Why Does My Dog Smell? — Elite Veterinary Care

Skin and Ear Infections

Secondary infections of the skin and/or ears are probably the most common reason dogs smell and the number one non-routine reason they visit the vet. 

When normal yeast or bacteria on the skin and in the ears begin to multiply to an abnormal extent, an infection can occur. Skin allergies and the itching and licking that come along with them often begin the process.

Symptoms of skin and ear infections in dogs:

• Reddened skin

• Foul odor

• Itching, scratching, and licking

• Shaking head

• Discharge from the ears

• Rubbing head and body on furniture, carpet, etc.

• Lesions or hotspots on the skin

If your dog smells yeasty or “sweet,” and is showing any of the signs above, they may have a skin or ear infection. These are especially common during allergy season and in dogs that swim. 

Your vet will determine the source of the infection and whether it is caused by yeast, bacteria, or a combination of both. Treatments may include antibiotics, antihistamines, corticosteroids, topical treatments, and medicated shampoos.

Incontinence

Does your dog smell like urine? It could be an incontinence issue. This is fairly common in dogs and can happen at any age, but is most common in dogs with urinary tract infections, females, and senior dogs. 

Most dogs with urinary incontinence are not even aware that they are leaking urine. It may occur while they are sleeping, causing odors in the home.

See your vet for blood work and a urinalysis. Most causes of urinary incontinence can be treated or managed with veterinary care.

Digestive Problems

All dogs have occasional flatulence and upset tummies, but if your dog’s gas or stools smell particularly gross, it could be a digestive problem. The most common causes of gas, bloating, and occasional vomiting and diarrhea in dogs are eating a poor diet that does not agree with their system or eating things they shouldn’t like garbage, fatty table scraps, or roadkill.

Ask your veterinarian to recommend a high-quality balanced diet for your pup and take care to ensure they avoid all other “snacks.” If the problem gets worse or does not resolve, it may be time for diagnostics.

Dental Disease

As mentioned above, bad breath is a common source of dog odors, but when the foul smell is caused by dental disease, it becomes a serious medical problem. Plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. 

Not only are these issues painful, but they can also lead to internal diseases like heart problems and organ failure. If your dog smells like “death,” dental disease could be the problem.

Cancer

Cancerous tumors in the nose or mouth may affect the way a dog breathes, causing them to take more shallow breaths and swallow less. This can lead to a strong odor as well as drooling and discharge from the nose or mouth. These symptoms should never be put off or ignored, as oral and nasal tumors can be quite aggressive.

Similarly, tumors of the anus can lead to foul odors by affecting your dog’s ability to have normal bowel movements. Dog parents may also find that their dog smells bad when a tumor on the skin ulcerates or becomes infected.

Organ failure/Disease

One of the most common symptoms dog owners report in dogs with renal failure is uremic breath, which tends to cause a urine odor from the mouth. Dogs with liver disease may also have foul breath since the liver can no longer filter out toxins from the blood. Some people describe this as a dead animal smell from the mouth.

Diabetic dogs may have a sweet or fruity smell to their breath due to a serious condition known as diabetic ketoacidosis. All of these conditions are potentially life-threatening, so if you notice your dog’s breath smells like urine, dead animal, or sweet fruit, see your vet right away.

A Note from Dr. Kent: Please don’t delay scheduling an appointment for veterinary care if strange odors are noted.  Early treatment of ear, paw, and skin infections is essential to resolve the issues without recurrence or chronic problems. 

Do Some Dog Breeds Smell Worse Than Others?

Unfortunately, certain dog breeds do have a reputation for smelling worse than others. Most of these dogs tend to have predispositions for odor-causing medical conditions like skin allergies, ear infections, and dental disease.

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the 10 smelliest dog breeds are: