My Dog Stinks Even After A Bath – Normal Or Not?

Last Updated on October 5, 2021 by Marco

If you’ve been wondering why my dog stinks even after a bath, then this article may just have the answer to your pet’s stinky problem!

Dogs smell, and it’s okay. What’s not okay is when the smell is unbearable and conquering the area. Foul odors often mean it’s time for a bath. When that doesn’t solve the problem, you’ll need to investigate. There can be several other underlying reasons for an offensive stink.

Luckily, we’ve got some viable doggy-friendly info lined up for canine parents that will help you understand why dogs smell and what you can do about it. So, here goes.

Why Does My Dog Stink Even After A Bath?

Dogs don’t sweat like us. They perspire and release oils from their paw pads. This makes them give off a specific scent we might not find appealing. However, they’re okay with it. This scent is unique to each dog. While we might think all dogs smell the same, they can tell one from the other.

Now, when dogs give their coat a nice scratch, they rub those odorous oils all over themselves. They might take a walk outside and catch some other scents. Maybe have a nice roll in the park, gather a bit of dirt. When all these scents accumulate, you have yourself one stinky pooch.

What happens next? Of course, you plop your pet into the bath, and it’s back to smelling fresh. Yet sometimes, no matter how you shampoo and scrub, you’re left thinking – my dog stinks no matter what I do!

Are you familiar with this dilemma? If so, let’s go through some reasons why your dog still smells after a bath.

1. Excessive Bathing Can Make Your Dog Stink Worse

The first thing to consider is reducing the number of baths. With excessive bathing and shampooing, you remove essential oils from your pet’s skin. When sweat glands detect this, they secrete even more oil.

What do these oils do? Attract dirt and bacteria – thereby starting a vicious cycle of bathing to no effect. Constant baths and harsh shampoos are counterproductive.

Reduce the number of bath-times and switch to a gentler, natural dog shampoo. If you are uncertain about the choice, ask your groomer about the best doggy shampoo on the market. Also, it’s a good idea to towel dry your dog after a bath to make sure the wet fur doesn’t catch any dirt. It would help if you considered brushing the fur regularly as well. This helps remove dirt, along with dead hair and cells. Remember, letting matted hair accumulate can add to your pet’s hygiene woes.

Learn more about: Why Do Dogs Rub Their Butts On The Carpet; The Definitive Guide

2. Inadequate Dental Hygiene

If you’ve been wondering why my dog stinks even after a bath – it’s best to check up on your doggo’s dental hygiene. If you haven’t been keeping up with your canine’s regular brushing schedule, it can spell trouble for your pet’s health.

Plaque build-up is as unbearable in humans as it is in dogs—if not more. The first solution to bad doggy breath is to brush the teeth regularly and always use pet-friendly toothpaste as yours can be toxic for them.

Bad breath can also be a result of internal organ diseases. If your pet’s bad breath issues are accompanied by lethargy and lack of appetite, you should immediately book an appointment with your vet.

Dental problems can be specific to certain breeds. Small canine breeds are often at a greater risk of developing gum diseases. Other breeds can be susceptible to a condition known as Gingival Hyperplasia. This is when the gum tissue overgrows around the teeth, and any food particles stuck in the overgrowth can result in a rotten stench.

Though you can take care of your pet’s dental needs at home, you might need the assistance of a professional in certain situations. Getting your dog a dental cleaning may resolve the problem.

3. Health Problems Can Cause Dogs To Stink Too

Among other dog body odor causes are a few health conditions. If your dog stinks after bath, you’ll need to ensure it doesn’t have any allergies or infections. Check your dog’s ears for any unpleasant smell or debris. If your canine keeps scratching the area around its ears – it’s almost a sure-shot sign of an irritant in its ears.

If your pup has a bacterial infection, getting water in its ear can worsen it. So, ensure your pet’s ears remain dry when bathing. You’ll also need to have your canine checked by the vet to treat the infection asap.

4. Atopy

Among other dog body odor causes are a few health conditions. If your dog stinks after bath, you’ll need to ensure it doesn’t have any allergies or infections. Check your dog’s ears for any unpleasant smell or debris. If your canine keeps scratching the area around its ears – it’s almost a sure-shot sign of an irritant in its ears.

If your pup has a bacterial infection, getting water in its ear can worsen it. So, ensure your pet’s ears remain dry when bathing. You’ll also need to have your canine checked by the vet to treat the infection asap.

Some canines are prone to allergies due to genetics, which is referred to as atopy. Once your canine’s skin is agitated due to pollen or any other type of allergy, it secretes an excess of oil that has a musty scent.

Fleas can also cause allergies, and Fleabites cause itchy bumps on the skin that your pet will scratch at. Additionally, allergies can also develop due to diet. Processed foods, high carbohydrate diets, and ingredients such as corn may not suit your dog.

How To Keep Your Dog From Stinking Apart From Baths

Keeping your dog stink-free requires a comprehensive approach. It’s not enough to worry about your pet’s bathing and grooming regime, but you also have to consider your doggo’s dental hygiene. Brush your pet’s teeth regularly with doggy toothpaste and check its gums for signs of infection and other oral trouble.

Another way you can ensure your dog smells clean and fresh is by investing in good-quality per shampoo. If your pet has a medical skin condition – consult your vet about the brand best suitable for its skin type. Furthermore, it’s best to keep up with your pet’s scheduled visits to the vet’s office to ensure any developing health concern can be caught and treated early for a complete recovery. That way, you won’t have to keep wondering – why my dog stinks even after a bath.