We all think about it at some point: how to make my dog’s breath smell better naturally? Just like healthy animals, dogs, too, have a natural odor. Sometimes, the scent gets unpleasant when they play outside, roll around in something smelly, or even have a medical issue.
Also, cuddling them or having them around the house gets a little uncomfortable when they smell, even more so when you have guests over at your place! In this article, we will tell you exactly how how to naturally make my dog smell better!
Ideally, regular bathing and proper grooming should control the dog’s odor. However, this is only sometimes the case. Often, between washes, you need something extra to keep that odor away. Luckily for us, natural dog deodorizers exist. In addition, you can make deodorizers with things you probably already have around the house that can help to reduce odor in smellier dog breeds.
So, if you are one of those dog owners annoyed and thinking, how to naturally make a dog’s breath smell better? We have your back.
What causes odor in dogs?
While the odor is a universal problem, it also comes down to your dog’s breed. Some dog breeds have more issues with unpleasant scents than others. For example:
- The Beagle
- Saint Bernard
- English Bulldog
- Bloodhound
- Pug
- Yorkie
- Cocker Spaniel
- Shar-pei Boxer
- Basset Hound
The reasons for foul dog odor can be narrowed down to a few. Let’s start with ears. Ears are the most common reasons why dogs have scents. Frequently, dogs contract yeast infections in their ears which causes an unpleasant odor. As a pet spokesperson, we recommend using equal parts apple cider vinegar and water to help clear out the smell and infection.
Other conditions that may cause dog odors are parvovirus, diabetes, and yeast infection in other organs. If your pup has a fishy smell, the medical issue concerns their anal glands. If the problems continue for a long time, we recommend getting your dog checked by a veterinarian.
Sometimes, the dog can also get a skin condition called Atopy. Environmental allergies cause Atopy. The state can lead to many issues, including odor in dogs.
Similarly, a wet dog is likely to smell more than usual because dogs have skin glands that excrete liquids; they protect the dog’s skin. The composition of these liquids is often the reason why your dog smell. Hence, when the dog’s fur is wet, it causes an increased unpleasant odor.
How to control dog odor?
We recommend regular brushing, grooming, ear cleansing, and dental cleaning. Keeping your dog clean every day is the first step. To go a little further, you must launder your pet’s bedding regularly.
Vinegar is an excellent solution for cleaning stinky bedding for pets. Mix apple cider vinegar with mild detergent and baking soda to wash the dog bedding; this will effectively take away harsh odors for a significant time.
Moreover, we all know washing beds are more challenging than it may sound. Hence, you can use a DIY homemade deodorizer spray for your dog and its accessories between washes. You can make this natural deodorizer by mixing the following:
- ¼ cup witch hazel
- ¾ cup water
- A few drops of lavender essential oil
Mix it up and store it in a spray bottle. Keep the spray bottle at hand and use it whenever required.
Food quality also has a significant impact on how your dog smells. As a certified pet authority, we recommend constantly feeding your dog high-quality canned food or kibble. The high-quality diet has a good balance of nutrients and is free from fillers. In addition, good food does more than anticipated; it keeps your dog’s skin healthy and won’t cause gas. Gas can contribute to odor.
Making a Natural Dog Deodorizer
Your kitchen is your best lab. Household staples are perfect for helping treat your pet’s odor without harsh chemicals. Unfortunately, harsh chemicals can also lead to odor. Instead, rub soda and cornstarch on your dog’s fur in between washes as a dry shampoo to keep the smell at bay.
How to:
Let’s start by taking a measuring cup and combining 1 cup of cornstarch with 1 cup of baking soda in a bowl. Mix in a few drops of essential oil for that extra touch of scent. Funnel the mixture into a jar and seal it with a lid. Gently rub the mixture into the fur every week or even as required.
You can also use this deodorizer where your dog spends the most time. However, a bath or DIY deodorant is not helping. In that case, a medical issue or infection is probably causing the odor; this requires immediate attention from a vet. Also, skin fold pyoderma can cause odor between rolls of skin.
Precaution:
Make sure your dog has no open wounds or rashes on it. If there are, get your dog checked by a vet immediately. Do not apply any substances to them.
The Most Effective Recipe for Dog Deodorizer
If your dog gets a little stinky between washes and you want to keep it refreshed, a natural dog deodorizer can help. You can make one in many ways, but this is the best.
- Shake together 2 cups of distilled water
- Two tablespoons of glycerin
- One tablespoon of fractured coconut oil or a few drops of lavender and orange essential oil
Mix it all in a glass bottle. Lavender and orange essential oils are organic. These essential oils not only help with odor but can also help calm your dog down.
Store it in a dry, cool place and spray it away from your dog’s face.
Precaution: Not all dogs like essential oils; they may even be allergic to them. Ask your vet before using them.
More Naturals to Beat Dog Odor
Chlorophyll
Chlorophyll is a naturally occurring substance in plants. It occurs in plants to perform synthesis and has many more benefits. Chlorophyll is a natural deodorizer as well. The substance helps eliminate toxins, bacteria, and fungi from the dog’s body due to its antiseptic qualities.
We recommend regularly adding chlorophyll to your dog’s diet, preferably in the water; this reduces many odor-causing problems. Chlorophyll also makes your dog’s skin and breath smell much more pleasant.
Dental Hygiene
We always tell pet owners to give their dogs crunchy, chewy food here and there, along with toys to scrape off plaque from their teeth. Plaque is teeth buildup that contains bacteria and old food bits. It can sometimes be responsible for causing unpleasant odors and bad breath in animals.
Perform regular teeth brushing for your pet with a soft bristle brush. Brushing your dog’s teeth will help keep your dog’s mouth healthy and fresh, which means no odor.
Precaution: Always use dog toothpaste and never human toothpaste for your pet.
Furniture
Vacuuming and cleaning are your daily chores if you have an indoor pet. Often, dogs leave spit stains around the house that dry out and cause odor. Similarly, cleaning out the living space of your pet is very important.
Sometimes, our pets don’t smell as much; it is the environment they live in that enhances the pungent smell. It is essential to rule out all possibilities before taking drastic measures. Spray the furtuninre and dog accessories with the deodorizing spray.
My dog still smells no matter what I do!
If your dog still smells despite doing everything you can to rectify the situation, it’s time to see the vet.
Various skin disorders and medical issues can cause your dog to smell. They will also resist all attempts to smell better. These underlying health concerns can be challenging to diagnose and treat at home; this is why going to the vet is essential.
Thoroughly following your vet’s treatment plan will be pivotal in combatting the foul odor. Sometimes, your vet may refer you to a vet dermatologist for more specialized and advanced care.
An unpleasant smell indicates something serious. Hence, such cases need immediate medical attention. However, pay attention if your dog has a highly unpleasant smell that won’t disappear. Dogs cannot speak for themselves. Therefore, we must be attentive.
If your dog loves playing in the mud and outside, you must give it a full bath daily. If you don’t, your dog will suffer from allergies. However, an important thing to note here is that over-bathing your dog can lead to more problems. Frequent bathing can disrupt your dog’s natural skin and coat oils, drying them out.