My Dog Stinks — Why Does My Dog Smell So Bad?
If your dog smells bad even after a bath, the odor usually comes from one specific place: the skin (often a yeast or bacterial infection), the ears, the mouth, the anal glands or the gut. A fishy smell usually points to the anal glands, a yeasty or cheesy smell to the skin or ears, and a rotten smell from the mouth to dental disease. Find the source and you can usually fix the smell. A dirty coat only needs a bath, but a smell that keeps coming back is worth a vet visit.
A healthy, clean dog should have only a mild doggy smell. Here is how to track down where a bad smell is coming from and what to do about it.
Quick Guide: What Your Dog's Smell Means
| Smell | Where to check | Common cause |
|---|---|---|
| Fishy, from the rear | Under the tail | Full or impacted anal glands |
| Yeasty, cheesy or musty | Skin, paws, skin folds, ears | Yeast or bacterial skin infection, often linked to allergies |
| Rotten or sour from the mouth | Teeth and gums | Plaque, tartar, gum disease |
| Sour or rotten from the ears | Ear canals | Ear infection |
| Frequent, foul gas | Diet | Food that does not agree with your dog, table scraps, eating too fast |
| Urine smell | Belly, back legs, bedding | Leaking urine or a urinary problem |
| Wet dog or general dirt | Coat | Needs a bath and a thorough dry |
8 Reasons Why Your Dog Smells So Bad
1. A Dirty or Damp Coat
Dogs roll in things we would rather not think about. A wet coat also smells stronger, because moisture releases odor from the natural oils and microbes on the skin. A bath with a gentle dog shampoo and a thorough towel-dry usually fixes this. For an easy option, try our homemade dog shampoo recipes, including a deodorizing rinse. Skunk spray needs a skunk-specific cleaner.
2. Skin Infections
Yeast and bacterial skin infections cause a musty, cheesy or "corn chip" smell, often with red, greasy or flaky skin, itching, and darkened skin in chronic cases. They often start in warm, moist spots: skin folds, armpits, between the toes and around the tail. Wrinkly breeds like Bulldogs and French Bulldogs need their folds cleaned and dried regularly.
Skin infections are usually a symptom of something else, most often allergies. Your vet can confirm the cause and may prescribe medicated shampoo or other treatment. A coat that looks dull or brittle along with the smell is another sign the skin needs attention; see our guide to fixing a coarse, brittle coat.
Along with good grooming and a healthy diet, a daily pour of omega-3 salmon oil is an easy way to support healthy skin and coat.
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3. Anal Glands (Fishy Smell)
Dogs have two small scent glands just inside the anus. Normally they empty a little each time your dog poops. When they do not empty properly, they fill up and leak a strong, fishy smell. You may notice your dog scooting their bottom on the floor or licking under the tail. Full glands can become impacted or infected, which is painful, so see your vet. Firm, well-formed stool helps the glands empty naturally; our guide on how to firm up your dog's stool explains how.
4. Ear Infections
If the smell is strongest around the head, check the ears. Infected ears often smell sour or yeasty and may have brown or yellow discharge, redness, head shaking or scratching. Dogs with floppy ears, dogs that swim and dogs with allergies get ear infections more often. Mild buildup can be cleaned with an ear cleaner your vet recommends, but a smelly, red or painful ear needs a vet exam.
5. Dental Disease (Bad Breath)
Bad breath usually comes from plaque, tartar and gum disease. Brush your dog's teeth regularly with a dog toothpaste and schedule dental checkups. Small breeds are especially prone to dental problems; see small dog teeth problems. Breath that smells sweet or fruity, or like urine, can be a sign of other illness such as diabetes or kidney disease, so mention any unusual breath odor to your vet.
6. Allergies
Environmental and food allergies are one of the biggest drivers of smelly skin and ears, because the itching and inflammation set the stage for infections. A bath may help for a day or two, but the smell returns until the allergy is managed. Work with your vet to find the trigger. If food is part of the problem, our guide to the best dog food for dogs with allergies can help you compare options.
7. Gas
Occasional gas is normal. Frequent, foul gas is usually diet-related: table scraps, dairy, spoiled food, eating too fast, or a food that does not agree with your dog. Feed a consistent, complete diet, switch foods gradually over about a week, and use a slow-feeder bowl for gulpers. If gas comes with diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss or a poor appetite, see your vet. Our guide on causes of dog diarrhea may help.
8. Urine Leaks
A urine smell on your dog or their bedding can mean leaking urine, a urinary tract infection or incontinence, especially in older or spayed female dogs. This is very treatable, so let your vet know.
What to Do About a Stinky Dog
- Find the source. Sniff the coat, paws, ears, mouth and rear separately. Use the table above as a guide.
- Bathe and dry properly. Most dogs need a bath every 4 to 8 weeks with a gentle dog shampoo. Dry thoroughly, especially skin folds, ears and paws.
- Brush regularly. Brushing removes dead hair, dirt and dander that hold odor.
- Clean ears and teeth. Check ears weekly and brush teeth several times a week.
- Wash bedding. Wash your dog's bed, blankets and toys every week or two.
- Feed a complete, consistent diet. Avoid table scraps and make food changes gradually.
- See your vet if the smell comes back within a few days of a bath, or comes with itching, redness, discharge, scooting, bad breath or stomach upset.
Pair your hygiene routine with a daily soft chew that supports skin, coat and gut health from the inside.
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Can Diet Affect How a Dog Smells?
Yes, in a few ways. A diet with enough quality protein and fat supports healthy skin and coat. A consistent diet that agrees with your dog keeps gas and loose stool in check. And firm stools help the anal glands empty. If you are thinking about switching, look for a meat-based food with a clear ingredient list. Our 30/20 High Protein Dog Food is meat-based and every batch is triple tested for safety. Switch gradually over about a week.
FAQ
Why does my dog stink even after a bath?
The smell is probably coming from the skin, ears, teeth or anal glands rather than the coat. Bathing will not fix an infection or full anal glands, so see your vet if it comes back quickly.
Why does my dog smell like fish?
Most often, full or leaking anal glands. Less often, bad breath from dental disease can smell fishy. A vet can empty the glands and check for infection.
Is it normal for dogs to smell?
A mild doggy smell is normal. A strong, persistent or sudden new smell is not.
2 comments
My Chihuahua has a wet dog smell
My dog a German Sheppard has a odor problem you can smell him from 20 feet away I’ve tried every thing i can think of different shampoo s and it comes back in a day or two. Really need some help.