What this means
The source of a bad smell can often be found by sniffing around: does it come from the mouth, ears, skin, paws, rear end or the whole coat? Different places point to different causes, so this is the first useful observation to pass on to a vet.
Also notice what kind of smell it is: sour, yeasty or cheesy, rotten, fishy or sweet. Make a note of whether there is also redness, dandruff, greasy or sticky skin, discharge from the ears, scratching or head shaking, or bad breath with brown plaque on the teeth.
A bath can hide the smell for a while but does not remove the cause. If the smell comes back or gets stronger, that is a sign something needs examining, not another bath.
Possible causes
These are things that can cause this sign. It is not a diagnosis, and they are not equally likely for your dog.
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Skin infection
Bacteria or yeast multiply on damaged skin. The skin reddens, becomes greasy or crusty, and the smell is sour or yeasty.
About the condition: Skin infections -
Ear infection
An unpleasant smell comes from the ears, and dark discharge may be seen. Your dog shakes its head, scratches the ears or tilts the head to one side.
About the condition: Ear infections -
Teeth and gum disease
Plaque and inflammation in the mouth cause a strong smell on the breath. You may see brown plaque and red gums, and your dog may not want to chew.
About the condition: Dental and gum disease -
Allergic skin disease
Allergy damages the skin and makes inflammation easier to start. The smell gets stronger together with itching, redness and greasiness.
About the condition: Atopic dermatitis -
A problem with the anal glands
Blocked glands can give off a sharp, fishy smell. Your dog may drag its bottom along the ground or lick that area.
About the condition: Anal gland problems -
Dirty or damp skin and coat
Moisture in skin folds, a coat that has not dried or dirt can all cause a smell. If it returns quickly after a wash, the cause needs looking for.
What else to watch for
These observations help your vet build the picture faster. Note down what you saw and when.
- Where the smell comes from: mouth, ears, skin, paws or rear end
- What it smells like: sour, yeasty, rotten, fishy
- Whether the skin is red, greasy, flaky or crusty
- Whether your dog scratches, shakes its head or licks its paws
- Whether there is discharge from the ears
- Whether the teeth have brown plaque and the gums are red
- Whether your dog drags its bottom along the ground
When to book a routine visit
If the bad smell stays or returns after a wash, book a vet visit, especially if there is also redness, ear discharge, scratching, bald patches or bad breath with plaque. Say where you think the smell comes from.
Related conditions
Conditions whose entries mention this sign. The list is somewhere to read on, not a way to reach a diagnosis.
- Skin infections Skin and coat Skin infections are caused by bacteria or yeast that start to multiply when the skin's defences are weakened, for example by an allergy, parasites, moisture trapped in skin folds or constant scratching. An infection can stay on the surface or reach the deeper layers of the skin, causing pain and intense itching. What caused the infection and what keeps it going is for a vet to work out.
- Ear infections Ears and hearing An ear infection is inflammation of the ear canal kept going by bacteria or yeast, which can be started by an allergy, a foreign body such as a grass seed, ear mites or trapped moisture. An inflamed ear itches and hurts, and long-lasting or repeated inflammation can change the ear canal for good. That is why it matters not only to calm the inflammation but also to find out what set it off.
- Dental and gum disease Digestion and liver Dental and gum disease starts with plaque that hardens over time into tartar, and the bacteria multiplying beneath it cause inflammation of the gums. Left alone, the inflammation can damage the tissues and bone that hold the tooth in place, so teeth loosen and fall out. A sore mouth troubles a dog every day, and infection in the mouth can affect other organs too.
- Atopic dermatitis Skin and coat Atopic dermatitis is a long-term allergic skin disease driven by an inherited tendency: the skin overreacts to environmental allergens such as pollen, house dust mites or moulds. These dogs have a weaker skin barrier, so allergens get in more easily, and scratching irritates the skin even further. Signs can begin in young dogs and, depending on the allergen, may flare up at certain times of year.
- Anal gland problems Digestion and liver The anal glands are two small sacs either side of the anus that hold a strong-smelling secretion. When they don't empty, become blocked or get inflamed, the dog feels itchy and sore, and an abscess can form in a gland. Whether the glands or something else are behind a dog's scooting is for a vet to work out.
Body systems: Skin and coat Ears and hearing Digestion and liver