Puppy Problems

[beryljelly]

I have an 11 week old golden retriever puppy, who we are house training at the moment. Shes just started making the connection with weeing in the garden, but Ive noticed that she need 'cleaning' after she goes, as shes always very wet and her fur is all wet and matted. Shes also has a strong smell about her. The only way to describe it is an iron type smell. Is this normal?

[cassimer]

Hi!
They are so cute at that age!
Less cute is the smell. When we got ours he had not been washed, and so you might consider giving her a bath with lukewarm water, and a very mild puppy shampoo. It might just be dirty puppy smell. Ours lived on newspaper which smells quite strongly in the coat. Puppys do naturally smell a bit - are you sure it is an unusual one?
Not sure why she would need cleaning - at this age their fur isnt very long. It might be just her learning and being a bit off balance. She also might not have developed fully yet, so might just need a bit more time. Check with your vet when she has her next jab.
Sorry couldnt be more help!

[andy hughes]

If the problem persists, give the longer hair around her 'front bottom' a trim, but not too much, as the hair protects her from infections, rubbing against branches or nettles when she's walking, and keeps her warm!

[beryljelly]

Thank you both for your answers. She was bathed by the breeder and we bathed her last week end. Shes going for her 2nd jab on Thursday, so will ask the vet then. She has quite long hair round that area, so perhaps a trim might be required.

[Clanad]

Our youngest son's male Golden always had a "doggy" smell and was constantly scratching.  Eventually found he had a thyroid disorder for which he was prescribed a small pill given daily.  This really helped the smell.  At about the same time, found that he had an allergy (don't know to what) confirmed and was given a series of medications that seems to have cured the itching and hair falling problem.  Might want to have those possibilites checked when visiting the vet.  Dog's been a great dog but a real pain in the rear...so to speak...

[beryljelly]

Just to give an update, took maisie to the vet this morning and she has an infection down below. Shes now on antibiotics so hopefully this will clear up the problem. The vet said she seems a little under developed down there and may need an operation when she is fully matured, if the problem persists. Thanks for all you help.