When Your Dog Stinks

   Posted: August 31, 2009 | Comments: 0 | Views: 418 | Rating: Not Rated

Every dog gets smelly from time to time. But sometimes pet owners can’t get rid of the bad smell that seems to follow their dogs. When your dog gets sprayed by a skunk or rolls around in a stinky pile of trash, you can get rid of the smell with a little work. There are a few tricks that will get your dog smelling better in no time at all.

Before you begin deodorizing your dog, it’s a good idea to look at what is causing the stench. This can help you prevent the smell from reoccurring in the future. Dogs tend to get into stinky messes, so if the smell is from a roll in the mud, it should wash right out in the bath. If a bath doesn’t cure the odor, your dog probably has a deeper issue. Canine skin usually reflects what is going on inside the body. The smell could be coming from several places.

Your first approach should be a change in diet. Many dog foods (especially generic brands) contain ingredients that don’t agree with most canine digestive systems. Some pet owners have discovered that switching over to a natural, healthy dog food will eliminate the smell.

You should also check your dog’s skin for rashes and infections. Some skin conditions can cause a smell that is hard to get rid of. Dogs that get yeast infections usually stink. You can often heal the yeast infection with the help of a medicated bath. Your vet can also recommend shampoos and topical ointments or sprays to help with smelly skin conditions.

Your dog could smell bad because of a back up in the digestive system. Dogs can get clogged up and constipated just like people. It’s easy to help your dog’s digestive track get moving again. You can make a homemade laxative out of barley grass, chlorophyll, or even wheat grass. A small amount of these products will clean out your pet’s colon and eliminate any lingering smells.

Many dog owners have found that supplements can help stop strong smells. Omega fatty acids are available in canine-friendly supplements in the vet’s office. Just adding a little supplement to your dog’s diet can make a crucial difference in how he smells.

If you have tried medicated baths, colon cleanses, supplements, and diet changes, you should see an improvement. If none of these changes help your dog’s odor, call the vet. There could be an underlying cause that requires medical attention. In the very least, your vet might be able to give you a prescription-strength supplement or shampoo to dull the odor.

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