How to Prevent Dog Odor

Every dog has its own natural odor. However, the odor does not have to be foul or overpowering. According to many veterinarians, the majority of dog body odors are caused by yeast, bacteria or excess oil on the dog̵7;s skin. Other sources of odor include infections of the mouth or ears and intestinal gas. Fortunately, a dog owner can prevent these and other odors by following a relatively simple grooming schedule and by knowing when to bring the dog to the veterinarian for medical treatment.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog brush
  • Dog shampoo
  • Hair dryer
  • Canine toothpaste or baking soda and water
  • Cotton balls
  • White vinegar
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Water
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Instructions

    • 1

      Take your dog to the veterinarian for regular checkups. Detection and treatment of disease will reduce foul odor caused by infections.

    • 2

      Brush your dog̵7;s coat frequently, at least once per day and more in the summer. Brushing removes odor-causing oil and other materials from the dog̵7;s coat.

    • 3

      Wash your dog regularly. Consult your veterinarian to find out how often to bathe your dog, as certain breeds require more frequent bathing than others, depending upon the amount of oil produced by the skin. For example, cocker and springer spaniels produce more oil than other breeds and will need more frequent baths to prevent oil accumulation on their skin from becoming rancid. Less active dogs will require less frequent bathing.
      Choose gentle, fragrance-free shampoo because dogs may try to cover the scent of the shampoo. Dogs roll in dirt and stinky materials like dead fish because they are attracted to these kinds of strong smells. After shampooing, particularly for long-haired dogs, use a blow dryer on low to completely dry the dog̵7;s coat and keep mildew odor from lingering.

    • 4

      Treat yeast and bacterial-skin infections as they arise. Signs of a yeast or bacterial infection may include itching and a pungent smell to the skin. Some dogs get a skin condition called seborrhea, which will greatly increase odor. Seborrhea is characterized by yellow-brown colored scales usually found on the dog's hocks, elbows and near its ears. Your veterinarian may prescribe an anti-bacterial or anti-fungal shampoo, as they prevent residual odor.

    • 5

      Brush your dog̵7;s teeth weekly to keep odor-causing bacteria to a minimum. Purchase and use canine toothpaste or make a paste of baking soda and water. Use a child̵7;s toothbrush if your dog is large, and a rubber fingertip brush if your dog is small.

    • 6

      Remove dirt and yeast from your dog̵7;s ears by cleaning them every week with a cotton ball and an equal parts mixture of white vinegar, rubbing alcohol and water. This will cut down on ear infections, reducing potential odor. Dogs with floppy ears are most prone to ear infections.

    • 7

      Wash and dry your dog̵7;s bedding and toys regularly and thoroughly.

    • 8

      Clean your dog̵7;s water and food bowls every day, as they hold bacteria which may be harmful to the dog.

    • 9

      Contact your veterinarian if you notice odor from your dog̵7;s anal area--it may need to have its anal glands emptied, or expressed. Your veterinarian can empty the anal glands, or she can show you how to express them yourself.