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.
Allergies, hormonal imbalances, fungus, parasites and localized inflammation can lead to an overgrowth of yeast or bacteria on the skin and cause an unpleasant smell. Your dog's discomfort will lead to excessive scratching and licking which can cause a secondary bacterial infection.
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.
Arthritis and other health conditions can make it difficult for your dog to properly groom himself, which can cause his fur and skin to smell funky over time. Weekly shampooing or visits with a professional groomer can help. Impacted anal glands are also common in older dogs.
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.
Reason 1: A Yeast Infection
Yeast has a very distinct musty, pungent odor, often compared to moldy bread or cheese popcorn. Yeast infections most commonly occur in the ear canals or on dogs' paws. Some people call a yeast infection on their dog's paws “Frito feet” because the smell is similar to corn chips.
Generally speaking, a healthy dog with a short, smooth coat and no skin problems doesn't need to be bathed often. In most cases, dog baths are more for the benefit of their pet parents than for the dogs themselves. Even so, it's a good idea to bathe your pooch at least once every two to three months.
(1 gallon of water, 1 cup of peroxide and 1 cup of vinegar). Walk your dog through the antifungal mixture several times a day being sure to cover all yeasty paws. There is no need to rinse with water, just pat dry.
When some dogs eat ingredients such as chicken, wheat, corn or other individual items, ingestion will trigger an allergic reaction that can alter the natural flora and allow an unnatural growth of yeast.
A dog who is itchy and smelly (has malodorous skin) could be suffering from a skin disease such as an infection. Your veterinarian can evaluate your companion's skin to look for signs of yeast overgrowth or wounds that may have developed secondary complications.
If your main concern is a yeast infection, consider giving the apple cider vinegar orally instead of using it topically. According to experts, yeast has fewer chances of survival in an acidic medium, so adding a small dose of ACV to your dog's food or water will help cure a yeast infection quickly.
Maintain water temperature: Only use warm water to bathe your pet. While your dog might enjoy splashing around in cold bath water when it's hot outside, it's unsafe to wash your dog with cold water during the winter, especially if they normally have to relieve themselves immediately after getting a bath.
Never bathe your dog more than once a week unless it's recommended by your vet. While you're bathing your dog, take special care to note any lumps, bump or skin changes that could indicate a health problem. If you find something of concern, be sure to let your vet know.
Though the scent of a UTI can be different for each dog, it's generally a very pronounced odor that's notably different from their normal urine scent. Some describe it as musky, others say it's a rancid or garbage-y smell, and still others say it's a “rotten fish” smell.
Is your dog feeling itchy, or does his skin appear flaky, moist or crusty? He may have a bacterial or fungal infection. You may also notice, odor, inflammation or redness. Yeast dermatitis or staph infection can bring these symptoms, along with recurring health issues.
Clean the coat with dry shampoo.
For extra smelly dogs, dry shampoo is an easy alternative to clean away dirt and neutralise nasty odours. It's perfect for those moments when you think only a bath will do the job!
There are a few things you can do to help get rid of your dog's bad smell. First, make sure they're being properly groomed. This means brushing their fur regularly and giving them baths as needed. You can also try using a pet-safe deodorant or perfume to help mask the smell.
According to Courtney Jackson, DVM, a veterinarian and owner of the Pets Digest blog, apple cider vinegar is safe for dogs to use on their skin and take internally if given in moderation and at recommended doses.
Dilute cider vinegar 50-50 with water and apply with a sprayer or sponge immediately after bathing to remove leftover soap residue, alleviate dandruff and itchy skin, condition hair, and repel fleas. To help prevent dander, rub diluted cider vinegar into the dog's skin just before bathing and wash it off.
For topical use, create an apple cider vinegar rinse for after your dog's bath, as a remedy for irritated skin or a dry coat (1 cup ACV per 2-4 cups water). It's common for dogs to get yeast infections in their paws; soaking your dog's paws in ACV will relieve that too.