It’s one of the perks of letting your doggy outside in the yard. They go poop! But, dog poop smells, right? And if pet waste adds up, it makes the yard smell even more. But no worries; if you want to help remove dog poop odor in the yard, there are several things you can do.
Scoop that Dog Poop!
Sounds kind of basic, but it’s true. If you want to get rid of the dog poop smell in your yard, pick up the dog poop when your dog goes and keep your yard clean! Pet owners should know that when you leave dog poop, the yard smells even worse, especially if the weather is warm. It’s a myth that dog poop will fertilize soil (some people believe dog poop works like cow manure when it comes to fertilizing your yard). In fact, leaving dog poop on the ground can even infect the soil and get others (humans, dogs, and other animals alike) sick. Feces are full of bacteria and viruses that can permeate and create a problem if left there, so just scoop them asap. Whether you wear gloves during the cleaning process, turn the bag inside out, or use a pooper scooper, getting it off the ground as soon as you can will always help eliminate dog waste odors in the yard.
Where, Oh Where Can that Pile of Feces Go?
(PS, that’s best read while you have the tune of “Where, Oh Where Has My Little Dog Gone?”)
Once you’ve picked up the poop, there are a couple of different things you can do to get rid of the dog poop smell in the yard. Some prefer to pick up poo in a plastic bag and then throw the bag in the trash. The thing is, the dog poop smell leaves the yard, but makes your trash can smell like a nightmare. Again, this is especially true in a hot climate. Plus, if you keep your trash can in a designated area near your house, you’ll still likely feel the odor. If your trash is picked up pretty consistently with a few days in between pickups, it may be okay. Otherwise, if you want to keep pet waste smells out of the yard, you’ll want to do something different.
One way to instantly dispose of dog feces and get rid of the pet waste smell in the yard is to flush it down the toilet. Yep, you read that right. You can use toilet paper (or flushable pet waste poop bags) to pick it up and then put it right down the toilet you use. Pet odor instantly is gone!
If taking it through your house to get it to your commode is not a super appealing option, there’s always having an outdoor disposal system. Many pet parents have in-ground waste disposal systems that act similarly to a septic tank. It breaks down feces in the soil. The Doggie Dooley is a great and environmentally safe way to get rid of pet waste and smell in the yard.
To keep your backyard smelling good, you can also use a deodorizing spray for outdoor use. Garden lime spray can be used to help dissolve dog waste and eliminate bad smells. It can be placed on the affected area in the yard, and it only takes a few days for this to happen.
Train Your Dog Where You Want Him to Go
Another option for helping to get rid of bad smells in the yard is teaching your dog to poop in a certain place in the yard each time. Of course, this depends on how large your yard is,0 as a smaller yard still may have the dog’s waste smell waft here and there. But, if your yard is moderately or larger sized, with some purposeful training, you can keep your yard cleaner and smelling fresh with some strategic “toilet” positioning.
What Makes My Dog’s Poop Smell so Bad in The First Place?
Sure, dog poop stinks. It’s a waste product, after all.
But it shouldn’t make your skin crawl, and your eyes run every time your pet drops a load. What makes dog waste smell? Several things, actually.
When your pup’s diet is changed suddenly, his gut may have a hard time digesting the new food. Properly changing your dog’s diet means gradually switching to the new food, giving his system time to adjust. This helps avoid digestive issues and ensures a smoother transition.
Or, if he eats something inappropriate for him, he can also suffer from digestive distress. He may end up with diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, or general stomach pain.
He could also be struggling with parasites, viruses, or bacteria, and they’re taking a toll on his stool. Many gastrointestinal disorders end up making your dog’s stool reek.
Get Rid of Dog Poop Smell: Good Dog Gut Health Is the Key
If your pet suffers from smelly dog poop, he doesn’t have to. If it really stinks or smells so strongly that your whole yard turns into an odiferous danger zone, it’s time to look at his gut health.
To ensure your pet’s health, look at his diet. Even if you’re feeding him high-quality food, if he’s not digesting it well, he’s prone to having really stinky stool. The dog’s digestive system needs high-fiber foods to stay clean and for food to move through it at the right speed. Your doggy needs a good combination of soluble and insoluble fiber to help prevent constipation and diarrhea–two conditions that can make the end result super stinky.
He also needs a healthy gut flora. When your pet’s microbiome is full of thriving bacteria, you can help him eliminate many of the gastrointestinal issues that cause his stool to reek. Probiotics are good bacteria in your pet’s gut. When there are enough good bacteria in your dog’s gut to keep bad bacteria at bay, his gas and stool won’t be as smelly. It’s often bad bacteria overgrowth that produces excessive reek and stink.
