Most dogs have that “dog smell” to them, especially when the come in out of the rain. However, some dogs tend to 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.
Grooming to minimise dog smell
Some dogs like to roll in the dirt… and any other smelly item that may be near by. If your dog is prone to doing this then regular brushing, grooming and bathing will help to keep your dog smelling clean and fresh. A 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 odour responsible for the smell. Be careful not to get either solution in your pet’s eyes.Oily coats can cause dogs to 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 disease
Bacterial skin diseases are another common problem within some breeds. 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.Could your dogs breed be the cause of the smell?
Dogs with droopy ears 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.The dogs ‘backside’
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. 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.In summary
- Keep an ongoing measure of your Pit Bulls weight
- Seek advice from a vet
- Compare your dogs weight to what the breeds ‘normal weight’ is
