We can think of a thousand and one reasons we love our dogs, but their smell is one aspect that could often use some improvement. Dogs have a habit of developing interesting odors, some from the environment and others due to bodily issues. No matter the cause, an off-putting doggy odor can understandably make you scramble for a solution.
While smart habits like monthly baths can prevent many common issues, rooting out the cause will reveal the most effective treatments for lasting odor control.
The 7 Possible Reasons Your Dog Smells So Bad
1. Skin Infections
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.
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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.
- Regular dental check-ups and cleanings by a vet are essential for maintaining good dental health in dogs. Your vet may also recommend dental chews, toys, or special diets to help keep your dog’s teeth clean.
7. Weight Management
Obesity is a significant health issue for dogs, leading to a variety of health problems such as arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and decreased life expectancy. Overfeeding, lack of exercise, and genetic predisposition can all contribute to weight gain in dogs.
Tips for Weight Management
- Feed your dog a balanced diet with the appropriate portion sizes to maintain a healthy weight. Avoid overfeeding and limit treats to prevent excess calorie intake.
- Provide regular exercise for your dog to help them stay active and burn off excess calories. This can include daily walks, playtime, and other physical activities that your dog enjoys.
- Consult with your vet to create a weight management plan tailored to your dog’s specific needs. They can help you determine the ideal weight for your dog and provide guidance on feeding and exercise routines.
8. Joint Health
Joint problems, such as arthritis, are common in dogs, especially as they age. Large breeds and overweight dogs are particularly prone to joint issues. Symptoms include stiffness, limping, difficulty getting up or lying down, and reluctance to exercise.
Tips for Joint Health
- Provide a balanced diet with joint-supporting nutrients such as glucosamine and chondroitin. Your vet may recommend supplements or special diets tailored to your dog’s joint health needs.
- Maintain a healthy weight for your dog to reduce stress on their joints. Regular exercise, such as gentle walks and swimming, can help improve joint flexibility and mobility.
- Consult with your vet if you notice any signs of joint problems in your dog. They can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend treatment options, such as pain medication, physical therapy, or surgery if necessary.
If your dog is experiencing hygiene issues, a visit to the vet for a dental cleaning and possible tooth extractions may be necessary to reduce the odor. Regular brushing can help prevent the odor from returning. Some dogs may have underlying health issues that contribute to bad breath, such as diabetes or kidney disease. It’s important to have your vet evaluate the cause of the bad breath and provide appropriate treatment.
To reduce wet dog smell, make sure to thoroughly dry your dog after swimming or bathing. Towel drying and using a dog-safe blow dryer on a low setting can help eliminate the odor. Keeping your dog dry is key to managing wet dog smell.
In addition to proper grooming and bathing, using pet wipes can help refresh your dog’s coat and manage odor-causing bacteria. Choose grooming products like oatmeal pet shampoo and wash wipes that are formulated with pet-friendly ingredients to keep your dog clean and odor-free. following sentence in a different way:
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