Why Does My Dog Smell So Bad Even After A Bath & What To Do

I often asked myself why does my dog smell so bad even after a bath so much like she rolled in dead fish, garbage, and yesterday’s dinner?? A smelly dog is definitely a nuisance. Below I will share with you what can be the reason for that unpleasant odor even when freshly bathed and what to do about it.

Why does my dog stink even after a bath?

Dogs, like humans, have an odor to them. Some dog breeds are extra smelly, while others only have a stench at some point, usually giving them a good bath is enough to make them fresh smelling, but what if not? If your doggie still stinks even when freshly bathed, here are some of the most common reasons that can be responsible for the odors.

Skin infection

The reason why you have a strong pet odor in the house even after a bath is probably that his coat has become infected and has begun to smell. In most cases, it is yeast infection or bacterial dermatitis (rash).

Both conditions produce lesions on the skin that can lead to an unpleasant smell coming from them. Yeast infections are caused by a fungus growing on the skin, while bacterial dermatitis occurs when bacteria infect your dog’s skin cells and causes redness and swelling on their coats.

Additionally, if your dog has fleas, they can also cause an infection in his skin which will result in a constant, strong smell. Fleas are also known to carry disease pathogens that can be transmitted to humans when they bite us.

Allergy

Allergies in dogs are caused by an overproduction of histamine and other chemicals in the body and can lead to inflammation, redness, and swelling around the eyes, ears, and nose. These allergies are usually seasonal and tend to occur during the spring and fall seasons.

If your dog suffers from allergies, then it will start itching itself a lot, and this will make them smell bad; this may be another reason why your dog still stinks after a bath since normal dog shampoos are not enough to handle such conditions.

Inadequate nutrition

Dogs need high-quality protein, carbohydrates, and fat in their diet to keep their immune system strong and functional. The body uses these nutrients to make hormones, enzymes, antibodies, and other compounds that help fight off infections and diseases.

If your dog is not getting enough of these nutrients from his diet, then he may have an underdeveloped immune system which makes him more prone to infection than normal. This means that he will also smell worse than normal because there are just more bacteria in his body due to his weakened immune system.

If you notice unpleasant odors in your house even if your dogs are freshly bathed, if there is no sign of diseases or allergies, you may need to ask your vet’s advice.

Ear infections

Ear infections can emit a stench as well. An infection in the dog’s ear can cause the dog to not only smell bad but also to have an ear discharge that causes the fur on their head to look greasy and dirty.

Such infection is usually caused by bacteria or yeast that lives in the ear canal. Dogs with allergies, skin issues, or other health problems can be more susceptible to getting an ear infection than dogs with healthy immune systems.

Gastrointestinal issues

If your dog has diarrhea or an upset stomach, the result can be smelly and messy. The stools will change from solid to liquid, and this could irritate the anus or cause skin irritation around the anus area.

This condition can lead to an infection and can cause a foul odor which is not only unpleasant but also dangerous for dogs who may have weakened immune systems due to age or other health issues such as cancer or diabetes.

If you notice any changes in stool consistency or any signs of irritation or infection, take your pup to see his vet right away.

How to stop my dog from stinking?

If your dog still stinks even after a bath, here are some tips what to check and what the best smelly dog home remedies are:

Cleaning the bed and toys

Dogs love to sleep in their beds and cuddle up with their favorite toys at night, so inevitably all such items will be covered with dog saliva which if not cleaned up in time start to stink horribly.

Wash these items once in a while with warm soapy water or put them through the washing machine on the regular cycle with detergent helps red rid of odors.

Get a dog perfume or make your own dog deodorant

If you’re struggling to find a solution for your smelly dog, it might be time to try a dog perfume or make your own DIY pet deodorizer. Such ready-to-use solutions are made to help make your furry friends smell great for even longer.

When your dog stinks and instant refreshment is needed, simple vinegar will do the trick too! Mix 2 cups of water with 1/2 cup of white vinegar in a spray bottle. Apply directly onto the coat and allow it to dry before brushing out any excess solution. The vinegar will neutralize any odors while also getting rid of bacteria that might cause an unpleasant smell at home or on walks.

Change the shampoo

Bathing your dog is an important part of keeping them clean, healthy, and great smelling. It can be easy to forget that some dogs have an oily undercoat that makes them get stinky quicker between baths so you may just need to get a different shampoo and your best friend will smell good for a lot longer.

Also, check for fleas regularly; if your dog has fleas, they can cause the animal to smell bad so you need a Flea shampoo that is formulated to remove fleas and ticks. Apply it according to package directions so the fleas (and smells too) go away!

Take your dog to the vet

If your dog stinks no matter what you do or you are having trouble with your stinky dog, it’s time to take him to the vet. There can be many underlying conditions behind the odors which in most cases can be fixed with a simple treatment.

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