The best way to get rid of poop smell is to help your pup’s gut be as healthy as it can be. Supplementing his diet with Bernie’s Perfect Poop is the easiest (and most delicious) way to do this.
Perfect Poop has premium dietary fibers like Miscanthus grass, pumpkin, and flaxseed. The combination of these ingredients supercharges your dog’s digestion, leading to easier digestion. Perfect Poop also has pre- and probiotics that feed and grow the helpful bacteria in your dog’s gut, and this helps their digestion. Better digestion helps with that foul-smelling stool, and that helps get rid of the poop smell in your yard!
Super stinky poop isn’t good anywhere, but it’s a sign that something isn’t quite right with your dog’s health. Adding Bernie’s Perfect Poop can help you kiss that pet’s waste smell goodbye!
The Bernie’s Best Staff is a passionate team of pet lovers, dedicated to improving the lives of dogs through natural and science-backed nutrition. With diverse backgrounds in pet health, product development, and education, the team works together to bring pet parents valuable insights and helpful tips. Whether researching the latest in canine wellness or crafting educational resources, the Bernie’s Best Staff is committed to helping furry friends thrive. When they’re not hard at work, you’ll find them spoiling their own furry family members and embracing every moment of joyful chaos that comes with life as a dog parent.
FAQ
How to get rid of dog poop smell in yard quickly and safely?
Pick up waste promptly and rinse the area to stop unpleasant odors from spreading through your outdoor space. A vinegar solution or white vinegar in a spray bottle can help neutralize odors on porous surfaces, keeping your yard smelling fresh. For stubborn pet odors or urine odors in dog runs or rock beds, regular maintenance ensures a pleasant outdoor environment for both you and your furry friend.
Can baking soda help eliminate dog poop smell on artificial turf or hard surfaces?
Yes. Baking soda works well on artificial grass and other hard surfaces because it absorbs foul odor compounds. After sprinkling it on the affected area, let it sit, then rinse with plain water. This simple odor control approach helps remove offensive odors without harsh chemicals, making it ideal for maintaining cleanliness in a clean environment.
What home remedies remove dog poop odor from the yard and surrounding areas?
A homemade odor neutralizer made with white vinegar and water can cut through unpleasant smells. Baking soda and a spray bottle of vinegar solution also help neutralize odors in pea gravel, rock beds, and other areas. These home remedies work well on organic waste buildup and get dog poop smells from ruining a pleasant environment.
Do enzyme cleaners work better than garden hose rinsing to eliminate dog poop smell outdoors?
Enzymatic cleaners target the bacterial breakdown and decomposition process more deeply than a garden hose alone. They are especially effective on stubborn pet odors left on porous surfaces. For optimal effectiveness, use enzyme cleaners first, then rinse with plain water during regular maintenance to keep the outdoor space odor-free.
Can essential oils help reduce dog waste odor without harming dogs or plants?
Essential oils can help neutralize odors and reduce pet smells, but they must be diluted and used carefully. Some oils may pose health risks if pets lick treated areas, so avoid strong oils and choose products designed for dogs. When used lightly, essential oils can support odor control in a fresh-smelling yard without stress to plants.
Why does dog poop smell linger in the yard, even after removing the dog poop itself?
The smell of poop may linger because pet waste sits on soil or porous surfaces long enough to cause bacterial breakdown. A poor diet, urine smells, and leftover organic waste can also spread unpleasant smells and foul odor around the yard. In some cases, professional services may be needed if health hazards or recurring odors continue across the whole yard.
How can I prevent dog poop smells from returning once I clean the yard?
To prevent dog poop smells from building up again, don’t let poop sit for long periods in the yard—quick removal makes a big difference. After scooping, rinse various surfaces with lukewarm water to wash away residue and reduce the smell of dog poop in stubborn areas. A few drops of cleaner or deodorizer can help on patios, pathways, or turf without much extra effort. Keeping up with simple routines like this stops odors before they spread.
Can professional services help get rid of dog poop odor in my outdoor space if home cleaning isn’t enough?
Yes. When dog waste builds up on artificial turf or hard surfaces, pet smells and urine odors can linger even after regular scooping. In those cases, professional services often use stronger enzymatic cleaners to break down residue and reduce the smell of dog poop more effectively. This is often more effective than home solutions like baking soda. They can also evaluate whether a dog’s diet plays a role in recurring odors and identify potential health risks connected to long-term buildup. This kind of deep treatment helps restore a fresher outdoor space and makes it easier to get rid of dog poop odor going forward.
