

3. Clean Toys, Bowls, Collars & Gear

These items absorb dog odor quickly.

Cleaning steps:

4. Bathe & Groom Your Pet Regularly

Regular grooming reduces odors from:

Dry completely after:

Wet fur trapped in carpet fibers spreads wet-dog smell quickly.

5. Clean Accidents Immediately (Use Enzymatic Cleaners)

Enzymatic formulas are the best way to remove dog urine smell because they break down odor-causing proteins.

Accident cleanup steps:

  1. Blot urine, don’t rub
  2. Apply enzymatic cleaner thoroughly
  3. Let sit for 10–15 minutes
  4. Blot again
  5. Repeat if needed
  6. Allow the area to dry fully

Never use ammonia-based cleaners. They mimic urine smell and may cause pets to re-mark the area.

6. Use Natural Deodorizers (Baking Soda, Vinegar, Apple Cider Vinegar)

Natural deodorizing agents are some of the most effective ways to get rid of dog smell in the house without harsh chemicals. They help neutralize odors instead of masking them, making them essential tools for pet odor removal.

Baking Soda for Deep Odor Absorption

Baking soda is a powerful, non-toxic deodorizer that absorbs lingering dog smell in:

How to remove dog odor with baking soda:

  1. Sprinkle generously across the affected surface
  2. Let sit 15–30 minutes (longer for severe odors)
  3. Vacuum thoroughly
  4. Repeat for stubborn pet smells

Place bowls of baking soda in smelly rooms to absorb airborne pet odor.

White Vinegar for Bacteria & Odor Neutralization

White vinegar breaks down bacteria that cause dog smell, making it an excellent natural cleaning option.

Use a 1:3 vinegar-to-water mixture to deodorize:

It’s one of the simplest ways to remove pet odor from your home.

Apple Cider Vinegar for Air Freshening

Apple cider vinegar absorbs smells in the air and works well for homes with a persistent wet-dog odor.

Ways to use ACV:

7. Improve Air Circulation and Ventilation

A poorly ventilated home traps odors, making it harder to get dog smell out of the house. Increasing airflow helps dilute odor particles and improves overall indoor air quality.

How to Improve Ventilation:

Regular airflow is one of the easiest ways to get rid of persistent pet odor, especially if your dog spends time indoors.

8. Use Air Purifiers (HEPA + Activated Carbon)

Air purifiers are essential for homeowners struggling with how to get rid of dog smell inside the house, especially in small spaces or multi-pet homes.

Look for Purifiers With:

Benefits for Pet Owners:

Place purifiers near pet beds, high-traffic zones, or litter-box areas for the best results. Replace filters every 1–3 months for maximum dog odor removal.

9. Keep Entryways, Floors & Paw Areas Clean

Dogs bring in outdoor smells on their paws, fur, and belly. Keeping entry areas clean prevents new odors from entering your home.

How to Prevent Dog Smells From Spreading:

This simple routine significantly reduces odor-causing buildup and helps remove pet smells before they settle into carpets.

10. Check Ears, Teeth & Skin for Hidden Odor Sources

Sometimes the reason your home smells isn’t inside your home. It’s on your dog.
Medical issues often cause strong, recurring pet odors that no amount of cleaning will fix until the underlying cause is treated.

Common Medical Odor Sources:

Addressing medical issues is critical to permanently get rid of dog smell in your house and ensure your pet stays healthy.

Ultimately, if you try following these tips, you are one step closer to a clean and odor-free home.

A family with their puppy enjoys the clean room where they did the laundry.

When DIY Doesn’t Work: Professional Odor Remediation

If odor persists despite cleaning, you may be dealing with:

Professional deodorization performed by trained technicians follows industry-recognized standards to safely locate, treat, and remove odor sources without spreading contamination. Odor removal is part of a larger restoration process designed to return your home to a clean, healthy environment.

Professional deodorization uses:

This eliminates odors at the molecular level, not just masking them.

Summary

PuroClean Odor Removal Specialists

If pet odors continue despite cleaning, PuroClean can help.
Our experts use advanced, pet-safe deodorization technology to eliminate odors at the source,  not just mask them. Odor issues tied to moisture, bacteria, or organic waste can worsen over time. Early intervention helps prevent more serious damage and higher restoration costs. At PuroClean, we offer:

➡ Find your local PuroClean office using our online locator or call (800) 775-7876.

FAQ Section

What is the best way to remove dog smell from my house?

Start with vacuuming, washing bedding, cleaning accidents with enzymatic cleaners, deodorizing with baking soda, and using HEPA air filtration.

Why does my dog smell even after a bath?

Odors may come from ears, teeth, skin infections, anal glands, or unresolved moisture trapped in the coat.

What removes pet urine smell permanently?

Enzymatic cleaners break down odor-causing proteins, making them the best option for permanent odor removal.

Are pet odors harmful to my health?

Yes. Pet odors may indicate bacteria, mold, ammonia release, or poor indoor air quality, which can aggravate allergies and respiratory issues.

When should I call a professional for pet odor removal?

If odors persist after cleaning or if urine has soaked into carpet padding, subflooring, upholstery, or HVAC systems.

PuroClean is Available 24/7 for Your Pet Cleaning Needs

If the overwhelming dog smell persists, PuroClean is here to help. We understand how having a clean and fresh-smelling home is essential, and we’re here to assist you.

We offer 24/7 emergency cleaning services for tough-to-remove stains and odors. We also use the latest technology and state-of-the-art equipment to get your home looking and smelling its best. Visit our online office locator or call (800) 775-7876 today to find your local PuroClean office.