Mary Allen
Many dogs love to roll in mud or cat feces or take a dip in any body of water. In all these situations, our dear four-legged friends always smell very special and we reach for the shower and shampoo. But apart from these added scents, the dog also has its own personal smell. Shaped by fur, hormones, age, illness, or feeding, this inherent smell is constantly being further developed individually. Because all these factors have an influence on the dog’s body and also on the dog’s smell, which is not always pleasant. If we take a closer look at our dog, an unpleasant smell can emanate from different parts of the body.
Typical Dog Smell: Wet Fur
Let’s first look at the fur of our four-legged friends. Wet dogs are known to have a particularly strong smell. However, it also depends on the coat length and the corresponding undercoat. The longer and denser the coat and undercoat are, the more odors, dirt, and moisture can collect there. Dogs with shorter coats tend to smell less and also dry faster. There are even dog breeds with shorter coats that are not said to have a strong dog smell. These include the Dalmatian, the poodle, and also greyhounds. Coat care is particularly important so that long fur and dense undercoat can develop a less strong aroma. Brushing or combing should therefore be the order of the day and regular drying should also be part of it. There is a wide range of brushes or combs on the market and also bathrobes that can be easily put on the dog.
Often Forgotten – the Anal Glands
If the dog has problems with the anal glands, help should be sought from a veterinarian or animal naturopath. Because if these glands become clogged, it can be very painful for the four-legged friend. Normally, the anal glands empty when the dog defecates. However, several factors such as frequent diarrhea, the wrong angle when defecation, nervous and restless dogs, age, or genetic disposition, for example, can make emptying difficult or even impossible. A veterinarian or alternative animal practitioner must empty the glands by hand.
The Dog’s Mouth – a Kingdom for Smells
Everyone has probably experienced bad breath in dogs at some point. The reasons for this can be very different and should also be precisely identified. Because an unpleasant smell from the dog’s mouth can also have health origins. On the one hand, the fur nose can of course have eaten something with a strong smell. Feces, decomposing animals, garbage, or many other things that give a good aroma to the dog’s mouth. Even small things can help to create a better scent. For example, the dog can be given an apple or a carrot to chew. But parsley, which is mixed into the feed, can also reduce the strong dog odor.
Another source of odor can be tartar. If this is in an advanced state, inflammation can form between the tooth and gums. The result can be suppuration. This condition is very painful for the dog and should be treated immediately. To prevent this, dental hygiene is very important. Practicing brushing your teeth early and regularly can pay off. Giving chewing bones, dental sticks or similar chewing snacks can also help – however, the products should be checked carefully to ensure that they are sugar-free.
Bad breath can also occur in puppies when they change teeth. This means that if the milk teeth loosen but are not yet falling out, inflammation can develop there. If food remains stick there, they form the basis for putrefactive bacteria. Bleeding gums during the change of teeth can also trigger a certain unpleasant odor in the puppy’s mouth. The teeth should therefore be checked regularly right from the start.
Other causes can be inflammation of the oral mucosa, tongue, or tonsils. It is therefore worth checking the dog’s mouth as a habit and paying attention to changes in the dog’s behavior.
Unfortunately, strong-smelling bad breath can also result from diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Inflammation of the gastric mucosa or infections of the gastrointestinal tract causes the dog’s mouth to smell just as unpleasantly as diabetes or kidney diseases. If the bad breath cannot be clearly defined and classified, a visit to the veterinarian is unavoidable. The causes should be identified very precisely so that targeted treatment is possible.
Effect of Diet on Dog Odor
Diet has a major impact on dog odor. Depending on the type of food and tolerance, food can, for example, cause plaque on the teeth or accumulate between the teeth. Bad breath due to putrefaction processes can be the result. But certain types of food that contain fish, for example, can also cause altered breath and a stronger body odor.
If the dog food is of poorer quality or contains ingredients that the dog does not tolerate well, flatulence or even diarrhea can occur. Excessive amounts of food or just certain treats can also imbalance the gastrointestinal tract and cause flatulence.