Get Dog Pee Out of Carpet & Furniture 2025: Vet Approved Guide 🧼🐾

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

🐾 Why Cleaning Dog Pee Properly Matters

Dog urine doesn’t just leave a stain—it leaves behind odor molecules and pheromones that encourage repeat marking. Worse, if not cleaned thoroughly, bacteria and moisture can soak deep into fabrics, flooring, and underlayments, causing health and odor issues.

🚫 What NOT to Use

Never use ammonia—it smells like urine and may attract your dog to urinate again in the same spot.

• 🚫 Avoid bleach—dangerous when mixed with urine, produces toxic gas
• 🚫 Avoid vinegar alone—it removes some odor but not urine proteins

🧪 Best Cleaners for Dog Urine (2025)

• Enzymatic Cleaners: Break down urine proteins and eliminate odor at the source. Vet favorites include:
• Rocco & Roxie Stain & Odor Eliminator
• Nature’s Miracle Advanced
• Simple Solution Extreme
• Hydrogen Peroxide (3%): Use cautiously on light fabrics to lift urine stains
• Baking Soda: Helps neutralize odors after treatment

🧼 Step-by-Step: Carpet Cleanup

1. Blot immediately: Use paper towels or cloth to absorb as much fresh urine as possible—do not rub
2. Saturate: Apply enzymatic cleaner to the entire area, including beneath the surface
3. Wait: Let sit 10–15 min (or longer, per label)—enzymes need time to work
4. Blot again: Gently press dry with clean towels
5. Air dry: Ventilate and avoid stepping on area
6. Optional: Sprinkle baking soda after dry, let sit overnight, vacuum in the morning

🪵 Hardwood Floor Urine Cleanup

1. Blot quickly with paper towels
2. Use an enzymatic wood-safe formula (e.g., Skout’s Honor, Bubba’s Wood Cleaner)
3. Rinse with light vinegar-water (optional), dry completely
4. Avoid soaking wood—use minimal moisture

🛋 Removing Pee from Couches & Upholstery

• Remove cushion covers (if washable) and blot inside foam
• Spray enzyme cleaner deeply into cushion, not just surface
• Let sit with fan or sunlight to accelerate drying
• Repeat if odor persists

🐶 Why Do Dogs Pee Indoors?

Common reasons include:

• 🚽 Lack of housetraining or skipped potty trips
• ⚠️ Medical issues (UTI, incontinence, kidney disease)
• 😟 Separation anxiety or stress
• 🔁 Scent-marking from past stains not properly removed

Always consult your vet if your dog suddenly starts having indoor accidents.

🔁 Preventing Repeat Accidents

• Crate train or schedule breaks—dogs thrive on routine
• Supervise and reward outdoor potty with high-value treats
• Use deterrent sprays to discourage revisits (e.g., citrus or bitter apple)
• Block access to previously soiled areas

🧠 Dr Houston’s Pee Cleanup Toolkit

• 🧴 Enzyme cleaner (Rocco & Roxie, Nature’s Miracle)
• 🧻 White towels or microfiber cloths
• 🧂 Baking soda
• 🌀 Small fan or air purifier
• 📅 Cleaning tracker to prevent recurrence

📱 When to Call the Vet

• Frequent accidents despite training
• Drinking more or urinating more than usual
• Straining, blood in urine, or licking genital area

🌟 Final Thoughts

Cleaning up dog pee properly isn’t just about smell—it prevents long-term behavioral setbacks and repeat marking. With enzyme cleaners, a consistent schedule, and your vet’s help, you can reclaim your space and your pup’s habits quickly.

Need help managing house-soiling, training, or dog health? Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app for round-the-clock guidance. 📱🐶