How do I get fox poo smell out of my dog's coat? | arlo.® Atlas

Read time: 3 minutes

Overview

If your dog has rolled in fox poo, the smell usually comes from residue left in the coat, not from anything more serious. A thorough wash with a suitable dog shampoo is often the quickest way to freshen them up, but you may need to repeat the wash if the coat is long, oily, or very thick.

It’s also worth checking whether the smell is actually from the coat, the skin, or even the ears and paws, because muck can spread when your dog rubs or licks themselves.

Things To Check

1. Check whether the smell is strongest on the body, neck, legs, tail or face, as that can help you find where the poo has spread.

2. Look closely for any redness, sore patches, broken skin, scabs or irritation where your dog has rubbed or rolled.

3. Check the coat for clumps, tangles or greasy areas, as these can hold onto the smell longer.

4. Smell your dog’s ears, feet and mouth area as well, since the odour can transfer when they lick or groom themselves.

5. Check whether the smell gets worse when the coat is damp, because moisture can make any residue more noticeable.

6. Think about whether your dog may have rolled in something else as well, especially if the smell is unusually strong or keeps coming back after washing.

Common Causes

The most common cause is simple contamination from fox poo caught in the coat. Long, dense or curly coats can trap it more easily, which is why the smell can linger even after a quick wipe.

Damp fur, oils in the coat and matting can also hold onto the smell. If your dog has been outdoors again soon after being washed, the odour can return because the coat was not fully cleaned or dried.

Less commonly, a strong smell may be made worse by skin irritation, an ear issue or another dirty area on the dog that needs attention. That doesn’t mean something serious is going on, but it does mean it’s worth checking the whole dog rather than just the obvious patch.

What To Do

Start by rinsing the affected coat area with warm water to remove as much residue as you can. Then wash your dog using a dog-safe shampoo, working it through the soiled areas carefully and rinsing well afterwards.

If the smell is still there, you may need a second wash rather than rubbing harder. Dry the coat thoroughly afterwards, especially if your dog has a thick undercoat, because trapped moisture can keep the smell hanging around.

If your dog has got fox poo on their face, ears or around the eyes, be extra gentle and avoid getting shampoo into those areas. Use a damp cloth for smaller spots and stop if the skin looks sore.

Afterwards, wash any towels, leads or bedding that picked up the smell so it does not transfer back onto the coat. If your dog is a regular roller, a grooming routine that includes coat brushing can make it easier to remove dirt before it sets in.

Products That May Help

A dog grooming and washing routine can be useful when your dog has picked up strong smells in the coat, especially if they have a longer or thicker coat that holds onto dirt.

Pet Care

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