Why does my Dog Smell so Bad?

Dogs are like magnets to bad smell. Despite the weekly baths we give our dogs, it is sometimes unavoidable for them to attract bad smell. Having dogs as pets at home can be a bliss especially when they are very playful. However, their smell can sometimes become so bad that it causes the entire house to become stinky. Because of this, many of us have already spent a lot of time, money and effort just to get rid of the odor caused by our beloved pets. But the question is; why does my dog smell so bad? In order for us to answer this question, we must first identify the factors that can cause our dogs to smell?

Understanding the Smell of Dogs

Most of us think that providing regular baths to our dogs can already get rid of their awful odor. However, there are actually other reasons why our pet dogs can produce their nasty smell. This must be assessed carefully with the help of a veterinarian in order to determine the exact root of the problem. In fact, various skin, coat and health condition can affect the way our dog smells. Below are some of the common factors that can cause not just our dogs but as well as our home to suffer from bad odor.

One of the possible reasons why dogs can produce a very bad smell is when they roll in something that is dirty or filthy like a decaying matter or even feces. This is in fact considered the most common cause why our dogs can exhibit such awful stench. It is important for us to understand that dogs do this because it is their way to camouflage their scents. This makes them undetected by other dogs and as well as other animals. If this is the case we are having, then using an effective and scented dog shampoo can already provide us with wonders.

Other Causes of Bad Smell

Dogs can also smell due to problems with their breath. Dogs usually bite anything they can grasp with their snouts even if it’s a dirty old shoe or a smelly sock. Aside from this, most dog owners do not brush their dog’s teeth, which make them smelly after eating different kinds of food. Diseased teeth and gums can also get infected which can likewise produce a very foul odor. Dogs can also experience mouth sores, which can produce malodorous saliva and can also increase their drooling. Nevertheless, bad breath in dogs can also be caused by more serious health conditions. These health problems include kidney failure and as well as diabetes. This is the reason why we should never take our dog’s bad odor, specifically bad breath, for granted since this can already indicate something bad or serious to our dog’s condition.

Another possible cause of bad smell in dogs is an ear infection. Infected ears are usually caused by bacteria, which can produce a very awful smell. Sometimes the bad odor of dogs caused by ear infection can be enough to make an entire room smelly. Ear infection is usually characterized by increase scratching of the dogs in the affected area and as well as the shaking of the head. Giving a bath to dogs with ear infection is not a god thing since this can cause water to become trapped inside the ear canal thus aggravating the condition of the infection.

Aside from infection, flatulence can also cause dogs to smell bad. Flatulence or otherwise known as the increase release of “gas” can be a sign of dietary or intestinal problems. Flatulence is actually normal; however, if this occurs most of the time then it can already indicate something serious with our dog’s GIT. If this is the case then it is important to have our vet check our pet. Aside from flatulence, dogs can also suffer from anal glands/sacs problems. This cause of bad odor in dogs is considered to be hard to get rid of. Anal sacs are two small scent sacs that are located in the anus area of the dogs. These sacs or glands usually secrete a very smelly and oily secretion upon the release of the dog’s feces. This usually aids in lubricating the passageway in order to eliminate the wastes easily. If these sacs function normally, they do not usually cause a very severe stench whenever our dogs eliminate. However, once these sacs or glands become infected then it can already cause the secretion to become thicker and smellier. Infection can also cause the glands to secrete oil even if the dog is not removing any wastes. The oil can get to the dog’s fur or coat which they can carry around all day like their personal perfume.

As we can see, dogs can smell really bad due to different factors. It is important for us to determine the exact cause of their bad odor in order for us to provide appropriate interventions and/or management so as to directly target the root of the problem. Dogs are considered to be man’s best friend. That is why it is our responsibility to provide our “best friends” with proper care that can make them not only clean but smelling good as well.