How to prevent dog body odor and keep your pooch smelling fresh

Dog body odor is something no pet parent wants to experience, but it’s a reality that many dog owners face. Understanding why dogs smell and learning effective ways to prevent this from happening can help keep your furry friend smelling as fresh as a daisy. In this article, we’ll cover the common causes of dog body odor and offer helpful tips to prevent your pup from turning into a stinky dog...

Key takeaways:

• Dog body odor can be caused by various factors, including poor hygiene, skin conditions, or dental problems.
• Regular grooming and vet visits are essential to maintaining a fresh-smelling dog.
• Diet, hygiene, and dental care all play roles in managing your dog's odor.

Do dogs have body odor?

Yes, dogs do have body odor, but it shouldn’t be overwhelming! All dogs have a natural dog smell, which can become stronger depending on their breed, diet, and hygiene. However, excessive odor is often a sign of an underlying issue, such as a skin infection, dental disease, or lack of grooming.

If your dog smells bad even after regular grooming, it may be worth exploring potential causes like gum disease or ear infections. Addressing the cause of the odor, rather than just masking it, is essential for both your dog’s health and your nose’s comfort!

How to prevent body odor in dogs

There are several steps you can take to prevent body odor in dogs, ensuring your pup stays clean and fresh. Below are some tips to manage and prevent dog odor effectively:

Brush your dog's teeth regularly

Oral hygiene is often overlooked when it comes to preventing dog body odor. Bad breath, or dog breath, can be a significant contributor to your smelly dog. Regularly brushing your dog's teeth helps prevent gum disease and keeps their breath smelling fresh. Invest in a good-quality dog toothbrush and toothpaste, and try to establish a routine of teeth brushing.

If your dog's breath smells particularly bad, it could be a sign of a more serious dental issue, so a visit to the vet may be needed.

Invest in proper dog shampoo

Bathing your dog regularly is key to maintaining a healthy skin and coat, but using the right dog shampoos makes all the difference. Look for shampoos that are specifically designed to combat dog odor and are gentle on your dog’s skin. If your pooch has very sensitive skin, try to find shampoos described as ‘hypoallergenic’, as these tend to be the most skin-friendly. Avoid using human shampoos as they can irritate your dog’s coat and skin and potentially make the smell worse.

For quick fixes between baths, consider using a dry dog shampoo to help manage your dog’s odor.

Don’t miss their regular vet visits

Sometimes, a dog's smell can be an indicator of a health issue, such as skin infection or ear infections. Scheduling regular vet visits ensures that your dog stays in good health as your vet will be able to catch any potential problems early. Infections can lead to bad smells, but a vet can diagnose and provide the right treatment to resolve these issues.

For any signs of unusual dog body odor, consult your vet right away. Our 24/7 Vet Advice Line is also a great resource for members when you have questions about your dog's health.

Clean your dog’s ears

Dog odor often comes from neglected areas like the ears. Dogs with floppy ears or long fur around their ears are especially prone to ear infections, which can lead to a stinky dog. Regular ear cleaning can help reduce ear infections and keep your dog smelling fresh. Try to avoid products with added scents or fragrances, as these are more likely to irritate your pup’s ear canals. If in doubt, your vet will be able to advise you on what to look out for - and what to avoid - when picking a good ear cleaner.

Your vet can also advise you about proper ear-cleaning techniques as improper cleaning can lead to irritation or infection.

Brush your dog’s coat frequently

Brushing your dog’s coat is essential not just for removing loose fur but also for keeping your dog's skin healthy. Regular brushing stimulates blood flow, removes dirt, and distributes natural oils throughout your dog’s coat, leading to less buildup of odor-causing elements. It can also be a great bonding experience for you and your pooch!

Breeds with longer coats may need more frequent brushing to avoid a matted, smelly dog. For dogs that shed excessively, grooming tools like undercoat rakes can be particularly effective.

Keep their bedding clean

Even if you keep your dog clean, a dog’s bed can harbor bacteria and odors. Wash their bedding regularly to prevent the smell of dog from lingering in your home. Use dog-friendly detergents and wash their bed at least once a week to ensure a fresh environment for your furry friend.

Adjust your dog’s diet

What your dog eats can affect how they smell. A healthy, balanced diet supports your dog's overall health, including their skin and coat. If your dog is on a poor-quality diet, it could lead to skin problems that result in a stinky dog. If you're unsure whether your dog’s diet is contributing to their smell, consult your vet for further nutritional advice. They may also be able to provide advice about certain supplements, like fish oils rich in omega-3, which help to support a healthy coat and skin barrier.

Look out for infections and health issues

Certain health issues can cause dog body odor, including skin infections, allergies, and even dog body odor causes like yeast infections or seborrhea. Regularly check your dog for signs of infection, such as red, flaky skin or constant scratching. If you notice anything unusual, schedule a vet appointment to get a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Tips from dog owners on how to prevent dog body odor

Want more help keeping your pooch smelling pretty? Explore the advice below on managing dog body odor from both pet parents and sitters, based on their personal experience. For more advice, head to our Community Forum.

• “On my most recent sit [...] She refused to walk EVERY time and would splay herself flat to resist, getting dirty in the process. She also had severe allergies and scratched a lot, which disturbed me in bed when she woke at various hours. I gave her a weekly bath with prescription medicated shampoo.” - @Maggie8K
• "I watched a doggo in France once [...] and he LOVED fox poo. [...] the park had a hose and I’d just hose him off there before going home so it didn’t have time to sink in." - @CreatureCuddler

Meet our veterinary expert, Liam

This article has been checked by veterinarian Dr Liam Bullock BVSc (Hons) MRCVS.

As a small animal vet, Liam has spent time working in both first-opinion and referral-level practices. After gaining a strong affinity for educating owners about their pets, Liam decided to dedicate some of his non-clinical time to tutoring students, who were preparing for exams or struggling at school. By combining a passion for teaching others, and a keen interest in raising awareness about animal health issues, Liam decided to begin writing veterinary content. This now also allows him to raise awareness of important animal health issues outside of the consultation room.

By maintaining a consistent grooming routine, addressing any underlying health issues, and paying attention to your dog's diet, you can prevent dog body odor and keep your pet - and home - smelling fresh. 

If you're looking for someone to help care for your dog while you're away, find a local dog sitter who will provide the love and attention your precious pooch deserves.