Frederic Melton
Dogs can develop a fungus or yeast infection, often due to their diet, which can result in a cheesy smell. This is typically called Candida and is characterised by an overgrowth of yeast on the skin, ears, paws, or armpits. It can be caused by a number of factors, including antibiotics, poor nutrition, vaccinations, thyroid problems, medications, or illness. A simple diagnostic trick is to smell your dog; if they smell like corn chips and are itchy, they may have a yeast infection.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause of smell | Yeast infection, bacteria, or other skin condition |
| Treatment | Antibiotics, anti-fungals, bathing, medicine, ear cleaning, skin cytology, change in diet, brushing |
| Prevention | Regular bathing and grooming, cleaning ears, anti-fungal shampoo, removing sugar from diet |
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What You'll Learn
Yeast infections
A dog smelling like parmesan cheese could be indicative of a yeast infection. Yeast infections, also known as Candida, are common in dogs and are often caused by dietary factors, antibiotic overuse, thyroid problems, medications, or underlying illnesses. Yeast thrives in moist environments, such as the ears and between the toes, and can cause a pungent, cheesy odour.
To address a yeast infection, it is crucial to identify and treat the underlying cause. This may involve adjusting your dog's diet to reduce sugar and carbohydrate intake, as yeast feeds on sugar. Natural anti-fungal treatments, such as coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, and oregano oil, can be applied topically or included in your dog's food and water to combat yeast externally and internally. Additionally, regular bathing with anti-fungal shampoos containing tea tree oil or other anti-yeast herbs can help manage the infection. It is important to consult a veterinarian to rule out other potential causes of the odour and to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your dog's specific needs.
While yeast infections are a common cause of cheesy odours in dogs, other factors may also contribute. For example, skin conditions, such as canine seborrhea, can result in a musty, cheese-like smell due to the buildup of sebum and yeast on the skin. In such cases, a regimen of bathing, medication, and ear cleaning may be recommended by a veterinarian.
Furthermore, it is essential to maintain proper hygiene and grooming practices for your dog. Regular brushing helps eliminate dirt, pollen, dead skin cells, and dried saliva, all of which can contribute to unpleasant odours. Ensuring your dog's bedding and chew toys are clean can also help minimise odours.
If your dog continues to exhibit a parmesan cheese-like smell despite your efforts to address yeast infections and improve hygiene, it is advisable to consult a veterinary dermatologist. They can perform skin cytology to identify any infectious organisms or underlying conditions contributing to the odour. With proper diagnosis and treatment, you can help improve your dog's skin health and minimise unpleasant smells.
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Skin conditions
If your dog smells like parmesan cheese, it could be due to a skin condition. Skin conditions in dogs can be caused by various factors, including diet, allergies, antibiotic overuse, immune system dysfunction, or underlying medical conditions.
One common skin condition in dogs is a yeast infection, often caused by the overgrowth of yeast on the skin and in areas such as the ears, paws, and armpits. Yeast thrives in moist environments, so keeping these areas clean and dry is essential. A yeast infection may result in a cheesy odour, especially if it is left untreated. Canine seborrhea is another skin condition that can cause a musty, stinky cheese smell due to the buildup of sebum and yeast on the dog's skin.
If you suspect your dog has a skin condition, it is important to consult a veterinarian. They may recommend a skin cytology test to identify any infectious organisms on the surface of the skin. Treatments for skin conditions can vary depending on the underlying cause and may include antibiotics, topical products, or dietary changes. For example, it is recommended to eliminate sugar and high-carb content from your dog's diet to address a yeast infection. Additionally, natural anti-fungals such as coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, and oregano oil can be used topically or internally to soothe and treat yeast infections.
Bathing your dog regularly can also help control the smell associated with skin conditions. However, it is important to use the appropriate shampoo for your dog's skin type, as some shampoos may irritate the skin further. In addition to bathing, brushing your dog's coat can help reduce unpleasant smells by removing dirt, pollen, dead skin cells, and dried saliva.
By working with your veterinarian and implementing the recommended treatments and lifestyle changes, you can help improve your dog's skin condition and reduce any associated odours.
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Gas
Passing gas is a common occurrence in dogs. However, if your dog is passing gas more than usual, it could indicate an issue with their digestion. For instance, food allergies can be a cause of gassiness in dogs. In addition, gulping down food quickly can lead to excess air in the digestive system, resulting in flatulence. Certain dog breeds, such as pugs, bulldogs, and boxers, are more prone to gas issues due to their facial structure, which causes them to inhale more air while eating.
