Dogs smell. We just really love them so we tend to ignore it but the fact is, they do smell.

Ashley Bourgeois, DVM, DACVD, from Animal Dermatology Clinic Portland, shares that a dog’s smell depends on its environment. They’ll smell like grass, sand, a garage, or even their owner’s perfume if left in that scenario.

Most dogs only require a monthly bath but owners do like to pamper their pooches. Dog shampoos today help protect the skin from drying out with lipids and ceramides.

Medical Reasons

Secondary yeast or bacterial infections on the skin or inside the ears are some of the more common reasons dogs smell. All the scratching and licking make allergies worse, opening the door for infections.

Malassezia yeast and staphylococcus pseudintermedius bacteria can overgrow on dogs. Those cause skin issues and odors. Watch out for the following signs:

• Signs of discomfort: These include head shaking, licking, or rubbing the body or head against furniture, people, or walls.
• Changes in skin and coat: Skin color changes which can range from red to black from chronic inflammation. Hair loss or spots of shorter coat from dogs nibbling also count.
• Progression: Pay attention if the smell gets worse (or not) since that will tell you what the next step should be.
• Smell plus: Bourgeois says, “If you notice the smell, and all of a sudden you notice that there is a little bit of crusting and red on them, or their ears are bright red, then that’s going to be abnormal.”

What Not to Do

Don’t waste time researching, and don’t use home remedies like:

• 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, but as we became more advanced, we realized that coal tar can act as a carcinogen, and it’s also so stinky,” says Jackie Campbell, DVM, DACVD, from Animal Allergy & Dermatology of Colorado.

Veterinarians do use diluted solutions of vinegar topically to treat yeast infections.

Bodysprays or perfumes can also cause more skin irritation so be careful.

Try not to worry about the costs too.

Veterinary prescription products are more cost-effective and clinically effective. They contain higher concentrations of key ingredients such as:

• Chlorhexidine (an antiseptic)
• Miconazole (anti-fungal, anti-yeast)
• Phytosphingosine (skin protective lipids)
• Pramoxine (a soothing topical anesthetic)
• Getting Veterinary Help

The pandemic sees more people spending more time with their dogs at home.

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.”

Bourgeois 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.”

So watch out and pay attention to that smell!

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Source: American Kennel Club