Stinky Dog Syndrome: Animal Hospital Tips For Dog Bathing and Hygiene

The struggle is real. As veterinarians, it’s our job to tell you that there is no such syndrome, per se, but, as pet owners, we get it. Whew, do we get it! There are some grooming and bathing habits you can practice to improve your dog's olfactory output. Some breeds of dogs require grooming to maintain their coats but even those dogs could often benefit from good hygiene in between appointments. From a good dental routine and dog baths to nail trimming and cleaning accessories, there’s a lot more to good dog hygiene than you might imagine. Another thing you might not realize is that good hygiene also contributes to good overall health for your pooch.

​

What are some signs and symptoms of poor hygiene in my dog?

Some signs of poor hygiene in dogs can be fairly obvious: matted fur, really dry, itchy skin, or a dull or greasy hair coat. With poor dental hygiene, you’ll notice foul breath, discoloration of teeth, and possibly drooling. When it comes down to it, it’s about using your senses and knowing your pet. Look at your dog. Do they look well-groomed and healthy? Do they smell well-groomed and healthy? How are they feeling? How are they acting? If you have a dog that's not moving around as much or is having trouble moving around, then we'd want to get them checked out to make sure there's not an infection. We can also give you some tips on grooming or bathing your dog on a regular basis. Make no mistake—that pep in your dog’s step after a bath is real. Dogs like to be clean, even if they don’t enjoy the bathing process itself.

​