Any dog owner knows that dogs will always smell like dogs. Their specific odor comes from diet and the particularities of their body. Natural dog odor is not a problem; it is a distinct smell, but not necessarily a bad smell, which will be present in clothes, furniture, carpets etc., but it will not keep you away, unless you are very pretentious and accustomed only to freshly bathed human beings.
Dogs do not sweat like us, with perspiration coming out of their pores; however, they do perspire from their paws (the paws smell like corn chips) and hair follicles. Their skin naturally produces oil, which is another source of odor, and the glands in their ears produce a light smell like yeast. All these are very normal smells, naturally produced by a dog's body. However, sometimes a bad smell may persist unnaturally, even with proper hygiene. In this case, dog owners should consider making an appointment to the vet as soon as possible, to investigate the problem.
Common causes of a smelly dog
A dog's body can be affected by bacteria and funguses that move in easily and, besides the physical discomfort (excessive scratching, licking etc.), they also create bad body odor. For example, ear infections can smell really bad, depending on their severity. Skin infections are also very common in all breeds, causing dryness and irritations that retain moisture and microorganisms. Or it could be a blocked anal sac that is unable to drain, the glands become swollen and the dog will most likely bite and lick its anus excessively, exposing the area to infections that will generate more bad smell. In some cases, the cause is not related to bacteria, funguses or infections at all, but to inadequate diet and different health issues. For example, digestive issues or intestinal problems may cause gases. Some of them are normal but if they occur regularly, you should investigate the cause.
How can bad odor be prevented?
A diet high in starches and low in fatty acids will over dry the skin, exposing it to the bad influence of microorganisms. Besides the obvious step which consists of modifying the diet, according to the vet's recommendations, dog owners should also consider avoiding shampoos and using gentle grooming methods instead. Shampoos smell nice in deed, but they irritate the skin even more and the fragrance does not even last so long. A thorough bath once a month is enough and, in between, the dog's coat should be brushed regularly, using powder or baking soda. However paws must be washed with warm water anytime it is necessary. Ears can be cleaned using cotton pads or balls soaked in a special cleanser or in hydrogen peroxide.
In the case of bad breath, the dog should be checked for infected teeth or cavities. Seeing a vet as soon as possible is mandatory, because this kind of infection spreads quickly and may generate mouth-wide emergencies.
As a general rule, prevention is always better than cure, so always consult your veterinarian anytime you sense a persistent bad odor or something unusual with your pet.
