To clean your dog, use spot cleaning or dry shampoos like cornstarch or baking soda to absorb odors, and remove soiled hair. Better yet, a thorough bath with a shampoo or rinse that will counteract the smell is the ideal solution.
The best way to prevent your dog from smelling bad is to practice good hygiene. This means bathing them regularly with quality dog shampoo, and taking them to the groomer for regular haircuts. You should also make sure to brush their teeth regularly, and check their ears for any signs of infection.
Medical Reasons Dogs May Stink
Secondary yeast or bacterial infections on the skin or inside the ears remain the most common medical reasons dogs might smell awful. Allergies often begin the process, which leads to scratching and licking that open the door for infections.
When we bathe (humans and dogs alike), we strip natural oils from our skins. Those constant baths you're giving your dog are removing natural oils from their skin and coat, which signals their glands to secrete even more oils, and those oils are magnets for dirt, grime, and odor-inducing bacteria.
Try using vinegar (diluted with a bit of water) in a spray bottle and spray on carpets or floors. Or use in combination with baking soda on cushions or bedding for an extra powerful, odor-eliminating punch.
Baking soda will deodorize your dog's coat, while cornstarch will absorb oil and soften the coat. Brush your dog and sprinkle the baking soda on the coat from the neck to the tail. Massage it into your pup's skin and let it rest for a few minutes.
The Spot Treatment Method. Give your dog a quick bath using a soap-free product. This will get the skin and fur clean and wet before applying the coconut oil.
Unlike olive oil, coconut oil doesn't contain a high amount of omega fatty acids. While it does have some, it isn't enough for your dog to access as many of the benefits as other oils can. Coconut oil also isn't as easily digested and processed, which may render the few fatty acids that get through less helpful.
Coconut oil can help your dog's coat look and feel great, giving it a shiny appearance and a softer texture. Apply it to their skin and coat about once a week, using a teaspoon at a time and warming it up between your hands, and allow it to absorb for a few minutes.
Rule of thumb: You can bathe your dog about once a month unless they seem smelly/dirty, or you notice it over-dries their skin. Note: Be sure to avoid over-bathing. Dry skin caused by over-bathing can be very uncomfortable. Dogs need a certain amount of oil to maintain a healthy coat and skin.
Baking soda works to remove odors from your dog's skin and fur. The baking soda paste should be applied before the shampoo and can be washed off as you lather homemade dog shampoo and then rinse both items off the dog with warm water. In a big spray bottle, put 2 cups of warm water with 1/2 cup of white vinegar.
Basic Homemade Dog Shampoo
White vinegar has antibacterial and deodorant properties and will leave his coat shiny and clean. Just be careful not to get any in his eyes.
No, it is not recommended that you use baby wipes on dogs, or any other pets. That's because the pH level on human skin is different to dogs so baby wipes are unsafe because they may cause irritation or itching.
Beyond the Bath
Bathing isn't the only part of grooming that helps keep your dog smelling clean. Brushing his coat removes dirt, dead hair, and other debris that can cause odors. Ear cleaning is also an important task that helps maintain a fresh-smelling dog.
To use coconut oil topically, apply it to the skin about once a week, and let it be absorbed for a few minutes. After five minutes or so, rinse your dog off. If he still feels excessively greasy or oily, you can follow up with a light shampoo and rinse. Alternatively, use a shampoo made with organic coconut oil.
Improves Dog Odor
Coconut oil has antimicrobial and antifungal properties, so when it's applied to your dog's fur and skin, it can improve odors that have been lurking. Plus, unrefined, virgin coconut oil has a fresh, nutty and coconut aroma that will certainly benefit the smell of your dog's coat.
If you give your dog too much coconut oil, they can get diarrhea. Your veterinarian will let you know a healthy amount to give your dog. In some cases, your dog might have an allergy to coconut oil. Signs of an allergy include an upset stomach and itching.
Solid or liquid coconut oil can be added to food at any meal or given between meals. The optimum dose for dogs is about 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight daily, or 1 tablespoon per 30 pounds.
Experts suggest that coconut oil can be given to dogs once or twice a day. According to PetMD, start with ¼ teaspoon daily for small dogs and go up to 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon daily for bigger dogs.
Coconut Oil, Dogs And Inflammation. Newer research shows that coconut oil is inflammatory and can cause leaky gut. In fact, the ASPCA advises owners not to give their dogs coconut oil because it can irritate the gut lining. contain oils that may cause stomach upset, loose stools or diarrhea.