Smelly Dogs

Does your dog smell? There may be a variety reasons, so before you dump them in the bath, consider the following: • Sometimes your dog gets stinky because she loves to roll in stinky things. Regular brushing, grooming and bathing will help clean your dog up. • Sprayed by a skunk? Try tomato juice. If the worst occurs, bring your pooch into the bath and dump on the juice. • Some dog breeds have an oily hair coat that can become rancid and cause a bad odor. Basset hounds and spaniels both have this characteristic. If this type of dog breed is not groomed and cared for regularly, it can develop into a skin condition, so look out. • Bacterial skin diseases are a common problem with some breeds and can cause odor. You need an anti-bacterial dog shampoo to keep bacteria off sensitive skin. You should also consult with a vet if you feel there is a bacterial cause. • Ear infections can cause odor, especially in dogs with “drop ears.” Look for redness, irritation and itching. Frequent grooming and cleaning can help with issues like this. • Anal glands can also cause pet odors. Anal glands should be expressed by your veterinarian, but some qualified dog groomers can do this as well.