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Six reasons why your dog may smell and what you can do about it, according to Dr Katrina Warren

By Katrina Warren|

?We love our dogs, but perhaps we don't love them quite as much when they stink.

Some dog breeds naturally tend to have more 'doggy odour' than others as, because of what they were bred to do, they generally produce more oil than other breeds จC but when an odour persists after a bath or clip, there could be a wider medical issue going on.

Here are six reasons why your dog may be smelly, and what you can do about it.

This article does not replace specific medical advice from seeing a veterinarian. If you have questions about your pet specifically, seek advice from your veterinarian.

St Bernard
Some dog breeds, like the Saint Bernard, are naturally smelly, but if you notice a strong smell persisting after a bath or clip, then there may be something else going on. (Getty)

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Rolling?

Dogs love to roll in things that we humans find particularly unpleasant. On the beach this is frequently seaweed or dead sea creatures. In the countryside, it's more likely to be cow manure! While the dogs seem to love it, this habit can be stomach-turning to us. If your dog is a roller, the main precaution you can take is to keep them on the lead. And be prepared for regular bathing.

Excess hair

?Dogs with long coats often become soiled with urine or faeces. Some breeds have excessive lip folds or hairy beards and a constant supply of saliva keeps these areas moist, allowing bacterial or yeast infections that causes an unpleasant odour. Keep the hair around these areas trimmed short.

Dental disease

?Bad breath?is often a sign of dental disease. Tooth decay, infected gums, an abscessed tooth or a foreign body such as bone or a stick that is stuck in the mouth can all cause halitosis. Your vet can check for plaque build-up and dental decay, and may recommend dietary changes and professional cleaning.

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Ear infections

Ear infections can be painful and smelly.?Dogs often get water trapped in their ears after swimming due to having long L-shaped ear canals with. Drop-eared dogs such?as Cocker Spaniels and Basset Hounds have limited air flow to dry out the ear, and?trapped moisture is the perfect environment for micro-organisms to thrive, especially yeast and bacteria. Early symptoms are shaking of the head and a foul smell becoming apparent. Ear infections can be very painful and must be treated by your veterinarian as soon as?possible.

Infected skin

This may also cause a bad smell. This smell is usually a combination of bacteria and yeast, both of which are normally found on?your dog's?coat. When the skin becomes weakened, the bacteria and yeast overgrow and can cause itching, redness, and a smell. You may need medicated shampoo and a course of antibiotics, but check with your veterinarian.

Anal glands

Dogs have anal glands located on each side of the anus, and each time stool is passed, these secrete an oily substance with a unique scent that is deposited on the surface of the stool primarily for territorial marking. If these become impacted or infected, or if the dog becomes very frightened, the anal glands may release an oily, smelly secretion onto the surrounding fur resulting in a really foul odour.

Your veterinarian can show you how to check and even empty the anal sacs although this is definitely not for the faint-hearted จC most people prefer to have their vet do this rather unpleasant task.

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Why do dog paws smell like corn chips??

Have you ever noticed your dog's paws smell like corn chips or popcorn? Don't fret! This is perhaps the one smell you typically don't need to worry about.

Fungi and bacteria ?live on dogs' skin and when it's in balance, it's purely normal and healthy.

The popcorn/corn chip smell is usually a healthy symptom of the presence of Pseudomonas and Proteus bacterias จC they give off a yeasty smell.

Problems can occur if these bacteria overgrow and the smell becomes unpleasant, and it's time to see a vet if you notice inflammation on their paws, an odour that's foul, a cut or lesion that doesn't heal, or discharge.

Keep your dog's feet with regular bathing. Be sure to dry their feet thoroughly and trim hair around the pads.?

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