Dog Odor Cause and Prevention

Dog odor is a guaranteed part of canine ownership. Eliminating it as much as possible, helps keep the peace within the household.

Types of Dog Odors

While the scent of dog urine odor and other "accidents" is an overwhelming and common occurrence to solve, there are an assortment of other odors associated with dogs that occur both naturally and unnaturally that you may not be aware of.

• Secretions are generated that cause offensive scents to humans, but are used as identification and communication with other dogs. Dogs possess sweat glands located on their noses and pads of their paws (eccrine glands), where natural micro-organisms add to the general odor.

• In the external ear canals, dogs have a collection of apocrine glands where micro-organisms produce a slightly yeasty scent. When these glands become infected, stronger smells surface.

• A variety of medical issues will lead to increased or unpleasant odors that are associated with allergies and skin conditions, ear disease, dental disease, mouth ulcers, and yeast infections.

• Kidney failure and diabetes may cause bad breath.

• Anal glands (also called scent glands) produce a natural secretion with a distinctively musty odor that arises when a dog is frightened or defecates.

• Flatulence or "passing gas" beyond the norm is often an indication of a dietary or intestinal problem.

• Improper and neglectful dog grooming may cause odors to arise, which are especially prevalent in species with long, thick or curly coats. Dirt and other substances collect in the fur, hair and skin, causing unpleasant scents to develop.

• Certain dog behaviors cause odors to linger, including the act of rolling in and marking themselves with natural products (such as droppings) of other animals found within their environment.

• A dog's natural curiosity may lead to the spraying of a disturbed skunk, which is one of the most irritating dog odors to address.

Pinpointing the source of dog odor is the first step towards correcting the problem.

• When urine become an issue, locating and removing the stain and odor is the first step towards preventing repeated occurrences, followed by proper dog house training. (Please refer to the section on urine cleaning and housebreaking).

• Administer regular ear checks and avoid getting water into your dog's ears during bathing. This will help prevent ear infections and the smelly bacteria that go with it.

• Visiting a veterinarian when anal glands become blocked will help eliminate the buildup of smelly secretions.

• Regular veterinarian check-ups will control, prevent, and treat the diseases and other conditions that cause odors in dogs.

• Have a veterinarian check your dog if the breath changes, it could be an indication of serious condition.

• Proper dental care by daily brushing with a doggy toothpaste will help decrease the malodorous saliva that may coat the dog, furniture, and other household objects. Hard rubber toys like Kongs are a great addition to help clean the teeth. Chewing will aid in the scrapping of plaque.

• Abnormal flatulence may require a change in your pet's food. Consumption of cereal-based products place dogs at a higher risk for intestinal problems.

• Eliminating dog odor associated with normal behavior will mean keeping an eye on your dog when going for walks and keeping your yard clean.

• To remove the scent of skunk spray use a skunk odor shampoo. It is a good idea to keep one on hand. If you do not have a skunk shampoo readily available when this disaster occurs - bath your dog in tomato juice. Shampoo well after any home treatment. To avoid this occurrence from taking place, try keeping your dog inside at night to steer him clear of this notorious nocturnal critter.

• Bath and groom your dog regularly (about every 6 weeks) or take him to a dog groomer. Brush daily.

Note: Older dogs and males that have not been neutered tend to have a stronger odor.

Tips: Sprinkle baking soda on your carpet, leave overnight and vacuum in the morning. This will deodorize.

Use baking soda and laundry detergent when washing your dogs bedding and clothes. Put a little vinegar in the rinse water.

"To a dog, the whole world is a smell."
- Anonymous

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