Why Does Your Dog Smell So Bad?

1 Where the Smell Comes From

Sometimes a foul smell is a sign of a serious disease. Here are several reasons that explain why your dog may smell so bad.

The wet-dog smell. Have you wondered why your dog smells right after a bath? Microbes like yeast and bacteria live quietly in a dog’s coat. While the fur stays dry there is little odor, but when your dog is bathed or swims, the water releases that unpleasant smell.

Odor from the mouth. Much of a dog’s body odor comes from the mouth, and bad breath has many causes. Earlier articles have covered dog bad breath in detail; if the smell is clearly coming from the mouth, look for the specific cause behind it.

Skin problems. If you own a Spaniel, Pug, Bulldog, or Shar-Pei, pay attention to skin folds. These breeds are prone to skin-fold dermatitis, a foul-smelling skin condition. Clean the folds regularly to avoid infection and odor. But it is not only these breeds: any dog with a skin infection will emit an unpleasant smell.

Ear infections. If your dog’s ears smell yeasty, it likely has a yeast infection, which is common in dogs. Bacterial ear infections are also common and usually smell worse than yeast infections.

Gas attacks. Dog flatulence can be very smelly, caused by anything from eating spoiled food or garbage to simple digestive gas. Diet can reduce it: a grain-free diet usually improves digestion, lessens gas, produces smaller and less odorous stools, and reduces ear and skin infections.

Anal glands. Also called anal sacs, these sit on either side of the anus. Gland-lined walls fill with foul material that is normally expressed a little during bowel movements.

A dog with infected or impacted anal glands will lick its rear excessively or drag its bottom on the floor to relieve the itch. It may even release a brown discharge that smells far worse than feces. Once you notice this, take the dog to a vet.

Frequent bathing and grooming can reduce odors not linked to health problems. A small amount of baby powder or plain cornstarch can help absorb smells.