Smelly dog!

[Ladyli]

I’ve recently adopted a lovely chocolate Labrador. The only problem is the smell, her breath smells really bad and there’s a distinct dog smell in the house. I’m hoping someone can give me some useful tips. Is this normal when you have a dog?

I think the smell varies from dog to dog. We give ours a dental stick every evening and breath isn't too bad but one of them gives off an almighty stench every time you make a fuss of him whilst the other hardly smells at all.

Have you / a vet checked her teeth? If they aren't too bad, try an ostrich bone - amazing for cleaning while they chew.

Some dogs are more doggy smelling than others. One of ours honks, the other only gets a bath if she's rolled (like today 🙄).

We wash their bedding, harnesses, collars, leads at least once a month on a boil wash, and use washing bags to catch fur etc. Obv more often if someone's rolled

I use white vinegar spray on the dogs before a wash - it is amazing for taking away the stench of fox poo etc. Then 2 washes with a dog shampoo, usually a tea tree oil based one from B&M so not expensive. If they still honk, I'll spray more vinegar on smelly patches in between shampoo and rinses etc.

The smelly dog here is a rescue, a d a high anxiety dog - we think it's a pheromone type smell of fear she gives off so strongly. It's definitely faded the longer we've had her and its not use getting used to it!

I understand that a garlic supplement can help with bad breath. However take your vet's advice as it is contraindicated if they are being given some other medications.

All dogs pong when they are wet but some dry dogs smell more than others !

Interesting tip on the vinegar @SilverHairedCat, thanks!

2 labs, they generally smell like warm bread, but they do give off a doggy aroma if they have been running hard or playing with other dogs - definitely a smell I associate with heightened excitement.

I give them good quality food, clean them off after a walk, wash bedding and throws regularly. I add plaque remover to their food and they have a whimzee chew daily. They have nice teeth.😁

Maybe the smell will fade as she calms down and realises she’s in a safe place?

Labradors are slinky, it’s just the way they are 🙈.

It's a "thing" with labradors and it's to do with their coat type - as they're bred to be water dogs, the outer layer of their fur is oily (to keep them warm and dry when swimming) and it's the oils that has that distinct "doggy" smell. I've never met a lab who didn't smell, I'm afraid.

That being said, her breath shouldn't smell bad - can you look at her teeth? Are they clean? What's her diet like? A good quality good and regular access to chews (not Dentastix - natural chews like pizzles, trachea, carrots) should help, or you can get supplements like PlaqueOff which go in their food.

Labradors smell lovely. what is this thing your talk of

Their head smells of woody forests and their feet smell of doughnuts.

I would get a vet check though if breath is a bit iffy

@PollyRoulllson I’m not gonna lie, I do sometimes smell my labs feet 😂.

My lab smells of biscuits :-)

I have a short haired dog and he gets a wash over everyday with dog wipes. I must be odd though because I love my stink bomb. I often stick my nose on the back of his neck. He's warm, soft, furry and well.....stinky

lol I used to smell my jack Russell's feet many years ago🤣
I now have another little dog he doesn't like me smelling his feet!! he is a smelly long haired dog, he also has horrendous bad breath and won't eat those dentastix or anything similar. And Will not let me brush his teeth.