Allergies, hormonal imbalances, fungus, parasites and localized inflammation can lead to an overgrowth of yeast or bacteria on the skin and cause an unpleasant smell. Your dog's discomfort will lead to excessive scratching and licking which can cause a secondary bacterial infection.
A dog who is itchy and smelly (has malodorous skin) could be suffering from a skin disease such as an infection. Your veterinarian can evaluate your companion's skin to look for signs of yeast overgrowth or wounds that may have developed secondary complications.
To help a yeasty stinky dog, an anti-yeast diet is recommended. This is also known as an anti-inflammatory diet. Diet that is conducive to healthy normal flora is needed to reduce the food source of yeast. Yeast use sugar as their source of energy.
Secondary yeast or bacterial infections on the skin or inside the ears remain the most common medical reasons dogs might smell awful. Allergies often begin the process, which leads to scratching and licking that open the door for infections.
If your dog has a yeast infection, you will probably smell it before you see it. People often describe this infection as smelling very musty or cheesy, like moldy bread or stale corn chips.
Also known as Malassezia dermatitis, yeast infections are usually found in the ears, skin folds, and in between paw pads. Overgrown yeast can make your pet uncomfortable. A yeast infection in the ear could cause deafness if left untreated, for instance.
External irritants, allergens, burns, or bacterial/viral/parasitic/fungal infections can all be present. If your dog still smells after a bath, is excessively scratching or licking, has a lot of scaling, or is rubbing his/herself on the carpet, take them to a vet as soon as possible.
Generally speaking, a healthy dog with a short, smooth coat and no skin problems doesn't need to be bathed often. In most cases, dog baths are more for the benefit of their pet parents than for the dogs themselves. Even so, it's a good idea to bathe your pooch at least once every two to three months.
Dogs Keep Itching Due to Bacterial and Fungal Skin Infections. Dogs who keep itching but don't have fleas or mites are more likely to have a skin infection. These infections may be bacterial or might be fungal. Yeast infections may also be a culprit for some itching in dogs.
Yeast Overgrowth
If your female dog smells funky, they may have a yeast or bacterial infection, such as vaginitis. Check for any signs of yellow or white discharge as another indicator of this infection. Many dogs also have a problem with ear infections due to overgrown yeast and/or bacteria.
The Bathe It Off Method
Wash your dog with apple cider vinegar mixed with shampoo. Use 1 tablespoon vinegar, and 1 tablespoon Dawn dish soap mixed with 1 cup water. Vinegar neutralizes smell and works as an anti-fungal. Use an anti skunk spray shampoo.
It's best not to use cold water when bathing your dog. You'll have a more compliant and happier pet if you use warm water, even when washing big dogs. In addition, cold water simply doesn't work as well for cleaning.
Washing the skin and hair coat removes everything from dirt and grime (i.e., the mysterious funk your dog rolled on in the grass), to allergens, bacteria, and parasites. Bathing also removes dead hair and hydrates and nourishes the skin and coat, helping your dog feel more comfortable and less itchy.
You shouldn't wash your dog more often than once a month because excessive shampooing can strip the natural oils from their skin and coat. These oils help to keep their skin and fur in good condition, and overwashing will lead to dry skin and fur, which can cause or worsen any skin ailments your pooch has.
When we bathe (humans and dogs alike), we strip natural oils from our skins. Those constant baths you're giving your dog are removing natural oils from their skin and coat, which signals their glands to secrete even more oils, and those oils are magnets for dirt, grime, and odor-inducing bacteria.
There are two kinds of treatments for a dog yeast infection: antifungal pills and topical products like shampoos and ointments. If the yeast infection is mild or limited to one or two small areas, topical treatment may be enough. But if the infection is severe or widespread, your dog may need oral medication.
carbs and sugar are what yeast thrives on. Feeding a high carbohydrate kibble diet often leads to food allergies or intolerances that make your dog more susceptible to yeast.
For dogs with bacterial, fungal or yeast infections, ringworm or mange, frequent bathing helps kill the infectious organisms and parasites. And for dogs with skin diseases, it's recommended that they be bathed every one to two days to get the problem under control, and several times per week until the skin has healed.
Symptoms include flaky or crusty skin (particularly around your dog's nails, skin folds, armpits and anal area), intense itchiness, and in some cases ear infections. Treatment for fungal dermatitis can include antibiotics, along with topical anti-fungal treatments such as shampoos, or ear ointments.
Bacterial and fungal infections can have your dog feeling itchy, with skin that appears flaky, crusty or moist. Redness, inflammation and odor may also be a problem, not to mention recurring health concerns when it comes to yeast dermatitis or staph infection.
An Excellent Probiotic For Their Gut
If that was not enough, the probiotics found in yogurts can help your dog to fight yeast infections, which can result in ear and skin problems. Furthermore, probiotics may help your dog's body to absorb nutrients and boost immunity.
While some pet owners are content to let their dogs air dry, you shouldn't be. When you let your dog air dry, they'll be at risk for fungus growing between their paw pads and in locations where their legs attach to their torso. If your dog has long hair, their fur may become matted if you let them air dry after a bath.