Why Does My Dog Stink?
5 Reasons Why Your Canine Might Smell Funky
There's no question, we love our dogs. But they all tend to get a bit smelly time and again (and maybe again and again). Why does your dog stink exactly? Just what is the cause of that pungent dog smell? If your dog stinks no matter what you do, this article is here to help. We'll go over the many reasons why your pooch may be stinking up the place.
Why Does My Dog Smell So Bad?
P-U! You just caught a whiff of your smelly dog and are probably asking yourself, "Why does my dog smell so bad?!" The first step to figuring out the reasons your dog smells bad is determining the source of the odor. If it's been a while since they have been groomed, they might need a bath. But it might be something more serious too. Here are some reasons why your dog stinks no matter what you do.
1. They Need a Bath
First things first, let's talk about baths. If your dog spends time unsupervised outdoors, it's very likely that they rolled in something foul. But even the most well-behaved dogs get dirty just from, well, just being a dog! Eye secretions, food debris around their mouths and dirty paws all add up to one smelly dog. The accumulated dirt and grime in their fur could be why your dog smells bad. If that's the case, some spa time might just do the trick!
How to Properly Bathe Your Pet to Prevent Dog Odor
- Prepare the space: Gather everything you need, including dog soaps, shampoos, a comb, cotton for their ears and towels. Place a towel or non-slip mat in the tub to help prevent slips.
- Get wet: Use a large cup or a hand-held shower head to wet the fur thoroughly. Avoid getting water in the eyes or ears.
- Suds up: A gentle tear-free pH balanced shampoo for dogs cleans gently and won't strip essential oils from the fur and skin. Pay special attention to the groin and in between toes and skin folds. Carefully clean the eyes and ears to avoid discomfort.
- Rinse well: Shampoo residue can irritate the skin, plus the fur will be more likely to attract dirt and odors. If not properly rinsed, this could be why your dog smells bad and itches.
- Fluff and Dry: Pat dry with towels. You may want to also use a hairdryer on a low setting, especially for long-haired breeds. Keep the dryer moving so you don't accidentally burn their skin. Make sure all the nooks and crannies are dry to reduce the chance of yeast or other skin infections, which are some very common reasons your dog smells bad.
- Fragrance. Bathtime isn't complete without a spritz of your favorite pet deodorizing spray. Pet perfume helps maintain that fresh, just-bathed dog smell.
Why Does My Dog Smell After a Bath?
After Benji takes a bath, don't forget about washing his collar and bedding so they don't refunkify the newly deodorized pet. If there is still an odor, you'll need to investigate more to see why the dog stinks no matter what you do.
2. Skin Conditions
Some of the most common reasons your dog smells bad and itches are allergies and yeast infections. Both skin conditions can cause terrible odors. Skin irritation, redness and inflammation — especially paired with scratching — are all symptoms. Plus, excessive scratching and chewing can lead to infection if not treated, and open sores can reek. This issue is much more common with older pets and unfortunately many cannot be completely cured. But a daily spray of Aqua di Dog or other designer scent can definitely make that malodorous mutt more tolerable.
3. Dental Problems
Dog breath is never exactly fresh, but some is worse than others. Food residue, tooth decay and mouth infections can all lead to bad breath. If brushing their teeth and dental chews aren't working, it's time to ask a professional: "Why does my dog stink even with proper dental care?". Liver disease, diabetes and other serious medical conditions could be the cause. It's always best to check with your vet to see if they need their teeth cleaned professionally or if there is an underlying health issue for the yuck mouth.
4. Ear Infections
Healthy dog ears shouldn't have a strong odor. If they do, there's probably a problem that needs to be addressed by a veterinarian. Look for these other common signs and act fast if you suspect an ear infection. Left untreated, they can lead to hearing loss.
- Scratching the ears
- Shaking the head
- Crying when the ears are touched
- Tilting the head
No More Smelly Dog
"Why does my dog smell so bad?" is a time old question, but banishing dog odor doesn't have to be hard. With a little bit of care and a touch of GotDog pet perfume, bad dog smell will be a thing of the past.
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5. The Dreadful Derriere
Of all the smelly spots on your pet, a rotten rear is the worst! Luckily, there are some easy fixes to help transform their putrid patootie.
Anal Sacs
Did you know that dogs have two small scent sacs near their anal opening? Normally they self-clean every time the dog goes poo, but these glands can get impacted and be a literal pain in the butt for you and your dog. If you notice Skippy scooting in addition to the stench, it's likely that this is the source of the horrible dog smell. You should consult with your veterinarian to remedy this issue.
Gas
Nobody wants to deal with Fido farting all the time. Just like with people, dog farts are unavoidable. But when they are constant or accompanied by diarrhea, there could be something serious going on. Rule out any health issues with your vet, then follow these guidelines to reduce gas.
- Keep Toto out of the trash.
- Diet changes should be gradual.
- Watch the table scraps - avoid flatulence causing foods, fats and junk food.
- Encourage slower eating habits - eating fast adds air to the digestive tract.
Banish Dog Odor With GotDog
Of all the reasons your dog smells bad, most aren't his fault. The next time you're asking yourself, "Why does my dog stink?" you know what to do. After the vet rules out health issues, a good old fashion bath and some pet deodorizing spray like our dog grooming spray collection will keep your pet and your house smelling fresh.
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