Room/upholstery deodorizer - pet "smell"?

[druiaen]

We have a super-cute Great Dane puppy. He smells like dog, as dogs are wont to do (not like urine or anything, just like... dog). I don't notice it, but a friend came to visit and exclaimed "It smells like a kennel in here!" Well, that's not what I want, of course, so what's the best way to get the smell of dog out of upholstery? We have

Comments

[krasota]

Baking soda works pretty well. We use it on the one room with carpet. It makes a huge difference. Our furniture is all leather, which is easily wiped clean. If you can ever afford to replace your couch, consider opting for leather or naugahyde (fake leather). It's better for dust and dander issues. In the meantime, you might also think about couch covers, preferably washable ones.

Wash his crate blanket more frequently (weekly, minimum). Also sponge down the inside of his crate at least once a month.

With his short hair and quite likely dry skin, frequent washing would probably make him*smell even more, so don't overbathe him. Dogs like my poodle are super oily and can handle the frequent bathing. Other dogs get super stinky with weekly baths. Then again, he may be really musky and weekly baths might benefit your noses. It all depends on the dog.

I've seen doggie wipes sold. Even baby wipes are okay and can help reduce some odor and dander issues.

Make sure his ears stay clean. You wouldn't believe how much doggie stink can come from ears.

[druiaen]

I did think of slipcovers - that seems like a good idea. We may have to have them custom made, but they'd probably be worth it in the end. Great tip.

I wash his blanket once a week (or at least give him a clean one that often), more if he's been out in the rain. We bathe him only when he's really, really stanky - I think it's been three times in six months, twice because he stepped in something! I take the tray out of his crate every once in a while and wash it (the rest of it's metal), but it could probably do with more frequent cleaning too. I'll have to check his ears, though, I never thought of that. Thanks for all the tips! Your dog (and I assume you have one, but I might be mistaken) is lucky to have such a conscientious owner!

[nymphatacita]

you can also use a sheet or thin blanket as a slipcover, if you're cheap, lazy, and/or crafty. You can either cut and sew it to be the right size and shape, or just tuck it in under/behind/around the cushions as needed.

[krasota]

I have a standard poodle. :) Poodles are pretty high maintenance due to their curly coat and oily skin (and incredibly gunky/hair ears). My husband is allergic to dogs, which makes the cleaning/dusting extra important. ;)

Plus, I figure it's only fair that my house not smell *too* strongly of dog. I recognize that I have a dog and the house will reflect that. That doesn't mean it has to smell like a kennel! (I wish my friends with cats would also understand that two cats does not mean the house must smell lik ea litterbox.)

[trainspotgirl]

another idea that I often share with people is to use a crib mattress as a bed. I have a play yard one in my dog's crate and a regular sized one for her to lounge on. I don't let her on any other furniture other than her own, and I bought baby sheets on sale at babies r us. I change the sheets regularly (I use the normal sized crib sheets for both mattresses and tuck the extra under the play yard mattress) so I always have clean sheets on hand.

[yukonsally]

How do you recommend cleaning a dog's ears? My pup's ears are getting kinda gross.

[krasota]

Pet supply stores sell wipes and liquid. I find the liquid works well. It usually contains boric acid and a few other ingredients. Corner dog, squeeze him between your legs, pour liquid in the ears, massage outside of ears. Let dog run and shake head wildly. In 15-20 minutes, grab dog again and wipe out ears/earflaps with gauze.

My dog grows hair in his ears. I let the groomer pluck it, otherwise he gets infections.