Smelly Dog

[muchlovex]

Why do older dogs smell so bad?

My dog is around 16 years old and she is starting to really smell. I do bathe her, but I may have to resort to bathing her more often.

[muchlovex]

We take her to the vet for regular check-ups and we use Episoothe shampoo as she has a skin condition where she itches.

[wolf63]

I was going to suggest the vet as dogs can get yeast infections that make them smell.

I take it that the smell isn't a 'pee' smell - her plumbing might be leaky.

[muchlovex]

no not pee, it's more of a 'dog' smell.

[divegirl]

You could try rubbing a little bi carb into her coat [as long as it wont aggravate her skin condition] then brush it out, or use some scented wipes on her, though I find that can make some dogs worse lol.

Lisa x

[Purple_Popple]

Hi Muchlove, what breed of dog is she ?

[Purple_Popple]

Smell is a typical 'symptom' of a skin infection/allergy....you could maybe try her on some evening primrose oil to soother her skin too. However if you bathe her too often this can have the opposite effect, it will strip her coat of natural oils etc and the ph balance in her skin will go into overdrive to compensate hence she wont smell fresh for long after a bath...its a vicious circle...

[islasmum]

What type of dog is she? Long-haired or short coat?

[muchlovex]

she's a short haired mixed breed dog.

[lankeela]

Poor old girl - at her age the last thing she probably wants is lots of baths. Ok if its a medical problem but just because she smells? Thats what you have to put up with in return for 16 years of love and loyalty from her. Make the most of it, she won't be around for ever. I have three oldies, soon to be 16, 15 and 14 and two of them wiff a bit now and again.

[Dee Sa]

my 12 yr old shar pei smells, he has a brush hair coat and moults badly, we cant get him in the bath because of his arthritis so we sponge him daily, we love him dearly and accept he cant help it, after all lots of old humans smell too.