Is your dog’s bad smell offending your friends and family?
We’re all aware of the ‘wet dog smell’, but if your dog is smells really bad, then it’s worth investigating.
My name is Katlin, I’m a certified master groomer, and you could say that getting rid of bad dog odors is my specialty.
Why Do Some Dogs Smell Worse Than Others?
First, understanding why certain dogs tend to get smellier can help you develop the right grooming routine for your pet. Let’s look at the main factors that create dog odors.
Natural Body Oils
Some breeds, especially water dogs like Labrador Retrievers and Portuguese Water Dogs, produce more natural oils in their coat. While these oils help keep them waterproof, they can also cause that famous “wet dog smell” when they get damp.
Check out which dog breeds that don’t smell
Skin Cell Shedding
Every dog sheds dead skin cells (called dander) over time. When these cells build up, they start to smell bad. Some breeds naturally shed less dander than others, which is why they might smell better longer between baths.
Thick Fur and Skin Folds
Dogs with heavy coats or loose skin folds, like Basset Hounds, Bulldogs, and Shar-Peis, can trap more dirt, moisture, and bacteria in their fur and skin. These trapped particles create perfect conditions for smelly bacteria to grow.
Bad Breath
While all dogs can have “dog breath,” unusually bad breath often signals a problem. Common causes include:
- Dental disease and gum infections
- Tooth decay or abscesses
- Kidney problems
- Diabetes
- Items stuck in teeth or gums
If your dog’s breath suddenly becomes very foul or the bad smell persists, it’s time to visit your veterinarian.
Smelly Ears
Ear odors are particularly common in dogs with floppy ears or dogs who swim frequently. These smells often indicate:
- Ear infections (bacterial or yeast)
- Excess wax buildup
- Water trapped in ear canals
If you notice a strong ear odor along with head shaking, scratching, or redness, your dog needs veterinary attention. Don’t try to treat suspected ear infections at home, as this could make the problem worse.
How to Keep Your Dog Smelling Fresh
Maintaining a fresh-smelling dog requires a combination of regular grooming, proper cleaning techniques, and attention to problem areas.
Regular Bathing Routine
Bathing your dog every 4 to 6 weeks can make a big difference.
A proper bath doesn’t just clean the surface – it helps remove built-up oils, dead skin cells, and debris that cause bad smells.
Your dog’s skin will cycle every 20 days. That means old skin cells are constantly building up and shedding.
Here’s how to make the most of bath time:
- Start with a thorough rinse to remove loose dirt and dander.
- Use a high-quality dog shampoo and conditioner (avoid human products).
- Massage the shampoo deep into the coat, reaching the skin. Don’t forget the groin and in between paw pads.
- Rinse completely – leftover soap can cause skin irritation and odor. There should be no suds or bubbles remaining.
- Dry your dog thoroughly, especially in skin folds and between toes. Especially heavy coated breeds, like the Golden Retriever, as wet spots and lead to hot spots.
Make sure you rinse out every bit of shampoo. Run your hands over your dogs body, and look for any soap bubble that may be left. Their groin and belly tends to hold on to shampoo. When you think you’re done rinsing – rinse again one more time.
If using a dryer, always use cool air. Human hair dryers are much too hot and can easily burn your dogs skin or cause heat exhaustion.
Tackling Problem Areas
Even with regular bathing, certain areas of your dog’s body may need extra attention to prevent odors. These spots often trap moisture and bacteria, making them prime locations for unpleasant smells to develop.
Skin Folds
Dogs with wrinkles need special attention to prevent moisture and bacteria from building up in their skin folds. Regular cleaning of these areas is essential for preventing both odors and infections.
If your dog has wrinkles or skin folds:
- Clean between folds daily with a damp cloth
- Dry thoroughly after cleaning
- Watch for redness or unusual smells that might signal infection
Paw Pads
Your dog’s paws come into contact with all sorts of substances throughout the day, and the spaces between their paw pads can harbor dirt, debris, and bacteria that cause odors.
Stinky paws? Here’s what to do:
- Clean between paw pads regularly
- Trim excess fur between pads (or have groomer do this for you)
- Keep nails trimmed to prevent dirt accumulation
- Dry paws thoroughly after walks in wet weather
Ears
Dog ears are warm, dark places that can easily trap moisture – making them perfect breeding grounds for bacteria and yeast. Regular ear maintenance is crucial for preventing both odors and infections.
Smelly ears often signal a problem. Here’s how to clean them safely:
- Use a dog-specific ear cleaner
- Gently clean with cotton balls (never use Q-tips!)
- Clean only as far as you can see
- Watch for excessive wax or redness
- If ears smell yeasty or your dog shakes their head often, visit your vet
Bad Breath Solutions
Bad breath in dogs isn’t just unpleasant – it can be a sign of dental problems or other health issues. Regular dental care is essential for both fresh breath and your dog’s overall health.
While regular tooth brushing helps, bad dog breath might signal bigger problems:
- Brush teeth 2-3 times per week with dog-specific toothpaste
- Provide dental chews and toys.
- Watch for signs of gum disease (red, swollen gums)
- Schedule regular dental check-ups with your vet
- See your vet immediately if breath suddenly becomes very bad
When giving a bone or dental chews – do not to use anything hard enough that if you were to hit it on your kneecap it would hurt. Dogs can easily get tooth fractures from antlers and other cooked bones.
Prevention Tips
The best way to deal with dog odors is to prevent them from developing in the first place. A consistent maintenance routine can help keep your dog smelling fresh longer and make deep cleaning sessions more effective.
Keep your dog smelling fresh longer with these tips:
- Brush regularly to distribute natural oils and remove debris
- Clean bedding weekly
- Vacuum frequently to remove shed fur and dander
- Consider using pet wipes between baths for quick freshening
- Watch for any unusual odors that might signal health problems
When to See a Vet
While regular grooming can solve most odor problems, some smells may indicate underlying health issues that require professional attention. Being able to distinguish between normal dog odors and potentially problematic ones is important for your pet’s health.
Contact your vet if you notice:
- Sudden changes in body odor
- Strong, yeasty smells from skin folds
- Extremely bad breath
- Ear odors with head shaking or scratching
- Any unusual odors that persist after bathing
Regular grooming not only keeps your pet smelling fresh but also gives you a chance to check for any health issues early.
When bathing, watch for lumps or bumps on the skin and make note to show your vet at the next appointment. Likewise, look for changes in their coat texture, or anything concerning their teeth, ears, or eyes.
Your dog’s breed and lifestyle will determine how often they need bathing and special attention to odor control. Some dogs might need weekly baths, while others can go much longer between washes. The key is finding the right routine that works for your pet and sticking to it.
