Some of the oils that fall into this pet-safe category include:
Myrrh, Frankincense, Chamomile, Lavender oil, Ginger, and Rosemary are safe for dogs. Eucalyptus oil, Tea tree oil, Cinnamon, Citrus, Peppermint, Pine, Wintergreen, and Ylang ylang are toxic to dogs.
Diffuse oils like peppermint and lemon. Also use the oils to make some water sprays you can mist and also use to clean with. Don't get cheap oils, get the real essentials, and it'll be a great non toxic way to add scent in the home.
For dogs, lavender, bergamot, and sandalwood are generally safe when used in low concentrations and well-dispersed in the space. These oils have a calming effect and can help reduce stress. Always ensure your pet has the opportunity to leave the room if the scent becomes too strong.
Using essential oils to help with pet smells can be a really effective and natural way to freshen up your home and there are lots of safe essential oils like lavender, chamomile and geranium which have pleasant fragrances that can mask or neutralize odors.
Quick answer from Dr. Julie Buzby. Peppermint essential oils or extracts—Exposure to small amounts of diluted peppermint oil may not be a problem for healthy dogs. But it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, skin irritation, respiratory problems, and ulcers in the mouth in the undiluted form or in high amounts.
How To Get Rid of Dog and Pet Smells in Your Home
The 3-3-3 rule for dogs is a guideline for the adjustment period after adoption, representing 3 days (overwhelmed/hiding), 3 weeks (settling in/testing boundaries), and 3 months (feeling at home/bonding) to help owners manage expectations and provide patience, routine, and a calm environment, understanding that anxiety is normal as they decompress from a stressful past. It's a framework for recognizing stress and fostering trust, not a rigid timeline, but it helps owners understand why a new dog might seem timid or act out initially.
Tea tree, wintergreen, pine, cinnamon, citrus, eucalyptus, peppermint, and ylang ylang oils are toxic to dogs. Rush your dog to an emergency veterinarian if you notice severe drooling, staggering, muscle tremors, difficulty breathing, or collapse after exposure.
Scented essential oils can fill your home with the scents of the season, boost your mood or help with sleep, but they do come with dangers. Both cats and dogs are highly sensitive to these oils, and exposure—whether through direct contact, ingestion or inhalation—can lead to significant health issues.
Targeted Cleaning Techniques for Dog Smell & Pet Odors
Deep cleaning methods, like steam cleaning and carpet cleaners will penetrate surfaces to remove smells that regular vacuuming can't reach. Rotating and washing soft furnishings regularly can also minimize long-term buildup.
Febreze®
Contrary to rumors alleging that Febreze® causes serious illness or death in pets, our veterinary toxicology experts at APCC regard these fabric freshener products to be safe for use in households with cats and dogs. As with any product, it is important to always follow label instructions for use.
Biocide Systems' Liquid Shocker™, can be used as the ultimate pet odor remover. Specially formulated for the deodorization of hard surfaces, this powerful solution is perfect for cleaning and deodorizing countertops, walls, floors, and more.
How to Keep Your Home Smelling Fresh with Dogs Around
Symptoms to Watch Out For
Active diffusers—such as nebulizing diffusers and ultrasonic diffusers—disperse essential oils more aggressively. In addition to emitting aromas, they spray small particles of oil into the air. While the droplets may be tiny, they can cause big problems for pets, ranging from skin irritation to neurological symptoms.
Keep all essential oils out of reach of your dog.
If your dog shows any signs of discomfort, such as coughing, wheezing, or pawing at their face, stop using the diffuser immediately and consult your veterinarian.
The 30/50/20 rule for essential oils is a blending guideline for creating balanced, harmonious scents, suggesting you use 30% top notes, 50% middle notes, and 20% base notes for longevity and depth. Top notes are light and fast-evaporating (like citrus), middle notes are the heart of the blend (like florals/herbs), and base notes are grounding and long-lasting (like woods/resins). For a 10-drop blend, this means 3 drops top, 5 drops middle, and 2 drops base.
Heartworm disease is among the top silent killers of dogs and cats, and it's a slow and insidious disease which gradually incapacitates them. By the time pet owners notice the giveaway signs of this disease, serious damage may already have been caused.
The most commonly surrendered dog type is the "pit bull type" (including mixes), often due to negative stereotypes, breed-specific legislation, and high energy levels, followed by other popular breeds like German Shepherds, Huskies, and Labrador Retrievers that may not fit owner lifestyles. Breeds like Staffordshire Bull Terriers (especially mixes) also top surrender lists in some regions like Australia.
Keep introductions short by following the “three second rule”; count to three as the dogs sniff each other, say thanks or nice to meet you to the owner, and then excitedly call your dog away and continue your walk.
Stick to a routine
Schedule your dog's meals, walks, play time and training time so that they know when to expect these activities throughout the day. You can also make rest time part of your regular routine. For example, put your dog in their crate every night while the family eats dinner, then let them back out.
First, open all windows and doors to let as much fresh air inside as possible. Clean or replace all air filters, furnace filters, and AC filters. Clean walls and ceilings using products with ammonia and glycol — two ingredients that neutralize bad odors. Let the walls dry and check if the odor persists.
Air purifiers can remove many of the smells associated with dogs and other pets. These devices not only improve air quality by filtering out allergens like pet dander and hair but also effectively neutralize odors that can linger in your home provided you use the right filtration.