Effective Tips to Get Rid of Dog Smell

While we love our dogs, the "dog smell" that can linger in our homes and on our pets isn't always so pleasant. Whether it's from your dog's fur, bedding, or just the general environment, persistent odors can be a challenge to manage. This guide provides practical solutions to help you get rid of dog smell and maintain a fresh, clean home.

Why Do Dogs Smell Stinky?

Dogs smell bad mainly for the following reasons:

• Physical factors

Oral problems
Bad breath is a common cause. Dogs that suffer from dental calculus, periodontitis and other oral diseases, bacteria breeding in the mouth, will produce unpleasant odours. In addition, the fermentation of food residues left in the mouth can also lead to bad breath.

Ear problems
Ear infections such as ear mites or otitis media are diseases. Ear mites can proliferate in the ear canal, and their excretions and the inflammatory reaction they cause can make the ears smell bad. Otitis media, on the other hand, is due to an inflammatory infection in the ear canal that produces a pus-like discharge that smells bad.

Gastrointestinal problems
When a dog's gut is not functioning well, food may not be adequately digested and absorbed. Undigested food residue ferments in the intestines and produces an unpleasant odour, which causes your dog's faeces and breath to become smelly. Poor bowel movements in dogs can also be caused by parasitic infections such as roundworms and hookworms. These parasites can live in the intestines and affect your dog's digestion as well as produce an unpleasant odour.

Skin problems
Skin conditions, like fungal infections and mite infections. Fungal infections cause redness and flaking of the skin along with an odour. Mite infections cause itching and hair loss and are also accompanied by foul odour. Moreover, excessive secretion of oil from the skin, if not cleaned in time, and mixed with dust, etc. will also produce an odour.

Anal Gland Problems
If the anal glands can not be emptied normally, the secretions inside will accumulate and trigger anal adenitis, which will produce a strong odour.

• External Factors

Hygiene habits
If the dog has not been bathed for a long time, the mixture of skin oils, dust and dirt stained on the hair will have a foul smell. And the dog may be stained with urine, faeces or other dirty things such as rubbish when going out.
Living Environment
If a dog's den is not cleaned regularly, it can harbour bacteria, fungi and parasites that produce unpleasant odours which can get on the dog. And if the space where the dog lives is not well ventilated, the odour is also difficult to emit, making the dog always smell bad.

How To Get Rid Of Dog Smell ？

Dog odor can originate from a variety of factors, including bacterial growth or secretions on the skin, ears, mouth, anal glands and other areas. In order to effectively get rid of dog odor, you can take the following measures

• Regular bathing

Use dog-friendly bathing products and avoid using human shampoos as this may upset the natural pH balance of your dog's skin. The frequency of bathing should be adjusted according to your dog's breed and activity level, usually once a week in summer and once every two weeks in winter.

• Oral Care

Clean your dog's teeth and mouth regularly, using a pet toothbrush and toothpaste and brushing at least once a week to minimize bad breath and tartar formation. 

• Ear Cleaning

Regularly check your dog's ears and clean them of earwax with a pet-specific ear cleaning solution to avoid bacterial growth.

• Anal Gland Cleaning

Squeeze your dog's anal glands on a regular basis to remove accumulated secretions, which can help reduce body odor.

Related: Why Do Dogs Anal Glands Fill Up

• Diet management

Provide high quality, nutritionally balanced dog food and avoid feeding greasy or human food to reduce indigestion and odor. 

• Use of deodorizing products

You can use pet-specific deodorizing sprays or aromatherapy to help neutralize odors.

• Have regular medical checkups

Take your dog for regular health checkups to detect and deal with health issues that may cause odor problems.

With the above comprehensive management measures, you can significantly reduce your dog's odor and keep your home environment fresh. If the above methods are tried but the problem persists, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian to rule out underlying health issues.

Are There Any Natural Remedies to Reduce Bad Breath in Dogs?

Bad breath in dogs can be caused by oral bacterial growth, food residue, or digestive problems. Natural remedies can help improve your dog's oral hygiene and reduce bad breath. Here are some effective natural remedies.

Use coconut oil

Coconut oil has antimicrobial properties that can help reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth, adding a little coconut oil to your dog's food every day can help control bad breath. 

Also Read: How to Apply Coconut Oil to Dog Skin

Add Mint

Fresh mint can be used as an addition to your dog's food, the chlorophyll in mint helps to fight bacteria in the mouth and digestive tract.

