Ask a PetDoc: Smelly greyhound dog

Written by Anonymous

Question: Smelly greyhound dog

Hi Dr. Jim,

I have an 8-year-old greyhound that smells. She is healthy and active but she and everywhere she lays smells like wet dog. I bathe her and she is good for a day or so and that is it. I have had her professionally bathed too …same thing… Is there anything I can do? She is making my house smell!

Thanks,
Kristin

Dr. Jim says:

Kristin,

You need to have your veterinarian examine her to determine if she has a low-grade skin infection. If she does, this needs to be treated. I suggest only using baby shampoo and follow a bath with lots and lots of rinsing using lukewarm water. If she has a skin infection, then only use a shampoo recommended by your veterinarian, as products produced to treat human skin conditions sometimes contain ingredients that will irritate the dog’s, skin making things worse.

Some dogs just have a natural body odor that cannot be treated. I had a Bassett Hound that had bad breath, smelly skin and smelly ears but nothing was clinically wrong with her. You might try treating the smelly areas with baking soda by sprinkling the area, brushing it in, then vacuuming up the residue. This helps neutralize any odors. Vacuuming never gets up all the residue so you will still have the baking soda in limited amounts in the carpeting.

Dr. James Sokolowski, DVM, PhD is a veterinarian with 40 years in the pet industry. He has appeared extensively on radio and TV including CNN, Fox, ABC and other national and local radio and TV programs. Dr. Sokolowski is a recipent of veterinary professional awards for his contributions to the veterinary profession. Read his full bio here.

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