WHY DOES A DOG STILL SMELL AFTER A BATH?
Is your dog so smelly that your house, your friends, and even your belongings pick up the odor?
With show breeds like Poodles, Cocker Spaniels, Pekingese, Pomeranians, and Pugs, or big breeds like the Alaskan Malamute, Husky, and Samoyed — even after a thorough bath, do you still notice a smell coming from your dog? Let’s find out why with BTM PET SHOP and how to fix it.
1. Is your dog not actually getting fully clean?
You might think bathing a dog is simple, but do you really know how to do it properly? While bathing, you may be overlooking important spots that tend to get dirty, like the ears, the gaps between the toes, and the belly. These are exactly where grime tends to build up most, especially the ears. You need to pluck and trim excess ear hair, use a cotton swab soaked in saline solution, and gently wipe the ear area clean.
2. Not expressing your dog’s anal glands
Most dog odor actually comes from the anal glands. So where are these glands, and how do you deal with them?
– A dog’s anal glands sit right at the anal opening — also called anal sacs. They contain a foul-smelling fluid that builds up inside the sac. Before bathing your dog, you need to express these glands to release that fluid, which helps clean away the underlying smell.
– How to express a dog’s anal glands: picture the glands sitting just below the anus. Place two fingers there and gently squeeze the area underneath the anus — it’s a motion similar to popping a pimple, letting the fluid inside the anal sac release out through the anal opening. Do this at least twice a month, and ideally every time you bathe your dog.
3. Not trimming your dog’s fur
Dogs need to be brushed daily and trimmed at least 1–2 times a month. Brushing removes dirt and loose fur. It’s simple, but it also plays a real role in reducing odor in pets.
4. Urinary tract infection.
If your dog’s urine has a stronger-than-usual ammonia smell, along with other signs like urinating more frequently, drinking more water, or blood in the urine, your dog may well have a urinary tract issue. These are signs of a medical condition you shouldn’t take lightly — get your pet checked as soon as possible.
5. Digestive issues / bloating
Indigestion is also one of the causes of bad breath or strong-smelling stool. Solution: add digestive enzymes. Limit foods high in fillers (meat meal, corn meal, soybean meal, etc.).
6. Ear infection
If the smell is mild, your dog probably just needs its ears cleaned of wax. If the smell is strong, and the earwax looks mucus-like or an unusual color even with regular cleaning, your dog may have an ear infection. In that case, take them to the vet.
7. Skin issues — excess oil, allergies, fungal infections, dermatitis
Skin issues can lead to excessive bacterial growth on the skin and coat, causing odor. This makes your dog uncomfortable, leading them to lick and scratch excessively, which can cause secondary infections that make the smell even worse. Solution: use organic shampoos to avoid skin irritation, and use a deodorizing coat spray to control odor when needed.
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