Do dogs emit scent through glands?
Dogs also emit scent through their glands in their ears. This often can be a little like a mild yeasty smell, which is very normal for your dog and will be kept under control with regular grooming and bathing.
Dogs also emit an odor through glands in their anus, which is mostly intended for other dogs to help identify them, but if they become blocked, they can cause a health issue that you will need to get a vet to look at.
Now we’ve seen what’s a normal odor for your little furry friend, let’s take a look at some of the reasons your dog may smell excessively after they’ve been outside.
Let’s start with one of the worst smells your fur baby may bring home!
Why Do Dogs Smell Worse When They Are Wet
Have you ever wondered why a dog smells worse when they are wet, well if your a dog owner you probably just want to give them another bath. It no secret that many dogs love water, but the reason behind wet dog smell is much more simple than you think. Dogs naturally have bacteria and organisms like yeast living on their skin, these organisms have an extremely bad smell as many bakers know yeast can smell a bit like rotten bread.
So why do dogs smell worse when they are wet. Researchers have found that these organisms have smells that happily sit docile in your dog’s fur. However, when a dog gets wet these organisms are disturbed and broken apart, distributing them into the air and into your nose. This is why dogs smell worse when they are wet and a frustrating scenario to deal with after you have spent an hour fighting with your pooch to give him a bath.
Speaking from personal experience and from owning a water-loving golden retriever the one thing that always made him smell was after he had been swimming in the river. It was not just the fact that he was wet, it was mainly down to the wax leaking from his ears. Being a golden retriever owner we always keep on top form when it comes to ear care and regular cleaning is essential however when the water gets into his ears it leaks out along with the wax. This wax smells really bad, the best thing you can do is continue to keep on top of their ear care and ensure they don’t spend too much time in the water.
As dog owners you probably don’t have to imagine how badly a dog’s bum can smell. Depending on how close you want to get to your dogs behind, smelly bottoms aren’t something that is always present. However, when you take your dog out for a walk, what is the one thing you can guarantee they will do. Yep, you guessed, go for a poop. Going to the toilet is a natural part of a dog’s digestive system and something that should be encouraged. However, in the wild it has another important benefit.
One way in which dogs communicate with each other is by urinating. According to PetMD, the same can be said for poop, dogs don’t just poop as part of there digestive system. Although this is an important part and if your dog needs the toilet they will go, but a lot of thought goes into where to poop. By pooping in a certain place your dog can tell other dogs that come past, that this is their territory. The glands that reside in your dog’s butt, excrete chemicals that ensure a super smelly poop, which will then be noticeable by other dogs. However these chemicals can still excrete slightly after they go to the toilet and so if your dog poops on a walk it’s most likely they will smell after a walk.
Behaviors
There are also certain behaviors that can either cause some stinkiness on their own or signal an underlying stinky problem. Know what these behaviors are and what they mean to figure out where the scents might originate and how to get rid of them.
Dr. Becker Discusses Why Dogs Stink
There isnt a perfume company out there that has invested in “Eau de Dog,” and with good reason. Most of our pooches have a tendency to be malodorous from time to time, whether its the stench coming from the moisture between their toes, their bad breath, or the unmistakable whiff of foul air as they enter the house after a walk in the rain. Yes, even the best dogs can make our eyes water for a variety of reasons.
However, while most odors have a simple solution, some can be caused by more serious underlying problems. Lets take a look at why our four-legged friends smell so bad and what we can do about it.
The number one cause of bad breath in dogs, just like people, is the build-up of plaque and tartar on their teeth. Some small breeds are especially prone to dental problems like gum disease. Another problem specific to certain breeds is Gingival Hyperplasia, the overgrowth of the gums that can harbor small bits of food and produce a rotten smell.
Keeping your dogs teeth clean at home is the first step in solving this problem, but ultimately your pet may need a dental cleaning from a veterinary professional. If you have DefenderPlus coverage offered by AKC Pet Insurance (underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company), you may be reimbursed for a portion of teeth cleaning costs.
Canine flatulence (known to most of us as “dog farts”) is a common problem in dogs, and if your pup can clear the room after passing gas, it is often due to an intolerance to an ingredient in their food.
Working with your veterinarian to switch to a different diet, whether that be grain-free or fish-based, can often solve the problem. However, excessive canine flatulence can sometimes signal an underlying medical issue, so if the air around your pet remains foul, continue to consult your licensed veterinarian until the problem is resolved.
Seasonal or food allergies can cause inflammation of the skin that can lead to excessive oil secretions from certain glands, which can produce a musty smell and even cause skin infections if left untreated.
Poor diet can contribute to your dogs allergies as well, and can also be the cause of other problems, including yeast infections, which can also lead to foul odors. A diet high in carbohydrates and dog kibble that is highly processed can be the root cause of your dogs allergic reactions. If you think this may be the issue, switch your pup over to a high-protein, non-processed dog food, or try using allergy tablets for dogs that can help with these types of reactions and symptoms.
There are many types of bacteria and yeast that can cause canine ear infections. A healthy ear usually has good defenses to fight off the bacteria, but if your dog suffers from allergies or hormonal imbalances, the yeast and bacteria can increase dramatically, causing a dreadful smell. Dogs with hairy or floppy ears, such as Basset Hounds and Springer Spaniels, may have consistent ear problems unless their ears are kept clean and dry.
This is one of the most common causes of stinky dogs. All canine companions have two small scent sacs on their bottoms that act as marking glands, which is why dogs smell rear ends when introduced. If these sacs become impacted, it can cause the dog pain, not to mention result in a extremely smelly secretion that remains on the fur. Another sign your dog has problems with their anal glands is “scooting,” or dragging their bottom on the ground. Make an appointment with your veterinarian if your dog exhibits this type of behavior.