Millennial dog owners admit their dogs' smell is a problem at home but many still prefer pups over people

Nearly half of dog owners will go out of their way to wash their sheets before a new partner sleeps over — because of how their pets smell, according to new research. A poll of 2,000 millennial dog owners found 46% of respondents said their dog's smell is so strong, they have to wash their sheets before having any overnight guests. Admittedly, this may be because 2% said their dog has never had a bath. Over half (52%) of those surveyed willfully admit their pups are smelly — with 14% revealing their furry friends smell almost all of the time. The study, conducted by OnePoll in conjunction with Febreze Fabric Refresher, aimed to uncover the habits of millennial dog owners' home life with their pups. And results discovered 59% said their dog's breath is so bad they have to push them away from their face on a regular basis. Furthermore, two in five have given their pup their own blanket to limit that doggy smell in bed, while 29% limit their dog from sleeping on certain furniture because of their stench. Fifty-seven percent said the wet, damp smell of their dog concerns them the most, and 44% admit they worry that visitors to their home will actually smell their dog right when they walk in. But despite the questionable scents, dogs have gotten their owners through some of the hardest times. Results revealed 76% of millennial dog owners surveyed said their pups help them overcome loneliness while 41% said their dogs helped them get through a tough breakup. With such a strong relationship, results also found nearly all millennial dog owners are guilty of talking to their pets like a person. And 67% said their pup knows more of their deepest secrets than their family or best friends. The results also showed that the majority respondents actually prefer the company of dogs over most people. Over one-third of dog owners polled freely admitted they have some rather unconventional habits with their dog, due to how close they are with them. Three in 10 are guilty of happily letting their dog lick their face, while 45% speak to their pups using baby talk when no one else is around. When they are alone with their dog, 38% revealed they share their food with them. Dogs also bear witness to some rather funny and unusual things their owners do when they're alone. Twenty-four percent said their dog has watched them eat an entire pint of ice cream in one single sitting. Forty-seven percent of millennial dog owners said their pups have seen them have an entire, loud conversation with themselves, while 39% said their dog has witnessed them lazing around for an entire weekend. That's why a staggering 88% said their dog knows who they truly are and won't judge them for that. The good news is that 86% of millennial dog owners have found products to eliminate dog smells in the home, and almost all said they care about the products they use around their pets. According to Febreze Senior Scientist Morgan Brashear, when dogs lay on plush surfaces like sofas and beds, they release billions of odor molecules that penetrate deep into the fabric, where they can persist for up to 5 years. Then the next time someone plops down on the couch or lays down on the bed, those billions of odor molecules re-bloom into the air, causing a nasty cycle of smell. When it comes to furniture, 76% allow their dogs on the couch and 69% let their fur babies on the bed. And 24% even admitted they're guilty of spooning them. "My dog Logan is so adorable, but I was always hesitant to let him next to me on my couch or in bed because of the smell he'd leave behind," said Karamo Brown, Queer Eye star, dog dad, and Febreze partner. "With something to curtail the doggy smell, he can enjoy all the puppy cuddles he wants."