My dog has started to smell!

[NeedHoliday]

We have a three year old dog that has started to smell. I think it might be his breath but I'm not sure. Def round his head area. I have looked in his ears but they look ok.

I have given him a bath but that hasn't helped.

Is there anything I can do? Can I take him to the vet simply because he has started to smell or will they tell me all dogs smell!

[schoolchauffeur]

Well if it is his breath then let the vet check his teeth- could be a rotten tooth or gum disease, both of which need treating.
If it is not his ears, and more on his skin it could be a fungal skin infection. My dog suffers from this from time to time- the first time I went to vet and he prescribed anti-fungal shampoo. I managed to find a cheaper and just as effective shampoo online and now I just wash him with it once a month . The problem hasn't come back since.

[WifeofPie]

Are you sure it's not his collar? My dog developed a colourful odour once and I realized it was actually her collar...she'd probably rolled in something putrid on a walk. I never could get the smell out so had to throw it away and get a new one (collar, not dog).

[daisydotandgertie]

Possibilities include an ear infection, a different sort of infection, anal glands needing to be emptied, bad teeth, digestion trouble.

Common sense says now you've washed the dog, wash the collar and all bedding.

What are you feeding and is the dog entire?

[NeedHoliday]

Thanks for your replies. Collar is ok but great tip I would have never thought of that.

He eats royal canin kibble usually with some fresh chicken however he has been eating lamb mince with his kibble this week simply because my dh bought him some.

I def think its from his mouth I have tried looking inside but haven't a clue what I should be looking for.

Do you think I should take him to the vet?

[daisydotandgertie]

Is it a fishy smell?

[NeedHoliday]

Daisy - yes it is a bit fishy doesn't just smell like he needs a bath. He is also v quiet today and has just got into his cage looking v sorry fur himself.

[WifeofPie]

Anal glands maybe? It's a strong, musky odour that sort of overpowers your nose and in fact, the entire room....can be hard to tell which orifice it originates from

[daisydotandgertie]

I'd whip him to the vet and get his anal glands emptied.

The glands can fill up and they lick at them, scoot on the floor and generally worry at them. Of course the licking can mean v dodgy breath.

If the glands aren't full, then I would ask the vet to give him a good once over - especially as you said he is not himself. It won't hurt - the glands need checking anyway and the vet really won't mind.

[ChickensHaveNoEyebrows]

Did someone say anal glands?

[Ilovemydogandmydoglovesme]

Ears full of wax are quite smelly.

[NeedHoliday]

Thank you for all your replies.

He is definitely not himself, has eaten some chicken but he doesn't seem right. His ears are flatter to his head than normal and he hasn't settled to sleep very well tonight - normally by now he is snoring but he keeps shifting around.

He also keeps swallowing - could that be his tummy or his teeth?

I think I'll pop down the vets tomorrow and get him checked.

[Owllady]

ears really smell and it is easily and cheaply (for dogs) treated if you take him to the vets
and teeth well they are more expensive as i had have two of my older dogs teeth done but it's better to get them done because the bacteria carries on going into their gut otherwise(from what i believe) am not an expert