Is your furniture starting to smell like your dog’s anal glands? Don’t worry it’s common among dog owners and is pretty easy to fix but only if performed in the right ways.

In this blog post, we’ll show you how to get rid of dog gland smell on furniture by the 5 most effective and easy ways. So keep reading to say goodbye to that fishy odor and keep your home smelling fresh.

Why Do Dog Anal Glands Smell?

Dog anal glands are two small pouches located on either side of your dog’s anus. They contain a fluid that smells strongly, often described as “fishy,” and the fluid is usually released during bowel movement.

Some dogs face difficulty emptying their anal glands on their own. This is because their stools are too soft, or they have some infection in that area. If this happens, the fluid can build up and leak, creating a bad odor on your dog’s fur and skin.

Why Dog Anal Gland Odor Sticks to Furniture

Dog anal gland odor can easily stick to your furniture because of the strong, oily liquid that comes from the anal gland.  These glands are designed to discharge their fluid naturally during bowel movements, but sometimes if these glands overflow or leak out, then the fluid falls onto your dog’s fur. As soon as your dog sits down or rubs itself against furniture, the oily fluid sticks there and can be quite stubborn or difficult to remove and, of course, has that so-called “fishy” smell.

Because this fluid is oily, it tends to cling to fabrics, cushions, and upholstery, making it difficult to remove with regular cleaning methods.

Supplies and Materials

Cleaning the smell of your dog’s anal gland on your furniture, you will need some basic supplies. Depending on which method you choose to use for your clean-up, you may need one or more of the following items.

• Spray Bottle
• Soft Clothes or Paper
• Towels
• Sponge
• Vacuum
• CleanerGloves (optional for protection)
• Old Towels or Rags (for drying)

How To Get Rid of Dog Gland Smell on Furniture

Following are the top 5 best ways by which you can remove the dog gland odor from your furniture.

Use Enzymatic Cleaners

Enzymatic cleaners are the most recommended and effective method to get rid of dog anal gland smell on furniture.

It is a cleaning product that uses enzymes to break down organic materials like proteins, fats, and starches, which are often the source of bad odors or stains. In the case of dog anal gland smells these cleaners are highly effective because they target the compounds that cause the strong, lingering odor.

Steps To Use

• Using a clean cloth or paper towel, remove as much of the liquid as you can from the affected area 
• Apply an enzymatic cleaner directly to the affected spot, making sure to cover all the affected areas.
• Allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes to permit enzymes to work on the odor.
• Blot again with a clean cloth to remove any extra cleaner from the affected area.

Follow these simple steps and you will get rid of the smell.

Baking Soda and Vinegar

In DIY solutions baking soda and vinegar is the most effective and recommended. When they are applied combined they create a chemical reaction in which baking soda absorbs the odor and oils from the gland secretions, while vinegar’s acidity helps to break down organic compounds and neutralize the odor.

Steps To Use

• Sprinkle the baking soda around the affected furniture or area where the smell seems most powerful. Leave it in there for several hours to absorb the odor.

• Use half a mixture of water and white vinegar to fill a spray bottle. Spray the solution over the baking soda. It will help to lift out trapped odors in fabrics.

• When the fizzing subsides, dab the area using a clean cloth. Allow it to air dry. Once it is dry, vacuum up any remaining baking soda.

This natural method is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to tackle dog gland odor and keep your home smelling fresh.

Activated Charcoal

Activated charcoal is great for absorbing bad odors, including dog gland smells. Here’s how to use it:

• Place the activated charcoal in small bags or pouches and place them around where the smell is at its strongest, such as furniture or even your dog’s bed.
• Allow the charcoal to stay in place for a few hours, overnight, or up to more days.
• .If the smell is strong, you may need to replace the charcoal every few days for the best results.

Activated charcoal is a natural and safe way to get rid of bad smells in your home.

Steam Cleaning

Dog steam cleaning is one of the most processes for deep cleaning and sanitizing furniture, to get rid of the dog’s anal gland odor. But it can be more complex and expensive for those who don’t already have steam cleaners. In this method, the heat from the steam helps break down and lift out the odor-causing substances embedded in the fabric, while the moisture deep-cleans the surface.

Steps To Use

• Begin by vacuuming the furniture if it contains dirt or debris so that the steam cleaner can effectively target the odors.

• Then, fill your steam cleaner with water and turn it on so that the water becomes heated. Generally, it takes 6-15 minutes to heat water depending on the model.

• Place the steam cleaner over the infested areas slowly so that the steam can seep into the fabric.

• Leave the furniture to dry completely. Repeat the cycle if the smell persists.

Hydrogen Peroxide and Dish Soap Mixture

Hydrogen Peroxide has antibacterial properties that help remove odor-causing bacteria while dish soap helps to break down oils and remove dirt. This combination not only neutralizes odors but also cleans the affected area thoroughly.

Steps To Use

• Mix 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide and 1 tablespoon of dish soap.

• Pour or spray the mixture onto the spot with the smell or stain.

• Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to work.

• Dab the area with a clean cloth and soak up the liquid. Rinse with water afterward

• Let it dry completely. You can vacuum if you’re working with fabrics when it dry.

This simple mix helps clean and remove odors effectively.

This method is effective but hydrogen peroxide can lighten some fabrics. Therefore, be cautious when applying it. Always test first and use in moderation to avoid potential damage.

How to Prevent Gland Smell Sticking to Furniture

Regular grooming is key to preventing gland smells from sticking to your furniture. Cover your furniture with washable covers or cover those areas where your dog likes to spend his most time, as they can be taken off easily for cleaning.
Specific pet enzymes can be effective as they break down odor at the source and act as a barrier against future smells. Health considerations also play a role because diet will affect secretion from the glands, so maintaining your dog’s health is an important concern. Train your dog to lie on designated pet beds or mats instead of your furniture.

By combining these steps, you can keep your home free from persistent gland odors while ensuring a pleasant environment for everyone.

Takeaway

Managing dog anal gland odor requires both prevention and regular cleaning to keep your home fresh. The anal gland fluid, which is oily, does indeed stick to furniture, but some measures can be taken to avoid those stubborn smells. Regular grooming combined with a healthy diet for your dog will minimize this risk to the glands.

Another way of preventing smells from sticking to furniture is by using washable furniture covers and enzymatic cleaners. You could also train your dog to use different areas specifically meant for this purpose, like pet beds or mats, in a way that will minimize their contact with the furniture.

By doing these practices, you can create a cleaner, more pleasant environment for both you and your dog.

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