Probiotics

Probiotics help maintain your dog's intestinal health and promote digestion, reducing bad breath caused by digestive problems.

Use Green Tea

Green tea has stomach-cleansing and stain-removing properties that can help reduce the condition of bad breath in dogs, and feeding your dog herbal tea water weekly can help reduce bad breath. 

Provide hard food and chew toys

Hard treats and specially designed chew toys can help clean your dog's teeth and reduce plaque and food debris, thus reducing bad breath. 

The natural remedies mentioned above can help improve your dog's oral health and reduce bad breath problems. When implementing these methods, you should watch your dog's reactions to ensure they are safe and effective. If the bad breath problem persists, it is recommended to consult your veterinarian to rule out other underlying health issues.

How to Properly Clean Dog's Teeth to Prevent Bad Breath?

1.Choose the right tools

Use a toothbrush and toothpaste designed for dogs. Dog toothpastes usually contain harmless ingredients and have flavors that appeal to dogs. The bristles of the toothbrush should be soft to protect your dog's gums. 

2.Establishing a Brushing Habit

When brushing for the first time, choose a quieter moment for your dog and avoid noisy environments. Reward your dog with small treats before and after brushing to create a positive bond. 

3.Brush your dog's teeth the right way

Gently lift your dog's mouth, dip the toothbrush in water and squeeze in toothpaste, then gently brush the surface of the teeth, the inside and the biting surfaces. Focus on cleaning the sides and backs of the teeth, which tend to accumulate plaque and tartar. 

4.Regular Cleaning

It is recommended to brush your dog's teeth at least 3 times a week to maintain oral hygiene. 

5.Auxiliary Cleaning Measures

Use aids such as dog chews, dental sprays and chew toys to help clean your dog's teeth even during non-brushing times. 

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6.Regular Veterinary Checkups

Take your dog to the vet at least once a year for an oral exam to detect and treat oral problems early. 

By taking the above steps, you can effectively prevent bad breath and oral diseases in your dog and maintain its overall health.

Also Read: Dog Treats For Bad Breath: Buying Guide

How to Properly Clean Dog's Ears to Reduce Odors?

Steps to properly clean your dog's ears

• Check the ears

Before cleaning, check your dog's ears for redness, swelling, discharge or other signs of abnormality.

• Ear Canal Cleaning

Gently pull back your dog's ears to expose the ear canal and use a cotton ball or medical cotton dipped in a small amount of ear wash to gently wipe the outside of the ear canal and the opening of the ear canal. Avoid going deeper into the ear canal to avoid damaging the ear canal or eardrum.

• Ear Canal Cleaner

If necessary, you can use ear canal cleaner, according to the product instructions of the appropriate amount of drops into the ear canal, gently massage the root of the ear, and then let the dog shake his head to help loosen the earwax and naturally discharged.

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Otitis Externa, Ear Mites, Ear Canal Infections, Ear Inflammation

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• Cleaning earwax

Use cotton swabs or medical cotton to clean earwax from the ear canal. Be gentle and avoid using too much force.

• Drying the ears

After cleaning, use a clean towel or cotton ball to gently soak up any moisture in the ear canal and make sure the inside of the ear is dry to prevent bacteria from growing.

Please note that it is important to be gentle with your dog during the cleaning process and avoid forcing them to cooperate as this may cause unnecessary stress or injury. If your dog's ears have a strong odor, discharge or show signs of pain, stop cleaning immediately and consult your veterinarian. 

Related: Safe Remedies at Home: A First Aid Guide to Ear Mites in Dogs

How to Get Rid of Dog Smell in Home? 

Once your dog is clean, it’s time to tackle the smells that have settled into your home.

1.Cleaning Carpets and Rugs

Carpets and rugs can trap odors, so regular cleaning is essential.

• Vacuum frequently: Vacuum your carpets and rugs at least once a week to remove hair, dirt, and dander.
• Use a carpet cleaner: Deep clean your carpets with a pet-safe carpet cleaner or hire a professional carpet cleaning service every few months.
• Sprinkle baking soda: Sprinkle baking soda on carpets and rugs before vacuuming to help neutralize odors.

2.Washing Bedding and Toys

Your dog’s bedding and toys can harbor smells, so they should be cleaned regularly.

