Why does my dog skin smell bad and itch?

Your dog may have a condition called Mange. It is a highly contagious condition caused by parasitic mites and is zoonotic, meaning that it can be transferred from animals to humans. Although Mange is not drastic, I would still recommend minimal physical interaction with your dog, washing his or her bedding separately from your other laundry, and most importantly, calling your veterinarian immediately. in order to decide which treatment would best fit your dog. Best of luck and I hope your dog gets better!

The other possibility could be allergies. If your dog is scratching and licking enough because of an allergic reaction, a skin infection can develop. This causes a foul odor and sometimes the areas your dogs scratches or chews at most will lose fur. Either way, a visit to the vet is the best course of action!