by Janet Farricelli CPDT-KA

Created on: May 16, 2008

"Doggy breath"
"Doggy smell"
"Stinky dog"
Call it the way you want, but a smelly dog is simply put, a smelly dog.
Smelly dogs were those usually hard to forget at the animal hospital I used to work for.
I remember holding my breath as I put them on the scale to get their weight properly registered on their chart. Then as I finally accompanied them into their room I would finally exhale happy to breath some fresh air again.

Once the pet was discharged, a little while after check-out, I would then take a look at the chart and look for the doctor's notes and search for the diagnosis. I know I was nosy, pun intended, but I really wanted to know what was causing that terrible odor that made us all wish the vet would hurry up and have the dog evacuate the building ASAP. I remember the smell still lingering in the office hours post visit, regardless of the tons of freshener we desperately sprayed.

If you own a dog you certainly know your dog will tend to smell if you do not bath him every once in a while. Better known as "doggy smell", this odor can be easily removed and relief is sure to come shortly after a visit to the groomer or a nice old bath with a nicely scented body wash. However, there are many cases that cause dogs to smell terrible and that are very likely medical related.

YEAST INFECTION
A common cause of strong odors are yeast infections(Malassezia dermatitis). The smell has an almost "sweet scent" but has nothing to do with a pleasant smell. Rather, the smell can turn out being pretty nauseous and with an over all rancid tendency. Dogs with a skin yeast infection may present with an extra greasy skin that is often itchy as well. Proper diagnosis is obtained via a skin scrape biopsy or via cytology. Treatment consists of anti-fungal medications such as Flucanazole or Ketoconazole. Special shampoos with anti-fungal properties may be helpful such as Nizoral. In mild cases, a vinegar and water rinse may suffix to allow the skin to recover and may be helpful to prevent relapses.

BACTERIAL SKIN INFECTIONS
Some dogs may develop bacterial infections that may cause a typical rancid odor Other symptoms may be hair loss, patches with no fur, bumps and redness. In more severe cases pus will be secreted. Treatment involves antibiotics along with topical medicated shampoos.

SEBORRHEA
A dog affected by this condition will have an unusually oily skin. If you pass your hand on a the coat of a dog affected by this disorder you will feel your hands to be very greasy. This is the origin

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