Smells in Dogs and How to Get Rid of Them?

by David Greenberg Dog Groomer

All dogs start smelling bad if they haven’t had a bath for few weeks, but it might be some other cause if it has an offensive body odour even after being clean and freshly bathed.

A dog with a persistent body odour could have a medical problem that requires treatment or veterinary care.

Reasons why a dog can have a foul odour:

Skin infection: Known as seborrhea. This is usually characterized by flaky dandruff or an oily, waxy feel on the coat and a strong odour. Your hands may feel greasy after touching your dog. The dog may also have allergies that is causing increased secretion.
Treatment: The odour can be prevented by frequently bathing your dog with a medicated/dandruff shampoo recommended by a vet.

Mouth/ dental problems:

Tartar can build along the gum line and eventually cause decay. Bad teeth are also a cause of foul odour. Additionally, a sore mouth may cause increased drooling. The stinking saliva can coat the fur and you may not know that this is originating in the mouth.

Treatment:

Have your dog’s teeth cleaned annually, and brush his teeth on a daily basis to prevent infection and decay. Toothpaste for dogs are available in poultry flavour, and your dog will look forward it.

There are also a number of dog treats available to keep a dog’s breath clean and fresh.

Give your dog healthy dog food. Get some advice from your dog food advisor and buy the best food for your dog.

Bad breath:

Some diseases, like kidney failure and diabetes, can cause a change in a breath. Check out with your vet.

Ear problems:

Long-eared and floppy-eared dogs are more prone to infections. If the skin inside your dog's ears is red or sore, if the ear has a bad odor, or if your dog reacts in pain when you examine his ears, have him checked by your veterinarian. Your dog will be scratching or shaking its head, but not always. A bath may make ears worse if water is trapped in the ear canal.

Treatment: Take him to a vet immediately as the dog may require medication. § Anal glands/sacs problem This is perhaps the most common cause of dog odor that usually does not go away. Anal sacs are two small scent-sacs in the area of the anus. The anal glands can become clogged and cause discomfort and irritation. If you see streaks of blood on the floor or a foul-smelling discharge, take your doggie to a vet.

Treatment:

Take the dog to a vet.

Rear-end problem:

Your dog's rear end may cause a foul odor. Some long-haired dogs can have a soiled rear from defecating which can become stinky.

Treatment:

Regular brushing of the rear may help, but you can also have the hair around the rear clipped on a monthly basis.

Habits of Dogs:

Dogs sometimes roll in the excrement of other animals. Dogs seem to like to try to disguise their dog smell by rolling in particularly stinky things, such as decayed matter, feces.

Treatment:

Bathe your dog with a mild medicated shampoo, and next time it goes out keep a watchful eye.

A simple home remedy for smelly dogs:

Bathe your dog well in a gentle medicated dog shampoo.
1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar to large tub water, wet the dog well with this dilution, and leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse.