Causes of Bad Odor in Dogs and How to Resolve It

You bathed your dog yesterday, but today, they smell again. It's confusing, especially if you bathe them regularly.

Bad odors in dogs can actually come from many sources, ranging from daily care to specific health conditions. Understanding the cause is the first step before knowing how to address it.

This article discusses various causes of odor in dogs and how to handle them properly!

Why Does My Dog Still Smell Even After a Bath?

Bathing cleans dirt and odors on the surface, but it doesn't always address the actual source of the smell. This is why some dogs smell again shortly after being bathed.

A dog's skin and fur have natural oil layers where bacteria and yeast normally live. When this balance is disrupted by moisture, dirt, or certain health conditions, bacteria multiply faster and produce odor. Bathing only reduces the odor temporarily, while the source remains.

Generally, the causes of odor in dogs can be divided into two groups:

• Odors from care and environment: Originate from everyday things like damp fur, dirty bedding, or certain diets. These are generally easy to resolve at home.

• Odors from health conditions: Related to medical issues such as skin infections, ear infections, or dental diseases. These require veterinary attention.

Distinguishing between the two is important because the methods of handling them differ. A dog that still smells even after being bathed often indicates that the source is in the second group.

Causes of Odor Originating from Care and Environment

Image of dirty dog paws

Most odors in dogs come from everyday things that are actually easy to control. The following three causes are the most common:

1. Fur and Skin Retaining Moisture

Moisture is the most common trigger for odor. Wet fur that is not completely dry becomes an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and yeast, both of which produce a distinctive musty smell.

This condition often occurs after a dog takes a bath, plays in water, or gets caught in the rain. Thick or long fur is more susceptible because the inner layers take longer to dry. Skin folds in certain breeds, such as Bulldogs or Pugs, also retain moisture and become areas prone to odor if not dried properly.

Drying the fur until it is completely dry after getting wet is key to preventing this type of odor. Pay attention to areas that are often overlooked, such as between the paws, armpits, and skin folds.

2. Infrequently Cleaned Sleeping and Play Areas

A dog's odor doesn't always come from its body. Often, the source is in its bedding, toys, or the areas where it spends its time.

Bedding absorbs natural oils, saliva, and dirt from the dog's fur every day. If not washed regularly, all of this accumulates and creates an odor that then transfers back to the dog's fur. Fabric toys and carpets where it lies also retain odor in the same way.

Washing bedding regularly, at least once a week, helps break this cycle. Also, clean its toys and favorite areas periodically so that odor doesn't cling back after the dog has been bathed.

3. Inappropriate Diet

What a dog eats affects its smell, both from its mouth and from its body. Certain diets can make a dog's odor stronger than usual.

Food with a fish base or added fish oil, for example, can make a dog's body and breath smell somewhat fishy. Food quality also plays a role. Food that is difficult to digest can trigger excess gas and digestive issues that lead to odor.

Choosing high-quality food that suits the dog's needs helps reduce odor from within. If the breath or body odor seems unusual even with a good diet, it's a good idea to have it checked by a vet to rule out any digestive problems.

Read also: Tips for Bathing Dogs at Home to Keep Them Clean and Fragrant

Odor Causes Related to Health

If the odor persists despite consistent care and cleanliness, the source might be related to a health condition. This type of odor requires more attention, as its treatment falls within the medical realm:

1. Skin Infections Due to Bacteria or Fungus

A dog's skin is naturally inhabited by bacteria and yeast. When their balance is disrupted, both overgrow and produce a strong, musty or rancid odor. This condition is known as pyoderma for bacterial infections, and often involves yeast like Malassezia.

According to a systematic review published in the journal Antibiotics, skin infections in dogs generally involve bacteria like Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas, and often appear as a complication of allergies.

Other signs usually accompany it, such as redness, excessive itching, or oily areas. This condition requires veterinary attention, as neglecting it will only worsen the infection and its odor.

Skin infections accompanied by fleas or fungus also need special treatment.

2. Ear Infections

Dog's ear being cleaned with a cotton swab

 

Odor from ear infections tends to be strong and distinct, sometimes smelling like yeast or a strong foul odor. The folded and moist structure of a dog's ear makes it susceptible to accumulation of dirt and the growth of bacteria or yeast.

A study in the journal BMC Veterinary Research found that outer ear infections are among the most common disorders in dogs, with long-eared breeds such as Basset Hounds or Cocker Spaniels being more at risk.

In addition to the odor, look for signs such as the dog frequently shaking its head, scratching its ears, or discharge in the ear. Ear infections are uncomfortable and need to be examined by a veterinarian for proper treatment.

3. Dental Problems and Bad Breath

Dog's teeth being cleaned

Bad breath is often mistaken for body odor, even though its source is in the teeth and gums. Plaque and tartar buildup harbors odor-producing bacteria.

This problem is far more common than imagined: a study in the journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science states that dental disease is found in 80 to 89 percent of dogs over three years of age.

Brushing a dog's teeth several times a week helps prevent plaque buildup, while already formed tartar needs to be cleaned by a veterinarian. If the bad breath is very strong or accompanied by bleeding gums, examination should not be delayed.

4. Problematic Anal Glands

Dogs have two gland sacs near their anus that produce a very strong, fishy-smelling liquid. Under normal conditions, this liquid is released in small amounts when the dog defecates.

Problems arise when the glands become clogged or infected, causing the fluid to accumulate and create a pungent odor. An easily recognizable sign is the dog scooting its rear on the floor or frequently licking the area.

Problematic anal glands usually need to be expressed by a veterinarian or an experienced groomer. Adding fiber to the diet can help prevent this, and if an infection has occurred, veterinary treatment is needed to alleviate it.

When Does Dog Odor Become a Warning Sign?

Mild odor that disappears after bathing is generally normal, but certain odors can be a sign of a health problem that needs checking, especially if accompanied by other symptoms.

Some signs that should make you alert:

• Strong odor that doesn't go away even after bathing: Odor that quickly returns after bathing often indicates an internal source, such as a skin or ear infection.

• Odor accompanied by changes in skin or fur: Redness, sores, hair loss, or damp and oily areas can indicate an infection.

• Fishy smell from the rear area: This is often related to anal gland issues that need to be addressed.

• Very strong bad breath: Could be a sign of dental disease or other deeper health problems.

• Odor accompanied by behavioral changes: A dog that becomes lethargic, loses appetite, or frequently scratches and licks certain areas needs to be taken more seriously.

If you find one or more of the above signs, it's best to take your dog to the vet.

How to Address and Prevent Odor in Dogs

Most mild odors can be prevented with consistent routine care. The key is to maintain the dog's cleanliness as well as its environment.

Here are some routines that help prevent odor:

• Brush fur regularly to remove dirt, loose hair, and spread natural oils to keep the fur healthy.

• Dry fur completely after bathing or getting wet, especially in folds and thick fur areas.

• Clean ears and teeth periodically as advised, as these are often overlooked sources of odor.

• Wash bedding and toys regularly so that odor doesn't cling back to the dog's fur.

• Maintain a high-quality diet to reduce odor originating from within the body.

Since dogs don't need to be bathed too often, maintaining their freshness between bath schedules is important. Wiping fur with a damp cloth, cleaning paws after activity, and regular brushing help keep dogs clean between baths.

As a complement, special dog perfume can help keep their aroma fresh.

Pet perfume from Not for Humans, Am Smooth variant

 

Am Smooth from Not For Humans is specially formulated for dogs, with a gentle fruity floral scent of melon and green apple, and C-Shine content from Cupuacu and Murumuru seed butter that helps keep fur soft.

Spray from a distance of about 15 to 20 cm, and avoid the head, ears, and under the tail area. This perfume is intended to freshen up healthy dogs, and does not replace medical treatment if the odor originates from a health problem.

Read also:

 

• Safe Ingredients That Must Be in Pet Perfume

• When and How Often Should Pet Perfume Be Used?

Well-Managed Odor, Closer Hugs

Odor in dogs is actually their body's way of communicating. Some indicate they just need to be cleaned, while others signal something needs more attention. Recognizing the difference allows you to care for your dog more accurately, not just mask the smell.

A well-cared-for dog feels more comfortable to approach, and that makes moments with them more enjoyable. To maintain their freshness between grooming, Am Smooth from Not For Humans can be the perfect complement to keep your dog fragrant and comfortable to cuddle anytime.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is all odor in dogs normal?

Not all of it. A dog's mild, characteristic odor that disappears after bathing is considered normal. However, a very strong odor, one that quickly returns after bathing, or one accompanied by symptoms like itching and redness, could indicate a health problem.

Recognizing normal versus abnormal odors helps you know when at-home care is sufficient and when a vet visit is necessary.

2. Is dog perfume safe for regular use?

Yes, as long as the perfume is specifically formulated for dogs and used as directed. Dog-specific perfumes are made with ingredients adapted for them, unlike human perfumes which can be too harsh.

Spray sparingly from a safe distance and avoid sensitive areas like the head and ears. It's important to remember that perfume is meant to freshen the scent of a healthy dog and is not intended to mask odors stemming from health issues.

3. Why does my dog's odor return quickly after a bath?

An odor that returns quickly after a bath usually indicates the source is not on the surface of the fur. If the odor returns within a few days, the likely cause is in the skin, ears, or anal glands, which require more than just a bath to address.

Bathing only cleans the exterior, while odors from infections or health problems will continue to emerge until the source is treated. If this happens repeatedly, it's advisable to have your dog examined by a veterinarian.