- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
While we love our dogs unconditionally, their smell isn’t always one of them. Sometimes, a little smell is totally normal, like that ‘wet dog’ smell after a bath or a day at the lake. But if they start smelling extra stinky, it could be because they’re sick, they need grooming, or experiencing some discomfort.
Let’s look at these reasons, along with vet-approved tips to help your dog smell better!
8 Reasons Why Your Dog Stinks
If you’ve noticed your dog has a stronger smell lately, it could be for several reasons. Here are eight common causes of dog odor and what they might mean.
1. Rolling in something
Sometimes, the answer is simple: your dog rolled in something stinky! Dogs love strong smells, so they might roll in things like poop or dead animals.
This smell can stick to their fur when they come inside.
2. Anal issues
Dogs have scent glands near their anus. Usually, these glands empty when they go to the bathroom.
However, they can get blocked and produce a strong smell.
3. Infections
Ear infections can cause a foul smell in dogs, says Chinonyerem Ukweni, pet researcher and veterinarian.
Other types of infections that can cause smells include yeast, fungal, eye, and skin infections.
4. Dental hygiene
If the bad smell is coming from your dog’s mouth, it could be their teeth or gums.
Plaque buildup can cause bad breath and lead to gum disease, which affects up to 90% of dogs over three years old.
5. Allergies
Dr. Ukweni says allergies and skin issues can change how your dog smells.
Beyond a change in your dog’s natural scent, they may also cause itching, red skin, or hair loss.
6. Grooming needs
“Skipping regular baths and grooming routines can lead to noticeable smells,” Dr. Ukweni says.
Active dog breeds, especially retrievers and herding dogs, get smellier between baths.
7. GI discomfort
Dogs with an upset stomach might fart more, leaving a smelly odor behind. If your dog’s eating too much and too fast, they’re more likely to have gas.
Dr. Ukweni also says autoimmune gastrointestinal conditions may be the underlying source of the smell.
8. Other medical conditions
Dr. Ukweni says certain health issues, like cancer, diabetes, or urinary tract infections (UTIs), can make dogs smell. Other symptoms to look out for include:
When to See a Vet
If your dog suddenly starts to smell worse than normal, Dr. Ukweni says it’s a good idea to visit the vet to check for any health problems. The vet can look for other signs along with the smell and figure out the best way to help your dog.
For example, the vet might suggest a new diet if your dog has a food intolerance. They can also take care of other smelly issues, like clearing out blocked scent glands near your dog’s bottom (a job you probably don’t want to do yourself!).
How to Help Your Dog Smell Better
Along with visiting your dog’s vet, here are some ways to tackle their bad smell.
- Change their diet. If your dog’s smell is from skin or tummy issues, changing their diet might help. Sometimes, dogs are allergic to certain foods like chicken or beef, so your vet might recommend a simple diet to find out what bothers them.
- Upgrade their grooming routine. Some dogs need more regular grooming to smell their best. Most dogs need a bath every four to six weeks and an ear cleaning once a month. But, Ukweni says don’t bathe them too often—this can irritate their skin and make smells worse.
- Brush their teeth. If your dog’s breath smells bad, brushing their teeth regularly can help prevent plaque buildup. Dental chews and dog-safe mouthwashes can also keep their mouth fresh between brushings.
- Teach “leave it.” If your dog likes to roll around in poop, the “leave it” command can come in handy. When they seem interested in something smelly, use the command to stop them and avoid extra baths!
- Wash their bedding. If your dog smells bad because something stinky is stuck to their fur, washing their bed or blanket can help keep the smell from coming back after a bath. If your dog uses their bed and toys a lot, wash them every week; if they use them less, once a month should work!