How To Get Rid Of Dog Poop Smell: Natural Solutions

What is the best way to get rid of dog poop smell? The best way to get rid of dog poop smell involves prompt cleanup, thorough cleaning of the affected area with natural solutions, and implementing preventative measures.

The distinct and often unpleasant odor associated with dog waste can be a persistent problem for pet owners. Whether it’s in the yard, on your patio, or even from accidents inside the house, knowing how to effectively tackle this issue is crucial for maintaining a fresh and pleasant living environment. While commercial products exist, many people prefer natural solutions for dog odor removal and pet waste odor control. This guide will delve into effective, natural methods for eliminating dog poop smell and keeping your home and yard smelling fresh.

The Source of the Stench: Why Dog Poop Smells

Before we can conquer the smell, it’s helpful to know why it happens. Dog feces contain a variety of compounds that contribute to its odor. These include:

Indoles and Skatoles: These are nitrogen-containing organic compounds produced by the breakdown of tryptophan, an amino acid. They are responsible for the characteristic fecal smell.
Volatile Sulfur Compounds (VSCs): Compounds like hydrogen sulfide and mercaptans, produced by the bacterial breakdown of proteins, also contribute significantly to the strong odor.
Fatty Acids: Certain fatty acids, especially those produced during the digestion of fats, can create rancid or unpleasant smells.
Bacteria: The digestive tract of dogs is teeming with bacteria, many of which are involved in the breakdown of food. As waste is expelled, these bacteria continue their work, releasing odorous byproducts.

The specific diet of your dog can also influence the intensity and nature of the smell. Foods with higher protein or fat content, or certain ingredients, can sometimes lead to more potent odors.

Immediate Action: Prompt Cleanup is Key

The most effective way to prevent lingering dog poop smell is to remove the source as quickly as possible. This is the first and most important step in eliminating dog poop smell.

In the Yard:

Daily Patrols: Make it a habit to walk around your yard daily, or at least every other day, and pick up any feces. The longer waste sits, the more it breaks down and the stronger the odor becomes, especially in warm weather.
Designated Cleanup Tools: Keep a scooper and a dedicated trash bag or bin for waste near the door. This makes it easy to grab what you need and dispose of it quickly.
Proper Disposal: Double-bag the waste, especially if it’s hot or humid, to contain odors. Dispose of it in an outdoor trash can with a tight-fitting lid.

Inside the House:

Accidents Happen: If your dog has an accident indoors, clean it up immediately. Don’t let it sit, as the urine and feces will soak into carpets, upholstery, or flooring, leading to persistent smells.
Contain the Mess: Use paper towels or rags to absorb as much moisture as possible.

Natural Cleaning Solutions for Dog Waste Odors

Once the solid waste is removed, the residual scent can remain. This is where effective cleaning comes in. Natural solutions are often preferred for their safety around pets and children, and for their environmental friendliness.

Vinegar Power:

White vinegar is a fantastic natural deodorizer and cleaner. Its acetic acid can neutralize alkaline odors.

How to Use Vinegar:

Dilute: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
Apply: Spray the solution directly onto the affected area. For grass, you can pour the diluted vinegar onto the spot where the poop was. For hard surfaces, spray and let it sit for a few minutes.
Wipe/Rinse: For hard surfaces, wipe clean with a damp cloth. For grass, allow the vinegar to air dry. The vinegar smell will dissipate as it dries, taking the poop smell with it.

Benefits of Vinegar:

Deodorizing: Effectively neutralizes odors, rather than just masking them.
Antimicrobial: Possesses mild antibacterial properties.
Readily Available: Inexpensive and easy to find in most households.

Baking Soda: The Odor Absorber

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a well-known natural absorbent that can soak up smells. It’s a gentle yet effective way to tackle lingering odors.

How to Use Baking Soda:

Sprinkle: Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda directly onto the affected area.
Let it Sit: Allow the baking soda to sit for at least 15-30 minutes, or even several hours for tougher smells. For outdoor areas, you can leave it overnight.
Brush/Sweep/Vacuum: For hard surfaces or carpets (after testing in an inconspicuous spot), brush or sweep up the baking soda. If used on grass, it will naturally dissipate.

Benefits of Baking Soda:

Absorption: Traps odor molecules.
Gentle: Safe for most surfaces.
Non-toxic: Safe for pets once cleaned up.

