Your dog smells, but you don't know why. The odor it emits is really bothersome, and cohabitation is becoming difficult.
Or, the dog smells even if it has been washed recently, and you really don't know what to do.
To solve the problem, you will first need to identify the reason for the bad smell, then find the most effective remedy, whether it's a simple bath or a visit to the vet.
We list the most common causes of bad odor in dog fur, and we will focus particularly on homemade and cosmetic remedies to eliminate it.
Why does my dog's fur smell?
There are many possible reasons why your dog's fur might smell. Some of the most common causes include:
Dirt and greasy fur: Dogs tend to roll around and play outside, which can lead to an accumulation of dirt and oil on their fur. This can create an unpleasant odor if not cleaned regularly.
Skin infections: Skin infections caused by bacteria, fungi, or yeast can cause an unpleasant odor. These infections may be accompanied by other symptoms such as itching, redness, swelling, or hair loss.
Dental problems: Dental issues such as gum disease or tooth decay can cause bad breath that may seem to come from the fur.
Anal glands: Dogs have two small glands located near the anus that can produce a very smelly liquid. These glands normally empty when the dog defecates, but if they become inflamed or blocked, the liquid can end up on the dog's fur. In this case, it will seem like the dog smells rotten.
Internal health problems: Some health issues such as liver, kidney, or gastrointestinal problems can cause unpleasant odors.
Diet: Some foods can cause unpleasant odors in your dog's fur, especially if your dog has a reaction or intolerance to certain ingredients.
For anything concerning your dog's health, we have only one piece of advice: turn to your trusted veterinarian as soon as you notice that the dog has a problem.
Regarding its diet, we have many articles that can help you improve its health in a healthy and tasty way. You can find them all in our "Nutrition" section.
And now let's move on to hygiene-related problems, which you can manage at home thanks to our advice and the use of many useful products and remedies.
How to remove the odor from dog fur
There are various natural methods that can help remove the odor from dog fur.
Here are some suggestions:
Give regular baths with natural dog shampoo: A regular bath with natural dog shampoo can help keep your dog's fur clean and eliminate unpleasant odors.
Use only shampoo with natural ingredients: aloe vera, oatmeal, essential oils. Make sure not to bathe your dog too often: excessive washing could dry out its skin. Usually, a bath a month is sufficient, unless your dog gets particularly dirty.
Regular brushing: Regular brushing helps remove dead hair, dust, and dirt that can contribute to a bad smell. It also stimulates the production of natural oils that keep your dog's fur shiny and healthy.
Natural Remedies to Remove Odor from Dog Fur
There are various natural remedies you can use to remove odor from your dog's fur:
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a natural deodorant that can help eliminate bad odor. Mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water, and spray the solution on your dog's fur, avoiding the eyes and ears. Let it dry naturally.
Baking Soda
Baking soda can help neutralize unpleasant odors. Sprinkle some baking soda on your dog's fur, let it sit for a while, and then brush it off.
Essential Oils
Some essential oils, such as lavender or peppermint, can help eliminate odors and keep your dog smelling fresh. Ensure you dilute the essential oils with a carrier oil before applying them to your dog's fur and avoid using them if your dog has sensitive skin. To learn more about which essential oils are safe and which are toxic for your dog and how to use them, read here.
Homemade Shampoo
If you don't want to use a natural dog shampoo, you can make your own at home by mixing oatmeal, baking soda, and warm water.
Here’s how:
Ingredients:
1 cup of oatmeal
1 cup of baking soda
4 cups of warm water
Instructions:
Start by grinding the oats in a blender or coffee grinder until you get a flour-like consistency.
In a large bowl, combine the ground oats, baking soda, and warm water. Mix well until all the ingredients are well combined.
Allow the mixture to cool until it's warm to the touch.
Your homemade dog shampoo is now ready for use!
Wet your dog with warm water, then apply the homemade shampoo to its fur. Gently massage the shampoo into your dog’s coat, avoiding contact with the eyes.
Leave the shampoo on your dog's fur for a few minutes to allow the ingredients to work.
Rinse the shampoo thoroughly from your dog's fur, ensuring all residue is removed.
Dry your dog as you normally would.
Remember, even though these ingredients are natural, your dog might be allergic to one of them.
Therefore, it's a good idea to do a test on a small area of your dog's fur before applying the shampoo to the entire body.
If you notice redness, itching, or other signs of irritation, stop using the shampoo and consult your vet.
Herbal Remedies
Some herbs, like lavender and chamomile, can be used to create a natural deodorant for your dog. You can boil these herbs in water, let them cool, and then spray the solution on your dog’s fur.
Neem Oil
This oil, derived from a tree native to India, has antibacterial and antifungal properties and can help eliminate unpleasant odors. Not only will it help remove the stink from your dog's fur, but it will also protect them from blood-sucking insects (but be careful, in risk areas continue to use products such as FRONTLINE Combo or Advantix® Spot-on).
Lemon
Lemon is a great natural deodorant. You can spray some diluted lemon juice on your dog's fur to help neutralize odors.
Chamomile
Chamomile has soothing properties and can help calm irritated skin, which can sometimes cause unpleasant odors. You can use cooled chamomile tea as a rinse after bathing your dog.
If you don't like natural remedies for cleaning dog fur and want to try some effective and safe products, here are our favorites:
And to remove odor from your dog without washing:
Other articles that might interest you
Dog Afraid of Water: Causes and Effective Help Strategies
How to Effectively and Painlessly Remove Knots from Dog Fur
Dog Shedding A Lot: Causes, Remedies, and Effective Products for You!
My Dog Scratches and Loses Fur: Could It Have a Disease?
How to Naturally Make Your Dog's Coat Shiny and Soft
Author's Note
I invite all readers to share their experiences on this topic in the comments section. Any information you wish to share about health, temperament, products, and advice on training or diet will help us create a great community of owners who not only love dogs but also know how to manage them best.
If this post has been helpful and you want to learn more about dog care, wellbeing, and training, we will be happy to help you. Find here many useful tips to better understand dogs and their fantastic world.
Disclaimer
The information provided on our site is general in nature and does not replace the advice of a veterinarian or industry experts in any way. For any doubts, always turn to your veterinarian.
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