Body Odor in Dogs
Don’t put your dog outside because he smells bad. Find the source of the odor, and give your dog the love and attention he wants and deserves. The following information will help you determine the source of your dog’s offensive odor, and this information will help you control the odor and correct the problem. When your dog smells clean and fresh, you won’t mind his presence. Your dog will be happier when you’re once again willing to give him the affection he needs, and your dog will be healthier emotionally as well as physically.
Habits of Dogs
Have you ever noticed your dog rolling on his back in the grass and thought he might have an unreachable itch? Your dog might have had an itchy back, but chances are he was rolling in something he discovered on the ground. As disgusting as this may seem, dogs sometimes roll in the excrement of other animals. It makes you wonder why dogs would want excrements on their body, but what we think smells disgusting is fine perfume to a dog.
If your dog is going outside and coming in with a dirty back or a dirty foul smelling streak on his neck and muzzle, this is probably what he was up to. There’s really nothing you can do about this problem other than watch your dog while he’s outside and stop him when he begins rolling in nature’s perfume.
Mouth Problems
Many people think bones are enough to keep their dog’s teeth clean, but dogs’ teeth require brushing just like people. Tartar can build along the gum line and eventually cause decay. Bad teeth are definitely a cause of odors, but this problem can be corrected and prevented.
Have your dog’s teeth cleaned annually, and brush his teeth on a daily basis to prevent odor and decay. Your dog won’t mind having his teeth brushed. Toothpaste for dogs is available in beef and poultry flavor, and your dog will look forward to this tasty treat.
In addition, there are a number of dog treats designed to keep a dog’s breath clean and fresh, and if the teeth are in good condition, breath freshening treats really do work. If the teeth need to be professionally cleaned, treats will only be a temporary solution for bad breath odors.
Skin Conditions
If your dog has an unexplained body odor, check his skin for redness, irritation, and infection. Seborrhea will cause a body odor, and if a case of seborrhea isn’t severe, it may be treatable through medicated over-the-counter shampoo for dogs or dandruff shampoo for people. Take your dog to a veterinarian if a skin condition seems severe or if the body odor is persistent.
Ear Problems
Problems with the ears can be a source of a bad odor in dogs. Look in your dog’s ears for visible sores, irritation, oozing, or obstructions. If the source of a bad odor seems to be coming from your dog’s ears, take your dog to a veterinarian for a professional examination. Your dog could be suffering from an ear infection. The problem may lie deep within the ear canal, and it may require prescription medication.
The Anal Glands
Dogs have an anal gland on both sides of their rectum. Normally these glands are expressed while the animal is marking its territory, but sometimes these glands become impacted. This is why dogs sometimes scoot their behinds on the floor. Their behinds don’t necessarily itch. The dog’s behind might be irritated due to anal gland compaction.
If you notice streaks of blood on the floor, a bloody discharge on your dog’s behind, and a foul-smelling odor, your dog should be taken to a veterinarian for an examination and professional treatment. Your dog could have a ruptured anal gland and/or an infection. Your dog will require professional care and medication to correct this problem. After treatment, the bad odor should correct itself.
