What to Do When Your Dog Pees on the Carpet
Any dog owner has had the unfortunate experience of smelling their pet's scent on carpets at some point. You see, both dog and cat owners face the same dilemma when it comes to their pets peeing. Cats often pee on backyards and a lot of people try to find ways to prevent them from doing this. So even if your dog is well-behaved, accidents happen and this stinky problem needs to be handled properly. If you're looking to get dog pee smell out of carpet, look no further. The answers are here!
Why does it smell so strong?
First of all, here’s what a dog pee is made up of:
- Lots of bacteria
- Hormones
- Uric acid
- Proteins
- Salts
- Minerals
- Ammonia
That’s the perfect recipe for smelly liquids. Urinary ammonia concentration increases over time and converts to methanethiol or methyl mercaptan, a gas that has both an ammonia and a dog pee-like smell. This is why we always recommend using cleaning products which do not contain ammonia. Ammonia is a toxin and toxic on its own, so it's no surprise that it does not seem to work for removed urine stains either. Not only will they make it more noticeable, but they will cause it to start smelling worse.
So how do I remove that nasty smell off my carpet?
Dog urine on carpets is a nuisance. They can't be cleaned with a simple washing machine, so you'll have to find an alternative solution. One problem is that urine from dogs can seep down into the padding beneath the carpet itself. There are many different ways to remove stains and odors from carpets depending on the age of the stain. If you have an older one, however, it's best to first remove as much liquid as possible using a damp cloth before getting rid of any lingering odors by sprinkling baking soda over the area and then vacuuming it up.
Not all dogs have a perfect spot for going to the bathroom, but when they do it's usually outside. The best thing you can hope for is to be able to act quickly before it seeps in and becomes an unsightly stain. If you can take care of the dog pee right away, rub up the liquid with a paper towel or use some old or unused shirts that are more absorbent than a regular terry cloth towel. And just like the earlier tip we recommended, sprinkle the area with baking soda and let it sit for about 20 minutes before vacuuming.
Make a DIY cleaning solution!
For dog pee stains that have had time to soak in the carpet, try this simple homemade solution made of these safe household ingredients:
- water
- white vinegar
- baking soda
- hydrogen peroxide
Blot up as much of the urine as possible and then mix these ingredients in a spray bottle. Spray liberally and wait for it to soak into the stain. You can also absorb it with a wet towel if the stain is already dry.
To apply the solution into the carpet, use a brush or gloves to rub it in. Leave the mixture to set for a few minutes before blotting it dry to the best of your ability. Wait for it to dry first, then sprinkle the spot with baking soda before vacuuming up any remaining odors.
Vinegar and baking soda are a natural cleaner that can also help with the smell of urine. The good news is that hydrogen peroxide is safe for pets and carpets but still tough on stains as long as you’re using 3% of it. Hydrogen peroxide is a pretty good option for most people, but if you really want an alternative that's available everywhere and with a similar effect, then an oxygen-based bleach is also a good choice. They're great for most carpets and can also be used on your dog with no problems. To avoid harming your pet when you clean up after them with chlorine bleach, always do a spot test in an inconspicuous area first.
What about those old pee stains?
If you have persistent stains on carpet, or if your dog keeps going to the same spot on the carpet, then homemade cleaners are likely not enough. A variety of pet odors can really leave your carpets looking and smelling like a disaster zone, but there is hope. In most cases, the best way to get that dog pee out is with an enzymatic pet stain remover. You may find some in your local pet supply store or grocery store. Check product labels before you use them to ensure that they are safe for both humans and pets.
This product is efficient for neutralizing the ammonia and proteins in urine, thus eliminating the odor. Instructions are on the label As seen in many homes today, enzymes are very effective at getting rid of bad smells. They can be used on carpeting, furniture and other surfaces without requiring rinsing afterwards.
What to do if everything else fails?
If the above methods are unsuccessful in treating the dog urine odor, it might be time to get your carpet professionally cleaned. A professional would know the best possible action to take for these serious matters. If you want to get rid of the smell of urine on your carpet, buying a cleaner especially for this purpose is another good option.
It is important to be careful about what types of carpet cleaners you use. Urine-based stains will only get worse if they are steamed or shampooed, which will permanently attach the foul proteins in the urine to the fibers.
Talk to your vet for the best option
If your pet is still wetting the floor or not taking to potty training, consider what your vet advises. Although urine problems are more common in cats, they can still happen in dogs too. If you are noticing frequent incidents around the house, it could be because your pumpkin has a health issue that needs addressing.
