How To Get A Dog Smell Out Of A Car ?

How To Get A Dog Smell Out Of A Car :-Adoring your furry companion is a given, but let’s face it: the smell that comes with them, especially for larger breeds, can be a bit overwhelming. While outdoors, the scent might not be as noticeable, but what about when your dog joins you on a road trip?

The confined space of your car can intensify the odor, making it seem impossible to remove. However, fear not! There are several methods you can use to tackle this issue. In this post, we’ll explore effective ways to eliminate that lingering dog smell from your car.

How to get rid of dog smell and pet odour when it becomes too much to bear

Keeping ‘dog smell’ at bay is simple: follow the advice mentioned earlier to eliminate odors from your vehicle and maintain your dog’s cleanliness through regular bathing and grooming. However, there are instances where factors beyond our control come into play.

Even after taking all the necessary steps to minimize ‘dog smell,’ if you still find the lingering odor overwhelming, there could be an underlying issue. Skin infections from bugs and bacteria, ear infections, dental problems, and anal sac issues can all contribute to intensifying ‘dog smell,’ making it challenging to manage. If you’ve tried the above suggestions without success, consider taking your dog to the vet for a check-up to ensure their health is in top condition.

Removing Dog Smell from Car Upholstery

Car seats and upholstery often retain strong odors, especially from pets. While cleaning them thoroughly may take a bit of effort, it’s certainly manageable with the right products. Begin by vacuuming everything to remove loose dirt and pet hair.

For tougher odors, including smoke, you can refer to our comprehensive guide.

Now, onto the cleaning process. Using a product with a bio-enzyme formula is recommended. These products not only eliminate odors but also digest dirt using natural enzymes. Once the mess is gone, the enzymes break down into water and carbon dioxide, completely eliminating the smell. Ensure you use the correct ratio of product to water. These products are safe for animals and won’t harm your pets. After scrubbing all seats and upholstery, open all doors to let fresh air circulate and help the car dry faster. Return after a few hours, and the smell should be gone.

While bio-enzyme products are effective, you can also use natural ingredients to freshen up your car:

Baking Soda:- 

Baking soda is renowned for absorbing odors without adding any of its own. Simply place ¼ cup of baking soda in a bowl and leave it in your car overnight. By morning, it should have absorbed most of the odors. For stubborn odors, you may need to leave the baking soda for a few nights.

If these methods don’t completely eliminate the dog odor in your car, consider hiring a professional valeter. They use strong products designed to tackle tough odors. To prevent future odors, use an old blanket for your pets to sit on during journeys, which you can easily wash. Additionally, driving with the windows down and using a high-quality air freshener can help maintain a fresh-smelling car.

Supagard Fabric Protection:- 

For added protection, consider Supagard’s professional internal protector, which guards against spills, mud, dirt, and pet messes. When applied by a professional, it coats each fiber of the seats and carpets with a resin-based formula, making it easier to remove dirt and spills. This protection prevents staining and preserves the material’s texture and appearance.

But What Else Can Cause Excessive Canine Smells?

Dogs don’t sweat like humans do through their armpits. Instead, they perspire through their paws and other hairless body parts like the nose, with light sweat from their hair follicles. While this sweat doesn’t initially stink, it can develop an odor over time. Regular bathing and grooming, about once a month, can help prevent the musty smell of sweat.

Pet dander, shed hair, and accumulated sweat can create a smelly mess in your car. Dander, the dead skin that dogs shed, is an allergen that can accumulate and stink up your vehicle, especially when mixed with feces, urine, sweat, and bacteria. Regular grooming and cleaning can help manage these odors.

Sebum, the oil produced by a dog’s skin, can accumulate and smell, especially if your dog is over-bathed, leading to excessive sebum production. Health issues like hyperthyroidism, skin allergies, and diabetes can also contribute to sebum overproduction, known as seborrhea.

Dogs have two anal sacs that emit a distinct scent, often used for identification. Inflamed or impacted anal sacs can lead to an overproduction of these smells, resulting in a strong odor.

Dogs can also suffer from various infections, such as ear infections in breeds with low-hanging ears like cocker spaniels, gum disease, or skin fold pyoderma in dogs with excessive skin folds. These infections can cause foul odors.

Additionally, accidents can happen, leading to urine, feces, or vomit in your car, especially in sick, young, or old dogs. Dogs rolling in unpleasant substances can also leave behind residues that are challenging to remove from car seats. Regular cleaning and using appropriate products can help manage these smells.

How to remove wet dog smell in car interiors

Eliminating the infamous ‘wet dog smell’ from car interiors is surprisingly straightforward and requires just a few common household items. Here’s a guide to freshening up your vehicle:

1. Wash Removable Items:- Use your washing machine and a mild detergent to wash removable items like your dog’s blanket, rubber mats, and car seat covers. For rubber mats, use a cool temperature setting (30 degrees Celsius or less) to avoid damage. If an item is not machine washable, wipe it down with a cloth sprayed with a disinfectant. Always check washing instructions and labels before cleaning.

2. Regular Vacuuming:- Vacuum your car regularly, not just where your pet sits but throughout the interior. Dog hair can spread around the vehicle, especially if you use air conditioning or drive with windows open. Use your vacuum’s upholstery attachment for seats or a handheld vacuum for flexibility.

3. Surface Scrubbing:- Use a suitable multi-purpose cleaning spray to scrub down surfaces. Be gentle to avoid damage, especially on the dashboard and buttons. Test in a small area first to ensure compatibility.

4. Homemade Odor Remover:- Place a bowl of baking soda in your car overnight to absorb odors. Baking soda’s absorbent properties help freshen up the interior. You can also try using a bowl of coffee grounds for a similar effect.

By following these steps, you can effectively remove ‘wet dog smell’ from your car and enjoy a fresher, cleaner driving experience.