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Dog Peeing on Rug: Causes, Cleaning Tips & Prevention

We love our furry friends and like to think we’ve trained them well, but accidents still happen—especially with dog peeing on rug. Even the best-trained pups can leave a mess behind.

Why do dogs pee on our rugs?

Well, if they’re a puppy still in the potty-training process, it could require a lot of time and patience to get them to that point of where they no longer go on the rug. If your dog is older and suffering from bladder inconsistency, that could factor into why. Even dogs with dementia might forget their home training. Last, if they’re peeing on the same spot on your rug, you likely didn’t entirely remove the smell from prior accidents. Note: If your young, potty-trained dog keeps peeing on the rug, check with a vet to rule out diabetes, urinary tract issues, kidney disease, or Cushing’s syndrome.

Beautiful rug and sofa on living room

What can you do when your dog pees on your rug?

The key is to get to it quick! Rug fibers absorb liquids, so it is vital that you soak up the urine with a thick layer of paper towels or a clean rag. This prevents the urine from seeping deeper into the layers of the rug, making it harder to remove later. Dog urine is also very acidic and may cause a wide range of problems, such as discoloration of the rug’s colors, unpleasant odors, or even a lasting stain if it goes undetected for a while.

Here are our favorite ways to get dog urine out of a rug:

Paper Towel & Dish Soap

Squeeze a few drops of dish soap and water onto the spot and blot it. Note: Don’t rub it back and forth! Doing this can push the urine deeper into the fibers.

Baking Soda & Vinegar

Pet urine often smells like ammonia, so we use vinegar to neutralize it. Baking soda is also excellent for eliminating stubborn odors, too! Pour baking soda onto the spot and let it sit overnight. In the morning, pour white vinegar over the baking soda and let it sit up for up to ten minutes. Dab it with a cloth. When the area dries, vacuum rug to remove any excess baking soda. Note: After the area has been neutralized, you can finish it with dish soap. Scrub the spot with warm water and dish soap to prevent any stains.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Pour peroxide into a spray bottle, soak the stain with a few sprays, then let it sit for ten to fifteen minutes. Blot with a clean cloth.

Close up cleaning rug with cleaning solutions

Enzymes

Enzymatic cleaners are best for removing dried dog urine stains because the proteins break down the chemical components of the urine and dissolve it. You can buy an over-the-counter store brand. Simply spray onto the stain and let it work its magic! Note: Make sure to read the label carefully and test in an inconspicuous area first. Be sure to choose a cleaner that is effective and safe for your pets!

Buy or Rent a Carpet Cleaner

If you have a pet stain that is super set-in, spray cleaners alone might not be enough. You can buy or rent a carpet cleaner from your local hardware store to give your rug a deep clean.

Hire a Professional Carpet Cleaner

Cleaning an area rug on your own can be tricky. Incorrectly cleaning urine from a rug can lead to permanent stains, foul odors, and repeat accidents. If you’re struggling to get urine stains or odors out of your rug, then contact the professionals at Safe-Dry Carpet Cleaning, the premier area rug cleaners of Spring Hill, with over 30 years’ experience in the carpet cleaning business!

Preventing More Accidents

Once you’ve cleaned the area, make it as uninviting and inaccessible to your dog as possible. Encourage them to use the designated restroom with positive reinforcement.

According to the Humane Society, your dog might return to the “accident zone” if it still picks up traces of its scent. Block access by placing furniture on top of the rug or keeping them out of the room until it’s fully cleaned. Dog diapers can also help until you find a permanent solution.

If your dog touches the cleaning product, wash their paws with mild soap and water to avoid irritation. Inhaling cleaner may cause mild stomach upset or respiratory issues like sneezing or coughing. Used properly, however, carpet cleaning products should not harm your pets.

For stubborn stains and lingering odors, DIY solutions may not be enough. That’s where Safe-Dry® Carpet Cleaning’s Pet Odor & Stain Removal service comes in. Our proven, all-natural process targets deep-set stains and neutralizes odors at the source—leaving your home fresh, clean, and safe for your pets and family. Schedule today for a healthier, worry-free living space.

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Response from the owner:Thank you Suzanne Tatum for your feedback! Safe-Dry Carpet Cleaning strives to be the very best carpet cleaning company and we appreciate your support! Whether it is carpet cleaning, rug cleaning, or upholstery cleaning, please let us know if we can ever be of assistance in the future!
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Response from the owner:Thank you Brad Storns for your feedback! Safe-Dry Carpet Cleaning strives to be the very best carpet cleaning company and we appreciate your support! Whether it is carpet cleaning, rug cleaning, or upholstery cleaning, please let us know if we can ever be of assistance in the future!
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Mohammad A. was kind courteous and professional! His work ethic is excellent and my husband and I had an exceptional customer service experience! Thank you and we will use your company in the future!
Response from the owner:Thank you Jena Hamilton for your feedback! Safe-Dry Carpet Cleaning strives to be the very best carpet cleaning company and we appreciate your support! Whether it is carpet cleaning, rug cleaning, or upholstery cleaning, please let us know if we can ever be of assistance in the future!
Mohammed arrived on time...was very professional and polite and took care of a bad pet stain on a rug...excellent service! Great technician!
Response from the owner:Thank you JoBeth Harman for your feedback! Safe-Dry Carpet Cleaning strives to be the very best carpet cleaning company and we appreciate your support! Whether it is carpet cleaning, rug cleaning, or upholstery cleaning, please let us know if we can ever be of assistance in the future!
Response from the owner:Thank you Joan Gopar for your feedback! Safe-Dry Carpet Cleaning strives to be the very best carpet cleaning company and we appreciate your support! Whether it is carpet cleaning, rug cleaning, or upholstery cleaning, please let us know if we can ever be of assistance in the future!
Mohammad completed the service in a timely manner , very respectful and professional ! He did a great job on my carpet , would recommend .
Response from the owner:Thank you Dorothie Pulliam for your feedback! Safe-Dry Carpet Cleaning strives to be the very best carpet cleaning company and we appreciate your support! Whether it is carpet cleaning, rug cleaning, or upholstery cleaning, please let us know if we can ever be of assistance in the future!
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Response from the owner:Thank you Peyton for your feedback! Safe-Dry Carpet Cleaning strives to be the very best carpet cleaning company and we appreciate your support! Whether it is carpet cleaning, rug cleaning, or upholstery cleaning, please let us know if we can ever be of assistance in the future!