Aromas That Conceal Dog Odor In Your Home

Dogs have a highly developed sense of smell, with 150-300 million olfactory cells, compared to 5-6 million in humans. This means that certain smells can be unpleasantly overwhelming for dogs, and some fragrances that are appealing to humans may be off-putting to dogs.

Dogs generally dislike the smell of citrus fruits, vinegar, alcohol, ammonia, mothballs, and strong-smelling household cleaning products. They also dislike perfumes, hair conditioners, and deodorants, due to the high concentration of fragrance essences.

However, there are some fragrances that dogs enjoy. Studies have shown that dogs are more likely to interact with the scents of blueberry, blackberry, mint, rose, lavender, and linalool. Other scents that have a calming effect on dogs include vanilla, coconut, valerian, and ginger.

Citrus fruits

The high acid content in lemons and limes can quickly lead to over-acidity in a dog's sensitive stomach, causing nausea, diarrhoea, and other symptoms. The peels of citrus fruits also contain unhealthy amounts of essential oils for dogs, and the seeds can irritate the gastrointestinal tract. However, tangerines have a comparatively low acid content, making them slightly more tolerable for a dog's stomach.

It is important to note that while the flesh of citrus fruits is generally safe for dogs to consume in small amounts, pure citric acid can be harmful. If your dog ingests a significant amount of citric acid, seek veterinary help immediately.

Hot peppers

It is worth remembering to wash your hands thoroughly after eating a dish containing hot peppers before petting a dog.

Vinegar

One way to use vinegar to cover up dog smells is to add 1/2 cup of vinegar to your laundry load. This will help to remove any soap residue and odours from your dog. You can also try adding a big scoop of Borax powder to your laundry, along with detergent, and then do an extra rinse with vinegar. This will help to remove any soap residue and odours, and is especially effective if your dog has long fur.

Another way to use vinegar to cover up dog smells is to mix it with a dog shampoo. Apple cider vinegar is a good option for this, as it is effective at preventing your dog from smelling bad. However, it is important to note that apple cider vinegar should not be applied directly to your dog's head area, and you should always rinse your dog well afterwards. You should also avoid applying apple cider vinegar to severe cuts, burns, or other injuries as it can be painful for your dog.

In addition to covering up dog smells, vinegar can also be used as a deterrent to keep dogs away from furniture and other areas you want to keep safe. Dogs have a very sensitive sense of smell and find the smell of vinegar unappealing, so it can be an effective way to keep them away from certain areas. To use vinegar as a deterrent, put it in a spray bottle and spray it on and around the areas you want to keep off-limits. A highly concentrated combination of vinegar and water (1 part vinegar to 5 parts water) is effective at deterring dogs.

Alcohol

Some cleaning products contain alcohol, and these can be unbearable for dogs. The odour can irritate a dog's nasal passages and pharynx, and can be dangerous if inhaled directly. Alcohol is also toxic to dogs and can cause serious health damage, or even death in the case of ingestion or direct contact.

Perfumes and colognes, which dogs also dislike, often contain alcohol. It is best to keep these subtle if you want to avoid irritating your dog's sense of smell.

Ammonia

Kidney Disease

Kidney disease impairs the kidneys' ability to filter waste and toxins from the blood effectively. One such toxin is blood urea nitrogen, which has an ammonia-like smell. Kidney disease is more common in older dogs and can lead to increased urination, foul-smelling breath, increased water consumption, and loss of appetite.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

A UTI can cause a strong ammonia smell in your dog's urine. Other signs of a UTI include cloudy and/or bloody urine, and your dog licking its genital area. Antibiotics prescribed by a veterinarian can clear up the infection and the associated malodorous scent.

Diet

A high-protein diet can be the reason for the ammonia smell in your dog's breath, farts, or poop. This is especially true if your dog is still a puppy and requires a high-protein diet for growth.

Dehydration

Dehydration can lead to a stronger concentration of ammonia in your dog's urine, resulting in a darker color and more pronounced smell. Dehydration can be caused by a variety of factors, including certain medications.

If your dog smells like ammonia, it is important to consult a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.

Frequently asked questions