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.
Dental Disease
One of the most common and overlooked reasons that dogs carry a funky stench is dental disease. Although often brushed off as “dog breath,” it’s a serious condition.
Imagine how people would smell if they never (or rarely) brushed their teeth. Pets accumulate tartar just like we do, and over time the tartar begins to trap bacteria, resulting in a smelly mouth. You may notice discoloration of your pet’s teeth, or just a bad odor.
Have your veterinarian examine your pet’s mouth. Dental disease is easy to fix with a dental cleaning. This is done under anesthesia, and will get your pet back to having a healthy, smell-free smile.
Ear Infection
An infected ear can be a breeding ground for yeast and bacteria. These small organisms carry a big odor.
Dog ear infections can be deep within your pet’s ear canal, and may not be immediately noticed. You may also see your pet scratching the ear, or you may notice discharge that is brown or yellow coming out of the ear. These are all signs of an ear infection, and your pet needs to visit the vet. Your vet can determine the cause of the infection and help with medications and ear cleaner to help your pet clear the infection.
Diet
Certain diets may agree more with your dog than others. When a dog has what many pet parents describe as a “funky odor,” oftentimes it's due to skin changes caused by the wrong diet. It may also be that the diet is causing gastrointestinal upset, which can lead to gas. If your pet has a general odor that you are concerned about, discuss a diet change with your veterinarian—this simple step may literally clear the air.
Allergies
Dogs with allergic skin disease often have allergies to plants, pollen, food, or a combination of things. Over time, allergies cause secondary skin disease, and can often lead to infections of the skin and anal glands. Skin infections can cause a stinky odor.
Make an appointment with your veterinarian to narrow down the source allergen. There are many allergy medications and foods that can make a big difference and get your pet back to smelling like themselves.
Environmental Factors
Let’s face it: Dogs can be gross. They often choose to cover themselves with the stinkiest substance they can find, whether that’s excrement, an animal carcass, or yucky water.
If your dog has rolled in any of the above, take a deep breath and find a dog shampoo that is mild and pleasant smelling. A good bath (or two) does the trick—although you might want to wear rubber gloves to protect your own skin from the smell.