Making your own homemade dog spray for odor removal and deodorizing is a great way to keep your furry friend smelling fresh and clean. It's also a cost-effective alternative to commercial sprays.
By using natural ingredients like baking soda and essential oils, you can create a spray that effectively eliminates odors and leaves a pleasant scent.
One of the most effective ingredients for odor removal is apple cider vinegar, which has antibacterial and antifungal properties that help break down and eliminate odor-causing bacteria.
Removing Dog Odor
Removing dog odor is a challenge many pet owners face. Baking soda is a natural odor absorber that can be used to neutralize dog smells.
The key to removing dog odor is to identify and address the source. The article notes that dog urine is particularly potent and can penetrate deep into surfaces.
Regular cleaning and disinfecting can help reduce dog odor. A solution of white vinegar and water is effective in eliminating bacteria and odors.
Dry shampoo can be a lifesaver when it comes to reducing dog odor between baths. The article suggests using a mixture of cornstarch and essential oils to absorb moisture and eliminate odors.
Washing your dog's bedding regularly can also help reduce dog odor. The article recommends washing dog bedding in hot water with a laundry detergent specifically designed to combat pet odors.
Using a dehumidifier can help reduce moisture and prevent the growth of bacteria that cause dog odor. This is especially helpful in humid environments.
DIY Deodorizer Recipe
To make a homemade dog spray deodorizer, you'll need a few simple ingredients and supplies. Gather a 2 oz glass spray bottle, 1/4 teaspoon baking soda, 1 1/2 ounces of warm water, 1/2 ounce of clear alcohol (such as vodka), and 12-15 drops of essential oils.
Boil the water before making the recipe to ensure it's hot. I like to boil 2-4 ounces of water at a time to have enough on hand.
You might enjoy: Two Dog Names
Measure out 1/2 ounce of clear alcohol and pour it into the glass spray bottle using a small funnel if needed.
Add 12-15 drops of essential oils to give your dog spray a natural scent. For a 2 oz size bottle, start with 12-15 drops, and for a 4 oz size bottle, use 20-30 drops.
Here's a breakdown of the ingredients and their measurements:
- 2 oz glass spray bottle
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/2 ounces of warm water
- 1/2 ounce of clear alcohol (vodka)
- 12-15 drops of essential oils
Once all the ingredients are added, screw on the spray nozzle and shake to mix.
Natural Ingredients
When it comes to using natural ingredients in your homemade dog spray, you've got several options. Distilled water is the best choice, as it removes all impurities through a distillation process.
For the alcohol component, clear high-proof vodka or Everclear work well to emulsify the ingredients together and prevent separation. This is important to ensure the spray stays effective.
To absorb odors and remove musty smells, baking soda is a great choice. It's also gentle enough to use on your furry friend and their bedding and blankets.
Here are some essential oil blend options to choose from:
- lemon, lemongrass, and orange for a fresh scent
- lavender, orange, and lemon for a calming scent
- chamomile, lavender, and orange for a soothing scent
- rosemary, orange, and lemon for a refreshing scent
Ingredients
Using distilled water is the best option for this recipe, but boiled and cooled tap water is a good alternative. It's essential to remove impurities and microorganisms from the water to ensure the effectiveness of the deodorizing spray.
Distilled water is the way to go if you're looking for a pure and impurity-free option. If you're using store-bought distilled water, you can't go wrong.
Boiling tap water is a great way to remove microorganisms, and it still retains some mineral salts. This is a good option if you don't have access to distilled water.
Clear, high-proof alcohol is a must-have ingredient in this recipe. Vodka or Everclear work well to emulsify the ingredients together, preventing them from separating.
Baking soda is a natural odor absorber and can be used on your furry friend's bedding and blankets. It's also gentle enough for use on your pet.
Here are some essential oil blends you can use in this recipe:
- Fresh Scent: lemon, lemongrass, and orange essential oils
- Calm Scent: lavender, orange, and lemon essential oils
- Uplifting Scent: chamomile, lavender, and orange essential oils
- Invigorating Scent: rosemary, orange, and lemon essential oils
Herbs and Spices
Turmeric contains a powerful compound called curcumin, which has potent anti-inflammatory properties.
Research has shown that curcumin can help reduce joint pain and inflammation, making it a popular natural remedy for arthritis.
