How to Get Rid of Dog Smell: Causes and Fixes

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

All dogs have a natural scent, but when the smell becomes unpleasant, it is a signal. Working out the source is the key to fixing it, and the cause is not always the coat.

Common causes

• Dirt, oil and dander build up on the coat.
• Wet fur, especially double coats, that did not dry fully.
• Ears. Wax, yeast or infection cause a sour or musty smell. See how to clean a dog's ears.
• Teeth and mouth. Dental disease causes bad breath. See dog bad breath daily routine and dental disease in dogs.
• Anal glands. Fishy odor can mean full or infected glands. See anal glands and grooming.
• Skin problems. Allergies, yeast and bacterial infections create odor. See dog skin allergies.
• Skin folds. Moisture trapped in wrinkles breeds bacteria.
• Rolling in smelly things. A classic canine hobby.
• Diet and gas. Some foods lead to flatulence.

Step 1: Smell to locate

Sniff the ears, mouth, paws, skin folds, tail base and coat. Where is it strongest? This tells you where to focus.

Step 2: Groom well

Brush to remove dead hair and dirt. Bathe with a suitable dog shampoo and dry thoroughly. See how to bathe a dog at home and how to dry a dog after a bath.

Step 3: Clean specific areas

• Wipe skin folds daily if needed.
• Clean ears when dirty, as directed by your vet.
• Brush teeth regularly. See how to brush a dog's teeth.
• Wipe paws after walks.

Step 4: Clean the environment

Wash bedding weekly in hot water with fragrance-free detergent. Vacuum furniture and use washable covers. Wash collars, leashes and toys. Air out rooms regularly.

Step 5: Review diet and health

Feed a complete, balanced diet and avoid sudden changes. If gas is a problem, speak with your vet. See how to read a dog food label.

When it is a medical issue

See your vet if:

• The smell is sudden, strong or persistent
• There is redness, discharge, scabs or hair loss
• Your dog scratches, shakes the head or licks constantly
• The breath smells unusual
• Your dog is lethargic or has other symptoms

Do not mask odor with perfumes. Treat the cause.

Quick fixes

• A brisk brush
• A damp cloth wipe
• A gentle waterless spray. See dry shampoo and waterless baths.

A deep-clean checklist for the home

• Wash dog beds, blankets and covers weekly in hot water.
• Sprinkle baking soda on rugs and sofas, leave for a few hours and vacuum.
• Wipe hard floors with a pet-safe cleaner.
• Wash food and water bowls daily.
• Clean the car seat covers and crates.
• Open windows and use an air purifier if allergies are a concern.

Choose fragrance-free products, since strong scents can bother both dogs and people.

Odor and age

Older dogs often smell stronger because of dental disease, skin changes, incontinence or reduced grooming ability. Extra brushing, wipes and a vet check for teeth and skin can make a real difference. See how to groom a senior dog.

A note on perfumes and sprays

Deodorizing sprays and perfumes only mask smell. Some contain ingredients that irritate dogs or are unsafe if licked. If a smell comes back within a day of a bath, the cause is likely a medical or environmental one, so look for the source rather than adding more fragrance.

The takeaway

Find the source, groom and dry properly, clean the home and ask your vet if the smell does not go away.