Last Updated: 11/02/2026
Why Does my Dog Smell? Causes and Solutions for Doggy Odour
Does your pooch have a pungent aroma? While every dog has a unique scent, strong odours can signal underlying health issues. From "wet dog" smell to dental disease and anal gland problems, learn how to identify and manage your dog's "eau de dog."
Author: Dr Elise Barry BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 7 minutes - short read
Every dog has a signature scent that is uniquely their own. This "woofy" aroma is produced by glands in the skin and hair follicles, serving as a vital tool for communication and territory marking in the canine world. While a faint doggy smell is perfectly natural, a sudden or overwhelming pong can be a sign that something isn't quite right. Whether they have been rolling in something "fragrant" at the park or are developing a medical issue, understanding the source of the scent is the first step toward a fresher-smelling best friend.
Common causes of unpleasant dog odours
At times your dog may be smellier than normal. Dogs love to roll and cover themselves in abhorrent scents including faeces, rotting material and decaying carcasses. This harks back to primitive behaviour when their ancestors had to hide their smell from prey or it could be used as a way to demonstrate to their pack what they had been up to.
This particular problem is easily fixed by removing the offending scent by washing your dog in a dog friendly shampoo and by trying to prevent them from accessing the source of the smell.
For more tips check out Why Does My Dog Roll in Smelly Things?
While all pooches will have their own distinct brand of 'eau de dog,' unpleasant odours arising from your dog can also be an indication of an underlying disease process. There could be a number of issues going on including skin and ear infections, dental disease, digestive upset or anal gland issues.
Skin and ear infections: the yeasty aroma
Some dogs may have allergies to fleas, foods and environmental allergens which can lead to skin and ear infections. In addition, dogs with big, beautiful, floppy ears or narrow ear canals that are extra hairy, create a perfect environment for infections in the ear to flourish. If your pet loves a bit of a swim, or goes for regular grooms, this is also a risk factor, as they will often retain water in their ears leading to infection.
Often these infections can smell yeasty as they are caused by an overgrowth of Malassezia pachydermatis, a normal fungus that lives on your dog's skin.
How to manage skin and coat smells
In cases of skin infections such as hot spots or skin fold dermatitis, as well as ear infections, your dog will need to visit the vet to identify and treat the cause of the infection which is the source of the odour. It is very important not to attempt to treat ear infections at home before seeing your vet, in case the ear drum is not intact.
Once the source of the odour has been treated, ongoing regular grooming using dog-specific shampoos and conditioners and ear cleaners can help to keep further infections and odours under control. For dogs with lots of skin folds such as Pugs, Bulldogs and Shar Pei, regular gentle cleaning of the skin folds is important.
For more information, read through How to Keep Your Dog's Ears Clean.
Dental disease and bad dog breath
Another often overlooked source of unpleasant doggy odours can be bad breath. Dental disease is very common, with over 80% of dogs showing signs of dental disease by the age of three. Dental disease and its accompanying odour is caused by an overpopulation of bacteria in the mouth.
How to fix bad dog breath
If your pet's breath smells unpleasant your first step should be to head to the vet for a dental check up. While some pooches may just need to practice good dental hygiene by having their teeth regularly brushed or starting a dental diet, others will need to have a scale and polish performed under general anaesthetic to remove plaque and tartar build up.
For more information, read through Dental Care for Dogs.
Why your dog might smell like fish: anal gland issues
If you notice a fishy smell arising from your dog's rear end it could be a sign of anal gland issues. Anal glands are part of your pooch's normal scent marking system but should be doing their job without causing any noticeable offensive odour.
If you notice your dog scooting (rubbing their backside along the ground), licking their backend or a disgusting fishy aroma then these glands may be impacted or infected and medical advice will need to be sought.
How to get rid of the fishy, anal gland smell
The treatment of anal gland issues depends on the cause, and stage of disease. Most anal gland issues can be managed medically, by manual expression, flushing of the anal glands, antibiotics and a dietary change. If your dog is showing any of the symptoms of anal gland issues, it is important to check in with your vet to determine the underlying cause, before attempting any home remedies.
For ongoing anal gland health, adding extra fibre to the diet in the form of a fibre supplement or high fibre therapeutic diet if recommended by your vet, is generally recommended.
*Please note that the prescription diets below are specialised therapeutic veterinary diets and must be used only under your veterinarians recommendation and supervision.
For more information, have a read through Anal Gland Issues in Dogs.
Digestive health and flatulence in dogs
While external odours are often the first thing noticed, sometimes the source of a smelly dog comes from within. Digestive upset can lead to increased flatulence, which is often caused by an imbalance in gut bacteria or difficulty digesting specific ingredients in their diet. In some cases, chronic wind or a "garbage" smell to the breath can also indicate a more serious gastrointestinal issue.
How to manage digestive issues and flatulence
The focus should be on high-quality, highly digestible nutrition. Switching to a premium diet or a specific sensitive stomach formula can often reduce gas production significantly.
Probiotics can help balance the gut microbiome and improve nutrient absorption. If your dog's flatulence is accompanied by loose stools, vomiting, or a sudden change in appetite, it is important to seek veterinary advice to rule out underlying food sensitivities or medical conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease.
For more information, read through:
When to see a vet for your dog's smell
As mentioned above, while a faint "doggy" scent is normal, an odour that persists even after a thorough bath is usually a signal that something needs professional attention. If you notice a smell that is specifically yeasty, fishy, or particularly pungent, it is time to book an appointment.
You should also head to the vet if the smell is accompanied by physical symptoms like:
- Red or inflamed skin
- Constant scratching
- Excessive paw licking
- Discharge from the ears and/or shaking the head
- If your dog is frequently scooting their bottom along the carpet
These signs often point to underlying infections or health issues that require medical treatment rather than just a deeper shampoo.
FAQs
While a little doggy musk is a normal part of life with a canine companion, it should never be offensive or overpowering. Keeping up with regular grooming, dental care, and high-quality nutrition goes a long way in managing your pet's natural scent. However, if a bath doesn't fix the funk, or if you notice signs like scratching, scooting, or red ears, it is time to check in with a veterinarian. Addressing the root cause will not only make your home smell better but will also ensure your dog stays happy and comfortable.
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History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Wed 11 Feb 2026
Edited by Dr Gillian Hill BVSc (Hons)Dr Elise Barry BVSc (Hons)
Veterinarian
Dr Elise graduated from the University of Sydney in 2007 and worked in mixed practice in the Central Tablelands before relocating to South East Queensland to work in small animal practice. Dr Elise has completed a diploma in wildlife management and furthered her studies in ophthalmology and animal behaviour. She enjoys helping pet owners to understand their pets and keep them happy and healthy.
