Controlling Dog Odour

Having a dog with body odour can be an embarrassing and frustrating experience for many dog owners. Having a dog that seems to smell wet even when not wet, a worsening or recurring odour despite bathing attempts and ongoing flatulence are often reported by owners of unpleasant smelling dogs. Body odour may be caused by diet, dietary indigestion, type of coat, underlying skin or medical problems.

What are you feeding your dog?

A dog with body odour problems can be related to the type of food you are feeding your dog. Even in multi-dog households with both dogs eating the same food, one may seem to smell worse than the other because of different individual body chemistries. One of the easiest things to do is to try a higher quality premium brand dog food. Premium brand dog foods are better than supermarket brands because they are more nutritious, easier to digest and produce less faecal waste.

Getting blown away by doggie gas?

Passing wind, gas, or farts is often a sign of dietary indigestion in dogs. Basically there is something in the diet that your dog is unable to digest properly. This is often related to the type of food, and most commonly the type of dog treats or people food being fed. One can generally rule out the offending food source by trial and error. If you notice that the gas is worse with a particular brand of dog food, treats, flavour type, or certain people foods, avoidance of those is best.

Curb flatulence with digestive supplements

If the gas remains a problem despite avoidance of offending food sources, one can also try adding digestive enzymes and supplements. These are formulated just for dogs to improve gastrointestinal health and relieve flatulence. They are available as tasty chews, tablets or as a liquid easily added into food. Please remember that a little intestinal gas is normal for every dog, but if your dog has other problems such as diarrhoea, bloody or mucousy stools or weight loss, please seek veterinary care as there is likely an underlying medical problem.

Treat the Skin from Inside and Outside

The hair coat and skin integrity also has a major impact on body odour. Avoid applying doggie perfumes or colognes as they only mask the odour rather than treating the underlying cause. Many dogs with smelly skin may have underlying allergies which cause secondary skin infections and speciality dog shampoo such as EQyss Pet Shampoo is suitable. A small number of bacteria and yeast are part of a dogʼs normal skin flora, but when they multiply, they cause skin infections, mild discomfort, and smelly skin. If you notice that your dogʼs skin is oily, reddened, warm to touch, scabby or has hair loss, seek veterinary attention. Your vet will recommend medications and special over the
counter medicated shampoos depending on the type of skin infection present.
Dog breeds with extra folds of their skin (e.g. Sharpeis, English bulldogs) are more prone to trapping moisture and developing bacterial or yeast infections. Therefore, it is important to pay careful attention to the skin fold regions in any dog with skin folds.

Regular Grooming

Although most dogs self groom, they need help maintaining a healthy coat. Normal dirt, debris and oils can become trapped within the skin giving a foul odour. Regular brushing and bathing with dog shampoo can help minimise body odours.

Supplement the Skin with Essential Oils

Dogs with chronic skin problems benefit from having their diets supplemented with omega fatty acids and essential oil supplements made just for dogs available in capsule or liquid forms. These help protect and nourish the skin from the inside out.
You donʼt have to live with a stinky dog. Beat the odour using nutrition, good grooming habits, dietary supplements and regular veterinary care.