Hydrogen Peroxide: For Stubborn Stains and Odors

A 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide can be a powerful tool for cleaning dog urine odor and neutralizing the smell from dog waste, especially on hard surfaces or in porous materials. It also has a mild bleaching effect, so it’s important to test it in an inconspicuous area first.

How to Use Hydrogen Peroxide:

Mix: Mix equal parts 3% hydrogen peroxide and water in a spray bottle. You can add a tiny drop of dish soap to help it lift stains.
Apply: Spray onto the affected area.
Let it Work: Allow it to sit for about 5-10 minutes.
Wipe/Blot: Blot or wipe the area clean with a damp cloth.

Benefits of Hydrogen Peroxide:

Powerful Cleaner: Breaks down odor-causing molecules.
Disinfectant: Offers mild disinfectant properties.

Caution: Always test hydrogen peroxide on a hidden area first, as it can bleach or discolor certain materials. Do not use on natural stone or delicate fabrics without proper testing.

Lemon Juice: Natural Freshener

The citric acid in lemon juice can help break down odor-causing compounds and leaves behind a pleasant, fresh scent.

How to Use Lemon Juice:

Freshly Squeezed: Squeeze fresh lemons and dilute the juice with an equal amount of water.
Apply: Spray the solution onto the affected area.
Wipe/Air Dry: Wipe clean with a damp cloth or allow to air dry.

Benefits of Lemon Juice:

Natural Freshener: Adds a pleasant scent.
Acidic Properties: Helps break down some odors.

Enzyme Cleaners: The Biological Approach

For removing persistent dog smell, especially from accidents indoors, enzyme cleaners are often the best odor eliminators for dog waste. These cleaners contain specific enzymes that break down the organic molecules responsible for odors at their source. They are particularly effective for cleaning dog urine odor and the smells associated with feces.

How Enzyme Cleaners Work:

Enzymes are biological catalysts. In the context of pet odors, specific enzymes target and break down the proteins, fats, and other organic matter found in urine and feces. This process effectively eliminates the odor-causing compounds, rather than just masking them.

How to Use Enzyme Cleaners:

Follow Instructions: Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, as application methods can vary.
Saturate: For best results, ensure the cleaner thoroughly saturates the affected area, including any padding or subflooring if dealing with indoor accidents.
Allow to Dry: Let the area air dry completely. The enzymes continue to work as long as the area is damp.

Benefits of Enzyme Cleaners:

Targeted Action: Breaks down odor molecules at their source.
Effective: Excellent for deep-set odors and stains.
Safe: Generally safe for pets and humans when used as directed.

Freshening Up Outdoor Areas: Deodorizing Dog Waste Areas

Keeping your yard free from the smell of dog waste requires ongoing effort.

Regular Yard Maintenance:

Mowing: Keep your grass mowed. Longer grass can trap odors more effectively and make it harder to spot waste.
Aeration: Aerating your lawn can help improve air circulation and break down organic matter more efficiently.
Watering: Regular watering can help dilute and wash away odor-causing residues from the soil.

Natural Deodorizers for Your Yard:

Vinegar Spray: As mentioned earlier, a diluted vinegar spray can be used on patios or decks where waste is frequently present.
Sunlight: Sunlight is a natural disinfectant and deodorizer. Exposing affected areas to direct sunlight can help break down odor compounds.
Lime: A light dusting of lime (calcium hydroxide) can help neutralize acidic odors in your yard. Use sparingly, as too much can be harmful to plants and pets.

Tackling Persistent Dog Smell Indoors

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, dog odor can linger in the house. This might be from old accidents or simply the general scent of having a dog.

Deep Cleaning Surfaces:

Carpets and Upholstery: For tough smells in carpets or furniture, consider a deep clean. You can rent a carpet cleaner and use an enzyme-based cleaning solution. For smaller areas, a mixture of baking soda and water paste can be applied, allowed to dry, and then vacuumed up.
Hard Floors: Regularly mop hard floors with a mixture of water and a small amount of vinegar or a pet-safe floor cleaner.

Air Freshening:

Ventilation: Open windows regularly to allow fresh air to circulate.
Natural Air Fresheners:
- Simmer Pots: Simmer water on the stove with citrus peels (lemon, orange), cinnamon sticks, or cloves.
- Baking Soda Bowls: Place open bowls of baking soda in rooms where odors tend to linger.
- Houseplants: Certain houseplants can help filter the air.
- Essential Oils (Use with Caution): Diffusing essential oils like lavender or citrus can freshen the air. However, be extremely cautious with essential oils around pets, as many can be toxic to them. Always research specific oils and use them in well-ventilated areas, away from your pet’s direct reach.

