A lot of owners complain that their dog smells. Dogs do have a natural odor -- in fact, each dog has a distinctive odor, which is how they distinguish one another. Many owners try to mask the normal 'doggy smell' because they, or someone in the household, does not find it very appealing. But sometimes a dog gives off a particularly unpleasant odor, which can have a number of causes. On the least offensive end of the scale, your dog may give off the typical 'wet dog' smell when it comes in from the rain (and that is quite often in Ireland). On the other end of the scale are the odors that come from rolling in dead things or droppings from other species of animals. In some cases, though, your dog may have a problem that needs medical treatment.
You have to determine what part of the dog the smell is coming from. As a vet, I don't find this a pleasant task! Start smelling your dog starting at the head and mouth, then sniff your way towards the back end. Don't worry, you don't have to get too close!
Bad breath, or halitosis, is very common, and sometimes it is so bad that you are reluctant to be in the same room with your faithful companion. Bad breath can be caused by dental disease, a stick or bone stuck in the mouth, an abcess in the mouth, dermatitis around the mouth, or an oral tumor. Internal problems can also cause bad breath. A diabetic dog can actually smell like it had been out drinking all night. There will be a distinct sweet, alcohol-like smell off of the dog's breath. A dog with kidney disease or gastritis can also have very bad breath.
Ear infections can be very smelly, not to mention uncomfortable for the dog. Signs of an ear infection are scratching the ears and shaking the head. Some dogs may even tilt their head to the side. You may notice that the ear canal is red and full of ear wax.
The largest organ of the body is the skin. If your dog has a skin problem it will be smelly. The skin and coat may be greasy to touch. Your dog may also be itchy and shed excessively. Your vet can help you make your dog more comfortable -- and less odoriferous.
Everyone who owns a dog has been subject to flatulence, or gas. Your dog may sit and look at you lovingly, then emit the most noxious odor that will make your eyes water. If your dog has a problem with flatulence, it could indicate a dietary or intestinal problem.
The anal sacs or glands can also create a room-clearing smell. These paired sacs are hidden away just inside the anal sphincter and contain a foul-smelling, oily secretion. This secretion is normally released when the dog has a bowel movement or is frightened. The anal sacs are what give each dog their individual scent, and are the reason dogs sniff each other's behinds first when they greet each other. Unfortunately, these glands frequently cause problems because they are not always emptied when the dog defecates. If your dog has a problem with its glands, it may 'scoot,' or drag its bottom along the floor. It may also lick its rear end more often than normal, which, in turn, gives bad breath.
If you are unable to get rid of that 'doggy smell,' it may be time to bring your dog to the vet to find the cause of the odor.
You have to determine what part of the dog the smell is coming from. As a vet, I don't find this a pleasant task! Start smelling your dog starting at the head and mouth, then sniff your way towards the back end. Don't worry, you don't have to get too close!
Bad breath, or halitosis, is very common, and sometimes it is so bad that you are reluctant to be in the same room with your faithful companion. Bad breath can be caused by dental disease, a stick or bone stuck in the mouth, an abcess in the mouth, dermatitis around the mouth, or an oral tumor. Internal problems can also cause bad breath. A diabetic dog can actually smell like it had been out drinking all night. There will be a distinct sweet, alcohol-like smell off of the dog's breath. A dog with kidney disease or gastritis can also have very bad breath.
Ear infections can be very smelly, not to mention uncomfortable for the dog. Signs of an ear infection are scratching the ears and shaking the head. Some dogs may even tilt their head to the side. You may notice that the ear canal is red and full of ear wax.
The largest organ of the body is the skin. If your dog has a skin problem it will be smelly. The skin and coat may be greasy to touch. Your dog may also be itchy and shed excessively. Your vet can help you make your dog more comfortable -- and less odoriferous.
Everyone who owns a dog has been subject to flatulence, or gas. Your dog may sit and look at you lovingly, then emit the most noxious odor that will make your eyes water. If your dog has a problem with flatulence, it could indicate a dietary or intestinal problem.
The anal sacs or glands can also create a room-clearing smell. These paired sacs are hidden away just inside the anal sphincter and contain a foul-smelling, oily secretion. This secretion is normally released when the dog has a bowel movement or is frightened. The anal sacs are what give each dog their individual scent, and are the reason dogs sniff each other's behinds first when they greet each other. Unfortunately, these glands frequently cause problems because they are not always emptied when the dog defecates. If your dog has a problem with its glands, it may 'scoot,' or drag its bottom along the floor. It may also lick its rear end more often than normal, which, in turn, gives bad breath.
If you are unable to get rid of that 'doggy smell,' it may be time to bring your dog to the vet to find the cause of the odor.
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