Natural Ways to Make a Dog Smell Better

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Dogs tend to have a natural odor, and it is made worse when they roll in something smelly or have a medical issue. A bath and proper grooming should keep their odor in control. Between washes, natural dog deodorizers made with things you probably already have around the house can help to reduce odor in smelly dog breeds.

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When dog ears have odors, it's often caused by a yeast infection.
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What causes dog odor?

Some dog breeds have more issues with odor than others. Among them are the beagle, Saint Bernard, English bulldog, bloodhound, pug, Yorkie, cocker spaniel, Shar-Pei, boxer, and basset hound.

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Despite the breed, all dogs tend to have natural odors. Their toe pads may give off a smell similar to that of corn chips, but this is normal and means that natural bacteria is doing its job to keep your pet's feet healthy.

When dog ears have odors, it's often caused by a yeast infection. Cleanse with equal parts apple cider vinegar and water to help clear up the smell and infection. Other conditions that can increase odor in dogs are diabetes, yeast infection, or parvovirus. If your dog has a fishy odor, he probably has impacted anal glands or an anal gland disease, so if this problem persists, take your dog to the veterinarian for a checkup.

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Keeping dog odors at bay

With regular grooming, brushing, ear cleaning, and dental hygiene, you can keep your dog's odors under control.
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With regular grooming, brushing, ear cleaning, and dental hygiene, you can keep your dog's odors under control. In addition to keeping your dog clean, also regularly launder her bedding to keep smells at bay. Freshen things up between loads of laundry by making a homemade deodorizer spray with 1/4 cup witch hazel, 3/4 cup water, and a few drops of lavender essential oil. Vinegar can also be used to clean a stinky dog bed. Mix apple cider vinegar with mild detergent and baking soda and use the solution to cleanse the fabric.

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Food quality can also make an impact on the way your canine smells. Choose high-quality canned food or kibble with a good balance of nutrients and no fillers. Good food will keep your dog's skin healthy and won't cause your dog to have gas that could contribute to the odor.

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Natural dog deodorizer

Between baths, use baking soda and corn starch on your dog's fur as a dry shampoo. These household staples help neutralize your pet's smell without chemicals by absorbing the oil that leads to odor.

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Combine 1 cup of baking soda and 1 cup of corn starch as well as a couple drops of essential oil if desired. Funnel the ingredients into a jar with a sprinkle lid for easy application. Rub the mixture into the fur weekly or as needed and then brush or towel off any excess. This is also the recipe for a dog deodorizer to use in areas where your dog marks his scent or spends a lot of time.

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Make sure there are no sores or rashes on your dog's skin before doing this. If a bath isn't helping, there may be an illness or infection contributing to your dog's odor. Skin fold pyoderma can cause odor between rolls of skin.

Best dog deodorizing spray

If you want to refresh your dog between baths when she gets into something stinky, a natural dog deodorizing spray can help.

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Baking soda and corn starch can be a natural dog deodorizer.
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To make the best dog deodorizing spray, shake together 2 cups of distilled water, 2 tablespoons of glycerin, 1 tablespoon of fractured coconut oil and a few drops of lavender and orange essential oil in a glass bottle. Lavender and orange oil are natural, and both can refresh and calm your dog. Store it in a dry, cool place and spray away from your dog's face.

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