It is natural for your dog to smell bad every once in a while; however, if odor becomes a persistent problem with your pooch, then there may be a specific reason. There are many types of dog odors, and each type can usually be controlled with correct vitamins.
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Types
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There are various types of pesky dog odors that can affect your relationship with your pet. Breath and gas odors are two of the most common bothersome odors. Odors that arise from your dog's skin and coat can also become overwhelming.
Considerations
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It's not uncommon for your pet to have some pet odors, naturally. However, persistent pet odors can be a symptom of greater health problems. Observe your dog daily to ensure there are no additional symptoms that accompany the odor. For example, enduring bad breath can be a symptom of periodontal disease, a gingivital infection that causes pain. Skin and coat odors can also be a sign of allergies or other skin diseases. Inspect your dog's skin to see if it's dry, flaking or has sores. If you believe your pet's odors are symptoms of a larger issue, contact your vet immediately.
Bad Breath
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To control your dog's bad breath, brush his teeth daily. Dog toothbrushes and toothpastes are available in pet supply stores. However, there other vitamins that may also reduce his breath odor. Look for the ingredient "Acidophilus" in dog food or treats. Acidophilus helps to regulate digestion, which, in turn, will reduce the dreaded "puppy breath" (PetSmart). Petplace.com recommends feeding your dog Eukanuba Restricted-Calorie Rewards®, which has the nutritional makeup to reduce bad breath. Your vet can also prescribe the mouth spray chlorhexidine for bad breath.
Persistent Gas
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The easiest way to decrease your dog's gas is to make sure he has enough exercise. Also, don't give dogs human food, as this will also make him gassy. For vitamins and supplements, you can give your dog charcoal supplements. These are sold at most pet supply stores. There are also numerous digestive enzymes readily available that will control your pet's gas. Contact your vet for the dosage on both of these supplements.
Skin and Coat Odors
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Skin and coat odors can be tricky to control because the causes vary so much. Sometimes, the odors can originate from oily skin, while other times, your pet may have an allergy, due to a zinc deficiency. If your pet's skin or coat is especially smelly, take him to the vet first to determine the cause of the odor. Biotin and Omega-3 fatty acids are common supplements that will control dry skin in your pet, thus decreasing odor. Vitamin E is another supplement that supports overall pet care, including coat and skin care.
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