Remedies to Make Your Dog Smell Better

Of course you love your dog. But sometimes...whew. He can really clear a room. A clean, healthy dog should not smell bad: Body odor, flatulence and bad breath may be a sign of an inappropriate diet or inadequate grooming. And your dog's natural inclination to pester skunks and roll in decay only adds to your woes. With time, patience and some rubber gloves, you can restore your stinky dog to a more socially acceptable state.

  1. Eating and Digestion

    • If your dog's breath is unusually bad---more deadly than doggy---it could be his teeth. Gingivitis and periodontal disease can cause gum infections, pain and bad breath. Signs of gum disease include reddened, swollen gums and brownish plaque buildup.

      If plaque has built up thickly, a professional cleaning may be in order. If the condition is milder, regular brushing can keep dragon breath at bay and your dog's gums in top shape. Do not use human toothpaste in your dog's mouth. Use dog-specific toothpaste only.

      Food sensitivities and dietary indiscretion can cause gastric upsets that result in bloating and flatulence. Common commercial dog food ingredients like wheat, corn and soy can give your dog gas. Use caution when giving your dog table scraps; salty, spicy or fatty foods can tax the digestive system, too.

      Probiotic supplements, the "good bacteria" found naturally in the intestines, can improve digestion and reduce gas and other gastrointestinal symptoms.

    Grooming

    • Longhaired dog breeds need more grooming than short. Pay particular attention to your dog's rear quarters, as feces and urine can cling to the fur in this area. Keep the hair clipped short to avoid odors.

      Impacted anal glands can cause discomfort as well as odor. You can learn to express the glands at home. It isn't difficult but it's not pleasant, either. A veterinarian or professional groomer can undertake this task if it seems out of your comfort zone.

      All dogs benefit from regular brushing and bathing. Combing and brushing removes dead skin and loose fur and stimulates the skin to keep fur soft and shiny. Omega fatty acid supplements (EFAs) can keep skin and fur healthy and provide other benefits as well.

    Combating Other Smells

    • What smells bad to you may not smell bad to your dog. Dead animals, feces and skunks don't repel you dog. Often, they have the opposite effect and your dog--freshly bathed, brushed and clipped--may get entirely too close to these smell-producers.

      A thorough bath using a mild dog shampoo should remove most traces of decayed animal and feces smells. Skunk spray usually requires more effort.

      A common and effective recipe for de-skunking your dog suggests mixing 1 quart 3% hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and 1 teaspoon liquid soap. Pour this solution over your dog and work it into her fur. Leave it on for three minutes, then rinse. The recipe can be doubled for bigger dogs. Commercial products are also available.