Can we do anything about a chronically smelly dog?

When old dogs begin to smell, that is a bad sign.

Somebody on Fluther mentioned several days ago that hound dogs (especially blood hounds) were suseptible to ear infections that made them smell bad. And older dogs tend to get bad breath caused by bad teeth or gum problems. Skin problems can also smell bad. Unless you’re able to take her to the vet, and maybe you should suggest that to your sister in law when she gets home, just make sure the dog isn’t in any pain and buck up and give him love, love love! Some of my neighbors dogs smell pretty bad, and a lady I know works for a rescue organization that rescues both dogs and cats, but I just pet them and love them anyway, and just hold my nose.

Get her checked out at the vet. If you don’t know the root of the problem you could well be wasting time and money.

Ears and skin are the prime reasons for unhealthy dog stink. If you can, you need to get her checked out.

I’d squeeze a lemon into her fur.

Around the eyes is also a source of odor, if the eyes tear and the fur under becomes saturated. If you clen that throughly and then put a dab on vaseline under each eye every day, that will help.

It is a simple fact that hounds often smell, but actually I think a lot of short haired dogs smell more than long hairs, not sure why.

I know it sounds strange but if you can find a jar of the old fashioned Massingill Douche, the yellow powder kind, mix it up in a mist bottle and spray it on the dog and then towel it off. That is an excellent deodorizer. It works very well on dogs that have been skunked. Listerine is also a good deodorizer again sprayed on with a mist bottle.

Baby wipes are also good to use on ears and eyes and under tail and all over really. Especially the pads of the feet and inbetween. They can get very smelly.

No miracle cures but all helpful.

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I think I will ask my SIL and her husband what their vet says about the dog’s odor. They really are good dog owners and devote a lot of time, attention, and care to the dog but maybe they haven’t thought to ask the vet about the smell.

When I picked the dog up today I wasn’t sure how long we’d be taking care of her. My sister-in-law’s father-in-law was suddenly admitted to the hospital because of speech problems and they found a mass in his brain. Fortunately, further tests indicate it will be easy to remove and most likely isn’t cancerous. They expect him to be released from the hospital in only three or four days. Even with the positive prognosis from the doctor, they are very worried and emotional, and I’m not going to bother them with inquiries about their dog’s odor until things have calmed down. Our doggy guest will only be here for short time, not a long term stay.

@Kardamom Yeah, I usually just hold my breath and grit my teeth! The dog gets plenty of love and affection from the kids too, who don’t seem to mind the smell as much. They’ll comment, “Whoa, you smell Maggie!” but keep right on hugging her. :)

@MissAusten I’m so sorry to hear about your SIL’s FIL. I hope he’ll be ok.

I’m one of those people who don’t mind stinky dogs and cats as much as the average person, because I just love animals so much, but at the same time, I’m more likely than the next guy to worry if there is something wrong that needs a vet’s attention. Please administer a rump scratch, an ear rub and a nose kiss to the pooch in question from me.

I have this problem with my own dog. She’s half miniature schnauzer and half toy poodle, and both of those breeds are notorious for bad teeth and rank breath. For some reason, her actual body is stinky too. A day or so after I have her groomed, she’s smelly again, even though the vet has given her a clean bill of health. I rub her down with baby wipes, and when it gets really bad, they have doggy perfume at the pet store. When she’s really stinky and I just don’t have time to bathe her that day, I squirt her back once or twice and then she smells like baby powder. At least for a while…