How to Effectively Remove Dog Urine Stains from Carpet

If you have a dog who spends time indoors, there will probably be times during his life when he will have an accident. If you have a carpet, no doubt the accident will be on the carpet. Inadequate treatment of the affected area can invite repeats of the behavior. A few proactive measures can help eliminate the stains and odors, reducing future temptation, and protect carpet from dog pee.

If an accident has had time to soak into the carpet, follow the same steps for removing as much of the waste as you can, then blot the area. Instead of rinsing the spot with water, use equal parts of water and white vinegar or a commercial pet-odor remover or enzymatic cleaner, such as Nature's Miracle or Biokleen. These are available through veterinarians and pet supply stores, and they work to neutralize the odor. Allow the solution to soak according to the manufacturer's guidelines, then use a wet-vac to suction it away.

Do not use a steam cleaner, as the heat will set the stain and make the problem worse. Avoid using ammonia-based cleaning products, as dogs will react to the odor of ammonia as if it were the smell of urine.

Carpet protector for dog pee

Even if you can't see it or smell it, residual odor can remain. It's a good idea to check carpets with a black light regularly, to see if your dog is marking indoors. If you find he is, repeat the cleaning process.

When the area is dry, cover it with an inexpensive, disposable, plastic table cloth or puppy potty training pads. This will protect the carpet from dog pee, reduce the temptation of smell, and allow for easy cleanup if another accident occurs. If your dog is marking a particular spot repeatedly, block his access to the area, or remove and replace the carpet to prevent future temptation.

Reducing future odor problems

Dogs have sensitive noses, so several cleanings and applications of topical treatments may be necessary to remove all traces of the odor. Regularly dust your carpets with baking soda or baking soda-based cleaning products, and vacuum it away. This is especially important if an unfamiliar dog has been in your home. This process will help prevent animal odors from building up on the carpet, reducing the potential for accidents.

Preventative measures and training

If you want your canine buddy to live in your house, it's important to take the time to housetrain him, and to accept that at least occasional accidents are likely to occur. When they do, cleaning them up properly will help prevent recurrences. There are no practical ways to consistently protect carpet from dog pee unless you can put a door between your dog and the carpet.

Crate training can be an effective way to prevent accidents while you are out of the home. While you are at home with your pup, follow a potty and feeding schedule and offer plenty of positive reinforcement when your dog eliminates outdoors.