How to Cure Smelly Dogs

If your dog has just romped around outside and comes inside smelling unpleasant, then it's easy to diagnose the cause and implement a solution to the smell. However, when the source of the unpleasant smell is unknown, figuring out the problem and carrying out a solution are more complicated. There are many reasons why your dog might smell, but with some patience, you may be able to fix the problem.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog shampoo
  • Veterinary toothbrush
  • Animal toothpaste
  • Pet wet wipes
  • Ear-cleaning solution
  • Cotton balls
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Instructions

    • 1

      Give your dog a bath with dog shampoo. Make this a weekly routine. If you find that you need to bathe your dog more often than once a week, then a health problem is probably causing the smell. Remember that too much bathing can lead to skin issues and a buildup of bacteria, which can actually cause a smell.

    • 2

      If the smell is coming from your dog's mouth, use a veterinary toothbrush and animal toothpaste. Brushing your dog's teeth daily may be all you need to do to cure the smell.

    • 3

      Clean your dog's eyes and ears. These areas can be sources of smells. To clean the eyes, wipe around them gently with pet wet wipes. For ears, use a cotton ball with solution provided by your veterinarian. Avoid washing your dog's ears during a bath. Water can cause irritation and health issues.

    • 4

      Take your dog to your veterinarian. Sometimes a smell can be a symptom of an underlying health issue, including skin infections, allergies, eye problems, dental issues, kidney toxins, or ear infections. Your vet will be able to diagnose these issues.

    • 5

      If there is a health problem, follow through on your veterinarian's recommendations. For example, with infections, you may need to give your dog several doses of antibiotics, or bathe your dog in medicated shampoo. Schedule your dog for a follow-up visit to make sure the problem is cured.