How do you get rid of a bad smell in a dog?

When your beloved dog happily runs to you, you want to give it a warm hug, but you are "dissuaded" by a pungent odor. The odor on the dog not only affects our close interaction with them, but also may indicate health problems if you ignore it for a long time. So, how can we effectively help dogs get rid of these annoying odors and let them exude a "cute" breath again? Let's discuss this topic systematically and in depth. ​

There are many reasons for the odor on dogs. Finding out these sources is the key to solving the odor problem. One of the most common reasons is poor oral hygiene. Imagine that if we don't brush our teeth for a long time, a large number of bacteria will grow in our mouths, and food residues will continue to ferment, which will produce unpleasant odors. The same is true for dogs. They often chew on various things, and it is easy for plaque and tartar to accumulate on their teeth, causing bad breath. At the same time, certain breeds of dogs, such as Pekingese and bulldogs, are more prone to oral problems and odor due to their unique facial structures. ​

Ear hygiene should not be ignored either. The structure of a dog's ears is relatively complex and L-shaped, which makes it difficult for air to circulate fully. It is easy to form a warm and humid environment in the ear canal, providing a breeding ground for bacteria and yeast. Once the ear is infected, it will emit a pungent smell similar to rancidity. Especially for breeds with droopy ears such as cocker spaniels and beagles, because the ears cover the ear canal for a long time, it is more difficult for air to enter, and the ear odor problem is more common. ​

Skin problems are also an important factor in causing odor on dogs. Allergies, fungal infections, bacterial infections, or bites from parasites such as fleas and ticks can cause inflammation of the dog's skin, which in turn produces odor. Dogs with long and dense hair, such as golden retrievers and Labradors, have poor skin permeability and are more likely to suffer from skin diseases and emit unpleasant odors. In addition, anal gland problems should not be ignored. Anal glands are two small sacs on both sides of the dog's anus, which store secretions with strong odors. Under normal circumstances, dogs squeeze the anal glands to discharge secretions when defecating. But when the anal glands are blocked or inflamed, these secretions cannot be discharged normally, which will cause an extremely unpleasant fishy smell on the dog. ​

Now that we know the cause of the odor, how can we help dogs eliminate the odor? Daily oral care is crucial. We should cultivate the habit of brushing teeth in dogs from the time they are young. At first, you can choose a finger toothbrush designed specifically for dogs, with pet-specific toothpaste, so that the dog can gradually adapt to the feeling of brushing teeth. As the dog gradually gets used to it, you can switch to an ordinary pet toothbrush. It is recommended to brush teeth at least 3-4 times a week, which can effectively remove plaque and food residues on the surface of the teeth and prevent bad breath. In addition, you can also provide dogs with some toys or snacks that help clean their teeth, such as chewing gum, to help them keep their mouths clean during play. ​

Ear care is also essential. Check your dog's ears regularly, at least once a week, and observe whether there are any abnormalities in the ear canal, such as redness, swelling, increased secretions, or odor. When cleaning the ears, use a special pet ear cleaning solution, drop an appropriate amount of cleaning solution into the ear canal, and gently massage the ear base to allow the cleaning solution to fully work and dissolve the earwax. Then, use a cotton ball or soft paper towel to gently wipe the external ear canal to remove earwax and secretions. It should be noted that the action must be gentle when cleaning to avoid damaging the dog's ear canal. ​

In terms of skin care, keep the dog's living environment clean and dry, and regularly wash the dog's sleeping mat, toys and other items to reduce the breeding of bacteria and parasites. At the same time, choose a suitable shower gel according to the dog's skin and hair characteristics. The frequency of bathing should not be too high. Bathing too frequently will destroy the natural barrier of the dog's skin, causing dry and itchy skin, and then cause skin diseases. Generally speaking, it is more appropriate to bathe once a week in summer and once every two weeks in winter. When bathing, be sure to rinse the shower gel thoroughly to avoid residual irritation to the skin. In addition, dogs should be dewormed regularly to prevent bites from parasites such as fleas and ticks. ​

For anal gland problems, dogs need to be squeezed regularly. Generally speaking, squeeze once every 1-2 months. When squeezing anal glands, wear gloves, lift the dog's tail upwards, find the anal gland openings on both sides of the anus, and squeeze the secretions from both sides of the anus toward the anus with your thumb and index finger. If the dog's anal glands are blocked or inflamed, do not squeeze them forcibly. Take it to the pet hospital in time for professional veterinarians to treat it. ​

In addition to daily care, diet also has an important impact on the dog's body odor. Choose high-quality, nutritionally balanced dog food, and avoid feeding dogs human leftovers, especially high-salt, high-fat foods. Some dog foods contain ingredients that help improve the health of dogs' skin and hair, such as Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, etc., which can reduce skin inflammation and reduce the production of odor. In addition, ensuring that dogs consume enough water helps maintain the body's metabolism, promote waste discharge, and reduce odor.​

Dogs’ odor not only affects their quality of life, but also our close relationship with them. By understanding the causes of odor, doing a good job of daily care, and paying attention to the dog’s diet and health, we can help dogs get rid of the odor problem, keep them healthy and happy, and become the "little cutie" that we can't let go of. In this process, we can not only make the dog's life better, but also gain a deeper emotional connection with the dog.