Cinnamon has been used for centuries to add flavor and warmth to food, but it also has impressive health benefits.
Studies have found that cinnamon can lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity, making it a valuable spice for people with diabetes.
Ginger has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly for its digestive benefits.
Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory compounds that can help alleviate nausea and digestive issues.
Basil is not only a popular herb for cooking, but it also has some amazing health benefits.
Research has shown that basil contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can help protect against cell damage and reduce inflammation.
Curious to learn more? Check out: Health Benefits of Having a Dog
Benefits
Using natural ingredients can be a game-changer for your health and the environment.
They're often free from harsh chemicals, artificial fragrances, and dyes that can harm your skin and body.
Many natural ingredients are rich in antioxidants, which can help protect your skin from damage caused by free radicals.
Coconut oil, for example, is a natural moisturizer that can help soothe dry skin and promote healthy hair growth.
Herbal remedies like aloe vera and chamomile have been used for centuries to calm and soothe irritated skin.
Essential oils like tea tree oil have antimicrobial properties that can help combat acne and other skin issues.
Natural ingredients can also be gentler on the environment, reducing the need for synthetic pesticides and fertilizers in farming.
Curious to learn more? Check out: Homemade Dog Food for Dogs with Food Allergies
Tips and Tricks
When using natural ingredients, it's essential to understand their shelf life. Some natural ingredients like honey and maple syrup can last indefinitely if stored properly.
A good rule of thumb is to store natural ingredients in a cool, dark place to preserve their potency. This can help extend the shelf life of ingredients like turmeric and ginger.
You can also use natural preservatives like vitamin E oil to extend the shelf life of ingredients like coconut oil and olive oil. This can be especially helpful for ingredients that are prone to spoilage.
For example, you can mix a few drops of vitamin E oil with your coconut oil to create a longer-lasting moisturizer.
Essential Oils Blends
You can create a safe and effective essential oils blend for your dog using a variety of dog-friendly oils.
Lavender, lemon, orange, lemongrass, rosemary, frankincense, myrrh, and chamomile are all great options to consider.
Using a blend of these oils can help freshen up your dog's coat and leave a pleasant scent.
Purification and thieves essential oils can also be added to the blend if you're using the spray on pet items, not directly on your dog.
You'll Need..
To make a homemade dog spray for odor, you'll need a small spray bottle, about 1-2 ounces in size.
Fill the bottle with one ounce of warm water.
Add 3-4 drops of a high-quality lavender essential oil to the water.
Tightly close the cap and then shake the bottle well to mix the ingredients.
Note that each time you use the spray, be sure to re-shake the bottle before using.
This spray can be used to relieve itchy skin, help with allergies, and soothe contact dermatitis and bug bites in dogs.
Consider reading: Portuguese Water Dog Health Issues
Using Your DIY
Using your homemade dog spray for odor is a breeze. You can use it in three different ways to freshen up your home and your pet.
To use it on your pet's coat, simply spray it directly on the dog's coat, avoiding their eyes, mouth, and sensitive skin areas. This is a great way to give your dog a quick spritz, and I like giving my dog a treat while doing it.
You can also use it on your dog's items, such as their bed, blankets, or spot on the couch. Spray a light mist to the area that needs freshening up, and gently massage the spray into the item or let it air dry.
If needed, reapply until the stinky smell is gone. Depending on the item, you may want to do a spot test on your furniture to make sure the spray doesn't stain the item.
Here are some general guidelines for using your DIY dog spray:
You can use your DIY dog spray daily or as needed, and it's a great way to keep your home smelling fresh and clean.
Sources
- How to Get Rid of Stinky Dog Smell - Instantly! (bethbryan.com)
- essential oils (veterinarians.org)
- The Humane Society (humanesociety.org)
- CanineJournal.com (caninejournal.com)
- Homemade Dog Spray Deodorizer with Essential Oils (essentialsforourlife.com)
- Something Smells And This Time You Can Blame It On The Dog (thehonestkitchen.com)
- Easy And Safe DIY Essential Oil Recipes For Dogs (dogsnaturallymagazine.com)
- Doggy Day Spa: Essential Oils For Dogs (caninejournal.com)
Featured Images: pexels.com