How To Get Rid Of Dog Urine Smell Outside

If you have a backyard you will let your dog there every single day during the summer. He will pee in the yard as well. As a matter of fact, he will pee many times per day. Eventually, you will have a backyard that smells like dog’s urine. How to get rid of dog urine smell outside? There are 4 methods that work well and are easy to implement. You will have to try all of them and find which one works best in your case scenario.

The Science Behind the Smell

When pondering how to get rid of dog urine smell outside, it’s essential to understand the science behind the odor. Dog urine isn’t just water mixed with excretory products but a concoction of various chemical elements, giving it its distinctive and often potent smell.

Dog urine comprises urea, a waste product that results from the metabolism of proteins. Urea, when broken down by bacteria, releases ammonia, an alkaline substance with a pungent odor. The presence of ammonia is particularly notable in concentrated urine or after it has been left untreated for some time. This process is accelerated in a warm and humid environment, explaining why the smell of dog urine may be more potent outside during certain weather conditions.

Additionally, urine also contains uric acid, a compound not easily dissolved in water and capable of binding to surfaces. Uric acid crystals can trap the pungent odor, making it linger for an extended period if not appropriately addressed. Moreover, hormones, medications, and the dog’s diet can also influence the urine’s odor intensity, adding layers to the olfactory cocktail that many pet owners are eager to mitigate.

In outdoor settings, bacteria in the soil break down the urea, releasing ammonia into the air and sometimes leading to the grass’s yellowing or browning. Grass types, soil composition, and moisture levels also play a pivotal role in how prominent the odor becomes and how quickly it dissipates naturally.

Understanding these dynamics offers insights into targeted interventions and treatments to neutralize the odor, rather than merely masking it. 

4 Methods To Get Rid Of Dog Urine Smell Outside

Method 1: A garden hose

How to get rid of dog urine smell outside using a garden hose? It is as simple and easy as it gets. All you have to do is to wash off the areas where your dog pee and that’s it. There are a few things you need to know in this case. First of all, a dog’s urine will literally kill the grass. You can see the yellowish spots on the grass. These mean the obvious. Focus your attention on these spots the most.

Be careful with cement. You can damage it if you clean it all the time using this method. Also, wait for the grass and yard to dry, and then let your dog outside. He will pee on the same spots as before so you can mark them and focus your attention more on those spots the next time. You will have to repeat this process a couple of times per week.

Some dog owners like to use a pressure washer. Others prefer special attachments to a garden hose that can do multiple things. These can be used but with caution. A pressure washer can damage the concrete and grass. It is best to use an ordinary garden hose and use attachments for special areas. 

Method 2: Using baking soda

There are two main options here. The first one is to use ordinary baking soda. Apply it from a bottle with holes on the cap. Make sure you apply a lot of baking soda on the targeted areas so it can collect all the pee and the odor. Once again, apply it to all the spots where your dog likes to pee. You are done.

The second option is to mix lemon juice, baking soda, vinegar, and water. Spray the mixture on all the areas and be ‘’generous’’ with the mixture. Both of these are safe for the grass and the concrete. You won’t damage them. Some shelters have been using the same method for years and it does work well. The only thing you must remember is that all the areas and all the spots (even the smallest ones) deserve plenty of this solution. 

If you don’t like the look of baking soda in your yard, you can wait for a couple of hours for it to absorb the urine and then rinse it with water. 

Method 3: Artificial dog lawn

Let’s just say that this is a more advanced method and it is effective when nothing else works. But, you can even use it inside so it is very versatile. You will have to get an artificial dog lawn. Once done, place it in the yard and train your dog to pee on this mat only. These are small so you will have to get a couple of them if you have a large dog. Just place them close together. 

An artificial dog lawn has artificial grass and it looks like that. It looks nice and will look great on your lawn. But, this is an artificial lawn that comes with replacement artificial grass elements. You can replace them instead of having to clean the entire mat for hours. 

There are some downsides here. First of all, you will have to train your pet to pee only on the mat. This does take time. You will also have to replace the mat on a regular basis (when you use all the replacement parts). It can be expensive. But, it will completely eliminate the smell of urine in the yard. You can use it inside during the winter for instance. If nothing else works, you will have to choose this option. 

Method 4: Use odor eliminator product

It is another method that works well and can be ideal. It is the first one some dog owners choose and the first one that some avoid. In simple words, many dog owners choose this method because it is affordable, easy to use, and appealing. It works great as well.

Many will avoid it because some products of this kind do contain harmful ingredients or toxins. Always make sure to get a product that is safe for dogs and doesn’t contain any toxins. Many pet shops sell great products of this kind. 

You will end up with a large jug. Attach it to your garden hose and spray all the areas where your dog pee. This method is safe for grass and concrete so you don’t have to worry about it. Once done, wait for a few minutes to dry and you can let go of your dog outside. Don’t let him outside as long as the lawn or yard is wet. 

The solution is safe to use on all surfaces. Even if you have the best backyard with rocks, grass, cement and so much more you can use this option. Just make sure to repeat the process a couple of times per week or as soon as you can smell the urine again. This is a purpose-made product and it is not easy to make it at home if you are wondering. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What natural remedies can eliminate dog urine smell outside?

There are natural solutions like baking soda, vinegar, and certain enzymatic cleaners that can neutralize odors. Always test a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t adversely affect your outdoor surfaces or plants.

2. Can specific plants help in neutralizing the urine smell in my garden?

Yes, some plants like odorous perennials can absorb or mask the smell to some extent. However, they are not a complete solution and should be combined with other odor-neutralizing methods.

3. How can I prevent my dog’s urine from killing the grass?

Consider training your dog to use a designated area of the yard for urination. Also, there are special dietary supplements that can neutralize the nitrogen content in the urine, making it less harmful to the grass.

4. Is it safe to use chemical cleaners to get rid of dog urine smell outdoors?

While there are several chemical cleaners available, it’s crucial to choose products that are pet-friendly and environmentally safe. Always read the labels and follow the application instructions.

5. Does watering the urinated spots help in reducing the odor?

Yes, promptly watering the spot where your dog has urinated can dilute the urine and help mitigate the smell. It can also prevent the urine from damaging your grass or plants.

6. How often should I clean the outdoor areas where my dog frequently urinates?

It depends on the number of dogs you have and how often they urinate outside. In general, regular cleaning, at least once a week, can help in managing and minimizing the odor effectively.

7. Are there any specific diets that can help reduce the strong odor of my dog’s urine?

A balanced diet can indeed influence the odor of your dog’s urine. Avoiding foods that are high in certain proteins or additives can sometimes result in less pungent urine. Always consult with your vet for personalized dietary advice.

The Final Word 

In conclusion, dealing with the issue of dog urine odor in your outdoor spaces requires a multifaceted approach. From understanding the science behind the smell to utilizing both natural and commercial products, dog owners have various options to restore the freshness of their outdoors. Regular maintenance, proper cleaning practices, and perhaps some adjustments to the dog’s diet or urination area can prove significantly effective. The goal is to create a clean and odor-free environment where both the pets and their owners can enjoy spending time.

Keep exploring and implementing methods that suit your specific situation the best, ensuring that the challenging task of managing dog urine smell outside becomes manageable and efficient. Every pet owner’s journey is unique, but with the right tools and knowledge, the freshness of your outdoor spaces can indeed be preserved.