Sometimes, it seems like dogs are happy ingesting almost anything.
As animals that frequently dig in the dirt, drink out of the toilet, and sniff each other's behinds, it's easy to assume that there's almost no taste or smell that can offend them.
But dogs have their own tastes and distastes just like we do, and sometimes, there are smells that they can't stand.
For anyone who has ever had their adorable dog bark at a random stranger without any indication why, know that they trust their senses fiercely.
Dogs need their noses to identify who is safe, get to know new areas, and navigate if their eyes are failing them for any reason.
So, it is extremely important to keep their sniffers satisfied and to never give them an unnecessary reason to feel unsafe or uncomfortable.
But there may be common products in your house with smells that may be upsetting them.
Though they can't tell you themselves in a conversation, it's important to keep an eye out of signs that they may be bothering or are in pain.
To see if your home is filled with any scents that might be hurting your furry baby, continue reading below.
How Are Dog Noses Different Than Ours?
Our dogs' sense of smell is incredibly important. In fact, it's as acute to them as sight is for us.
According to PBS' NOVA, it's estimated that their sniffers are almost 1,000 times more sensitive than ours!
Dogs are able to remember smells of people, places, and objects — along with what they think of that smell.
This gives dogs like bloodhounds the incredible ability to track people based on their scent.
So although it may seem like a harmless scent, remember that everything is one thousand times more potent to them!
Do All Dogs Smell The Same?
Just like humans, dogs have different preferences and thresholds when it comes to their smell.
It's important to note what smells might agitate your pup, and to avoid exposing them to those powerful scents.
Below is a list of common smells that dogs usually don't agree with.
Identifying and eliminating these troubling scents will help your dog live a comfier, happier life at home.
Hated Smell #1: Citrus
According to Canidae, it's common for dogs to show distaste toward oranges, lemons, and grapefruit.
The intense citrus smell might be very uncomfortable for their powerful noses.
But citrus fruit is very healthy, so you should absolutely continue to eat it. Just make sure your pup isn't around when you're slicing it up.
Hated Smell #2: Chili Powder Or Peppers
The capsaicin that gives chilies their kick can rip right through your nose and down into your throat and sinuses.
So imagine how hurtful this can be for your dog's nose, which has so much more strength and sensitivity than yours does!
If you're cooking with or eating anything spicy, be sure to move your pup to the other room to keep his powerful nose safe.
Hated Smell #3: Vinegar
Similar to chilies, vinegar's smell is extremely potent. A direct sniff right in the bottle can definitely bring tears to your eyes.
So imagine how strong it probably smells to your furry friend!
Be mindful to use it in moderation around the house so it doesn't completely overwhelm their sniffer.
Hated Smell #4: Ammonia
Ammonia's noxious fumes definitely smell like danger — even to humans!
Though the smell is pretty unavoidable in most commercial cleaning products, using them in moderation is good for your respiratory problems as well as your dog's.
When it's time to give the house a good scrubbing, be sure to let your pup play outside or in a room you won't be cleaning.
Hated Smell #5: Mothballs
Mothballs are great for repelling moths and other creepy crawlies in your home — but their powerful smell can also harm your dog.
Since their smell is designed specifically for deterring animals out of clothes, it would make sense that your dog might not find them too nice.
Mothballs are also loaded with chemicals that can be harmful if ingested. So if you need to use them, be sure they're out of reach — and sniff! — of your pup.
Hated Smell #6: Lavender
To us, lavender creates a calming aroma that makes us feel both happy and relaxed.
But for some dogs, this scent may be a little overwhelming. Avoid burning lavender candles or warming oils in excess, and keep sachets out of your pup's reach.
Remember that our dogs can't always verbalize their wants, needs, and discomforts — so be sure your home is a safe and comfortable place for them, and always pay attention to their behavior.
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