Dog smells run the gamut from delightfully stinky (corn chip paws) to downright offensive (poop breath and fishy anal glands). If your pup is smelling less than fresh, there may be an underlying medical cause.

So, before you break out the hose, let’s talk about the many reasons your dog may smell, and what you can do to fix it!

Non-Medical Reasons Dogs Smell

Dogs do not sweat nearly as much as humans, so they require less frequent bathing and don’t put off the same body odors. However, even healthy dogs can get pretty stinky. The most common causes are:

Poor Grooming

Long-haired dogs tend to trap odors in their coats just like fabrics absorb cooking smells, smoke, and other aromas in the air. Keeping them on a regular professional grooming schedule will help ensure their ever-growing coat stays clean and fresh.

All dogs require some level of grooming to stay fresh, even those with short hair. The general rule of thumb for healthy dogs is a monthly bath with a pet-safe, moisturizing shampoo. You should also clean out your dog’s ears with a veterinary-approved cleanser after each bath, as dirt, wax, and yeast buildup can contribute to dog odors.

When performing routine home grooming, don’t forget the teeth and toes! Daily brushing and/or dental hygiene products can help prevent stinky plaque and tartar from building up on your pup’s teeth. And keeping your dog’s toenails trimmed will minimize the chances of them tracking in something odiferous like poop.

Note: Some dogs require more frequent grooming to stay fresh. Weekly and even daily bathing is safe for many pups as long as you use a medicated or moisturizing shampoo approved by your veterinarian to protect the skin from drying out.

Environment

Dogs love spending time outdoors, and sometimes they “interact” with their environment more than we might like. Whether it’s rolling in roadkill, wading in a filthy stream, tearing through the trash, or just lying in the grass, your dog’s bad smell could be coming from their environment.

The best way to avoid these unpleasant odors is to keep your dog on a leash or monitor them in a safely fenced area at all times. If all else fails, see above and break out the shampoo!

Doggy Breath

We mentioned daily brushing and dental care in the grooming section, but some dogs simply have smellier breath than others. Even with healthy teeth and gums, your pup may have stinky “doggy breath.” This can be caused by their diet, eating something they shouldn’t, or not drinking enough water.

We’ll get more into dog breath smells and when to be concerned in the medical section.

Medical Reasons Dogs Smell Bad

Anal glands

If your vet had a nickel for every time a client embarrassedly asked them, “Why does my dog’s butt smell like fish?” they’d be a millionaire! While anal gland odors don’t always indicate a medical issue, they are a common source of strange dog smells.

Canine anal glands are scent sacs located on either side of the anus. They release a bit of fluid every time your dog has a bowel movement, sending signals to other animals in the area such as sex, health, and approximate age.

Even healthy anal gland secretions are stinky, but impacted or infected anal glands are especially room-clearing! Signs that your dog’s anal glands are not emptying properly on their own include:

Scooting
Biting or licking at their rear
Fishy odor
Discharge from the rectum that may include blood or pus
Anal gland ruptures (appear as a small, oozing hole just below the rectum on one or both sides)

If your dog is showing any of the above signs, see your veterinarian. He or she can safely express the glands, rule out infection, and give you home care tips.

Note: Your dog’s groomer may be able to provide routine anal gland expressions, but any suspicious symptoms should be addressed by a veterinarian.

“Keep in mind that a groomer doesn't empty anal glands the same way that a vet does,” says Dr. Kent. “ If your dog is scooting and/or has a bad fishy smell after grooming, please have a vet check to see if there is more material or an infection in the anal glands.”

Skin and Ear Infections

Secondary infections of the skin and/or ears are probably the most common reason dogs smell and the number one non-routine reason they visit the vet.

When normal yeast or bacteria on the skin and in the ears begin to multiply to an abnormal extent, an infection can occur. Skin allergies and the itching and licking that come along with them often begin the process.

