Reasons Why Your Dog Can Smell Bad Even After A Bath

Veterinarians often face a common question from many pet parents. I bathed my dog just a few hours ago (or maybe a day ago), why does it still smell? Or why has the odour returned so quickly? If you take your dog for professional grooming occasionally, you may have checked with your groomer also about the reason. While regular bathing helps keep your dog’s coat clean of dirt and debris, there are many reasons for the stubborn odour not leaving.

This blog lists the reasons why dogs smell bad even after bathing and how to get rid of bad smell. Keep reading to find out.

Why does a dog smell bad post-bath?

When you bathe your dog, the cleaning happens at the surface level. But if the reason for the persistent odour is an underlying health problem, only bathing may not help. If your dog’s odour returns soon after bathing or is concentrated in any specific area, there can be a health issue.

Here are some common reasons why your dog can smell bad even after a bath:

• Improper grooming techniques:
  A wet, musty, and mildly unpleasant smell can be a result of inadequate drying of the coat after bathing. If this is the sole reason, the smell would generally disappear on its own once the coat is completely dry.
  
  Other grooming problems include using a shampoo that is not suitable for your dog’s skin type, bathing too frequently (which can strip the skin of its natural oils), or incomplete rinsing (which can leave product residue on the skin). All of these can lead to skin problems and possibly a foul smell.
   
• Skin infections:
  If your dog has a bacterial, fungal, or yeast infection, you may observe a noticeable corn chip smell or rotten smell that is not ready to go. Bathing with a normal shampoo does not eliminate these infections, and so may not help in removing your dog’s odour. Your fur buddy will need a vet-suggested antibacterial or antifungal shampoo to handle the situation.
   
• Diet:
  A poor quality diet can lead to skin problems or a dull coat appearance, along with a lingering smell. If the odour remains chronic without any other obvious reasons, it is worth checking your dog’s diet for this possibility.
   
• Ear infections:
  The warm and enclosed environment of dogs’ ear canals may provide suitable conditions for bacterial and yeast overgrowth. Bathing does not help with removing the bad smell if an ear infection is the reason. A separate, proper ear cleaning regimen is required to prevent ear infections and, therefore, the foul smell in your dog. However, ear cleaning helps with general care. If your dog has an existing ear infection, it must be treated by a veterinarian.
   
• Anal gland problems:
  A dog’s anal glands produce a secretion with a strong smell, which they use for territorial marking. Glands express naturally during defecation if the dog is healthy. But when there is an infection or inflammation in the anal glands, the secretion can have a fishy or sharp smell. This problem is distinct from the skin and coat, and the smell does not go away with bathing in this situation.
   
• Dental issues:
  Not a body odour per se, but bad breath is recognised by many pet parents as a general bad smell coming from their dog. This bad breath may still be there after bathing.

How to get rid of the persistent odour?

When the unpleasant smell is persistent, and you suspect a health problem, it is worth visiting a veterinarian who can help you with diagnosis and suggest treatment that addresses the exact problem your furry companion is struggling with.

Along with this, maintain your dog’s overall hygiene using vet-suggested dog grooming supplies, such as ear cleaning drops to maintain ear hygiene, oral rinse or toothpaste and toothbrush for dental hygiene, shampoos and conditioners that suit your dog’s skin, grooming brushes to keep their coat mat-free, and more.

Summing up

Dogs can smell bad for multiple reasons. While a natural doggy smell is fine, there are various health problems that may result in your dog smelling persistently even after a good bath. If you observe a foul odour coming from your dog even after bathing, it is time to consult a veterinarian, diagnose and treat the issue with your veterinarian’s help, and make the vet-suggested changes in their grooming routine or diet where required.

Frequently asked questions

Q. What type of dog shampoo is best for controlling odour?

A. It depends on the reason for the odour and your dog’s skin type. Shampoos like Melanie Newman Refresh Dog Shampoo help leave a fresh scent along with cleaning the dog’s skin and coat. But if the reason for the smell is bacterial, fungal, or a yeast infection, your vet may suggest a medicated shampoo, such as Malaseb Medicated Shampoo. It is advisable to consult a veterinarian for suggestions if your dog is struggling with persistent odour.

Q. Could my dog’s bad smell be coming from their ears, skin, teeth or paws?

A. Yes. Ear infections, skin infections (bacterial, yeast, and fungal), oral infections (like bacterial infections), or moisture trapping in paws due to inadequate drying after bathing can make your dog smelly.

Q. How can I keep my dog smelling fresh between baths?

A. Coat mist or sprays, like Fido’s Fresh Coat Spray or PAW Lavender Grooming Mist for Dogs, may help keep your dog’s coat fresh between baths and prevent odour.

Q. Can over-bathing make my dog’s skin smell or become irritated?

A. Over-bathing strips the skin of natural oils and disrupts the skin’s microbial balance. This can make your dog’s skin dry, itchy, and irritated. With a disrupted skin barrier, your dog’s skin becomes prone to bacterial and yeast overgrowth, leading to infections and bad smell.

Q. What grooming products can help control dog odour?

A. Shampoos and sprays that are specially designed for odour control, conditioners that help control skin dryness, and brushes that help remove loose hair and trapped dirt from the fur may help control dog odour. Additionally, ear cleaners and oral hygiene products also help control odour coming from ears and mouth.

Q. When should I see a vet about my dog’s bad smell?

A. If the unpleasant smell returns quickly after bathing, comes from a specific body area, or is accompanied by physical symptoms, like skin itching or discharge from ears, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian.