How To Get Rid of Dog Poop Smell Outside

Is there anything worse than stepping out to your backyard and being hit in the face with a stomach-turning smell? If you’re like most people, the answer is probably no.

Unfortunately, that smell is all too common for dog owners who don’t clean up after their pets.

In this post, we’ll outline a few simple steps you can take on how to get rid of the dog poop smell outside and make your yard a little more pleasant.

But first…

Why Does My Yard Smell Like Poop?

The most common reason why your yard smells like poop is that, well, there’s probably poop in it.

Dog feces can contain a variety of harmful bacteria that can cause disease in both humans and pets. It’s important to clean up any feces as soon as possible to prevent the spread of these bacteria.

In addition, dog poop can attract other critters to your yard, like flies and raccoons. These animals can further spread bacteria and create even more of a mess.

The smell of dog poop can also be caused by the type of food your pet eats. Certain foods, like those high in protein, can make feces smell particularly strong.

Finally, if you have more than one dog, their smells can combine to create an even more pungent odor. That’s why it’s important to clean up after each pet individually.

Ways on How to Get Rid of Dog Poop Smell Outside

Getting rid of the smell of dog poop can be a challenge, but it’s doable. With a little elbow grease and some patience, you’ll have your yard smelling fresh in no time.

picking dog poop with a plastic bag

Here are a few tips on how to get rid of the dog poop smell outside:

Scoop Dog Poop Every Day

This one might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s important to scoop your dog’s poop every day, especially if they go multiple times.

The longer feces sits in your yard, the stronger the smell will be. In addition, the longer it sits, the more time bacteria have to spread.

Old feces can also attract other animals, like rats and raccoons, which will only make the problem worse.

If you can’t scoop every day, try to at least scoop a few times a week. The more often you can remove the feces, the better.

There are a variety of dog poop scoopers on the market, so find one that works best for you and your pet. Based on the price and all the positive reviews, here is one we recommend:

ARM & HAMMER Swivel Bin & Rake Pooper Scooper

This ARM & HAMMER Swivel Pooper Scooper is our top pick because it has a bin that swivels 360 degrees for easy maneuverability and comes with a rake to make picking up after your pet quick and painless.

Sale
Arm & Hammer Pooper Scooper Swivel Bin & Rake Dog Poop Scooper, Black (2 Scented Waste Bags Included)
  • No Touch Poop Scooper For Dogs: Great for any surface or animal, this poop scooper set includes one Arm & Hammer Swivel Bin...
  • No More Bending, Kneeling, or Squatting: The lightweight adjustable handle on this dog pooper scooper extends up to 32...
  • Unique rake & swivel design minimizes messes: Raking waste (vs. using a claw) into specially fitted bag minimizes messy clean...

Last update on 2024-09-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

It also has a built-in waste bag dispenser for your convenience. This device is made with high-quality materials, so you can be sure it will last you for a long time. 

It is also easy to assemble and use, so you won’t have any problems getting started.

If you are looking for an affordable, reliable, and easy-to-use dog poop scooper, then this is the one for you.

Use Plain Water

After you scoop the feces, it’s important to wash away any remaining bacteria to get rid of the smell. An effective way to do this is to use plain water.

First, hose down the area where the feces was. Then, using a bucket of water, scrub the area to remove any lingering bacteria. This step is important because it will help to prevent the spread of disease. For instance, dog poop after deworming.

black dog playing with water hose outdoos

Let the area dry completely before letting your pet back in the yard.

Outdoor Odor Eliminator

If the smell persists, you can try using an outdoor odor eliminator. These products are designed to break down the molecules that cause odors, making them a helpful tool in getting rid of tough smells.

There are a variety of outdoor odor eliminators on the market, so find one that works best for you and your yard. You want to make sure you find an odor eliminator that is safe to use around pets and children.

Some outdoor odor eliminators are environmentally friendly, so if that’s important to you, be sure to look for one of those.

Based on the price and all the positive reviews, here is one we recommend:

Simple Green Outdoor Odor Eliminator for Pets

This Simple Green Outdoor Odor Eliminator is our top pick because it is safe to use around pets and children and is also environmentally friendly.

Simple Green Outdoor Odor Eliminator for Pets, Dogs, Ideal for Artificial Grass & Patio (32 oz Hose End Sprayer & 1 Gallon Refill)
  • Quickly removes odors left behind by urine, stool, vomit and other organic matter
  • Safe for use on grass, artificial turf, gravel, concrete, brick and more
  • Uses powerful, natural enzymes to eliminate odors at the source rather than cover them up

Last update on 2024-09-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

It is made with natural enzymes that break down the molecules that cause odors, so you can be sure it will be effective in getting rid of the dog poop smell in your yard.

