5 Reasons Why Your Dog Smells So Bad - What to Do About It?
Introduction to 5 Reasons Why Your Dog Smells So Bad – What to Do About It?
A dog’s body odor is a natural part of doggy life, especially early on.
As they mature, most dogs will develop a fairly neutral smell.
Dogs naturally smell, well, like dogs.
But just because a canine scent is normal, your pet should not have an odor that is unacceptable.
If you have noticed a new, undesirable smell lingering around your canine companion, it’s important to identify the source and eliminate the odor.
You and your dog will be much happier and your nose will be, too.
However, some dogs develop more disagreeable smells than others, and no owner wants to deal with a stinky dog!
Smelly dogs can bother us with their odor, as well as with the stains that result from their wet noses.
Here are five reasons why a dog may get stinky, and what you can do to remedy each of these issues.
Dental Problems
- The best way to deal with a foul odor in the mouth is by preventing it before it even happens. A dog with normal dentition can be fed a diet of raw meaty bones.
- If your dog eats commercial kibble or canned food, or if he has abnormal teeth, the only thing to do to prevent the infection and avoid the smell is to brush the teeth once daily.
- Dogs that already have tartar buildup also have periodontal disease and the pockets of bacteria that you cannot see are causing a foul odor from his mouth. Have his teeth cleaned at your veterinarian.
Gas
Flatulence is a common problem in dogs and if yours can clear the room after passing gas, it is often an intolerance to an ingredient in their food.
Working with your veterinarian to change to a different diet, whether that be grain-free or fish-based, can often help the problem.
However excessive wind can sometimes signal an underlying medical issue so if the air around your pet remains whiffy, continue to consult your veterinarian until the problem is resolved.
Allergies
Seasonal or food allergies can cause inflammation of the skin which leads to excessive secretion of oil from certain glands in the skin, producing a musty smell.
A poor diet can contribute to this condition and can also be the cause of other problems including yeast infections, which also give off a foul odor.
These are often caused by a diet high in carbohydrates and processed foods.
Changing to high-protein, non-processed dog food or trying out allergy tablets for dogs can often help with this.
Ear Infections
Ear infections are also common in dogs.
Some of them will make a dog smell really foul.
What can be done about it?
- If the dog has inhalant allergies, his ear problems should be taken care of (ear washes and antibiotics) at the same time as the allergies are being treated.
- Ear mites can be treated easily with olive oil.
Grass seed or other foreign body in the ear might be irritating and can cause a lot of pus and stink. - Several herbal and homeopathic therapies are available. There are so many alternatives (depending on the cause of your dog’s ear problems) that you need to consult a holistic veterinarian to find out what might work.
Like a dog with a skin infection, a dog with an infected ear should be examined by your vet.
If the eardrum is intact, a cleaning solution can be dispensed, and the dog will be treated with the appropriate antibiotics or fungal treatment.
Smelly ears are difficult to deal with. If your dog has allergies and floppy ears like a Cocker Spaniel and has suffered recurrent ear infections, a cheap and efficient way to clean the ears is with dilute vinegar.
There are some household remedies (like women’s gynecological cream) that might help.
If your dog’s ear problem is not clearing up, consult a holistic vet in your area to examine some of the alternative treatments.
Anal Sacs
What To Do About It?
- Start dental hygiene early to prevent problems. This can include annual dental cleanings, brushing your dog’s teeth at home and even certain dog chews can help reduce dental buildup.
- Keep folds in the skin and ears clean and dry. Check your dog’s ears periodically and be sure to dry them after swims or baths.
- Feed a healthy diet. If you suspect your dog’s diet might be the culprit, try a diet with different ingredients. Consult your veterinarian for recommendations.
- Bathe your dog regularly! An obvious, yet often neglected solution!
If the stink persists, consult your veterinarian as some medical conditions can produce strange odors.
Breath that smells fruity or sweet could indicate diabetes while kidney disease or bladder infection can result in the breath that smells like urine.
