Help, my dog is smelly! Tips for reducing the odour of a dog

Dogs obviously don’t smell like your favourite perfume. But if your dog smells bad, there are things you can do about it. Here are some tips for reducing the odour of a dog.

Why does my dog smell bad?

Healthy dogs don’t typically smell bad, apart from the usual dog scent. Larger dogs tend to have a stronger odour and the coat plays a role of its own. Although these rules do not always apply, long-haired dogs can be prone to nasty odours. One possible cause is perspiration. Another is when your dog’s coat has been wet for too long.

Read more: Tips for taking care of your dog’s coat.

Where does the smell come from?

Before worrying about the cause, try to find out exactly where the odour comes from. Here are the most common types and causes of bad odours in dogs.

• Coat – Bad odours in dogs often come from the coat. This is most commonly the result of a skin infection caused by yeast or bacteria, which may occur when the dog’s skin suffers from reduced immunity. Another common cause is when the dog’s coat has been left wet for too long.
• Teeth/mouth – If the odour comes from the dog’s mouth or teeth, you may be looking at dental issues, inflammations or even kidney problems. An excess of dental plaque and/or tartar or an inflammation may cause an odour as well.
• Ears – Does your dog have smell ears while producing excessive earwax? You may be facing an ear infection.
• Anal glands – anal gland infections are quite common in dogs. If the odour comes from that region, this may be the cause.
• Skin and lip folds – Dogs with large skin and lip folds are particularly prone to odours. Large folds and excessive skin make for places that are difficult to dry, elevating the risk of inflammations and eczema, and the associated odours.

How to combat dog odour?

Once you have determined where the odour comes from, it is time to find a solution. Some problems can be solved on your own, but do not hesitate to consult your vet. When it comes to inflammations in particular, as well as other coat-related issues, a vet can provide a quick and effective solution. As tempting as it may be to start washing the dog more frequently in order to get rid of bad odours, this is not a good idea as it may even exacerbate the problem. For that reason, it is recommended to limit washing to once a month.

Food allergy

Sometimes a bad odour is caused by a dietary problem. When reduced skin immunity is the result of a food allergy, it is a good idea to try and change the diet. Yarrah’s dog food is 100% organic, free of artificial additives and can help reduce allergies.