The more a dog spends outside, the more they will tend to smell bad. A bad odour just means the dog needs a bath. Dirt can accumulate in the dog’s fur and many dogs like to roll around in smelly objects. But if the dog is especially smelly or his natural odour has become more unpleasant over time, it could be a sign of a health problem.
When is a Bad Smelling Dog Unhealthy?
If your dog has had a bath and still smells bad, it can be a sign of one of the following health problems:
- Skin allergy or infection. Dogs with a skin allergy will scratch often and it can damage and irritate the skin. This can cause a yeast or bacteria infection and will develop a foul odour.
- Ear infection. An ear infection is caused by yeast or bacteria and results in redness, discharge and foul odour.
- Eye tearing. The brown tearing around the dog’s eyes is caused by excessive drainage from the eyes. Bacteria growing in the moist under the eyes can cause an unpleasant smell. Eye tearing can be sign of a health problem, such as conjunctivitis.
- Kidney problems. The build-up of toxins related to kidney problems, can cause a dog’s breath to suddenly start smelling bad.
- Dental problems. Dogs can also get bad breath. Without brushing their teeth, bacteria, tartar and plaque build up on their teeth. If left untreated, dental issues can cause bad breath and problems with tooth loss, eating or infection.
How to Prevent Your Dog from Smelling.
In addition to regular vet health visits, it is advised to perform the following grooming tips to prevent health problems which causes bad odours:
- Bath your dog. Wash your dog once a week with a mild dog shampoo. Do not wash too often as it can cause dry skin, which can lead to scratching, irritation and the build-up of bacteria, yeast and odour.
- Keep your dog’s ears clean. Use a cotton ball and suitable solution to clean the ears.
- Wipe tearing eyes. Wipe the area under the eye daily with a cotton ball or wet wipe.
- Brush you dog’s teeth. This may be tricky but brushing your dog’s teeth daily with a veterinary toothbrush and animal toothpaste will prevent dental issues and bad odour.
Every breed of dog has different grooming needs, so ask your vet for specific tips to assist in helping your dog smell better. Always visit your vet if the smell persists or gets worse to prevent any further major medical issues.