You might love everything about your dog, except for the way he smells. Dogs stinking is common but if the bad smell persists even after a pleasant bath, there can be some health issues that you might need to address right away.
Poor hygiene is one of the primary reasons for stinky dogs, as it leads to infection and, eventually, a bad smell. In such cases, you will need to seek medical remedies.
However, firstly, you need to identify the root cause of the problem. Here are a few factors that contribute to the bad smell of the dog.
Factors that contribute to the bad smell of the dog
Wet Dog Smell
If your pet smells immediately after you give him a bath, it is entirely reasonable. Your dog’s fur is home to several microorganisms like bacteria and yeast, and they are dormant until your dog’s coat is dry.
However, as soon as the coat gets wet, these organisms release stinky compounds, contributing to the bad smell coming out of your dog just after a bath. This smell will go away once the fur dries back.
Oral Hygiene
Sometimes, your canine’s mouth can be stinky, and if your dog breathes changes suddenly, it can be a sign of an infection. In most cases, a bad odor is due to a bad tooth that leads to an unpleasant smell. In some cases, the stinky odor can be an indicator of some severe problems, such as kidney disease or diabetes.
Skin Problems
Breeds like Bulldogs, Pekingese, and Pugs have skin folds and need extra care on them. Skinfold dermatitis is a common skin disorder in dogs that results in a stinky skin odor.
Anyway, this condition can be avoided if you regularly clean your canine’s skin. Moreover, irrespective of what dog breed you have, make sure you clean their skin by simply wiping it off using baby wipes.
Ear Infections
Ear infections can be smelly too, especially a yeast infection, which is prevalent in canines. A worse one can be a bacterial ear infection too. Such problems are common in breeds with long, droopy ears. If you suspect an ear infection, head to the vet and get your canine treated.
Anal Sacs
Anal sacs or anal glands are situated on both sides of a dog’s anus. The sacs can fill up with a harmful substance, which in most cases, is secreted by the dog when while pooping. In severe cases, your dog will lick their backside too much and rub their backs on the ground to get relief from the itchiness.
In some cases, they might also release a brown substance, which can smell worse than poop. If you notice this condition, get in touch with your vet regarding the problem.
How to Keep Your Dog from Stinking?
The primary line of prevention is to take good care of your dog by grooming and bathing him regularly. In general, you should bathe your canine at least once a month to maintain skin hygiene and minimize odor-related problems.
Besides, keep an eye on your dog’s skin, ear, and anal region. If you notice any allergy or infection, talk to your vet.
Stinking dogs are common, and in most cases, it is normal. However, a persistent unpleasant odor can be an indicator of skin infections or other allergies, too; thus, keep a note of your dog’s health.