What Can I Do if My Male Labrador Is Smelly?

Labradors are affectionate and expressive pets. They like to jump on and lick their owners. They also like to spend a good amount of time outdoors and are prone to getting sweaty and dirty. They are not very finicky eaters and will consume leftovers and other delicacies they find in trash cans. Sometimes they come inside smelling foul. There are many things you can do to keep your pet's breath and body smelling fresh.

  1. Regular Bathing and Conditioning

    • Do not assume that your Labrador's enjoyment of water from the garden hose or in the swimming pool or nearest pond is enough. Your pet might need to be cleansed with a medicated soap and warm water to kill off bacteria and remove dead cells. Certain medicated shampoos also can help remove parasites and other bugs from your Labrador's thick coat. A dry coat is often a result of poor diet, but pet shampoos with a proper balance of oils and skin treatments can help the condition.

    Dealing With Shedding

    • According to an article by vet Jon Geller on DogChannel.com, the amount of shedding varies from dog to dog and does not depend on color of fur. To accelerate the process of your pet losing its winter coat and growing the thinner summer coat, it is best to bathe and comb the old coat away with a large brush and hot water. Some owners try to accelerate the process by shaving the animal. This often makes the Labrador uncomfortable and itchy until the new coat grows in. Bathing and grooming the Labrador during this time of transition is more effective.

    Foul Feet

    • Groom the Labrador's paws as needed. Use an old toothbrush to remove debris from between the toes and off the bottom pads of the feet. When you trim the nails yourself, instead of having someone at your vet's office do it, use pet nail clippers to cut just above the quick.

    Dog Biscuits

    • If a Labrador's breath is "to die for," try allowing it to munch on dog biscuits that clean teeth and freshen breath. You may find that eating too many table scraps, raw meat or other components of the animal's diet causes stomach problems, which also can lead to bad breath. Stick with a high-quality pet food.