Why Does My Dog Smell So Bad? Vet-Approved Tips
For dog owners, a certain level of “doggy aroma” is a natural part of having a furry friend. However, when that aroma turns into a persistent or unpleasant smell, it can signal an issue worth exploring. Understanding the causes behind a dog’s odor can help ensure their comfort and well-being.
Dogs naturally produce odors from oils secreted by their skin and the bacteria on their fur. While this is normal, an overwhelming or unusual smell may point to a health or hygiene issue that needs attention.
Common Causes of Dog Odor
Several factors contribute to bad smells in dogs:
- Infrequent Grooming: Dogs need regular baths and brushing to remove dirt, dead skin cells, and bacteria. Skipping these routines can lead to an unpleasant buildup of odors. However, Dr. Jackie Campbell, DVM, DACVD, says in the article from American Kennel Club: “Many of us have misconceptions about giving dogs too many baths. She says it’s a good idea to bathe your dog monthly, but she sees canine patients who receive weekly baths or even daily showers. On a positive note, dog shampoos often contain ingredients like lipids and ceramides, which can protect the skin and stop it from drying out.”
- Skin Conditions: Allergies, infections, or hot spots can irritate the skin, causing excessive scratching and oil production, resulting in unpleasant smells.
- Ear Infections: A foul smell emanating from your dog’s ears may indicate an infection caused by bacteria or yeast.
- Dental Health: Poor oral hygiene can lead to plaque and tartar buildup, resulting in bad breath.
- Anal Gland Problems: Impacted or infected anal glands often produce a strong, fishy odor.
- Digestive Issues: Excessive flatulence or unusual stool smells might indicate dietary sensitivities or gastrointestinal concerns.
- Wet Fur: If your dog’s fur doesn’t dry properly, it can create a musty odor due to bacterial or fungal growth.
What to Do if Your Dog Smells
According to Dr. Jackie Campbell, DVM, DACVD, described in this article: “If your dog smells and you notice some of the above symptoms, take them to the vet. “Too often,” Dr. Campbell says, “I hear from owners, ‘Oh, my gosh! I wish I would have found you sooner. I’ve been dealing with this for two years, and in 30 days, I have a new dog.’ ”
Stick to treatments prescribed and recommended by your vet. Avoid using home remedies, including:
- Borax
- Hydrogen peroxide (especially inside dogs’ ears)
- Vinegar
- Bleach
- Coal tar
“Coal tar is a really old product, and it’s sometimes thought of as being more natural,” Dr. Campbell says, “but as we became more advanced, we realized that coal tar can act as a carcinogen, and it’s also so stinky.” Dr. Bourgeois explains that veterinarians sometimes will use diluted solutions of vinegar topically to treat yeast infections in dogs. She says, “You have to be careful with the concentrations you’re using because they can be really irritating and damaging to the skin.”
Veterinary dermatologist Dr. Ashley Bourgeois, DVM, DACVD, suggests: “Even if your dog smells bad, it’s best to let the medicine do its work. Dr. Bourgeois says that covering up dog odors with spray-on fragrances or perfumes can cause more skin irritation. Also, it’s not a good idea to assume vet-prescribed medications will cost more than store-bought ones. In many cases, vet-prescribed products are more cost-effective and clinically effective because they feature higher concentrations of key ingredients, such as:
- Chlorhexidine (an antiseptic)
- Miconazole (anti-fungal, anti-yeast)
- Phytosphingosine (which contains skin-protecting lipids)
- Pramoxine (a soothing topical anesthetic)
After more people spent more time at home with their dogs during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Bourgeois says, “It’s kind of an eye-opener for a lot of our clients to really see what a whole day for a pet with an infection or allergies looks like, and so we are getting more people seeking care because they’re noticing how big of an issue it is.”
She adds, “If it starts getting worse and worse, reach out again, because we do see things like infections where all of a sudden there are new lesions or your pet is even more uncomfortable. The severity may have increased enough that we feel like it’s valuable to come in.”
In addition to addressing the causes of bad smells, here are two ways to help you minimize odors in your home:
- Clean Living Spaces: Regularly wash bedding, toys, and other items your dog frequently uses.
- Ensure Proper Ventilation: Airing out your home with fans or air purifiers can help reduce lingering odors.
How Can Pet Insurance Help You if Your Dog Needs a Treatment?
Pet insurance can be a valuable tool in managing the costs of treating a dog’s veterinary expenses. By having a pet insurance policy in place, you can have peace of mind knowing that you can provide medical care for your furry companion without worrying about the financial burden. Pet insurance can help cover the costs of veterinary consultations, diagnostic tests, medications, and even specialized treatments if required.
Reimbursement
This method is the most common for pet insurance companies. You pay out of pocket for the veterinarian bill, and then the insurance company reimburses you for what’s covered under the insurance plan. The steps look like this.
- You pay the vet bill after your dog’s visit.
- You fill out the pet insurance claim form.
- Submit the claim form and other required documentation to the insurer.
- After the claim is approved, you will be reimbursed for eligible expenses.
What Does Odie Pet Insurance Cover?
Pet insurance covers various veterinary expenses, providing financial protection and peace of mind for pet owners. Here are the details of the coverage options offered by Odie Pet Insurance:
Illness & Injury Plan
The Illness & Injury Plan is an all-inclusive insurance plan designed to cover a wide range of medical needs for your pet. This plan includes comprehensive coverage for various illnesses, injuries, and veterinary services. Some of the covered items include:
- 24/7 Televet Chat
- Emergency vet visits
- Overnight hospital stays
- IV Fluids & Medications
- Medical Supplies
- Surgeries
- MRI/CAT Scans
- Rehabilitative Care
- Prescription Medications
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Laboratory Tests
Accident-Only Plan
The Accident-Only Plan is designed for pet owners seeking coverage specifically for accidents. This plan provides financial protection for emergency veterinary care resulting from accidental injuries. It includes 90% reimbursement up to $10,000 each year, with a $250 annual deductible.
Here’s an overview of the Accident-Only Plan:
- Coverage for broken bones, sprains, eye injuries, and traumatic dental fractures.
- Coverage for wounds, including bite wounds, lacerations, snake bites, and bee stings.
- Veterinary treatments covered for accidental injuries include X-rays & ultrasounds, laboratory tests, emergency care, hospitalization, CT scan & MRI, and surgery.
The Wellness Add-on Plan
The Wellness Plan is an add-on for routine care coverage you can purchase with an insurance policy. It focuses on preventive care and covers routine veterinary services. Odie has two wellness plan options available:
Basic Plan:
- Covers services such as spay/neuter and teeth cleaning, rabies vaccination, flea & tick prevention, heartworm prevention, vaccination/titer, wellness exam, heartworm test or FELV screen, blood, fecal, parasite exam, microchip, urinalysis or ERD, and deworming.
- Reimbursement up to $305 per year.
Plus Plan:
- Ideal for puppies and kittens.
- Covers services such as spay/neuter and teeth cleaning, rabies vaccination, flea & tick prevention, heartworm prevention, vaccination/titer, wellness exam, heartworm test or FELV screen, blood, fecal, parasite exam, microchip, urinalysis or ERD, and deworming.
- Reimbursement up to $535 per year.
