We've showered her some 3 or so times since the summer has started, using a good shampoo, but she still reeks like no other. She usually smells worse after itching and scratching [she has bad allergies]. How can we get her to stink a bit less? She's an old dog, and it seems like older dogs smell worse [well, that's only baseed off personal experience], could this be true?
2006-07-30 12:13:44 · 19 answers · asked by Cherry 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Yes, she used to get bad ear infections. Interesting you mention that.
My mother has taken her to the vet, but he doesn't seem to suggest much.
2006-07-30 12:20:05 · update #1
She's a pointer mix.
2006-07-30 12:20:29 · update #2
buy the kind that is called epi-soothe, you can get it at your vet. it is for cats and dogs it comes in a 8oz. bottle. it has oat-grain derivative and it is soap free. some dogs can't with stand soaps, so this kind will be the best for your dog and it smells nice.
2006-07-30 12:30:27 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
Bathing your dog a lot won't take care of the smell. Change her food. Get a really high grade food - give yourself a couple weeks... she'll smell better.
I have a lab with bad allergies (who has never been bathed) and I feed Blue Buffalo (fish and potato). She smells great... and the food has alleviated some of her scratching at the same time.
If you want to temper the scratching, put your dog in a tub of warm/room temperature (never extreme hot or cold) water with epsom salt. It will help with itchiness... and isn't harmful to her digestive system if she ingests some of the water.
Other great foods are Nutro Natural and some Royal Canin varieties. Food is a HUGE cause for stinky dogs. Don't skimp on their chow.
Also, check your dog's teeth. It may be time for a cleaning.
Bottom line, you don't need to put your dog down because she stinks. Stop bathing her - you're gonna dry her skin out and she will scratch more. Anal glands can be a problem but have a distinct smell... generally irony/metallicy stink.
Feel free to email me if you'd like to discuss this further.
Good luck.
2006-07-30 19:21:00 · answer #2 · answered by Wiley 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I used to have an old dog and understand what you mean. My mom used to give our dog a bath at least once a week (sometimes twice) and put doggy perfume on her. You might want to take her to the vet to make sure she doesn't have a skin infection which could cause a smell. And the groomer can express her anal gland to help get rid of smell. Also rotten teeth can smell too so check her mouth and gums. Good luck!
2006-07-30 19:18:14 · answer #3 · answered by Precious 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Odor in a dog alot of times comes from allergies of some sort. Also if its older check the anal gland. Dogs have an anal gland that sometimes gets clogged. You'll have to have a vet squeeze it out. It only cost a couple of bucks. Bottom line, take it to a good veteranarian. A shot for allergies once a month usually takes care of your problem as well.
2006-07-30 19:21:28 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oh I have a pointer mix with very bad allergies! Some times dryskin and danderiff (sp?) can cause the smell my vet advises washing with head and shoulders or selsan blue. I have been using Head and Shoulders for about 3 weeks and it has worked.
Also re the comment above. I have used epi soothe lotion with this and it has worked very well.
Also re the comment above I asked by vet about bathing her with H&S and would it cause her skin to dry out more. He said no and recommended 2 x per week (if needed)
2006-07-30 20:21:06 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
All good answers, for the most part. Hogden M, you're an idiot.
Groomers have a hypoallergenic fragrance that they use to make a dog smell nice. After checking with your vet to insure there are no serious underlying reasons for the smell, you might try a groomer.
2006-07-30 19:26:07 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I doubt you need to "take her to the vet and put her down." You do, however, need to take her to the vet and have her checked out. My dog had a recurring skin infection every year that required her to be on antibiotics and to be bathed with a special shampoo. The infection smelled awful! The pills and shampoo made a big difference. Take her to the vet and tell him/her what you told us! And, no, old dogs don't have to smell worse.
2006-07-30 19:18:35 · answer #7 · answered by clarity 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It could be the allergies, dry skin...etc. Have you had her ears checked? Ear infections in dogs stink to high Heaven. Have you talked to her vet about it? They could probably recommend the best course of action in this case.
2006-07-30 19:16:16 · answer #8 · answered by They call me ... Trixie. 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well it mite be a lil nasty but itz the hard truth..my dog has the same problem..if ur dog seems to be scratching her but a lot there is a gland by there but that is suppose to be filtered. usually older dogs cannot do this.. bring ur dog to the vet sumtime and ask if they can empty her glands by her rear. u mite have to do thi evry 1-3 months depending on the intensity. also ear mite sumtimes causes a dog to stink..GOOD LUCK
2006-07-30 19:18:11 · answer #9 · answered by need help 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the dog has ear problems, that may cause it to smell. check for ear infections especially if it is a hound
2006-07-30 19:20:43 · answer #10 · answered by CHB 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