Why Does My Dog Smell so Bad?

Dogs have natural body odors that are as individual to them as ours is to us, and their natural odor should not be objectionable. A dog with truly offensive "doggy odor" or "doggie breath" may have a physical illness or infection that creates a foul smell. Of course, it could just be that your dog has been out rolling in the neighbors' garbage, animal droppings, or some other smelly substance, in which case a bath will make him more desirable company (except for the temporary "wet dog" smell). However, a strong and persistent bad odor emanating from your dog can indicate one or more of a variety of health conditions:

Ear Infections

A dog's ears should have little natural odor, and a strong smell coming from the ear canal can indicate your dog has an ear infection. Some dogs' ears naturally produce excess earwax, and a buildup of secretions in the ear canal feed bacteria. Bits of plant matter and other foreign objects that get into the ear canal can also create infection. Dogs with ears that flop over are particularly vulnerable, since the ear flap holds in body heat and creates the warm, moist environment in which bacteria thrive. Take your dog to the vet if the ear canals are red, inflamed and appear infected or if your dog is constantly scratching at his ears; untreated ear infections in dogs can lead to deafness.

Dental Infections

Dogs don't get cavities as often as humans do, but periodontal disease is very common in dogs. Bacterial infections in the mouth create an awful case of "doggy breath," and will require professional doggy dental treatment. Get your dog used to having his teeth brushed once a day, and keep him on a diet of dry chow, to prevent dental infections and odors. You'll also safeguard your dog's health: Periodontal disease is the leading cause of death in dogs, and is easily preventable.

Infected Anal Glands

Dogs exude their "personal scent" from their anal glands, which is why dogs sniff each other's rears. Normally, the smell isn't strong enough for humans to notice, although the dog's bedding may get a noticeable odor between washings.

Infected anal glands are often the result of soft stools that don't adequately push the oils out of the glands when the dog evacuates. The oils inside the anal glands may build up and create a strong odor that comes, naturally, from the dog's tail end.

Scooting across the floor on his bottom, excessively licking his behind, or bulges around his rectum may indicate that your dog has an impacted anal gland. Expressing the anal gland is best left to your veterinarian, since it's possible that the gland may burst and spread the infection. Your veterinarian may prescribe pet medications to relieve your dog's discomfort and fight infection.

Oily Skin

Some dogs have oily skin, and the buildup of oils can create odor and skin infections. Bathing a dog with oily skin may actually make the condition worse, so don't bathe him more often than once a month unless he's truly dirty. Use a tar-based shampoo, or a human dandruff shampoo, on dogs with oily skin. A dry bath with cornstarch and a thorough brushing afterward will help absorb and remove excess oil between necessary tub baths.

Dry Skin

Dry skin can make dogs itchy, and excessive scratching can break the skin and create secondary bacterial infections, giving the dog a foul odor. Brush your dog regularly, but avoid bathing him until he really needs it. Use tepid water to avoid drying the skin out more, and choose a mild shampoo. Human baby shampoo is safe for dogs, too, and very gentle on their skin. Adding fish oil to your dog's diet may help alleviate dry skin conditions, and a dry bath with cornstarch may temporarily relieve the itchiness.

Allergies

Dogs can be allergic to many things in their environment, but rarely have respiratory symptoms common to humans. Instead, they react to allergens through their skin. Some dogs are extremely sensitive to flea saliva and flea dirt. Excessive scratching and digging can further irritate the skin, creating a skin infection and a smelly dog.

Some dogs have an allergy to corn, the main ingredient in many cheaper dog chows. A better diet may improve your dog's skin condition. Other common allergens include spring pollens (allergy to the larger pollens of fall is less common in dogs), cigarette smoke, household cleaners, pesticides, shampoos, and even cats or other pets. Your vet may be able to diagnose what your dog is allergic to, but such treatment can be expensive. You may be able to pinpoint the cause of your dog's allergic reactions through the process of elimination, but if your dog is suffering with inflamed and broken skin, consult a veterinarian for treatment.

Related Links:

How To Care For A Dog With Allergies

How To Brush Your Dog's Teeth

How To Clean Excess Wax From Your Dog's Ears