We all love to keep our dogs close, until there’s a bad smell involved. A smelly dog might leave you wondering if you have bathed them properly or are using the right grooming products. But, in fact, there can be many reasons why dogs smell bad, even after a bath. Here’s why it happens and what to do about it.
8 Common Reasons Why Your Dog Smells Bad
Sometimes dogs simply roll in stinky stuff like garbage or poop when they’re out of your surveillance, ending up steeped in that unmistakable smell. Thankfully, you know a long bathing session using a fragrant dog shampoo and cologne is going to make up for this notorious act. But persistent dog odors that linger even after bathing are your dog’s way of telling you that something’s wrong.
From skin infections to obesity, there are several reasons that can make your dog smell bad even after shampooing:
1. Skin infections
Skin infections are one of the most common reasons for bad odors in dogs. Bacteria and yeast thrive in warm, moist areas of the skin, especially if your dog has skin folds. Since the odor comes from the infection itself and not the dirt, a regular bath may not make it disappear.
- Common smells: Sour, cheesy, musty, rotten, stale, or yeasty.
- Symptoms: Red or inflamed skin, greasy coat, hot spots, itching, scratching, or hair loss.
- Treatment: Mayinclude medicated shampoos, antifungal creams, or antibiotics, depending on the cause.
2. Dental diseases or bad breath
Stinky breath or halitosis can occur due to dental diseases and can make your dog smell unpleasant. However, it can also be a sign of a serious health problem, such as liver disease, diabetes, or kidney disease. Sometimes, dietary deficiencies can also cause bad breath in dogs.
- Common smells: Pungent, foul, rotten, or ammonia-like.
- Symptoms: Foul breath, tartar or plaque buildup, difficulty chewing, excessive drooling, red or bleeding gums, or loose teeth.
- Treatment: Mayinclude professional dental cleaning, dental chews or rinses, and tooth extraction if required.
3. Ear infections
While the coat and mouth are two of the most common sources of your dog’s foul smell, it can come from their ears too. Dogs with floppy ears or those that swim frequently may be more prone to ear infections. Wax, bacteria, and yeast can build up inside the ear canal, creating a strong odor that remains even after a bath.
- Common smells: Sour, rotten, sweet, or yeasty.
- Symptoms: Head shaking, scratching at the ears, or black, yellow, or brown discharge.
- Treatment: Mayinclude vet-recommended ear cleaning solutions, antibiotic or antifungal treatments, or ear mite treatment (if detected).
4. Allergies
Allergies, like food allergies or environmental allergies, can cause inflammation, causing the skin’s natural barrier to become weaker. This allows bacteria and yeast to multiply more easily and create unpleasant odors. Bad smells due to allergies may be usually seasonal and can return despite regular grooming, depending on the allergen.
- Common smells: Sour, moldy, or musty.
- Symptoms: Excessive scratching, paw licking, ear infections, watery eyes, and red skin.
- Treatment: Mayinclude elimination diets, anti-allergy treatments, medicated shampoos, and skin and coat supplements.
5. Alterations in skin oil secretions
Dogs naturally produce oils that help protect their skin and coat. Changes in the skin’s oil production can make your dog’s coat greasy and trap odor-causing bacteria. Moreover, certain medical conditions, hormonal imbalances, or skin disorders can alter oil productions, making them smell stronger than usual.
- Common smells: Oily, rancid, greasy, or musty.
- Symptoms: Greasy fur, dandruff, sticky or oily skin, etc.
- Treatment: Mayinclude medicated shampoos and dietary supplements.
6. Urinary leakage
Urinary leakage or incontinence is a common problem in older dogs, spayed female dogs, or dogs with urinary tract issues. Even small amounts of urine trapped in the fur can cause a lingering ammonia-like smell that survives regular bathing if the underlying issue isn’t addressed.
- Common smells: Ammonia-like smell of urine.
- Symptoms: Damp fur near the bottom, frequent licking of genitals, wet bedding, and increased urination.
- Treatment: Mayinclude antibiotics for urinary tract infection, hormone therapy, or corrective surgeries.
7. Anal gland issues
Anal glands normally empty during bowel movements, but if they are impacted or infected, they can produce bad odors. In some cases, anal glands may leak or even rupture, leading to bad odors. A prompt veterinarian visit becomes essential if you spot any symptoms of anal gland issues in dogs.
- Common smells: Strong, fishy, and metallic smell.
- Symptoms: Dragging or scooting the bottom, licking or biting the anal area, swelling or redness around the anus, or thick, bloody discharge.
- Treatment: Fiber supplements or anal gland supplements may help firm stools, allowing the glands to empty naturally.
8. Obesity
Extra weight often leads to skin folds where moisture, bacteria, and yeast can collect. Obese dogs may also struggle to groom themselves properly, allowing dirt, saliva, and oils to build up over time. All of this can contribute to unwanted body smells in dogs.
- Common smells: Damp, mildew, musty, or yeasty smell.
- Symptoms: Visible skin folds, matted fur, lethargy, and weight gain.
- Treatment: Includes a vet-guided sustainable weight loss plan and daily exercise along with regular grooming to keep the skin folds clean and dry.
Common Grooming Mistakes that Cause Bad Odors in Dogs
Perfectly healthy dogs may also end up with a stench if any of these common grooming mistakes are involved. These includes:
- Leaving your dog’s coat damp for hours after bathing.
- Not cleaning the paws and underbelly area properly.
- Leaving mats or tangles unmanaged.
- Putting clothes or a harness on before the dog is completely dry.
- Skipping your dog’s dental care routine.
- Not cleaning the ears properly after swimming or bathing.
How to Get Rid of Bad Dog Smell
If your dog still smells bad after a bath, resist the urge to bathe them again right away. Overbathing can strip away the skin’s natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and even more odor over time. Instead, focus on following a good grooming routine and identifying and addressing the root cause of the smell:
- Identify the source of the bad smell to pinpoint whether it is a grooming issue or an underlying medical problem.
- Use a Dorwest Soothe & Calm Shampoo (a medicated shampoo after vet consultation if required) that is suitable for your dog’s skin type.
- Always dry the coat completely with a pet-safe dryer on a low setting to prevent moisture and bacteria from getting trapped in the coat.
- Clean your dog’s ears regularly with a veterinarian-approved ear cleaning solution.
- Brush your dog’s teeth regularly using dog toothpaste. Dental chews and routine professional cleanings can also help prevent bad breath.
- If the odor persists despite good grooming habits, schedule a veterinarian appointment to check for infections, allergies, or any other underlying medical conditions.
Tips to Keep Your Dog Smelling Fresh
- Wash your dog’s bedding, blankets, and toys regularly to prevent your dog from picking up their odors.
- Wipe dirty paws with soap and clean water after every walk. You can also use paw wipes for convenience.
- Use a good dog cologne spray after grooming to leave their coat smelling fresh and refreshing.
- Add skin and coat supplements or dental supplements into your dog’s diet to support skin, coat, and dental health.
- Use parasite prevention treatments year-round to reduce the chances of odors caused by parasitic infestations.
Parting Words
A healthy dog naturally has a mild scent, but a strong, persistent odor is usually a sign that something needs attention. So, next time when things seem (or smell!) fishy, try to take a closer look at where the smell is coming from instead of surfing the internet for a new shampoo bottle.
Remember, bad dog smell isn’t a permanent problem. It can be resolved easily with the right treatment approach and genuine care. Maintain a consistent grooming schedule and healthcare routine to reduce odors between baths, and most importantly, schedule regular veterinary visits to eliminate any potential causes of bad smells.