Medical Reasons Dogs May Stink 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.
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.
It could be a medical issue that needs attention right away. In fact, an abnormal smell is one of the big signs that your “healthy” dog is showing illness symptoms.
Poor diet can contribute to your dog's allergies as well, and can also be the cause of other problems, including yeast infections, which can also lead to foul odors. A diet high in carbohydrates and dog kibble that is highly processed can be the root cause of your dog's allergic reactions.
Reason 1: A Yeast Infection
Yeast has a very distinct musty, pungent odor, often compared to moldy bread or cheese popcorn. Yeast infections most commonly occur in the ear canals or on dogs' paws. Some people call a yeast infection on their dog's paws “Frito feet” because the smell is similar to corn chips.
Is your dog feeling itchy, or does his skin appear flaky, moist or crusty? He may have a bacterial or fungal infection. You may also notice, odor, inflammation or redness. Yeast dermatitis or staph infection can bring these symptoms, along with recurring health issues.
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.
(1 gallon of water, 1 cup of peroxide and 1 cup of vinegar). Walk your dog through the antifungal mixture several times a day being sure to cover all yeasty paws. There is no need to rinse with water, just pat dry.
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.
Bathe your dog regularly. Every 3 months is what most veterinarians recommend because too many baths can dry out your pup's skin. Try an aromatherapy shampoo, citrus or tea tree are best for fighting odors. Brush your dog, 2-5 times a week.
Poor grooming habits – As pets age, they may experience arthritis and other health conditions that limit their ability to self-groom. Lack of self-grooming creates a musky or foul smell over time, since the oils and excess dander build up on the skin and coat.
Be on the lookout for the following signs: Your dog is scooting on the carpet. Your dog is licking his bottom a lot. If your dog's glands are really full, they may leak out a stinky, pungent smell.
Groomers also use conditioners like our Plush Puppy T.L.C Leave-in or Rinse out conditioner to give your dog's coat a shine, as well as a fresh fragrance. This conditioner comes in a spray that can be left in your dog's coat, or rinsed out, whichever works best for your pet.
Rule of thumb: You can bathe your dog about once a month unless they seem smelly/dirty, or you notice it over-dries their skin. Note: Be sure to avoid over-bathing. Dry skin caused by over-bathing can be very uncomfortable. Dogs need a certain amount of oil to maintain a healthy coat and skin.
Diet is one factor that affects your dog's smell. So if you want to improve your dog's smell naturally, avoid feeding them low-quality food. Instead, add more raw meat and dog-friendly fruits and vegetables to your dog's diet. Some fresh herbs like parsley will also help to the neutralize your dog's smell.
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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.
Baking soda will deodorize your dog's coat, while cornstarch will absorb oil and soften the coat. Brush your dog and sprinkle the baking soda on the coat from the neck to the tail. Massage it into your pup's skin and let it rest for a few minutes.
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.
When some dogs eat ingredients such as chicken, wheat, corn or other individual items, ingestion will trigger an allergic reaction that can alter the natural flora and allow an unnatural growth of yeast.
If your dog smells of fish, the most common cause is usually problems with their anal sacs, but it could also be a sign of dental issues, digestive conditions or infections. Dogs have small sacs that sit either side of their anus and produce a distinctive smelling liquid that helps other dogs to recognise them.
Dogs can feel this built up pressure and will try to express their anal glands on their own. They can do this by scooting their butt across the floor or by chewing and licking at the rectal area.
Anal gland issues
These glands are sacs that secrete fluid, which dogs use to mark their territory. If they have an issue, the smell of this fluid can become extremely potent, Finn says. Common anal gland issues happen if the sacs are blocked or if they become infected.