Reasons Your Dog Smells So Bad
Bacterial and fungal infections can affect dogs across their bodies, often on their skin. Most skin infections are secondary to other issues though, for example allergies. Allergies cause itching and inflammation, damaging the skin and meaning that bacteria and fungi that normally live there can overgrow leading to infections. Dogs with wrinkly skin often develop infections in the warm skin folds, making them prone to nasty odors.
Yeast dermatitis (Malassezia dermatitis) is a common fungal skin infection that can cause a foul, musty odor. Infected skin may be crusty, greasy, thickened, red, and itchy. Bacterial skin Infections may also lead to an increased smell, typically alongside other signs like hair loss, scaling, and pus-filled red bumps.
Tips to Manage Dog Smells From Skin Infections
- Since many infections are secondary to other issues, talking with your vet is a practical first step for managing your dog’s smelly skin. Frequent cleaning with dog wipes can help if your dog is prone to skin fold infections.
- Your vet will determine the best option for treating your dog’s skin infection depending on the type of infection, cause and severity. Topical treatments and medicated shampoos are often prescribed. Sometimes oral antibiotics and antifungals are needed for more severe infections. Possible underlying causes will also be investigated which may involve diet trials and blood tests.
2. Ear Infections
Ears are hotspots for bacterial and yeast infections that can also affect the skin. Infections may affect one or both ears and are more common in dogs with floppy or hairy ears that trap moisture and pathogens.
Waxy buildup and discharge are among the most prevalent ear infection signs, but redness, crusting, and a funky odor are also typical. You may notice your dog scratching their ear or shaking their head to relieve the pain and itchiness.
Tips to Manage Ear Infection Odors
- Prevention is the best way to handle ear infections. Owners should regularly check their dog’s ears for signs of a problem and clean the ears with a vet approved ear cleaner if necessary, especially after swimming.
- Treating existing ear infections requires consulting with your vet for proper diagnosis. Depending on the cause your vet may prescribe medicated ear drops, and if ear infections are recurrent they will investigate and address any underlying issues that may be contributing. For example, allergies, ear mites, and foreign bodies like grass seeds can all lead to ear infections.
3. Seborrhea
Seborrhea is a condition that causes skin flaking and often oily or greasy skin. It is caused by a keratinization malfunction, and a problem with the production of new skin cells.
Some breeds, including Basset Hounds and Cocker Spaniels, may develop it as a primary genetic disorder, but seborrhea is more commonly secondary to other conditions like hormonal imbalances, skin allergies, parasites and skin infections.
How to Manage Seborrhea
- Your vet is the best resource for resolving primary and secondary seborrhea. They’ll often recommend a special medicated shampoo to remove dead cells and reduce scaly buildup, while antibacterial and antifungal treatments can alleviate infections.
- Identifying underlying allergies, hormonal problems, and internal diseases is crucial in eliminating secondary seborrhea. Your vet will examine your animal and consider other factors, such as diet, body condition, and abnormal behaviors, to diagnose the problem and form a treatment plan.