musty dog smell

Question
QUESTION: Hi there, I have an older lab almost 13 whom has really started to smell musty.  It's getting more intense and I am wondering what I can do about it.  She is in good shape and pretty healthy but this smell is tough because she is with us all the time!  Thank you for your time.
Ali

ANSWER: Hi Ali,

You didn't say which part of your dog this unpleasant odor is emanating from. There are three common areas on a dog that can develop an unpleasant odor:

It's not uncommon for a dog to develop blocked anal glands. The big symptom of this would be if your dog was "scooting", or dragging her butt along the floor. Blocked anal glands are not only uncomfortable for your dog, they're very smelly. If this sounds like it might be your dog's problem, have your vet express your dog's anal glands. Don't put it off, as the anal glands can get impacted.

A dog with dirty ears can take on a bad odor too. Giving your dog's ears a quick sniff will tell you right away if this is the source of the smell. You can buy an over the counter ear wash solution at pet stores. If you try the ear wash solution, but it doesn't put a dent in the smell then you need to have your vet examine your dog. Your dog might have a bacterial or yeast infection which would require treatment.

It's not uncommon for older dogs to have bad breath. This is not a normal part of the aging process, it's a symptom of oral decay or periodontal disease. Your dog needs to have her mouth examined by your vet.

If none of these smelly conditions seem responsible for your dog's odor problem, then try a deodorizing antibacterial dog shampoo. Choose a shampoo that contains a moisturizer. Two good ones to consider are: 3M Pet Care Deodorizing Antibacterial Shampoo, and Renew Anti-Bacterial & Deodorizing Pet Shampoo.

If you shampoo your dog, and the smell returns, then it's time for a vet exam. A dog with a chronic offensive odor may have a thyroid disorder.

Best of luck,
Patti


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you Patti for you quick response to my question.  The smell is coming from her bottom area!! I think she might have an impacted anal gland so I am taking her to the vet.  Also do you have any ideas about a thyroid condition?  What are the symptoms?  Are there any homeopathic remedies I can try if she does have a thyroid condition?  Thank you again for your time!  
Ali

Answer
Hi Ali,

If you dog has a smelly rear end, a trip to the vet and the expressing of her anal glands will probably cure the problem.

There's only a cause for concern when there is a chronic smell, that you can't account for which always returns. At that time, a thyroid problem might be considered. I'm willing to bet that once your dog's anal glands are taken care of, the smelly problem will disappear!

The thyroid's primary function is the production of thyroxin, a hormone that allows the dog to maintain an adequate and consistent level of metabolism. Thyroid disorders manifest in lots of different ways besides the chronic bad odor. Many dogs with thyroid problems have skin or coat problems, lethargy, or weigh gain. It can be a difficult condition to diagnose because the symptoms vary, so it's confirmed with a blood test.

If you think your dog might have a thyroid disorder, talk it over with your vet.

Thyroid disease is usually treated with a daily dose of a synthetic form of thyroid hormone, along with blood tests (twice a year) to to make sure the dog's thyroid levels are within the normal range. This is not a condition which you should try to control with natural supplements, at least not as the sole method of treatment. Good nutrition is an essential component of maintaining a healthy immune system, so if your dog is diagnosed with a thyroid problem, you may want to consider changing her diet at that time.

Hopefully though, it's only an anal gland problem (which is really common, and not really a "problem" at all!) and soon your dog will be her usual sweet smelling self!

Best of luck,

Patti