Hello, If your house smells like dog, it's probably a combination of the presence of your actual dog and the things the dog leaves behind in the house. In many older, non-altered, or less house-trained dogs (and, incidentally, frequently in cats) house soiling could be a problem that the owner doesn't realize exists.
Dirty dog smell in house
If you notice a raunchy, wild smell like a dog in need of a bath—but you don't have a dog—you could have rodents, raccoons, or squirrels in your attic.
A weird smell in a house can come from numerous sources, including appliances, furniture, carpets, fabrics or issues like mold or mildew. Occasionally, odors may be caused by sewer gas, natural gas leaks or animals that have died between walls, in attics or under decks.
If you notice a wet dog smell, but your dog only gets bathed at the groomer, call an exterminator. According to Bob Vila, that scent could mean there are rodents, raccoons, or squirrels in residence.
Try using vinegar (diluted with a bit of water) in a spray bottle and spray on carpets or floors. Or use in combination with baking soda on cushions or bedding for an extra powerful, odor-eliminating punch.
How long does a cat or dog's scent stay in a house? It can last for months or even years, depending on the type of odor. The different kinds include those that come from: Dog or cat urine.
Air purifier for pet odors
If cleaning up has not solved the problem and you have ruled out medical issues, an air purifier that deals well with VOCs is a good tool for eliminating pet odors. Some air purifiers are very good at removing or destroying VOCs, while some barely do anything with VOCs.
Try changing the air filters in your home's heating and cooling systems to maximize the airflow and circulation. Stagnant air can be stinky air. Invest in an air purifier. This may help to reduce odor issues by killing the bacteria and fungi in the air.
Dirty sock syndrome is the result of mold, fungal, and bacterial grown inside of your AC, resulting in a home air conditioner that smells like a wet dog (or worse). The moisture from your AC evaporator coil combines with spores, making the perfect environment for mold and other unwanted substances to grow and thrive.
Although mold smells can vary, here are some of the most common characteristics: Musty and Stale — like old socks or a stuffy attic that hasn't been aired out in months. Earthy — like a dense forest, rotting wood, or the dirt underneath decaying leaves. Damp — like wet dog fur or a dank locker room.
A musty or dusty smell is often a sign of mold or mildew, especially in humid or moisture-prone environments like the basement, laundry room, kitchen, or bathroom. Mold and mildew can create severe respiratory problems and can exacerbate allergies and asthma in sensitive individuals.
It's often described as musty and earthy, and may even smell like rotting vegetables or plants. You might notice a musty smell, but not be able to see any mold growing. In this case, you should look for areas that might be exposed to water.
If it is outdoors, or if the windows are open, then the smell is stronger near the source. Moving your nose from place to place is a way to determine the gradient of concentration of smelly molecules. Follow the direction of the gradient to locate the source.
Wet dog
Frequently, your AC may smell like a wet dog when the filter is past due for a change. If changing the filter doesn't solve the problem, there are other possible causes including Dirty Sock Syndrome, mold, mildew, and actual pet hair.
If your home has a stale, musty scent, there could be a handful of explanations, including a plumbing leak, high humidity, poor airflow, dirty HVAC equipment, or soiled carpet.
It is a common belief that people who own dogs often have homes that smell. While this may be true in some cases, it is not necessarily true for all dog owners. Some people may not even be aware that their homes have a distinct smell, while others may be aware but have taken steps to address the issue.
What Causes Dirty Sock Syndrome? “Dirty Sock Syndrome” refers to when a foul-smelling, mold- or mildew-like odor comes from your air conditioner when you first turn it on. This happens when moisture, dust, and dirt build up on your AC system's evaporator coil, inviting bacteria and mold to multiply.
Baking soda will deodorize your dog's coat, while cornstarch will absorb oil and soften the coat. Brush your dog and sprinkle the baking soda on the coat from the neck to the tail. Massage it into your pup's skin and let it rest for a few minutes.
Air purifiers work by filtering and removing particles that may cause bad smells. However, the EPA states that no air cleaner or filter will be able to eliminate all the particles that can cause foul odors.
Baking soda contains no harmful chemicals and poses no danger to children or pets unless it is ingested in large amounts.
Dyson Purifier Cool Purifying Fan TP07
It has two levels of filtration—an activated carbon filter for pet odors and a HEPA filter for small particles—and it uses the brand's signature Air Multiplier technology to circulate the clean air throughout the entire room.
Our top fragrance picks for freshening up your home from pet odors (and impressing guests!) are Citrus, Indigo, Odyssey and Zephyr. Discover more Aera fragrances here. We've teamed up with Farmhouse Living to launch Aera For Pets!
Dehumidifiers help to suck up excess moisture and can help reduce those pet odors that are taking over your home.
It is very likely your dog can remember things that have happened in the past and especially events that happened recently, like where they left their ball outside yesterday. So in short, your dog can probably remember certain things from the day before!
That said, most researchers believe dogs can remember important people and significant events in their lives for years, perhaps until death. So, yes, your dog remembers your scent, your face (especially your eyes), and your voice and associates them with happiness, love or snuggling, or maybe just with food.