How to Stop a Dog From Stinking

Unpleasant dog odor can be the result of many things, ranging from minor skin infections to serious kidney failure. Although most dogs have a natural smell, not all odors that emanate from the furry creatures are simply "doggie odor." Strong dog odors are very often related to health issues, from irritation of the skin to anal gland impaction. Look into all of the possibilities as to why your dog might stink -- whether you have to examine its ears, its teeth or just its outdoor playing habits.

Things You'll Need

  • Antibacterial dog shampoo
  • Dog ear rinse
  • Cotton ball
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Instructions

    • 1

      Take your dog to the veterinarian to check out the possibility of any skin conditions; they're common culprits behind offensive dog odor. Bacterial skin problems often can lead to unpleasant odors emanating from the skin. One such example is seborrhoea, which is characterized by greasy, oily and flaky skin.

    • 2

      Look for antibacterial shampoos that are made specifically for dogs, particularly those that are designed to kill the bacteria that triggers bad smells. As for these products, try to get a recommendation from your dog's vet.

    • 3

      Observe what your dog does when he is outside. If your dog spends a significant amount of time outside, monitor his actions closely. Many dogs love nothing more than rolling around freely when outdoors -- whether it is in dog droppings or over a dead squirrel. If your dog has dirty outside habits, bathe him more frequently. Brush and groom your dog's coat more often, as those actions can help to eliminate the substances that bring upon these odors. Spritz on dog deodorizer sprays to quickly freshen your dog up between bathing sessions.

    • 4

      Consider your dog's rear area. If you suspect that the odor is coming from the rear section of your dog, look into getting its anal sacs cleared. Anal sac impaction is very common in dogs. Look out for signs, such as your dog dragging its bottom on the floor or the emission of oily, greasy and malodorous matter from that area. Take your dog to the veterinarian or groomer to clear these up. Letting the situation linger could lead to severe pain and discomfort for your dog.

    • 5

      Maintain your dogs' ears. Although it might be very easy to forget about your dog's ears, understand that a lot of bad dog smells originate within the ears. This is due to ear infections. To avoid your dog experiencing these bacterial infections, thoroughly cleanse her ears once a week. Some signs that a dog may have an ear infection include excessive shaking of the head and scratching. Use a doggie ear rinse and cotton ball to clean the ears.

    • 6

      Check your dog's teeth. Oral issues are also often associated with bad dog odors. If your dog's gums or teeth are deeply diseased or damaged, they could give off an extremely strong odor. Take your dog to the veterinarian if you suspect that he might have this problem.