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Smelly pet questions are fairly common in any veterinarian's office. Dogs in particular can put off odors that can be quite offensive. Some of the foul odors can be obvious like being sprayed by a skunk or from rolling in something unpleasant. Animals have been known to roll themselves in some not so agreeable substances to "camouflage" their own odor. If bathing doesn't make Fido smell like a field of sunflowers there could be an underlying health issue.

There are health issues and conditions that can cause odors in canines. If your pet has an odor that can't be traced down to an obvious source, it is recommended to seek the care and advice of a veterinarian.

*Dental Diseases
Diseased teeth and gums can produce foul odors. Dogs can get gingivitis or periodontal disease just like humans. This can lead to the entire body having an odor when the dog licks himself.

*Ear Infections
Ears with a bacterial infection can have an extremely bad smell. Symptoms of an ear infection include the foul smell, discharge and redness. Cleaning your dog's ears regularly should prevent infections.

*Allergies
Canine allergies can affect the dog's skin causing excessive dry spots and irritation.

*Skin Conditions
Conditions that can be as extreme as mange can cause hair loss and scratching which will require veterinarian care. Excessive skin oils can cause odor that can be treated with regular bathing.

*Anal glands
One of the most common causes of canine odor are from the anal glands. Anal glands are two small scent sacs in the anal area also known as the "marking" glands. When a dog has a bowel movement, the glands are squeezed causing a smelly secretion to be released. A dog can have a strong, fish-like smell if the anal glands become infected. Licking, biting and scooting on the ground are signs that the anal glands could be impacted.

*Diet
Occasionally, canines just smell bad because of a poor diet. Less expensive dog foods sometimes do not have the proper nutrition. Biotin, also known as vitamin H or B7, has been found to help with canine odor. Clinical studies have been done to show the important role Biotin plays in maintaining healthy skin and hair in dogs.

Dogs need to be bathed to stay clean, healthy and odor-free much like humans. There are a few steps you can take to help your pet stay cleaner and smell better.

*Bathing your pet once a month is recommended. However it also depends on the lifestyle of the dog. Inside pets can generally go a month between scrub downs. A pet that likes to romp around in the mud will obviously require more bathing. An alcohol and perfume-free wipe can be used for touch ups on paws, around the nose and the mouth.

*Trim long hairs around their mouth and ears.

*Keep a canine's teeth in good condition.

*Brush the coat regularly to remove loose hairs.

*Clean ears regularly. Ear wash made specifically for dogs is recommended. Clean the inside of the ear with ear wash and a cotton ball. A cotton swab can be used to get into the nooks of the ear. Do not place a cotton swab into a dog's ear canal.

*Use alcohol-free dog cologne. It is recommended to choose dog cologne that is all natural to avoid skin irritations.

Taking some extra time to pamper our pets will not only keep them from having foul odors but can help prevent future health problems.

Learn more about this author, Angela Pollock.
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