As beloved and loving as dogs are, it is undeniable that dog odor can be pesky and unpleasant. Most importantly, strong dog odor can be indicative that there is potentially something wrong the dog's health. Dogs have natural scents, but can often develop unusual odors due to problems such as skin-related disorders.
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Halitosis
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Just as it is possible with humans, it is possible for dogs to have bad breath, which is also known as halitosis. There are various different health reasons why a dog might be plagued with bad breath, which include dental issues, such as gingivitis, constipation and indigestion. A couple of ways to prevent bad dog breath include feeding the animal a healthy, all-natural diet and brushing the dog's teeth on a regular basis.
Atopy
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Atopy is the name of a skin condition that often causes dogs to have unpleasant odors. Atopy is a skin inflammation that results in extreme itchiness. The skin that is inflamed produces excess sebum, which is the oil that is located on the skin's surface. Excess oil located within the dog's fur and skin, together with various bacterias on the coat can lead to a strong and unpleasant odor. Oftentimes, atopy results from allergies. Grooming dogs on a regular basis can decrease the chances of atopy developing.
Ear Infection
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Ear infection is a common cause for bad dog odor. Dogs that have long floppy ears are particularly susceptible to ear infections. It is beneficial to closely examine the area around the dog's ear canal and to look for irritation or redness. One common signal that a dog might be experiencing an ear infection is the dog rubbing or pawing around his/her ears constantly. The ears might emit a foul-smelling discharge, as well. Dogs that have ear infections must receive veterinary attention as soon as possible. It is also crucial to regularly check the dog's ears for any mites, debris or dirt.
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