Symptoms of skin and ear infections in dogs:

Reddened skin
Foul odor
Itching, scratching, and licking
Shaking head
Discharge from the ears
Rubbing head and body on furniture, carpet, etc.
Lesions or hotspots on the skin

If your dog smells yeasty or “sweet,” and is showing any of the signs above, they may have a skin or ear infection. These are especially common during allergy season and in dogs that swim.

Your vet will determine the source of the infection and whether it is caused by yeast, bacteria, or a combination of both. Treatments may include antibiotics, antihistamines, corticosteroids, topical treatments, and medicated shampoos.

Incontinence

Does your dog smell like urine? It could be an incontinence issue. This is fairly common in dogs and can happen at any age, but is most common in dogs with urinary tract infections, females, and senior dogs.

Most dogs with urinary incontinence are not even aware that they are leaking urine. It may occur while they are sleeping, causing odors in the home.

See your vet for blood work and a urinalysis. Most causes of urinary incontinence can be treated or managed with veterinary care.

Digestive Problems

All dogs have occasional flatulence and upset tummies, but if your dog’s gas or stools smell particularly gross, it could be a digestive problem. The most common causes of gas, bloating, and occasional vomiting and diarrhea in dogs are eating a poor diet that does not agree with their system or eating things they shouldn’t like garbage, fatty table scraps, or roadkill.

Ask your veterinarian to recommend a high-quality balanced diet for your pup and take care to ensure they avoid all other “snacks.” If the problem gets worse or does not resolve, it may be time for diagnostics.

Dental Disease

As mentioned above, bad breath is a common source of dog odors, but when the foul smell is caused by dental disease, it becomes a serious medical problem. Plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

Not only are these issues painful, but they can also lead to internal diseases like heart problems and organ failure. If your dog smells like “death,” dental disease could be the problem.

Cancer

Cancerous tumors in the nose or mouth may affect the way a dog breathes, causing them to take more shallow breaths and swallow less. This can lead to a strong odor as well as drooling and discharge from the nose or mouth. These symptoms should never be put off or ignored, as oral and nasal tumors can be quite aggressive.

Similarly, tumors of the anus can lead to foul odors by affecting your dog’s ability to have normal bowel movements. Dog parents may also find that their dog smells bad when a tumor on the skin ulcerates or becomes infected.

Organ failure/Disease

One of the most common symptoms dog owners report in dogs with renal failure is uremic breath, which tends to cause a urine odor from the mouth. Dogs with liver disease may also have foul breath since the liver can no longer filter out toxins from the blood. Some people describe this as a dead animal smell from the mouth.

Diabetic dogs may have a sweet or fruity smell to their breath due to a serious condition known as diabetic ketoacidosis. All of these conditions are potentially life-threatening, so if you notice your dog’s breath smells like urine, dead animal, or sweet fruit, see your vet right away.

A Note from Dr. Kent: Please don't delay scheduling an appointment for veterinary care if strange odors are noted. Early treatment of ear, paw, and skin infections is essential to resolve the issues without recurrence or chronic problems.

Do Some Dog Breeds Smell Worse Than Others?

Unfortunately, certain dog breeds do have a reputation for smelling worse than others. Most of these dogs tend to have predispositions for odor-causing medical conditions like skin allergies, ear infections, and dental disease.

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the 10 smelliest dog breeds are:

Bulldog
Basset Hound
Bloodhound
Beagle
Cocker Spaniel
Yorkshire Terrier
Pug
Boxer
Shar Pei
St. Bernard

How To Remove Dog Smells From Your Home

Managing odors in a home with pets can be difficult. It is important to avoid harsh chemicals that could harm your pet. Instead, try these tips from HGTV:

Vacuum frequently to remove stinky pet hair and dander
Launder pet bedding, cushion covers, and blankets regularly
Wash toys, bowls, collars, and leashes that can hold smelly bacteria
Bathe your dog on a regular schedule with pet-safe shampoo
Use vinegar and baking soda for pet-safe odor-free cleaning
Spot-treat urinary accidents with an enzymatic neutralizer such as Nature’s Miracle
Invest in a HEPA filter to reduce dander and odors in the air

Why Does My Dog Smell?