7 Ways to Deal With Smelly Pets

By Patricia Khuly, DVM, PetMD

Got a pet who’s conditioned you to believe that his loving presence is worth all his foul odors? If your pet smells nasty then you probably know exactly what I’m talking about (though some of you may be in denial). Everyone else thinks he stinks and stays away. But you? You love him, aroma and all.

Nonetheless, there is something you can do about her chronic malodor, especially if she falls into one of the following categories of stinkiness. Read up on the concern and, for best results internalize their listed solutions!

1. The Skin Sufferers

If the surface of your pet’s skin’s smell is reminiscent of rotting fruit, something freshly dug up from deep underground, or just plain dogginess, you’ll know what I mean.

Solution: Whether this happens year-round or is limited to certain seasons, pets with certain skin conditions such as allergic skin disease and keratinization disorders (characterized by greasy and/or flaky skin), treatment of the underlying disease is generally effective in reducing or eliminating the odors associated with skin infections that accompany it.

Medicated shampoos and antibiotic and/or anti-fungal treatments are often necessary, at least at first and/or periodically, to tamp down the offending bacteria and/or yeast.

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Kathy P.

3:25PM PDT on Jun 16, 2012

lol ewwww

June 16
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Jon M.

5:20PM PDT on May 21, 2012

Yes unfortunately My Dog is allergic to dust mites. and the smell is actually from His own saliva.
when they itch it turns into bacteria after it sits on the skin. You cant give Him to many baths because that dries out the skin and makes him itch even more. the only meds that help Him is a shot that is around $200.00 every couple of months. But That isn't good for Him because it contains steroids He gets depressed from it. Wish there was something I could do for Him. He stinks But He is still My best friend anyway.

May 21
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5:19PM PDT on May 21, 2012

Jane B.

12:35PM PDT on May 17, 2012

I've had Dobermans for 30 years, I slept with them and gave them regular showers in the bathtub. They never smelled anything like what is described in this article. In fact they smelled far better than most humans I've encountered. Perhaps an article should be written about how to get the rotten smell out of people and perhaps write something on how to cure stupidity. I gave my dogs a type of gritty dog bone that cleaned their teeth naturally, so it wasn't necessary to brush their teeth. None of these problems are the dogs' fault, it's always the dumb @%# people.

May 17
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Carrie-Anne B.

2:56AM PDT on Apr 19, 2012

interesting article, thanks for sharing :)

April 19
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Gita S.

4:23AM PDT on Apr 15, 2012

very useful tips. Thanks.

April 15
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Richelle R.

3:37PM PDT on Apr 13, 2012

Sorry, but cats stink!

April 13
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Mary W.

1:49PM PDT on Apr 3, 2012

Good information.

April 3
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Hattie F.

10:30PM PDT on Apr 2, 2012

thanks for this article good info

April 2
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Past Member .

9:41PM PDT on Apr 2, 2012

Augh... thank you for the reminder of one reason why I don't own a large, furry pet! I love other people's dogs, but I don't have to clean their anal glands.