Does
Your Dog Smell? Discover The Causes And How You Can Combat
This Stinky Problem
By Rose Smith
Most dogs have that "dog smell" to
them, especially when the come in out of the rain.
However, some dogs tend to stink more than others. This
can be due to variety of reasons, some of which may
require a veterinarian’s attention. Here are some of the
causes of dog odors and the best treatments to combat
these odor problems.
Some dogs like to
roll in the dirt... and any other smelly item that may be
near by. If your dog is prone to doing this then regular
brushing, grooming and bathing will help to keep your dog
smelling clean and fresh.
Getting sprayed by
a skunk is one smell we humans recognize immediately and
tomato juice is the most common remedy. However, in order
for it to work properly, you need to allow the juice to
sit on the dog's fur for at least 15 to 20 minutes before
rinsing. It is the acid in the tomatoes that cuts the
smell. Another very popular solution that dog owners swear
by is to mix 1 quart 3% Hydrogen Peroxide, 1/4 cup Baking
Soda, and 2 tablespoons dish detergent in a large bowl (do
not use a sealed container as this mixture will explode).
You must use this immediately while it is still foaming as
it is the oxygen in the bubbling mixture that removes the
skunk odor. Be careful not to get either solution in your
pet’s eyes.
Certain dog breeds
tend to have naturally oily coats. Unfortunately, the
extra oil on the dog's skin can become rancid and cause
bad odors. In this case, your canine needs to be regularly
groomed and bathed to remove this excess oil; otherwise it
can develop into irritating skin conditions. Bacterial
skin diseases are another common problem within some
breeds. Using a good anti-bacterial shampoo specifically
formulated for dogs is your best solution. If the skin
condition does not clear up within a reasonable amount of
time or if it appears to worsen, be sure to take your dog
to the vet.
Dogs with droopy
ears tend to develop ear infections quite frequently,
although any dog breed can end up with this painful
condition. If your dog smells bad even with regular
grooming, take the time to check its ears. Look for
redness and irritation. You will also notice that your dog
will also shake its head often and probably try to scratch
to relieve the itchiness. There are several ear infection
solutions on the market that can help alleviate this
problem.
One last thing that
can also lead to dog odor is impacted or infected anal
glands. These sacs, located in the 3 and 9 o'clock
positions, are filled with a fluid that is normally
released when a dog has a bowel movement. If you look
carefully, you will see that your dog's anal area has
become somewhat swollen and the "back end" smells really
bad. Take your dog immediately to a veterinarian to have
these glands expressed. Be aware that once your dog has
had this problem it tends to reoccur, so keep an eye on
this. If necessary, you can have the anal glands
surgically removed.
Rose Smith
owns
http://www.CaringForCanines.com Where dog
owners can explore the benefits of holistic dog
medicines and remedies. Find information on topics
such as: dog nutrition, dog health problems,
herbal & vitamin supplements,
dog grooming, and more. Be sure to visit us
today for natural dog care methods and advice.
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