Why do dogs smell? 
Ah that wonderful “dog smell.” Dog owners know it well. However, sometimes that dog odor is a bit stronger than it should be.
Most dogs have that “dog smell” to them, especially when they come in out of the rain. My dog’s feet always seem to smell like nachos or Fritos. As appetizing as that may be, some dogs feet do NOT smell that yummy. Some dogs do tend to, for lack of a better term, “stink” more than others. This can be due to variety of reasons, some of which may require a veterinarian’s attention. Here are some of the causes of dog odors and the best treatments to combat these odor problems.
Some dogs like to roll in the dirt… and any other smelly item that may be nearby. And doesn’t it always seem like they do it right after they’ve been groomed? And what do we love to do most with our pets? Pet them and snuggle with them! You don’t want to touch the unsanitary stuff he may have just rolled in. So if your dog is prone to rolling in stinky stuff then, immediate bathing is necessary. Removal of the item that is so enticing to roll in, and/or confinement of the area of dirt, will eliminate future inconvenience. However, you don’t want to bathe your pet too often. Dry dander can occur which induces scratching and discomfort in your pet.
Getting sprayed by a skunk is one smell we humans recognize immediately and tomato juice is the most common remedy. However, in order for it to work properly, you need to allow the juice to sit on the dog’s fur for at least 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing. It is the acid in the tomatoes that cuts the smell. Another very popular solution that dog owners swear by is to mix 1 quart 3% Hydrogen Peroxide, 1/4 cup Baking Soda, and 2 tablespoons dish detergent in a large bowl (do not use a sealed container as this mixture will explode). You must use this immediately while it is still foaming as it is the oxygen in the bubbling mixture that removes the skunk odor. Be careful not to get either solution in your pet’s eyes.
If your dog gets skunked, it really is best to use the services of a Professional Pet Groomer. And a Mobile Groomer is definitely the way to go! Why load your stinky, skunked dog in your car? Then you’ll have a car to clean too? Call a Mobile Groomer. They’ll come right to your home and give your foul smelling furball, a warm deskunk bath with special solution. Be forewarned tho! Depending upon the proximity of the skunk’s spray, it may take a few applications of solution to remove the smell.
Certain dog breeds tend to have naturally oily coats. Unfortunately, the extra oil on the dog’s skin can become rancid and cause bad odors. In this case, your canine needs to be regularly groomed and bathed to remove this excess oil; otherwise it can develop into irritating skin conditions. Bacterial skin diseases are another common problem within some breeds such as the Sharpei and Bulldogs. Using a good anti-bacterial shampoo specifically formulated for dogs, is your best solution. If the skin condition does not clear up within a reasonable amount of time or if it appears to worsen, be sure to take your dog to the vet.
Dogs with droopy ears, such as beagles and hounds tend to develop ear infections quite frequently, although any dog breed can end up with this painful condition. If your dog smells bad even with regular grooming, take the time to check its ears. Look for redness and irritation. You will also notice that your dog will also shake its head often and probably try to scratch to relieve the itchiness. There are several ear infection solutions on the market that can help alleviate this problem. In some cases, special, narrow pet food bowls, eliminate ears from falling into them when feeding, may help. In other cases, your pet’s diet may need to be changed. If over the counter solutions don’t work, be sure to see your vet.
One last thing that can also lead to dog odor is impacted or infected anal glands. These sacs, located in the 3 and 9 o’clock positions, are filled with a fluid that is normally released when a dog has a bowel movement. If you look carefully, you will see that your dog’s anal area has become somewhat swollen and the “back end” smells really bad. Contact your mobile groomer, or take your dog immediately to a veterinarian, to have these glands expressed. Be aware that once your dog has had this problem it tends to reoccur, so keep an eye on this. If necessary, you can have the anal glands surgically removed.
Skunk mating season is upon us. Keep a close eye out BEFORE you let your pet outside. After this harsh winter, skunks have burrowed close to our homes, under our decks and sheds. In the perfect locations for them to spray your curious pet. If your pet should have an encounter with those little black and white stinkers, give us a call for a DeSkunk Bath. And if your pet is smelling a little less than the appetizing nacho or Frito smell, and more like the “I just rolled in poop” smell, contact Wagging Tails Pet Sitting & Mobile Grooming Service for a warm, massaging bath. It will leave your pet, smelling sweet and snuggle ready. http://www.waggingtails.com 860 621-7387 (Pets)
