Real reasons behind unpleasant smells
A healthy dog has a mild, neutral scent — not a strong or offensive one. When your dog smells bad, there’s almost always a root cause, and it’s not just “normal dog smell.” Persistent odor is often a biological signal that something needs attention.
This guide explains the real causes of dog odor — including surprising sources most owners never consider.
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1. Skin Yeast or Bacterial Overgrowth
If your dog smells musty, sour, or “cheesy,” it may be due to yeast buildup.
This often occurs in:
skin folds
armpits
paws
belly
groin
between toes
You may also notice:
oily coat
red patches
brown paw-staining
constant scratching or licking
This is one of the most common and misdiagnosed odors in dogs.
2. Ear Infections (Often Missed by Owners)
A strong, sour or “swamp-like” smell often comes from the ears.
Signs include:
head shaking
scratching
ear redness
brown or yellow discharge
Even if the ear canal doesn’t look severe, a mild inner-ear infection can smell strongly.
3. Dental Problems & Bad Breath
Many owners think bad breath is normal — it isn’t.
It may indicate:
plaque buildup
gum disease
infected tooth
oral bacteria accumulation
systemic illness
A dog’s mouth should smell neutral — not fishy or rotten.
4. Anal Glands — The “Fishy” Odor
If your dog suddenly smells like fish or rotten seafood —
that’s anal gland secretion.
This happens when glands are:
impacted
inflamed
infected
needing expression
Dogs may also:
scoot on the floor
lick the rear area
show discomfort while sitting
5. Wet Dog Smell That Never Goes Away
Persistent humidity odor can mean:
coat is not drying properly after baths
fungus in undercoat
trapped moisture
bacterial film on fur
Some breeds with thick coats are especially prone to this.
6. Gas & Digestive Odor
A dog with noticeable flatulence may have:
food intolerance
poor-quality kibble
too many fillers and grains
low digestibility proteins
Diet is a massive driver of internal smell.
7. Environmental Odor Absorption
Dogs absorb smells like sponges.
They can smell like:
carpets
smoke
damp basements
bedding
artificial scents
other animals
If the environment smells, the dog will too.
8. Hormonal or Metabolic Issues
A “strange” or unusual odor can be linked to:
thyroid imbalance
kidney disease
liver dysfunction
diabetes
If the smell is new and unusual — it may be diagnostic baggage.
9. Poor Grooming or Incorrect Shampoo
Some owners bathe too rarely. Others bathe too much.
Both can disrupt skin microbiome.
Signs of incorrect grooming:
flaky skin
dull fur
scalp irritation
odor that returns quickly
Grooming must be skin-appropriate, not just cosmetic.
10. Your Dog Is Telling You Something
Dogs don’t verbalize pain — they emit clues.
Odor is one of them.
If your dog’s smell:
changes suddenly
worsens over time
persists even after grooming
…it’s likely a sign that something isn’t right.
When to See a Vet
If odor is accompanied by:
itching
redness
lethargy
discharge
weight change
— schedule a professional check.
