Most pet owners are all too familiar with the damp dog smell that lingers, especially during rainy months. This unpleasant aroma isn’t your furry friend’s fault—it’s simply the result of wetter weather and soggy winter walks.
Fortunately, a cleaning expert shares simple steps to eliminate the odour, leaving your home and pup smelling fresh.
“That all-too-familiar wet dog in winter smell isn’t pleasant, but it’s a small price to pay for the great companionship a dog offers, right?” says Manish Jain, Owner of Ministry of Cleaning. “But following a few simple steps makes it easy to zap this odour, leaving your dog and your home more fragrant and fresher.”
Here, Manish shares his top tips to tackle damp dog smells during winter.
1. Regular Doggy Baths Avoids Dog Smell
Bathing your dog after a wet winter walk is the most effective way to combat damp odours. However, timing and frequency are crucial.
“If you can fit the doggy bath in right after a winter walk, go for it,” advises Manish. “But don’t bathe your pup every day. Overbathing can strip their natural oils, leading to dry skin, a dull coat, and potentially worse odour.”
After bathing, thoroughly dry your dog with a large towel or a blow-dryer to prevent lingering dampness that could worsen the smell.
2. Use a Heavy-Duty Dog Smell Fighter
In addition to regular baths, a reliable pet odour eliminator can help keep that wet dog smell at bay. Apply it as needed to freshen up your dog and your home.
3. Try a Domestic Carpet Cleaner
If your dog has long fur, a domestic carpet cleaner can be surprisingly effective for tackling odours after wet walks.
“Use a machine that isn’t too powerful and won’t harm your dog,” Manish suggests. “Move the nozzle gently over your dog’s fur to ensure a thorough and comfortable clean.”
4. Wash Your Dog’s Bedding Regularly
Your dog’s bedding absorbs odours over time, especially during the wetter months. Regular washing or replacing of their bedding can make a big difference.
“We all need to wash our bedding regularly. Your dog is no exception,” says Manish. Clean bedding keeps their sleeping area and your home smelling fresher.
5. Use Air Purifiers and Fresheners
Air purifiers or fresheners are great tools to eliminate lingering odours in your home. However, be mindful of your dog’s sensitive sense of smell.
“Air fresheners can be a vital part of your anti-damp dog smell toolkit,” says Manish. “But avoid strong artificial fragrances that could upset your pet.”
Expert’s Final Thoughts on Damp Dog Smell
Manish Jain sums it up: “Bracing winter walks with dogs can be great fun and beneficial for your wellbeing. While we can shed our wet clothes when we get home, our furry friends bring their wet fur indoors. But that’s easy to manage.”
“Just put these tips into action to banish damp dog smells. Experiment to find what works best for you and your dog. Bathing is my top recommendation, but always make sure it’s an enjoyable experience for your pup. A happy dog equals a happy home!”
Are your dog walks making your home smell?
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