How to Manage Dog Odor

How to Deal with Different Levels of Odor

All dogs occasionally develop a stench, but some dogs fight battles with chronic odor. Before you decide how to deal with your pet’s odor, determine where it is coming from. Did your dog roll in something foul or play extra hard outdoors? Has he smelled bad for a while or is he emitting a different odor than usual? Dogs with certain skin types and activity levels can emit a more consistently pungent odor. Taking the time to learn a little about your dog’s coat type and determining if he has sensitive or oily skin can go a long way toward managing more frequent stinks. It will also help you determine when a bad odor is something to worry about or if it is simply time for a bath.

Odor Management

To eliminate or manage day-to-day odors, it’s wise to use products made just for dogs. Never attempt to spray dogs with Febreeze or human perfumes that can be abrasive to their skin or even toxic. Doggie deodorants are gentle enough to use on even the most sensitive of dog skin – skin that’s usually more likely to retain odors.

Spraying your dog’s coat with a doggie deodorant when you’re brushing him is an easy way to manage odors without changing your grooming routine. Doggie deodorant can refresh your dog’s skin and coat and help him smell better immediately. After particularly smell-inducing incidents, neutralizing the odor is an effective way to stop the stink. Odor neutralizers remove odors by eliminating the scent. Sometimes, adding sweet potatoes into your dog’s regular diet can help improve the way he smells.

Odor Reduction

If you detect a new or different odor or if odor management isn’t controlling the problem, a bath is the best place to start. If your dog has oily or sensitive skin, or if you find yourself bathing your dog frequently, a gentle oatmeal shampoo will keep his skin from getting irritated or overly dry. Bathe your dog carefully with gentle shampoo while checking his skin and coat for any irregularities. Don’t forget to check his ears and clean them gently. Strange scents can be caused by dirty ears or even ear infections.

Make sure to dry the coat as soon as possible to prevent it from developing a musty odor. You can also turn to some common household fresheners to air out your dog’s coat. Sprinkling baby powder on the coat helps absorb excess oils in the fur and skin. Rubbing baking soda throughout the coat after a bath, before brushing, will also help soak up odor and oil.

Get Professional Help

If your dog has persistent odor problems that just won’t go away and are resistant to bathing, it’s not a bad idea to visit the vet. You might be dealing with a chronic skin condition or an underlying medical problem that even good grooming can’t solve.

Visit our Pet Grooming resources for additional information and products for grooming, clipping, trimming and bathing your pet.