If your dog is experiencing excessive gas, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian for personalized advice on their diet and nutrition. Making changes to their food or treats might be a simple solution. However, consistent and foul-smelling gas could indicate a more serious condition, such as inflammatory bowel disease.
To help reduce the amount of air your dog swallows while eating, you can try raising their food bowl or providing them with probiotics. Additionally, maintaining a healthy diet is crucial. Avoid foods that are high in sugar and carbohydrates, as these can contribute to yeast infections, which can cause a cheesy odour. Instead, opt for a diet rich in low-glycemic vegetables and fresh meat, live enzymes, and probiotics.
Bathing your dog regularly can also help control any odours resulting from gas or other body odours. Using a natural anti-fungal shampoo containing tea tree oil or other anti-yeast herbs can be beneficial. Additionally, you can create a natural rinse by mixing a cup of vinegar or lemon juice with a gallon of water and applying it after bathing. This can help neutralise any unpleasant smells.
In summary, while occasional gas is normal for dogs, excessive or foul-smelling gas may indicate an underlying health issue. Consulting with a veterinarian and making necessary dietary changes can help address the issue. Regular bathing and grooming, as well as maintaining a healthy diet, are crucial for managing your dog's odour and overall health.
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Poor diet
A dog's diet can have a significant impact on its body odour. Dogs that consume a diet high in grain and low in fresh meat, live enzymes, and probiotics may be more prone to yeast infections, which can result in a cheesy odour. This is often referred to as Candida, and it can affect the ears, skin, and other parts of the body.
In addition to dietary deficiencies, some specific ingredients in dog food can also contribute to body odour. For example, a raw meat diet can sometimes be the culprit, as it may not provide adequate nutrition to maintain healthy skin and fur.
Furthermore, some dogs may be allergic or intolerant to certain ingredients in their diet, leading to digestive issues and increased flatulence, which can also contribute to body odour. Food allergies can cause gassiness in dogs, and poor digestion can lead to odour issues.
It is important to note that simply changing your dog's diet may not be enough to resolve a yeast infection or other skin condition. Consult your veterinarian to determine the underlying cause and the best course of treatment, which may include medication, supplements, or changes in grooming habits.
Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight for your dog is important, as overweight dogs may have skin folds that trap dirt and moisture, leading to potential odour issues and skin infections.
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Lack of grooming
Dogs that are not regularly groomed may develop skin conditions, which can cause a strong odour. Secondary yeast or bacterial infections on the skin or inside the ears are common causes of unpleasant smells in dogs. Dogs with allergies may scratch and lick, causing infections. Malassezia yeast and staphylococcus pseudintermedius bacteria can overgrow on dogs, causing skin issues and odours.
If your dog is not regularly groomed, its skin may become irritated and prone to infection. Opportunistic bacteria and yeast can proliferate, causing skin problems and a strong odour. A dog's skin should be checked regularly for any signs of infection, such as pimples, pustules, crusts, or hair loss.
If your dog is not regularly groomed, it may also develop matted fur, which can trap dirt, oil, and odour-causing bacteria. Matted fur can also prevent air circulation, leading to skin irritation and infection.
To prevent odour due to lack of grooming, it is important to establish a regular grooming routine for your dog. This includes bathing your dog regularly, although it is important to note that bathing too frequently can also cause skin irritation. It is recommended to bathe your dog monthly and to use dog shampoos that contain ingredients like lipids and ceramides, which can protect the skin and prevent dryness.
If your dog has a strong odour, it is important to consult a veterinarian. They can recommend treatments, such as antimicrobial shampoos or topical products like Dermoscent®, which can help restore the skin's lipid layer and maintain its hydration and normal defences against allergens.
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Frequently asked questions
Your dog may have a yeast infection, which can be caused by a number of factors including diet, antibiotics, thyroid problems, and immune system dysfunction.
If your dog smells like corn chips and is itchy, it is likely that they have a yeast infection. Yeast infections often occur in moist areas like the ears and in between the toes.
You should take your dog to the vet to get checked out and rule out any underlying conditions. The vet may recommend a sugar-free diet, natural anti-fungals, or a medicated shampoo.
Yes, regular bathing and brushing can help to reduce any unpleasant smells. You should also keep your dog's bedding and toys clean.
It is possible that your dog's diet is causing the cheesy smell. Try switching up their food and treats to see if that helps.
