6 reasons why your dog may smell and how you can help

‘Can you stop my dog smelling…. of dog?!’

It almost sounds like a joke, however this is quite a common problem our advisors get asked. Now we all expect our dogs to smell a little and of course that is entirely natural and it is certainly not realistic to completely stop your dog having any odour, it is all part of wonderful dog ownership.

Dogs don’t really sweat like we do, but they do perspire from their paws, and they emit a small amount of perspiration from their hair follicles, which a unique smell that is your dog’s own signature scent.. They also produce oil, an important part of healthy skin and hair, which also has its individual scent. Along with the glands in their ears, which produce a light yeasty smell, these are all normal body odours, and can be kept to a pleasant minimum with normal, regular bathing and grooming.

However, if your dog’s odour is more extreme and to the point you really can’t stand being near, here are some reasons why:

1. Yeast

Smelly yeasty skin really does have it’s own distinct odour. It can be likened to a musty, stale or even cheesy odour and comes back really quickly and is due to a yeast overgrowth in the body. It is ideal to ensure a dog with yeasty skin is on a natural unprocessed diet and they are groomed regularly. Neutradog® is our newly launched product containing the perfect ingredients to help yeasty smelly skin. Have a read of this customers story how they found it helped. Also washing regularly in a natural shampoo such as Soothe and Calm Shampoo will be gentle enough to not upset the skin but effectively cleanse.

2. Rolling!

So many dogs love a good roll, it is perfectly natural behaviour and often thought to be a throwback to their wolf ancestors who did it to disguise their scent. Or perhaps even a way to show off! They certainly do love to do it and seem quite unable to stop themselves! This is easily solved with a good cleansing shampoo. Also washing regularly in a natural shampoo such as Scent & Shine Shampoo will be gentle enough to not upset the skin but effectively cleanse, it will enhance shine and leave behind a beautiful, uplifting scent which we know you and your dog will love.

3. Infections

Any severe smell can of course be a sign of an infection, either internal or external. If you think this is the case it is extremely important to consult a qualified veterinary professional, infections should never be left untreated. For recurring minor infections, Garlic & Fenugreek Tablets are perfect to be used to help prevent the infection recurring. Ideal for inter-digital cysts, minor ear infections or skin flap infections.

4. Anal glands

This is perhaps the most common cause of odour that won’t go away. Anal sacs are two small scent-sacs in the area of the anus. When a dog has a bowel movement, these sacs are normally squeezed and a very smelly, oily secretion is released with the faeces. If these sacs become infected or impacted by a thicker secretion than normal, or if they can’t empty properly, problems result. a dog is scared or overly excited, the smell can get on the surrounding fur, causing a distinct bad smell. This odor can then be passed onto places where your dog lies, and then it’s just unpleasant everywhere. So again this is a job for a trained veterinary professional. It is also important to address the diet and ensure their motions are firm.

5. Seasons / On heat

The smell of a bitch in season really isn’t noticeable to us in any degree, if it is obvious and especially if this is accompanies with smelly discharge veterinary advice should be sought immediately. However the most common issue is if the bitch lives within a household of males, you can be sure the boys will notice when the bitch comes into season (and often way before). No product can stop this smell, however chlorophyll has been found really helpful for reducing the overall smell. Neutradog® is a unique combination containing Chlorophyllin plus naturally occurring chlorophyll in parsley plus mint and seaweed which also help to neutralise smells. Here is a great story how this product helped reduce the smell of a bitch in season.

6. Bad breath

There are generally two reasons for bad breath, dental issues or bacteria from the gut. Dental hygiene and regular brushing is really important, a good quality professionally formulated toothpaste such as Roast Dinner Toothpaste is ideal to be used a couple of times a week. If you think the smell is coming from the gut, ensure their diet is well tolerated and natural as possible. Try giving Neutradog® this will help to neutralise the odours before they can be secreted.

This powerful combination of chlorophyllin, parsley and seaweed are perfect to neutralise smells by absorbing odour causing compounds and naturally removing them through the body. This ensures the odours are neutralised before they can be secreted through the skin, making it perfect for a whole host of smelly issues!

Parsley - The humble Parsley plant is often underestimated, however this green leafed herb is naturally rich in chlorophyll, a natural odour absorbing compound.
Chlorophyllin - Chlorophyll, or more importantly chlorophyllin (a water soluble version), helps to neutralise smells by absorbing odour causing compounds and naturally removing them through the system.
Kelp Seaweed - This rich species of deep sea seaweed has an important role to play in helping to eliminate toxins. Naturally rich in anti-oxidants this provides support to the natural anti-inflammatory processes within the body.