When should I call the vet for a smelly dog? | arlo.® Atlas
Share This Guide
Read time: 3 minutes
Overview
If your dog smells unusual, it’s worth checking the most common everyday causes first, such as a dirty coat, wet fur, ears, paws or skin folds. You should call the vet if the smell is strong and new, keeps coming back, or comes with redness, itchiness, discharge, pain, swelling or your dog seems unwell. A smell on its own is often manageable, but a persistent odour can sometimes point to an issue that needs treatment.
Things To Check
1. See whether the smell is coming from the coat, ears, mouth, paws or bottom, as the source can help narrow down what’s going on.
2. Look for redness, soreness, discharge, scabs, swelling, greasy skin or a rash, especially in ears, skin folds, between the toes and around the tail.
3. Check whether your dog has been wet, muddy or swimming recently, since damp fur can smell quite quickly if it’s not dried properly.
4. Notice whether your dog is scratching, licking, rubbing or shaking their head, as these changes can go with skin or ear irritation.
5. Check the mouth and teeth if your dog lets you, because bad breath can sometimes be mistaken for a full-body smell.
6. Think about whether the smell started after a change in food, bedding, shampoo, environment or routine grooming.
7. Check for signs of worming, anal gland or toilet-related issues if the smell seems strongest around the back end.
Common Causes
One of the most common reasons is simply a dirty or damp coat, especially in dogs that love mud, rain or rolling in things. Ear wax, skin fold dampness, paw debris and general grooming buildup can also cause a noticeable smell.
Skin problems are another common cause. Bacterial or yeast overgrowth, allergies and irritated skin can all create an odour, often with itching, redness or a greasy feel.
Bad breath, dental disease and something stuck in the mouth can sometimes be the real source of the smell rather than the coat itself.
Less commonly, an unpleasant smell around the back end can be linked with anal gland trouble, while a strong, ongoing smell from the ears or skin may need veterinary attention.
What To Do
Start with a careful check so you know where the smell is coming from. If your dog is otherwise well, bathe them only as needed with a dog-appropriate shampoo, dry them thoroughly afterwards and keep an eye on ears, paws and skin folds.
Brush the coat regularly if it tends to trap dirt, and wipe away mud or debris after walks. Make sure bedding is clean and fully dry, and wash any fabric areas your dog uses often.
If the smell seems to be from the mouth, ears or skin, or it keeps returning after normal grooming, book a vet appointment for advice. It’s better to get persistent odour checked than to keep guessing.
When To Contact A Vet
Contact your vet if the smell is new and strong, keeps coming back, or is linked with itching, pain, redness, discharge, swelling, head shaking, bad breath, vomiting, reduced appetite or your dog seeming off-colour. These signs can point to a skin, ear, dental or gland problem that needs checking.
You should also seek veterinary advice if the smell comes from a wound, a sore patch, the ears or the rear end and isn’t settling with normal grooming and cleaning.
Related Questions
Why does my dog smell after being wet?
Why do my dog’s ears smell bad?
How often should I bathe a smelly dog?
Atlas is here to support owners with practical, easy-to-understand guidance. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you're concerned about your animal's health, symptoms worsen, or something doesn't feel right, contact your vet.