It is difficult to like a dog that has a stinky smell, particularly if it enjoys rolling around in excrement or dead animals.
Many odors, however, are difficult to explain or manage.
Dog smells, whether pungent or putrid, should be taken very seriously. A bad smell could be an indication of serious illness.
Do not just wrinkle your nose when you smell your dog.
Six reasons your pet may smell bad.
Wet Dog Smell
Ever wondered why your dog smells after taking a bath or shower? The American Chemical Society describes in this video how bacteria and yeast quietly reside in the dog’s hair. As long as it stays dry, little smell is produced. The water in your dog’s bathe or swim releases a variety of chemical compounds.
George Preti, a scientist at Monell Chemical Senses Center and an expert in body odor, explains that “the water molecules have displaced smaller volatile compounds, which are odoriferous.”
Mouth Odors
Be aware of any changes to your dog’s breathing. A sudden change in smell could indicate an infection.
The smell of an infected tooth is unpleasant, says holistic veterinarian Dr. Laurie Coger.
A bad breath can also be a sign of kidney or diabetes.
According to Dr. Ann Hohenhaus of the Animal Medical Center, New York City, the breath of dogs with kidney failure may smell like urine or metallic. Your dog should be seen by a veterinarian immediately if this is the case.
Hohenhaus tells us that “it’s completely different from bad breath caused by bad teeth.”
Diabetes in its late stages can also have a distinct scent.
Hohenhaus says that without insulin the body cannot use the food. A diabetic dog will consume a lot of food but lose weight rapidly because they can’t digest the food. “They break down their body to get nutrients.”
This produces ketones which give off a distinct odor. Others think it’s sweet, while others say that the smell is similar to nail polish remover.
Hohenhaus says, “Once the smell of a pet’s breath is detected by you, you will never forget that scent.”
Take your dog to the veterinarian immediately if she displays this symptom.
Skin problems
You should be aware of the skin folds on any dog, including a Spaniel or Pekingese. Skin fold dermatitis is a skin condition that causes odor.
Regularly clean your pet’s folds of skin to avoid an infection or a bad smell.
Coger says that skin fold cleansing is important for these dogs. He recommends baby wipes or skin fold cleaners as a gentle way to clean them.
A dog’s skin can become infected and smell bad when the normal barrier of skin is broken by allergies, prolonged moistness, hormonal imbalances, etc. Coger says that red, inflamed, or swollen skin can indicate infection.
Ear Infections
It’s likely that your dog has a yeast infection. This is a very common problem in dogs. Dogs can also suffer from bacterial ear infections, which tend to be more unpleasant than yeast infections.
Long, droopy ear hairs are more prone to allergies. Hohenhaus says that dogs with allergies are more likely to get ear infections.
She says that you need to treat your dog’s ears, and in some cases the entire body if it has an allergic reaction.
Your dog’s veterinarian and you should investigate what is causing your pet to be allergic. It could be something in their food, outside pollen or in the house dust mites.
Gas Attacks
Your dog probably ate an unsuitable food. She may also be vomiting and having diarrhea, which means she ate something nasty.
It’s not as easy as preventing your dog from eating garbage. Hohenhaus says that sometimes increased flatulence can be a sign of serious health problems.
Hohenhaus suggests that a diet change could reduce flatulence in dogs whose gas does not stem from underlying medical issues. Your dog will need a diet that is tailored to his needs.
Coger is convinced that a diet free of grains can have a positive impact.
She says that switching to a grain-free lifestyle can improve digestion and lead to less gas, smaller, less stinky stools and reduced ear infections and skin irritations.
Anal Sacs
Anal glands or anal sacs can be found on each side of an animal’s anus. These sacs have gland-lined walls, which fill with an odorous substance. Normaly, the dog will secrete some when she poop.
Hohenhaus claims that dogs with infected or impacted anal sacs lick excessively their rearsides or rub their bottoms against the floor to alleviate itching. Animals may expel brown material that is far more offensive than feces.
Hohenhaus explains that your pet’s anal sacks can be expressed manually at the veterinarian’s office. Failure to treat impacted sacs may lead to ruptures and abscesses.
Allergies can cause chronic problems with the anal sacs in your dog.
Hohenhaus says that in the spring, as the pollen is out, more animals will be sliding their bottoms across the floor. It’s an allergy manifestation. Speak to your vet about managing allergies.”
Tips for Keeping Your Dog Smelling Good
Bathing regularly and grooming your pet can reduce the odors that are not associated with health issues.
Coger recommends bathing most dogs once or twice a month. Coger says that dogs with long coats will need to be bathed more often, while puppies with shorter coats can go longer without a bath.
Coger advises that you should brush your dog’s fur when it sheds, as dead skin and hair can cause odor.
Coger suggests that waterless shampoos are useful for cleaning between baths and “spot-cleaning”, especially. These products are especially beneficial for breeds that have facial folds, long hair or may be prone to food getting on them.
Baby powder or cornstarch can be used to absorb smells when applied lightly. Coger warns against using excessive amounts of baby powder or cornstarch, which can cause a cake-up.