This product is also non-toxic, biodegradable, and safe for the environment. It is easy to use, simply spray it on the affected area and let it dry. You will see results in 24 hours.

It works in any home as it’s ideal to use on patios, decks, and yards.

Use Lawn Lime Powder

Another way to get rid of the dog poop smell in your yard is to use lawn lime powder. This product is made from limestone and is commonly used to neutralize odors.

To use it, simply sprinkle the powder on the affected area and let it sit for a few hours. Then, sweep it up and dispose of it. You can find this product at most hardware stores.

It is effective because it will absorb the odor-causing molecules.

However, it is important to note that this product can sometimes kill grass, so be sure to use it sparingly and only in areas where required.

If you are looking for a lime powder solution, we recommend the following product:

Jobe’s 9365 Additive De-Acidifier

The Jobe’s 9365 Additive De-Acidifier is a great choice for those seeking an all-natural way to raise the pH levels in their soil.

Jobe's Organics, 09365, Soil Additive, Soil De-Acidifier, Lime Soil, 6lbs, Gray
  • Organic granular for increasing soils alkalinity, pH; Low pH can cause poor fertilizer response and soil structure
  • Most plants grow well in a pH between 6 and 7, with 6.5-6.8 being ideal; below 6.0 Many nutrients cannot be absorbed
  • Adding garden lime will increase the pH and make those nutrients available again; test soil pH before applying

Last update on 2024-09-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

This product is made from pure limestone and is safe for use around children and pets.

When used as directed, this product will not harm grass or plants. It is important to note, however, that this product can make your soil more alkaline than you may want. If you are looking to lower the pH of your soil, we recommend using another product.

Soap and Water

If you don’t have any of the products mentioned above, you can still get rid of the dog poop smell in your yard with a simple solution of soap and water.

To do this, mix 1 part dish soap with 10 parts water. Then, using a garden hose, spray down the affected area.

Let the solution sit for a few minutes before hosing it off.

This method is effective because the dish soap will break down the odor-causing molecules. However, it is important to note that this method will not kill all of the bacteria.

How Long Does Dog Poop Smell Last

Dog poop smell can last for a long time, depending on the type of food that your dog eats. If your dog eats a lot of fatty foods, the smell of their poop will be stronger and last longer.

woman with hat sweeping outdoors with dog

However, if your dog eats a balanced diet, the smell should not last as long. You can also try feeding your dog probiotics to help reduce the smell of their poop. Properly potty training your puppy can also help reduce how long it may smell.

In general though, the dog poop smell will last for a few days to a week. If the smell does not go away after this time, you may need to consult your veterinarian.

Our Readers Favorite Questions

How Do I Get the Dog Poop Smell Out of My Neighbor’s Yard?

If you have a neighbor with a dog that is not picking up the poop, the best thing you can do is talk to them about it.

Let them know that the smell is bothering you and ask them to please pick up the poop. If they are unwilling or unable to do so, you can try one of the methods mentioned.

What Dissolves Dog Poop in the Yard?

There are a few products that can help dissolve dog poop in the yard, such as enzymes or lawn lime powder. You can also try using soap and water. These methods will help to break down the odor-causing molecules and make the poop easier to clean up.

How Do You Neutralize the Smell of Poop?

There are a few things you can do to neutralize the smell of poop. One is to ventilate the area well. Another is to use a deodorizer specifically designed for removing smells. Finally, you can try masking the smell with another scent.

Conclusion

There are a few different ways that you can get rid of the dog poop smell in your yard. One is to use enzymes, which will break down the odor-causing molecules. Another is to use lawn lime powder, which will absorb the odor.

You can also try using soap and water. Finally, you can try ventilating the area or masking the smell with another scent. If the smell does not go away after a few days, you may need to consult your veterinarian.

Do you have a dog? How do you get rid of the dog poop smell in your yard?

Photo of author

Lovelia Horn

I’m a certified crazy dog mom, a physical therapist (for hoomans), writer, animal rescuer, and foster home provider. Together with my hubby Ryan, I’ve fostered and helped look for forever homes for over a hundred shelter dogs in the Southern Illinois area. I mostly work with Puppy Rescue 911, Inc., a certified animal rescue organization based out of Chester, IL (home of Popeye!)

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