ugh! why is my dog smelling bad?

March 10, 2023

having your furbaby nuzzle you is an oh-so-pawfect sign of love. but if you can’t bear that dog smell every time your furbaby comes close, then it makes cuddling a tad bit hard.

if it’s a stinker, it’s a bummer! if you find yourself scrunching your nose every time your floof comes close or wondering to yourself, ‘why does my dog stink even after a bath?’ it might be time to take a health check.

here are 5 reasons why your dog might be smelling bad and what to do about it:

infections
foul smells are tell-tale signs of common (and often painful) canine skin and ear infections. dogs have sensitive skin that is prone to infections, particularly if their immune system is weakened or if they have underlying health issues. dogs with long ears, especially, are prone to ear infections. symptoms of ear infections include redness, swelling, discharge, and a foul odor.
if left untreated, ear infections can lead to more serious health issues, such as hearing loss or facial nerve paralysis. to keep allergies, bacterial growth, and diseases in check, don’t skip those vet appointments!

dental trouble
wanna smooch your pooch, but doggie breath stinking things up? having that dog mouth smell in your face up close can be a real deal breaker when it comes to giving your furbaby some well-deserved kisses.
one of the most common dental issues in dogs is gum disease, which is caused by the buildup of plaque and bacteria on the teeth and gums. as the bacteria grow and spread, they can cause inflammation and infection, leading to bad breath and other symptoms such as bleeding gums, loose teeth, and pain while eating. tooth decay and tartar buildup are other issues that you must not ignore. dental and periodontal health is essential — find easy-peasy tips to keep your pet’s chompers sparkling clean!

damp fur
if you’re not wiping your dog’s fur well after a splash session in the pool or after an afternoon of frolicking in the rain, then friend… we have news for you. when a dog's fur stays damp for an extended period of time, it creates the perfect environment for bacteria and yeast to grow. damp fur is a common cause of bad odor in dogs.
can also lead to a condition called wet dog smell, which is a distinct odor that is often associated with dogs. wet dog smell is caused by the release of compounds from bacteria and yeast that are thriving in damp fur. these compounds can cause a strong, musty odor that can be difficult to eliminate. yikes!
after a bath or play session, make sure to dry your pet completely. be sure to dry all areas of the fur, including under the legs and around the ears, where moisture can get trapped. regular grooming can also help prevent damp fur and bad odor. which takes us to our next point!

lack of grooming
we cannot emphasize just how important grooming is for the good health and well-being of your dog. and how the lack of it can severely impact your furbaby’s life. when dogs are not groomed regularly, their fur can become matted and tangled, leading to the accumulation of dirt, debris, and oils. this can create an ideal environment for bacteria and other microorganisms to grow, causing a bad dog smell.
dogs with long hair or wrinkles, such as bulldogs or pugs, are especially prone to skin issues and bad odor if not groomed regularly. from teeth brushing to fur brushing and bathing, grooming constitutes everything. while grooming activities like bathing can be done at intervals as needed, essentials like brushing your pet’s fur must be a daily routine. wash, brush, prune, and primp to keep your doggo smelling and feeling fresh — here’s your at-home grooming guide straight from a professional groomer!

poor diet
is your dog too gassy? they’re probably eating processed junk passing off as pet food. packaged kibble-quality dry foods are full of toxins that wreak havoc on pet health. here’s how many commercial pet foods are made. (caution: you may not be able to stomach it.)
one of the most common causes of gas in dogs is their diet. certain types of food, especially those that are high in fat, can be difficult for dogs to digest and can lead to excessive gas production. some dogs may be allergic or intolerant to certain ingredients in their food, such as wheat, soy, or corn. this can cause gastrointestinal upset and excessive gas production.

it's important to feed your dog a high-quality, well-balanced diet that is appropriate for their age, breed, and activity level. and eating fresh is the only healthy way to eat!

with super fresh ingredients, vet-certified recipes and snout-smackin’ taste, pawfectly made packs all the nutrition your furbaby deserves in customizable, pre-portioned meals. genuine love: that’s what we have for your furbaby. and so we ensure that they get only the best. 💕

no more smelly licks. your pet’s best health begins here!