Five reasons your dog smells bad & how to help

Dogs are famous for rolling in rotten things, but sometimes bad odor is a sign of a serious health problem that requires veterinary care. 

Five reasons your dog smells bad & how to help

Dogs are famous for their bad breath and “Frito feet,” but sometimes Fido seriously stinks. Foul odors can be a symptom of a serious health problem, so it is important to investigate what is causing them. Here are a few reasons your companion may smell bad and how you can address each of them:

1. Stinky skin: Brushing your dog can help remove dead skin, dirt and other malodorous matter from his coat. Do this regularly and be sure to keep your pet’s bedding clean, too, to help eliminate bad odors coming from his skin. If you are grooming and bathing your pet regularly and his coat still stinks, however, he may by experiencing seasonal or food allergies that can cause inflammation of the skin. Poor diet can cause smelly skin, so be sure you are feeding your pet high-quality food.
 

2.  Bad breath: Unpleasant breath is typically caused by accumulation of bacteria in your pet’s mouth. While regular tooth brushing can help eliminate dog breath caused by tartar build-up, sometimes your companion experiences a more serious dental infection that requires veterinary care, such as pulling an infected tooth. In less common cases, bad breath can also be a symptom of infection of your pet’s kidney, liver or other organs. If Fido’s breath is seriously stinky and persists, take him to the vet to diagnose the problem.

3. Bad Gas: Occasional gas is normal for dogs, but excessive flatulence can be a sign something is wrong. Your dog may simply need a different diet, or he may be experiencing a more serious health problem such as inflammatory bowel disease. Whatever the cause, your veterinarian can help identify the underlying reason for your companion’s exceptionally bad gas.

4. Ear infections: Bacteria and yeast thrive in the wrinkles of skin around dogs’ ears, which can lead to a bad odor. Clean your companion’s ears regularly to help prevented infections, especially if he is a floppy eared breed. If your pet already has a serious infection in his ears, take him to the veterinarian to treat the problem.

5. Anal sacs: Smelly secretions from Fido’s rear end are one of the most common causes behind bad odor. All dogs have scent glands on their posteriors, which they use for marking. When these anal sacs become impacted, it does not just create a seriously bad smell, but can be painful for your pet. If your dog is emitting an exceptionally bad odor or is scooting across the floor, it is time to visit your veterinarian to determine if this is due to impacted anal glands and enlist his help to alleviate the problem.

Though dogs sometimes smell from rolling around in something rotten, some odors are the symptom of a serious health problem. By understanding what bad smells coming from his ears, mouth or other body part can indicate, you can catch health problems early and address them with your veterinarian.