When owners know their dogs need to be washed, they fill a tub, apply a good shampoo, brush the dog before and after, dry the coat, and clean the ears. When a dog defies your good intentions, the task can be challenging, and some people prefer to leave it to a professional groomer. Some dogs, despite the time, continue to stink! Even the perfumed shampoos and grooming products used during a blow dry make them stink.
What could possibly be going wrong?
Dogs stink. People may be horrified by the smell of a dog, yet dogs are unconcerned about their stench. However, the odor can quickly become overbearing, infecting your home, car, and even your clothing. Look for the cause of the stink to contain it if your dog has a natural habit of taking over your home with irritating odors.
It’s possible that your dog’s odor is coming from its skin. Perspiration generated via the paw pads can produce oily odors. Scratching by dogs can spread the oils throughout the coat. They can also detect odors in their surroundings. Dirt and odors might develop on the dog’s body and feet from rolling in the grass or racing through a park. They may spread scents onto carpets and furniture as they go around your home. Many of these may be washed away in a bath, but odors will remain if your dog has skin disease or open sores.
The ears can also be a source of odor. Make sure to check your dog’s ears for dark, waxy material after bathing him. This could mean you have parasites or are infected. Commercial solutions or mineral oil can be used to clean the ears. Keep the oil in place for a few minutes and massage the ears to loosen any debris, even if your dog protests. Using a cotton swab, clean the ears and remove any foreign items. To clear infections, consult your veterinarian; an antibiotic drop may be given. Be persistent when cleaning your dog’s ears, even if he fights you. If left untreated, infections can spread and cause hearing loss.
Your dog’s mouth can possibly produce odors. Digestive issues or dental disease can cause bad breath. When your dog is a puppy, the best attack begins. To remove food from the teeth and gums, brush them daily or clean them with a terrycloth towel. Professional teeth cleaning from a veterinarian may be necessary on sometimes, but the cost is well worth it. Tooth loss, bad breath, and even heart disease can all be prevented with proper dental care.
The anal sacs are the source of the most offensive dog body odor. These glands (placed at 3:00 and 6:00 on the dog’s buttocks) might become blocked and need to be released in order to remove natural fluids. If your dog starts scooting its butt on the floor, take him to your groomer or veterinarian to have the glands emptied.
Regular grooming and medical care can make your dog smell nice, but some breeds may require more effort. Because of the wrinkles in their skin, bacteria and odors can grow in bulldogs. Ear infections are more common in dogs with fold-over ears, such as many sports and hound breeds. Shorthaired dogs have more oil in their coats than longhaired dogs, and diet might alter a dog’s digestive tract. To improve your dog’s coat and skin health, as well as to avoid stomach distress and gas, make sure he’s eating a high-quality dog food.
You may not be able to entirely eliminate odors from your dog, but proper care can help him smell his better.
You May also like:
Reasons Your Dog Follows You Around
