Help with stinky dog?

Question

We have a sweet old scruffy mutt that stinks so bad it makes your eyes water. It's that familiar wet-dog odor but on the pungent side. Been to vet & she's perfectly healthy w/no skin problems, no infections, etc. Eats high quality food. She's woolly, thick-furred and the reek comes from all parts. Don't expect miracle cure from our vet because where we live vets are more for donkeys, cows, goats, than housepets.

So, how often can we bathe her? (hard to bathe cuz this dog fur is water repellent but yeah yeah she needs baths). Any other magic tricks, like putting baking soda in her food or vinegar in her water? (I'm just guessing here, haven't tried anything yet, I need your advice) Any magic odor-treatment pills I can have shipped from a US/UK vet?

Answer 1

You should really only bathe your dog 4-6 times a year. They produce a natural oil, like lanolin, to keep them waterproof. In between baths you can mix 1/2 baby powder (preferably the kind made from cornstarch, not talc) and 1/2 straight cornstarch and rub it into his/her fur well. Let that sit a few minutes, I let mine set for about 5 minutes. Then brush it out really well.

The idea of clipping the coat down is a good idea, if you are keeping the dog indoors over the winter.

You said "eats high quality food" but you didn't say what food. People often think that stuff like Science Diet is "high quality food" but if you look at its label, it corn and sourgham (sugar). A lot of dogs have problems digesting sugars and corn. Read the labels. Meat should always be the first ingredient, and it should have whole grains (rice, barley or oatmeal) instead of corn. You may want to avoid soy, too, as many dogs have reactions to this, also.

Did your vet express your dogs anal glands? They can cause a bad smell, and if your vet is used to treating more farm-type animals, he may not be as understanding about your concern of the dog smelling badly. He may just think that it will be sleeping in the barn anyway!

Hope this helps you out.

BTW, where are you located since you commented on a US/UK vet?

Answer 2

You need to bathe your pet as often as you like and use shampoo for dogs with sensitive skin.Brush your pets fur out before bathing.You can try trimming your pets fur as well.
Also,make sure your dogs ears are clean.Take a cotton ball, or a soft cloth, dip it in an ear solution, or mineral oil, and gently wipe around the inside of his/her ears.

As for the baking soda..put it in the bath water not the food.

Answer 3

Try using a waterless shampoo powder, they sell them for the infirmed who can't bathe. You just sprinkle the powder on then comb it out and it smells way better than wet dog ; ] They do make a brand for dogs you can buy at pet stores or www.petsmart.com
You can also buy the human brands from a drug store or online from most sights like www.walgreens.com Hope this helps.

Answer 4

The following sites offer info and products for stinky dogs:

http://vetmedicine.about.com/cs/dogdiseasess/a/stinkydog.htm

http://www.mediarelations.k-state.edu/WEB/News/NewsReleases/liststinkypets41905.html

http://www.dinovite.com/about/html/smell.html

http://shop.petsmart.com/product-123/2534374302035922/2534374302023689/845524441810030.htm


My suggestions: As the first person answered, I'd shave the dog - I've been shaving my long-haired shep mix for years ... it makes his life and mine so much easier. Second, I'd change his dog food - I think you'll find that suggestion in one of the above sites.

Also, if there happens to be a dog breeder ( yes, I know your's is a mutt ) in your area, I'd call them and ask if they know of the problem ... they might have some info.

Good Luck !!!

Answer 5

I use Pantene(human) shampoo on my dogs, always have done. Make sure you rinse it well out. They smell lovely after this. I wouldn't wash her more than once a week though because she needs her natural oils to come through to condition her coat.

I had a very stinky dog but when I started using Pantene, he smelt gorgeous!

Good luck!

Answer 6

I got "Out!" Dog Bathing Wipes cleans you pet without water from Pets mart. Adopted a "stinky" dog now she smells very much better.
I'm sure you can order it on-line

Answer 7

If possible get your dog clipped and have it's teeth checked. You can buy dog cologne in pet shops.

Answer 8

I don't know if this will work for your pet or not, But my mom uses Avon's Skin so Soft to bathe her dogs...It's suppose to help kill fleas as well, as leaving them smelling a bit better. :-)

Answer 9

try shaving off its hair. some people might think thats mean, but it MIGHT get rid of the wet dog smell. but I am not real sure about that.

Answer 10

Sure.