How to Remove Dog Urine

The value of crate training and a regular schedule of outdoor visits for new puppies can't be stressed enough when it comes to having a happy home and a clean one. But inevitably, there will be the occasional accident. As you'll see by reading more modern training manuals, rubbing a puppy's nose in it does nothing but teach him to fear you. Just clean up the puddle and continue on with your training, and maybe be a little more vigilant.

Cleaning puddles off hard surfaces is relatively easy. Wipe up with paper towels, and wash with soap and water, or better yet, an enzyme based cleaner designed to also destroy the scent. You may think it's entirely gone just with soap, but dogs have a superb sense of smell, and even though your nose won't find it, theirs will.

The more difficult clean ups, are the ones on your carpet. Unless you have left a dog alone in the house for some time, it's not often they get a chance to urinate and have it go unnoticed, simply because of the quantity of the liquid involved. Initially, there is no odor to urine, but as it breaks down after being exposed to air, it will become more evident, especially if the dog has returned to the same spot, and done it again.

There are many powder type products on the market, which claim to break down even dried urine stains, which are then gone when you vacuum up the residue. This is purely a matter of choice, but remember when considering these products, that they aren't going to reach down into your underlay, or even the floor underneath.

Besides a good shampoo, or steam cleaning, many people have used ozone "shock" treatments, with some success, although it tends to vary by household and extent of the urine staining. These can only be done in closed rooms, where there are no humans, pets or plants, as the ozone machine turns the oxygen into what is a toxic gas. When turned off, the ozone reverts to oxygen. The purpose, is that ozone is able to destroy the bacteria and molds that cause odors.

The standard removal technique involves soaking up the urine first. If the spot is dry, spray it heavily with plain warm water, and then follow the rest of these steps. Blot the urine with paper towels, or old towels and pieces of sheet that can be thrown out, or in the washer. Continue to blot until whatever material you use, comes up dry. Step on the material to lend your weight to the blotting.

Most hardware or carpet cleaning stores, as well as your local veterinarian, will have enzyme based odor removal products. No two are the same, and some will work better than others. You might ask for recommendations from your vet or family and friends. Use the remover according to directions, then shampoo the carpet. A deep steam cleaning is best, as this will help to draw up any remover and urine tainted water that is still down in the nap or the underlay.

Recommended Product:

Lambert Kay Fresh n' Clean with Oxy Power: Pet Odor & Stain Eliminator with Arm & Hammer® deodorizers works to safely and effectively remove pet stains and odors from carpets. Starts working instantly and leaves a fresh clean scent.