Why Does My Dog Smell Bad? From Frito Feet to Anal Glands

We love our dogs, but we don’t always love how they smell. While a “doggy odor” is normal (especially when wet), a foul, persistent stench is not. It is usually a sign that something is wrong medically.

If you have bathed your dog and the smell comes back in 24 hours, stop scrubbing. You can’t wash away a yeast infection or a rotten tooth. You need to find the source.

Here is a troubleshooting guide to the most common stink-zones on your dog.

1. The Ears (Yeast Infection)

• The Smell: Like sourdough bread, cheese, or old gym socks.
• The Cause: Yeast (Malassezia) loves dark, warm, moist places. Floppy-eared dogs (Cockers, Poodles) are prone to this.
• The Fix: Look inside. Is it red? Is there brown waxy discharge? If yes, you need a vet-prescribed cleaner and drops. Do not use water or alcohol, which hurts.

2. The Mouth (Dental Disease)

• The Smell: Rotten eggs, garbage, or metallic.
• The Cause: Plaque turns into tartar (calculus), which traps bacteria under the gumline. This leads to periodontal disease and rotting teeth.
• The Fix: A professional dental cleaning under anesthesia. Tooth brushing prevents it, but it cannot cure established rot.

3. The Rear End (Anal Glands)

• The Smell: Metallic, fishy, extremely pungent. Like rusty pennies dipped in tuna.
• The Cause: Dogs have two small sacs inside their rectum that release a scent marker when they poop. Sometimes these sacs get impacted (full) or infected.
• The Fix: A vet or groomer can “express” (empty) them. Increasing fiber in the diet (pumpkin) can help firm up stools to express them naturally.

4. The Skin (Seborrhea or Pyoderma)

• The Smell: Musty, greasy, or like corn chips.
• The Cause:
  • Seborrhea: Excessive oil production. The dog feels greasy to the touch.
  • Bacterial Infection (Pyoderma): Often secondary to allergies. Look for pimples or scabs.
• The Fix: Medicated shampoo (Benzoyl Peroxide or Chlorhexidine) and treating the underlying allergy.

5. Gas (Flatulence)

• The Smell: Sulfur. Room-clearing.
• The Cause: Poor diet, swallowing air (eating too fast), or food intolerance (dairy, spicy food).
• The Fix: Switch to a higher quality, more digestible food. Try a slow-feeder bowl. Probiotics can also help regulate gut flora.

Summary

A smelly dog is usually an uncomfortable dog. Don’t cover it up with perfume sprays. Sniff out the cause (literally) and talk to your vet. Your nose knows best.