What Can I Use on My Dog So He Won't Smell?

If your dog doesn't smell good, there is a reason for it. It can be due to oily skin, bacteria or yeast build-up on the skin. Your dog may also have an odor if it has rolled on something smelly. The best way to ensure that your dog does not smell is to give it a regular bath. You can also follow some tips on what to use to prevent your dog from smelling.

  1. Baking Soda

    • If you do not want to bathe your dog too often or do not have the time to give it a bath, apply some baking soda to your dog. Rub the powder into the fur and then brush off the excess. This will prevent your dog from getting an odor.

    Dog Shampoo

    • Some dogs tend to produce more oil, which collects on the skin and becomes rancid. This condition is known as primary seborrhea and is often seen in Cocker Spaniels and Springer Spaniels. The odor is from the rancid oil present on the skin. Ask your veterinarian to recommend a shampoo to get rid of the excess oil. Let the shampoo stay for 10 minutes before washing it off. Ask the vet how often you should bathe your dog, as frequent bathing can stimulate the oil glands to produce more oil.

    Anti-bacterial Shampoo

    • If your dog is suffering from a bacterial skin infection, it can cause an odor to emit from your dog. Consult your veterinarian to prescribe an anti-bacterial shampoo. These shampoos help to control the bacteria build-up and also control the smell due to the bacteria. The residual effects of the shampoo will help your dog smell fresher for a longer period of time.

    Anti-fungal Shampoo

    • Yeast infection on the skin can also cause your dog to smell. You can ask your vet to prescribe an anti-fungal shampoo to control the yeast infection. These shampoos are especially formulated and contain imidazole antifungal agents that help in controlling yeast build-up on the skin.

    Herbal Shampoo with Conditioner

    • If your dog tends to spent a lot of time outside and loves to roll in dirt, try using a herbal shampoo with conditioner. Doctors Fosters and Smith recommend the use of this type of shampoo if you intend on bathing your dog often. Frequent baths with regular dog shampoo can strip the natural oils from the skin, leading to dryness and irritation of the skin.

    Brushing and Grooming

    • Brushing your dog every day will remove dirt and debris from the skin. It will also remove accumulated skin oils, preventing your dog from having an odor. Take your dog to a professional groomer once in a while for grooming. This will help your dog look clean and smell fresher.