Adventures in dog odors

Over the past five years, we’ve adopted two big dogs. We’re talking dirty paws, stinky fur, dog food smells (and of course, so many big stretches and cuddles on the way). Nose blindness dictates that if you do indeed have these dogs smells, you probably don’t know it. I feel some pressure to have a home that smells good considering my job (which if you don’t know, is the founder & co-owner of p.f. candle co.), and do what it takes to keep up whatever the smell-version of “appearances” is.

Dog smells are made up of so many elements - oils, pheromones, dander, paws, ears, food, accidents. Odors are all molecules, so if you can physically remove them rather than covering them up, that’s your best bet. The easiest place to start is your dog itself.

Most dogs benefit from bathing or grooming - I get our poodle mix groomed once a quarter, and yes, it could be more, but $$$. Brushing out coats also helps remove dander and oil. Ears can be a secret hidden odor source especially for floppy-eared friends.

Dog beds, leashes, fabric toys, carpets, sofas - all of these locations can store smells and go on to smell straight up musty. We don’t want that. Wash the dog beds, wash your sheets, the couch cover, and even toys if you can. (My favorite detergent is Frankincense & Myrrh from Zum)

I’m sure there are pet-specific carpet powders, but you can also just sprinkle baking soda on your rug and then vacuum it up. Baking soda absorbs moisture and oil, and has alkaline properties that neutralize odors.

Also - clean your vacuum! Empty the canister and clean your filters at least once a month.

I use Nature’s Miracle for any accidents (and there were so, so many when we adopted our husky, since he had never been house trained). Nature’s Miracle breaks down enzymes at the molecular level, and it’s especially good for urine as it prevents repeat marking.

Nature’s Miracle does have an unfortunate scent of its own, one that I find very triggering, as it reminds me of being woken up to the sound of a dog puking on a vintage turkish rug.

Never the less, I buy a huge version and decant it into amber spray bottles and keep one downstairs and one in the bedroom for those midnight accidents.

If you’ve been reading Good Atmosphere for a while you know ventilation is just as important for your home’s smell as candles or incense, if not more. Open those windows daily! Bring the fresh air in and the stale air out!

I sleep with my windows open 80% of the year, but on the other days, I try to open them for ten minutes a day. Wildfire smoke is pretty much the only thing that will leave my windows sealed shut.

Air purifiers are another way to remove odors and dust particles from the air. I use the BlueAir Blue Pure 311 Max. My research tells me that a purifier with HEPA and activated carbon will handle the smell and dander best. I’ll probably try out the Blueair Blue Signature if I’m in the market in the future. Other brands are likely just as good, but I like the Blueair “automatic” system that adjusts to particulate level in the air, and the app actually works well.

So yes, maintaining your home’s smell is 90% about taking away odors - not adding to them. Dogs, cats, and other pets can all have various levels of sensitivity to fragrances, so use your best judgement when adding fragrance.

Soy or beeswax candles release less soot than paraffin, which make them better options for homes with dogs and other pets.

Room & Linen sprays are a great refresher for linens in between use (I use P.F.’s Ojai Lavender) with the caveat that you should avoid spraying on beds while your pet is actually on them.

Dogs can have sensitivities to certain essential oils, so it’s best to avoid cinnamon, eucalyptus, tea tree, and clove. I stick to lavender and frankincense when I diffuse.

Incense is complicated for dog households, because it has the potential to trigger asthma amongst certain sensitive types, but it is one of the best ways to add instant fragrance to your home. My best practice when burning incense is to never do it in a room with closed windows or poor ventilation, and I generally don’t burn incense in a room my dog is in.

However, there is Bodha smokeless incense for those living room moments - less smoke, less particulates for dog and human alike.

Simmer pots are one of my favorite holiday traditions, with a blend of oranges, cranberries, and cinnamon sticks. A lovely springtime version includes lemon, rosemary, and ginger:

1. Taking the new D Line extension to see the new Geffen Galleries at LACMA, both of which I highly recommend

2. These cheery Gerber daisies (in a Color Me Mine vase painted by Tom). Why did gerbers fall off from the 2000s? Y2K vintage types, take note!

3. Lots of new small scents in development this week, including a custom scent for our Brooklyn store. We’ll be hosting an event in June at the Brooklyn shop where the P.F. community can smell initial options and give feedback to help us develop the scent. I’ll share more details soon!

4. Getting to play dress up (the theme was “palm royale”, like the tv show) is the best part of fundraiser parties

5. Riding bikes with friends