Dog Waste Disposal Odor Control

Proper disposal of dog waste, especially if you collect it in a bin before taking it to the curb, is essential for dog waste disposal odor control.

Outdoor Dog Waste Bins:

Sealed Bins: Invest in a dog waste bin with a tightly fitting lid.
Regular Cleaning: Clean the bin regularly with a hose and a vinegar or baking soda solution.
Odor Absorbers: Place a small, open container of baking soda at the bottom of the bin to help absorb odors between cleanings.

What About Dog Urine Odor?

Cleaning dog urine odor requires a slightly different approach, as urine soaks into porous materials and its smell can intensify over time due to the breakdown of urea into ammonia.

Act Fast: The sooner you can blot up urine, the less it will penetrate.
Enzyme Cleaners are Best: For both indoor and outdoor surfaces that have been urinated on, enzyme cleaners are highly recommended for truly removing persistent dog smell. They break down the uric acid crystals that cause lingering odors.
Vinegar and Baking Soda: For surfaces where urine has dried or is not too deeply absorbed, a vinegar or baking soda solution can also be effective. For carpets, after blotting, you can apply a baking soda paste, let it dry, and vacuum.

Natural Dog Poop Smell Solutions: A Summary Table

Problem Area	Natural Solution	How to Use	Best For
Yard (fresh poop)	Prompt removal	Pick up daily.	Preventing odor buildup.
Yard (residue)	Diluted Vinegar	Spray or pour onto the area. Let air dry.	Neutralizing lingering smells on grass/surfaces.
Yard (general)	Sunlight, Aeration, Watering	Regular lawn care.	General freshening and breaking down odors.
Indoor Surfaces	Baking Soda	Sprinkle, let sit, then vacuum/sweep.	Absorbing surface odors.
Indoor Accidents	Hydrogen Peroxide (diluted)	Spray, let sit (5-10 min), wipe. Test first!	Tougher odors on hard/testable surfaces.
Carpets/Upholstery	Enzyme Cleaner	Saturate the area, let air dry. Follow product instructions.	Deep-set odors and stains.
Air Quality	Baking Soda, Simmer Pots	Open bowls of baking soda, simmer citrus/spices on stove.	Freshening indoor air.
Pet Waste Bin	Baking Soda, Regular Cleaning	Place baking soda at bottom, wash bin with vinegar/water.	Controlling bin odors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use essential oils to get rid of dog poop smell?

While essential oils can freshen the air, they must be used with extreme caution around pets. Many essential oils are toxic to dogs and cats if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. It’s generally safer to use other natural deodorizers like vinegar, baking soda, or simmer pots. If you choose to use essential oils, ensure they are pet-safe, highly diluted, and used in a well-ventilated area far from your pet.

How often should I clean up dog poop in my yard?

Ideally, you should clean up dog poop daily. This is the most effective way to prevent odors from building up and to keep your yard healthy and pleasant.

Will natural solutions harm my grass or plants?

Diluted vinegar is generally safe for grass when used in moderation and allowed to air dry. Baking soda is also typically safe for grass. However, always err on the side of caution and test any solution on a small, inconspicuous area first. Avoid over-application of any cleaning agent.

How do I prevent my dog from eating poop?

Coprophagia (eating poop) can be a behavioral issue or a sign of an underlying health problem. Consult your veterinarian to rule out any medical causes. For behavioral issues, training, enrichment, and prompt cleanup are key.

What if the smell persists after cleaning?

If you’ve tried these natural methods and the smell of dog poop or urine still lingers, it might be deeply embedded in the subflooring or structure of your home. In such cases, you may need to consult professional carpet cleaners or restoration specialists who have access to more powerful treatments. For outdoor areas, persistent odors could indicate the need for soil aeration or even replacement of affected soil.

By employing prompt cleanup and utilizing these natural natural dog poop smell solutions, you can effectively manage and eliminate the odors associated with your beloved pet’s waste, ensuring a fresh and enjoyable environment for everyone. Remember, consistency in cleaning and proactive measures are your best allies in pet waste odor control.