Although we love our dogs, we don’t always love how they smell. If you know or suspect that your canine companion has detected some unpleasant odors, Louise Louis of http://www.ToyBreeds.com offers you some tips on how to restore a fragrant home (and dog).
1. Dry it well after removing the bad smell.
Many dogs love to swim in whatever water is available. Use towels or a hair dryer on the lowest setting until completely dry.
If you need more than water to clean it, try Listerine or another brand of mouthwash. Put some on a cloth and clean your dog’s fur, then rinse or shampoo. If that doesn’t work, add a little baking soda to the mix.
2. Look for sticky objects in your coat.
Many dogs get feces or other smelly things stuck in their fur. Especially check its paws and around its anus. It’s a good idea to shave your hair in circles around the anus to minimize that possibility.
3. If he has bad breath, give him Greenies.
These are one of the best products for dogs and are available at any pet store. If your dog is otherwise healthy and has only dog breath, it will do the trick.
4. Bathe him regularly, especially if he spends a lot of time outdoors.
Use a mild shampoo made for dogs and wash it off about every six weeks or so. Follow up with a good conditioner or make yours with a little baking soda in warm water.
5. Make sure your diet is not the problem.
Feed him a premium, balanced dog food that smells good and make sure his dog food has not spoiled or developed mold. Dog food packaging must indicate its expiration date. Always check in the store before buying it.
6. Check your ears.
Ear infections are a common cause of bad odors. Make sure there are no secretions, bad smells or strange colors or insects in your ears. Infections must be treated by a veterinarian immediately.
7. Clean your house and your belongings.
Dog odors can linger on carpets. You should use an enzyme cleaner like Nature’s Miracle if you have a potty accident.
To restore a pleasant smell to your home, sprinkle baking soda on the carpet and leave it overnight before vacuuming in the morning. You can also use some baking soda with your laundry power when you wash your bedding and clothes. Many people like to put a little white vinegar in their rinse water.
P.S. Older dogs and non-neutered males tend to smell louder.