Smell of dog - should I say something?

Yes Calipso, apologies for not having mentioned people and children

Iam64 they also have the potential to make people ill, especially children.

I love the smell of my dog - I can’t think what the problem is!

Thanks for that Calipso. As I share my life with dogs, therefore clearly don’t understand how smelly they are (not), I’d been reluctant to criticise chemical plug in smells, or those scented candles. I don’t use either, especially scented candles which have the potential to make dogs ill.

I would much rather visit a home with the good honest smell of dog than one that reeks of chemical plug-in 'fragrances' which are infinitely more harmful.

OddOne 🐶🐕👏

I have a dog and I know that my home has a 'doggy smell'. Do I care? No. It's my home and it's my dog's home, if visitors don't like it, they don't have to visit! Easy. When one has a large dog, especially an elderly one, like mine, certain aromas can't be helped. He's bathed regularly, the carpets are hoovered daily and cleaned monthly, and I have plug in air fresheners. But it is, what it is. If anyone dared tell me they didn't like it because they could smell my dog, they'd be out the front door on the double. And fur on the sofa? It IS called 'fur'niture....

Luckygirl3

It's revolting isn't it? But what can you do? - no dog owner is going to tolerate being told their dog smells and makes the carpets/rugs smell - comment at your peril!!!!

I get an occasional lift from a friend who transports their dog in the car - the smell makes me gag!

Find an alternate mode of transport then! Simple solution.

I’ve just finished a three hour cleaning of the large utility and attached downstairs shower/toilet/sink. Dog beds all washed and drying on the line, as are the 3 rugs. Cupboard doors all wiped down. Dog harnesses, collars, leads, head collars all tidied into the correct boxes. Toys sorted. ‘Dog cupboard’ tidied and cleaned. It’s a weekly effort.
Cup of tea, sit down and onto the kitchen

Cossy

I do feel I need to add that most dog owners keep their dogs condition well, they are deflead, vaccinated and often washed in a dog groomers/dog spa so don’t really think having them on furniture is unhygienic, or out it another way, no less than toddlers and children on soft furnishings, think we’ve all become a bit obsessed with “hygiene” these days and yet the cases of childhood asthma’s and allergies are at an all time high !

So true, I’ve had dogs and cats for 34 years and neither myself ,dh or both ac have never had asthma , or any allergies . I’ve met so many people who are obsessed with bleach and wipes and have loads of allergies

Rather go into a doggie smell home than my friends …whose house stink of a ‘ 40 a day habit’….at least the doggie house wouldn’t be ruining my health . I’m her only friend who has kept in touch since her husband died and her smoking has increased …don’t say there’s no need to go …she’s suffering g and I’m her freind. Say nothing about the dog smell ….unless you can take your son aside and tell him. You know him better than us!

Hetty I am not allergic to anything, but over perfumed people make me heave.

I have a very different problem. My (few) carpets/rugs are regularly sprinkled with bicarbonate of soda. The floors, pet beds and blankets are washed and the animals 'dry cleaned' with DE - so no lingering smells exist.

My allergies are severe - so please remember - don't ever wear perfume or bring flowers. Everyone knows - and anyone who doesn't will promptly be ejected into the garden! The most recent 'offender' had the nerve to risk hairspray!

kwest

I don't think you should say anything. It would be very embarrassing to be told that your house smells.

“Where ignorance is bliss,….”

I agree about the smell of dogs but don’t say anything- it won’t be appreciated.

I am housesitting in a house where the kitchen and eating area reeks of old smelly farty dog. I have bought a Price's pet smell diffuser and candle and had both on almost 24/7 and the window open. I am sitting here in a sheepskin coat as I type, but at least it smells a lot better. Thoroughly recommend both. I also bathed the dog.

When you have a dog yourself you go ‘nose blind’. I am fussy about washing sofa throws, dog beds and shampooing carpets frequently……….oh, and yes, washing the dogs a couple of times a year at least!! Windows open every day for a good blow through, even in winter.

Sorry, I would have to say straight away, 'OMG the smell of dog is really strong in here'! I have a very good friend who has two whippets - quite sweet and not so smelly, but he knows I can't stand the smell and always opens windows etc when I visit. I am a cat lover and we have 3, but am scrupulous about cleaning the house, bedding and always have throws on sofas etc which get washed regularly.

Cossy

I do feel I need to add that most dog owners keep their dogs condition well, they are deflead, vaccinated and often washed in a dog groomers/dog spa so don’t really think having them on furniture is unhygienic, or out it another way, no less than toddlers and children on soft furnishings, think we’ve all become a bit obsessed with “hygiene” these days and yet the cases of childhood asthma’s and allergies are at an all time high !

Thanks Cody, you put this so well

I’m sitting on the sofa, spaniel snoozing beside me. The big lab is on what what’s his human dad’s chair. The lab wasn’t allowed on the furniture, or upstairs as a pup, to protect his joints. He’s 2 and sees upstairs as out of bounds to him but not the spaniel. Three weeks after my husband died, the lab put a huge paw on the chair and looked at me. I said ok and up he went. He now snoozes on it about this time of night.
I’ve always shared my life with dogs. They’re a particular comfort in grief.

They’re both brushed daily, bathed if they’ve rolled in something smelly and the spaniel professionally groomed 8 weekly. Beds etc washed weekly. I don’t think they smell and don’t think the house does. My car however……

We have 2 dogs and I am paranoid about my house smelling of dog. I have a scented candle lit all the time when we are at home, and scented Plug-ins strategically plugged in around the house. It definitely works. Also, you have to be fastidious about cleaning and keeping the dogs regularly groomed. We love our dogs so it’s worth it.

When we were house hunting as soon as the front door was opened we could tell whether they had a dog or a baby by the smell.

I don't think you should say anything. It would be very embarrassing to be told that your house smells.

I am always asking my mum when she comes does the house smell of dog. I would be mortified if she didn't tell me. Definitely say something

I hate the smell of dogs. Full,stop.
Even though we had a Labrador for eleven years, I never got used to the smell.

I also have a friend who lets the dog in her car and never cleans it. I try to avoid if I can.

Animal lovers unite! We try to keep up with the shedding, food bowls, litter boxes, dog beds (usually the couch - hah!), throw-up, accidents.

Cats generally don’t smell at all, unless they’re sick) and cleaner than some dogs. Bigger dogs and dogs who spend time outdoors are often bringing the outdoors in after rolling around in stuff. Not all dogs are washed regularly either.

I wouldn’t say anything, soon you’ll be home. Animal lovers just love their pets and I think saying something would not go over well.
USA Gundy