Why Your Dog Stinks Even After a Bath
If you are a dog owner, this has probably happened to you at least once. You washed your dog with water and shampoo, but it still stinks. Now, you can try to wash it again, but it will take so much time and effort (as well as struggle with your dog) to do it.
Does this sound familiar to you? If yes, then you should learn why a dog stinks after bathing, and how you can fix this issue. In this article, we will tell you all you need to know, so keep reading!
5 Reasons Your Dog Stinks Even After a Bath and What To Do
There are several reasons why your dog stinks after bathing, and we will take a look at the five most common ones:
Reason 1: It Is Suffering From Skin Infections
If your dog starts to smell right after the bath, it could be suffering from some skin issues, such as yeast and/or bacterial infections. If left untreated, these infections can spread and get more serious, causing a distinct smell that doesn’t go away with a simple bath.
Take a closer look at your dog’s skin. Is it red and flaky? Is your dog trying to scratch it? If you notice any of these symptoms, take your dog to the vet. There, you will get a specialized shampoo or another suitable treatment.
Reason 2: It Has Ear Problems
Another reason your dog might be stinking even after a bath may be because it has ear problems.
- Dogs' ears are often forgotten when it comes to hygiene, but they are also a perfect breeding ground for bacteria.
- They can also trap moisture, and there might be an earwax buildup, all of which can cause nasty smells even after you have bathed your dog.
Check your dog’s ears and clean them with a vet-approved solution. If you see any redness, swelling, unusual discharge, or feel an unpleasant odor, take your dog to the vet.
Reason 3: Dental Disease
Another common cause of a stinking dog is bad breath. Dogs can have bad breath, especially if their teeth aren’t clean or if they suffer from dental issues. These issues include infected teeth, gum disease, and plaque buildup. If this is the case with your dog, it might be the reason why your dog smells even after a bath.
What you can do: Start washing your dog’s teeth regularly, with a pet toothpaste and toothbrush. If you notice gum redness and swelling, or if your dog’s teeth look infected, visit a vet.
Reason 4: Its Anal Glands Are Infected
A dog’s anal glands can become infected, and when that happens, these glands release a strong and unpleasant smell. No matter how often you wash your dog, this smell will keep coming.
What you can do: This isn’t an issue you should try to solve on your own. Schedule a vet appointment as soon as possible. The vet will be able to provide treatment and relief for your dog.
Reason 5: It Has Underlying Health Issues
Some health issues that can cause a musty smell aren’t always visible or easy to notice. For example, dogs suffering from diabetes, kidney issues, and allergies can develop unpleasant body odor due to the chemical imbalance in the body.
What you can do: If you notice that your dog is still stinky after a bath, and none of the abovementioned reasons seem to be the culprit, you should take your dog to the vet. There, ask for blood and other tests that can check if your dog is suffering from any underlying health issues.
Other Potential Reasons a Dog Stinks Even After a Bath
- Apart from these five reasons, it is worth mentioning some other potential reasons behind your dog’s unpleasant smell.
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It may be that you do not properly wash your dog. You should ask yourself if you are washing your dog properly and often enough. When washing your dog, you need to wash its whole body, not just some parts.
- Also, you need to wash your dog at least once a month, and more often if your dog spends time outside and lives an overall active life. Don’t forget to brush and comb its fur every few days, even if it’s a short-haired breed.
- Use dog shampoos, preferably approved and recommended by your vet. Don’t use shampoos and soaps made for humans, or other hygiene products that aren’t specifically made for pets.
- Finally, ensure your dog’s fur dries out as fast as possible. Keeping your dog wet for too long might cause mold development, which in turn causes a bad smell.
Stinking Dog: How a Proper Dog Bathing Station Might Help
The number one reason why dog owners don’t wash their dog properly is the fact that it’s not convenient. Most dog owners wash their dogs in bathtubs, which involves a lot of bending and crouching. After a few minutes, this becomes too exhausting, and such a setup doesn’t provide enough control over the dog.
That’s why dog bathing stations can help you wash your dog more efficiently. Their height can be adjusted so that you don’t have to slouch and bend. These bathing stations also allow you to secure your dog in place, giving you full control.
Most importantly, you can wash your dog properly, including its body parts that would be otherwise too hard to reach. Most dog bathing stations come with built-in faucets, allowing you to wash and rinse your dog’s fur properly.
Best Dog Bathing Stations from Co-Z
If you don’t have a dog bathing station, and you aren’t even sure where to start looking for it, take a look at our recommendations:
1. Co-z 34" Stainless Steel Dog Bathtub
This 34" pet washing station makes bath time easier with anti-skid stairs, a raised tub, warm water options, and a well-draining, easy-to-clean design. Washing your dog will become a great bonding experience instead of a chore.
2. Co-z 50" Stainless Steel Dog Bathtub
If you have a larger dog, take a look at this 50" stainless steel bathing station. It has a raised nonskid tub, warm water options, a sliding door with nonslip steps, and a durable stainless steel construction.
Conclusion
Washing your dog regularly is the best way to keep it clean and well-groomed. However, sometimes your dog might stay stinky even after a bath. There are several reasons why this happens, from skin and dental issues to improper washing technique. Read this article as many times as you need, follow our tips, and your dog will no longer be stinky!