• Wash bedding weekly: Wash your dog’s bedding in hot water with a pet-safe detergent once a week.
• Clean toys: Wash your dog’s toys according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Soft toys can often be machine washed, while hard toys can be cleaned with warm, soapy water.

3.Furniture Care

Furniture can also absorb dog smells, especially if your dog is allowed on the couch or bed.

• Use washable covers: Protect your furniture with washable covers that can be removed and cleaned regularly.
• Vacuum upholstery: Vacuum your furniture to remove pet hair and dander.
• Deodorize with baking soda: Sprinkle baking soda on upholstery, let it sit for 15 minutes, then vacuum it up to help eliminate odors.

4.Air Fresheners and Ventilation

Improving the air quality in your home can help keep it smelling fresh.

• Use air purifiers: Air purifiers with HEPA filters can help remove pet odors from the air.
• Open windows: Regularly open windows to allow fresh air to circulate through your home.
• Use pet-safe air fresheners: Choose air fresheners that are safe for pets to mask any lingering odors.

FAQs

Should You Bathe Your Dog If He Smell Bad?

Bathing is an effective solution when your dog has a body odor problem, but you need to be careful about how often and how you do it. According to the information searched, the frequency of bathing a dog should be based on its breed, activity level, season and the presence of any special health conditions. Generally, dogs can be bathed one to two times a week in the summer, while this can be reduced to once every two to three weeks in the winter. Frequent bathing may damage the natural protective layer of your dog's skin, leading to dryness and an increased risk of skin disease. 

When bathing, you should use a mild shampoo suitable for your dog's skin and make sure the water is at the right temperature, avoiding human body washes as they may be too harsh for your dog's skin. After bathing, you should blow dry your dog's coat thoroughly to prevent colds or skin problems. 

If the dog's odor problem is due to a specific health issue, such as ear mites, anal gland problems, or skin infections, then additional treatment measures may be needed beyond just bathing. In this case, a veterinarian should be consulted for proper diagnosis and treatment recommendations. 

In summary, if a dog's odor problem is not caused by a health issue, proper bathing can help improve its odor. However, excessive bathing should be avoided and proper bathing techniques should be adopted to protect your dog's skin health. If the body odor problem persists, possible health causes should be considered and professional veterinary help should be sought.

How to Properly Choose the Right Shampoo for Dog?

When choosing a dog shampoo, you should consider the following key points.

Dog's skin type: choose the appropriate shampoo based on whether your dog has dry skin, sensitive skin, or special needs (e.g., skin disease). For example, dogs with dry or sensitive skin should choose a shampoo that is moisturizing and hypoallergenic. 

Shampoo Ingredients: Shampoos with natural ingredients should be chosen to avoid products that contain harsh chemicals. Natural surfactants and plant-based ingredients are safer choices. 

Shampoo pH: Dogs have a different skin pH than humans, so you should choose a pH-balanced shampoo designed for dogs to maintain the skin's natural acid-base balance. 

Brand and quality of shampoo: Choose a reputable brand and make sure the shampoo has a qualified mark from a national inspection to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the product. 

Veterinarian's advice: Before choosing a shampoo, it is best to consult a veterinarian, especially if your dog has skin problems or other health conditions. 

Is It Normal For Dogs To Have a Mild Smell?

• Under normal circumstances, dogs do have a slight odor that is primarily produced by their skin secretions and microbial activity. Dogs have sebaceous glands on their skin, and these glands secrete oils, which interact with microorganisms on the skin and may produce a characteristic odor. Additionally, areas such as the dog's ears, mouth and anal glands may also produce odors, especially if these areas are not properly cleaned and cared for.
• This mild odor is usually part of the dog's natural state, but if the odor becomes unusually strong or is accompanied by other symptoms, this may indicate the presence of a health problem such as a skin infection, oral disease, or other medical condition. In this case, a veterinarian should be consulted for further examination and treatment.
• In order to maintain your dog's hygiene and reduce unwanted odors, regular grooming, bathing, ear cleaning, teeth brushing and proper dietary management are very important. These measures help to maintain the health of your dog's skin and mouth, thus reducing odor. 

Conclusion

Getting rid of dog smell requires a combination of regular grooming, proper diet, and maintaining a clean home. By addressing the root causes of the odor and following the tips provided, you can keep your dog and your living space smelling fresh and clean. If the smell persists despite your efforts, it’s important to consult a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues. With the right approach, you can enjoy a fresh-smelling dog and home every day.