Although we love our dogs, we don’t always love how they smell. If she knows or suspects that her canine companion has picked up some foul odors, Louise Louis of http://www.ToyBreeds.com offers some tips on how to restore a fragrant home (and dog).
1. Dry it completely after removing the bad smell.
Many dogs love to swim in any available water. Use towels or a hair dryer on the lowest setting until completely dry.
If you need more than water to clean it up, try Listerine or another brand of mouthwash. Put some on a washcloth and clean your dog’s coat, then rinse or shampoo. If that doesn’t work, add some baking soda to the mix.
2. Look for sticky objects on your coat.
Many dogs get feces or other smelly things stuck to their fur. Check especially his paws and around his anus. It’s a good idea to shave your hair in a circle around your anus to minimize that possibility.
3. If he has bad breath, give him Greenies.
These are one of the best products for dogs and are available at any pet store. If your dog is healthy and only has dog breath they will work.
4. Bathe him regularly, especially if he spends a lot of time outdoors.
Use a mild shampoo made for dogs and wash it about every six weeks. Follow with a good conditioner or make your own with a little baking soda in warm water.
5. Make sure your diet isn’t the problem.
Feed him a premium, balanced dog food that smells good to you, and make sure his dog food hasn’t spoiled or grown moldy. Dog food containers must indicate their expiration date. Always check with the store before you buy it.
6. Check his ears.
Ear infections are a common cause of bad odors. Make sure he doesn’t have discharge, bad odors or strange colors, or bugs in his ears. Infections must be treated by a vet immediately.
7. Clean your house and your belongings.
Dog odors can linger in carpets. You should use an enzymatic cleaner like Nature’s Miracle if you have a potty accident.
To restore a pleasant smell to your home, sprinkle baking soda on the carpet and leave it overnight before vacuuming in the morning. You can also use a little baking soda with your washing power when washing your bedding and clothes. Many people like to put a little white vinegar in their rinse water.
PS Older dogs and unneutered males tend to smell stronger.
