Bushra Griffith
Dogs can smell bad for a variety of reasons. One of the most common causes of a cheesy odour in dogs is canine seborrhea, a condition that results in a musty, stinky cheese smell due to the buildup of sebum and yeast on the skin. Other causes of bad odour in dogs include yeast infections, ear infections, impacted anal glands, and dietary issues. While occasional burping and flatulence are normal, excessive gas could indicate a problem such as inflammatory bowel disease. It is important to consult a veterinarian to diagnose and treat any underlying issues causing the bad odour.
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Yeast overgrowth on the skin
A dog's bad odour could be due to an overgrowth of yeast on its skin. This condition is called yeast dermatitis or Malassezia dermatitis. It is caused by an abnormal overproduction of the yeast that is typically found on a dog's skin. Yeast is a natural spore-producing fungus on a dog's body that does not generally cause illness unless there is too much of it.
Yeast infections can occur on a dog's skin or in their ears and usually occur in a dog's ears, between their paw pads, or in their skin folds. This condition can make the affected area of your dog's skin itchy, red, irritated, and painful. Dogs with yeast infections in their ears may also experience deafness if the condition is left untreated for too long. The first symptoms your dog will likely develop include a musty odour, similar to mouldy bread or cheese, accompanied by redness and swelling of the infected area.
There are several causes of yeast dermatitis in dogs. One cause is skin allergies, which can create an imbalance in the skin's ecosystem, leading to the overgrowth of yeast. Other causes include underlying skin issues, metabolic conditions, and higher humidity climates, which can compromise the skin or ear ecosystem. Certain dog breeds are more susceptible to developing yeast dermatitis as they are more prone to primary conditions that weaken the skin barrier.
If you suspect your dog has yeast dermatitis, it is important to consult a veterinarian as soon as possible. They will be able to diagnose the infection through culturing, cytology, or by taking skin and hair samples from the infected area. Treatment for yeast dermatitis aims to reduce the number of yeast cells back to normal levels and resolve the secondary inflammatory response. Your veterinarian may prescribe an antifungal medication, such as an ointment or medicated shampoo, to apply to the infected area. In more serious cases, oral antifungal tablets may be prescribed. Additionally, there are some at-home remedies that can help prevent yeast infections, such as thoroughly drying your dog after baths or swimming, regularly cleaning their ears, feeding them a healthy diet, and brushing them often to remove dead skin and dirt.
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Canine seborrhea
If your dog smells like cheese, it could be due to an overgrowth of yeast on their skin, a condition known as canine seborrhea. Seborrhea is a skin disorder characterised by a defect in the keratinisation process, which results in excessive scaling, crusting, or oiliness of the skin. This can lead to secondary bacterial or yeast infections, further exacerbating the odour.
The diagnosis of canine seborrhea begins with a physical examination by a veterinarian, who will evaluate the dog's skin and look for other symptoms. They may also inquire about the duration of the issue, any changes in scratching behaviour, and alterations in food and water intake. To determine the underlying cause, the veterinarian may suggest tests such as skin cytology, skin scraping, blood and urine tests, and impression cytology of skin and ear debris to test for yeast or bacterial infections.
While there is no cure for canine seborrhea, it can be effectively managed through various treatments. These may include medicated shampoos to control the condition and speed up skin recovery, as well as addressing the underlying cause. Antibiotics may also be used to treat secondary infections. Additionally, maintaining a strict regime of bathing, medicine, and ear cleaning can help keep the condition under control and minimise any unpleasant odours.
It is important to note that a yeasty smell could also be indicative of an ear infection, which may require veterinary attention. Other potential causes of a cheesy odour could be related to dietary issues, intestinal problems, or inflammatory bowel disease, which a veterinarian can provide guidance on.
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Anal sac issues
It is worth noting that anal sac issues are not the only cause of a cheesy odour in dogs. Yeast infections, for example, can result in a pungent, musty smell reminiscent of mouldy bread or cheese. This is often accompanied by symptoms such as itchy paws, itchy ears, and butt scooting due to an itchy butt. In such cases, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian for appropriate treatment and to address any underlying issues that may be causing the yeast infection.
To summarise, anal sac issues and yeast infections are two potential causes of a cheesy odour in dogs. Anal sac issues specifically relate to problems with the anal glands, while yeast infections are characterised by an overgrowth of yeast on the skin, ears, or paws. In both cases, veterinary intervention is recommended to alleviate the odour and address any underlying health concerns.
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Skunk spray
Skunks use their spray as a defensive weapon. They will stomp, hiss, and "puff up" their fur as a warning, and only spray as a last resort. Skunks are naturally docile and rarely take the offensive. If a skunk becomes alarmed or threatened by another animal or person, it will use its spray.
If your dog is sprayed by a skunk, forget home remedies such as bathing your dog in tomato juice. Instead, head straight to the pet store for a shampoo designed to remove skunk spray. It should be used within 30 minutes for the best results.
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Infections
Dogs can develop a fungus or yeast infection, often called Candida, due to various factors such as diet, antibiotics, bad nutrition, vaccinations, thyroid problems, medications, or illness. Yeast infections are a common cause of a cheesy odour in dogs, especially in warm and moist areas like the ears and paws. The symptoms of yeast infections include a cheesy smell, redness, itchiness, and possible swelling in the affected areas. Dogs with yeast infections may also exhibit signs of discomfort, such as excessive scratching, licking, head shaking, or rubbing their body or head against furniture.
Yeast infections can be treated with antifungal medications, either topical or oral, depending on the severity. It is also crucial to keep the affected areas clean and dry to prevent yeast overgrowth and reduce the likelihood of a cheesy odour. Regular grooming and veterinary check-ups are essential for maintaining hygiene and identifying underlying health issues.
In addition to yeast infections, bacterial infections can also cause unpleasant smells in dogs. Bacterial infections can be caused by a lack of ear cleanliness, excessive ear hair, or moisture, leading to bacterial overgrowth and an unpleasant odour. Secondary bacterial infections can develop from allergies, hormonal imbalances, fungus, parasites, or localized inflammation, exacerbating the odour.
Furthermore, dental infections can result in bad breath, also known as halitosis, in dogs. Poor dental health, heavy tartar build-up, and periodontal disease can cause bad breath and potentially lead to more serious mouth infections. Bad breath can also indicate gastrointestinal issues, liver or kidney problems, or diabetes.
Urinary tract or bladder infections in dogs can also cause them to smell like urine more frequently. Impacted anal glands, located on both sides of the dog's rectum, can result in a persistent fishy odour that won't go away with bathing. These infections can cause discomfort and require veterinary attention.
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Frequently asked questions
A cheesy odour in dogs is usually caused by a yeast infection. This can be due to an overgrowth of yeast in the body, which can be caused by underlying conditions such as allergies, antibiotic overuse, or immune system dysfunction. Yeast infections can cause a pungent, musty smell that can be likened to mouldy bread or cheese.
To treat a yeast infection, it is recommended to cut out all sugar and high-carb content from your dog's diet. You can also try natural anti-fungals such as organic coconut oil, raw organic apple cider vinegar, or oregano oil. Additionally, anti-fungal shampoos containing tea tree oil or other anti-yeast herbs can help control the yeast.
Yes, there are several other reasons why your dog might have a bad odour. This could include impacted anal glands, urinary tract or bladder infections, or an internal or external infection. It is important to consult a veterinarian to diagnose and treat any underlying conditions causing the bad odour.
