Dogs don’t sweat like humans, but they do perspire—releasing natural oils and chemical scents that contribute to their signature “dog smell.” While some canine odor is completely normal, excessive funkiness can be a sign of underlying issues like skin conditions, ear infections, dental problems, or lack of proper grooming.
If your pup has received a clean bill of health from the vet and a fresh scrub from the groomer but still smells a little off, you might just be more sensitive to their natural scent. Their paw pads, ear glands, and skin oils all play a role in their unique aroma, and some dogs are simply smellier than others.
Routine bathing, brushing, and dental care should help keep most odors in check, but if your dog’s scent still lingers, don’t worry! With a few simple tricks, you can minimize that funky dog smell and keep your pup fresh and huggable every day.
Top Tips to Keep Your Dog Smelling Fresh
1. Feed a high-quality diet rich in fatty acids.
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Diet plays a major role in your dog’s overall health. Too many table scraps, processed treats, and low-quality foods can lead to excess gas and a multitude of skin problems. Dogs with food allergies can develop moist dermatitis and ear infections – both known for their pungent aromas. In addition, grain and starch-based dog foods that are low in fatty acids can lead to dry, stinky skin.
2. Maintain a brushing routine between bath times.
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A good, thorough session with the brush helps to remove odor-causing debris, dirt, dead hair, skin cells, dried saliva, and whatever else your pup has recently been into! Brushing also stimulates the release of healthy oils to keep the skin and coat hydrated, healthy, and smelling fresh.
- For long, medium, and curly-haired dogs, use a metal comb daily to prevent matting and finish with a slicker brush for smoothness and shine.
- Short-haired dogs like Boxers and Labs should be brushed at least once a week with a rubber curry brush or a de-shedding tool like The Fur-minor.
3. Vacuum regularly.
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Soft carpeting notoriously collects dirt and debris from our daily lives. If you share your home with dogs and humans, your carpets are full of odor-causing particles like dead skin and hair.
- Vacuum regularly and empty the canister after each use.
- Sprinkle baking soda on carpets and soft furniture. Let it sit for several hours before vacuuming.
- To remove dog smells from your vacuum cleaner, disassemble the machine and soak the canister, hoses, and filter in a solution of warm water and baking soda.
- Stash dryer sheets or orange peels in the filter cavity for a fresh scent every time you sweep!
- Shampoo carpets as needed for deep-set doggy stains and odors.
4. Use washable furniture covers.
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If your dog is allowed to lounge on the furniture, his scent will definitely stay behind! Cover sofas with washable pet covers or blankets, and use removable cases on your throw pillows. Add apple cider vinegar to the washing machine to neutralize tough odors safely and naturally.
5. Freshen doggy breath.
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There’s nothing worse than the noxious fumes from a stinky dog mouth! Bad breath is often a symptom of dental disease, infections, or even organ failure, so be sure to check with your vet to rule these out. When it comes to good old-fashioned canine halitosis, try these options:
- Brush your dog’s teeth regularly.
- Offer safe, healthy dental chews and toys.
- Use a breath-freshening spray or wipes.
Related: Best Dog Breath Fresheners
6. Don’t over-bathe.
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Humans are a remarkably clean species, so it makes sense that our first inclination is to toss stinky pups in the tub at the first unpleasant whiff. Overbathing can strip away the oils in your dog’s coat and dry out her delicate skin. The general rule of thumb is to bathe no more than once a month with a high-quality dog shampoo unless otherwise instructed by your veterinarian. You can, of course, make the occasional exception should your pup splash through a mud puddle or run into a skunk! In between bath times:
- Use grooming wipes on skin folds, paw pads, and all over to remove odor and debris.
- Keep ears free of excess hair and clean them with a gentle, pet-safe cleanser or ear wipes as needed.
7. Watch out for stinky “land mines”.
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Say Goodbye to Funky Dog Smells
A little doggy odor is normal, but excessive stink can make snuggle time less enjoyable. By pinpointing the cause and using the right solutions, you can help keep your pup smelling clean and fresh.
If your dog still has a lingering odor despite regular grooming, consider checking for hidden issues like skin infections, allergies, or dietary imbalances. And remember—sometimes, dogs just love to roll in stinky things! With the right care, you can enjoy all the love without the lingering smell.
