Frederic Melton
Dogs can sometimes develop a strong, unpleasant odour that may be indicative of an underlying health issue. A dog's smell can be influenced by its environment, diet, and breed, but persistent bad odour may be a cause for concern. Owners should be vigilant about their dog's smell and consult a veterinarian if they suspect something is wrong. One such odour is a strong, cheese-like smell, which may be caused by a yeast infection, skin condition, or other factors.
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What You'll Learn
Canine seborrhea
Seborrhea typically affects the back, face, flanks, and folds of the skin. It can also affect the folds of skin between the toes, in the armpits, on the belly and perineum (the area under a dog's tail), and at the bottom of the neck. The affected areas of skin often flake off like dandruff and can be seen on the dog's bedding and other places where the dog lies. Some skin areas may be red and inflamed, with either a dry or oily feel to the lesions.
There are two types of seborrhea: seborrhea sicca (dry seborrhea) and seborrhea oleosa (oily seborrhea). Most dogs with seborrheic dermatitis have a combination of both. Seborrhea can be a primary or secondary disease. Primary seborrhea is an inherited genetic disease that occurs in breeds such as Cocker Spaniels, West Highland White Terriers, English Springer Spaniels, and Basset Hounds. It typically starts at a young age and gets worse as the dog ages. Secondary seborrhea is more common, but the exact cause cannot always be determined. It is often related to an underlying medical problem, such as hormonal imbalances (e.g., thyroid disease, Cushing's disease), skin allergies, or other health issues.
Treatment for seborrhea aims to address the underlying cause. If no underlying cause can be found, a diagnosis of primary or idiopathic seborrhea is made. There is no specific treatment for primary or idiopathic seborrhea. However, medicated shampoos are often used to help control the condition and speed up the return of the skin to a normal state. These shampoos can decrease the number of bacteria and yeast on the skin surface, reduce scaling and the amount of sebum present, and alleviate itching. In addition to medicated shampoos, a rigid regime of bathing, medicine, and ear cleaning is often prescribed for dogs with seborrhea. While there is no cure for canine seborrhea, it can definitely be managed with proper veterinary care and treatment.
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Yeast infection
A pungent, yeasty smell is often a sign of a yeast infection in dogs. This can be caused by an overgrowth of yeast on the skin, in the ears, or between the toes, resulting in a smell reminiscent of mouldy bread or cheese. Yeast infections can also lead to ear problems, stinky paws, and smelly skin.
If you suspect your dog has a yeast infection, it is important to consult your veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment. In the meantime, there are several things you can do to help manage the condition. Firstly, yeast thrives on sugar, so it is recommended to eliminate all sugar and high-carbohydrate content from your dog's diet. This includes honey, molasses, plain sugar, white potato, sweet potato, corn, wheat, and rice. Instead, opt for low-glycemic vegetables and fish-based recipes. Additionally, yeast loves moist environments, so keep the affected areas clean and dry using natural, gentle anti-fungals such as organic coconut oil, raw organic apple cider vinegar, or oregano oil. You can also try using anti-fungal shampoos containing tea tree oil or other anti-yeast herbs, being sure to avoid oatmeal as it contains carbohydrates.
It is important to address the underlying cause of the yeast infection. Yeast overgrowth can be a sign of an imbalance in the body due to underlying conditions such as allergies, antibiotic overuse, or immune system dysfunction. Work with your veterinarian to identify and address these issues.
While managing a yeast infection, it is crucial to avoid covering up the odour with fragrances or perfumes, as these can irritate your dog's skin further. Instead, focus on treating the infection and follow your veterinarian's recommendations for medication and dietary changes.
In addition to yeast infections, there are other potential causes for a strong odour in dogs. These include skin problems such as canine seborrhea (oily skin with dandruff), hormone imbalances, parasites, scratches or bites that become infected, or moist skin folds that become a site for bacterial growth. Impacted anal glands can also cause a foul odour, and in some cases, it may be necessary for a veterinarian to empty these glands to bring relief to the dog.
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Impacted anal glands
Anal sacs, or anal glands, are two small pouches located on either side of a dog's anus. They produce a foul-smelling fluid that is stored in the sacs and released through a small duct or canal that opens inside the anus. This secretion is used by dogs to mark their territory and identify each other.
Anal sac disease is a common issue in dogs, and one specific condition within this broad term is anal gland impaction. This occurs when the fluid in the anal glands thickens and becomes a pasty, brown material that clogs the sac, creating a hard mass. This can cause moderate pain for the dog and, if left untreated, can lead to infection or abscesses.
Signs that a dog may be suffering from impacted anal glands include dragging or 'scooting' their rear end along the ground, licking or biting around the anal area, chasing their tail, or sitting uncomfortably. The impacted material is usually brown or grey and thick, and the presence of blood or pus indicates infection.
If you suspect your dog is suffering from impacted anal glands, it is important to consult your veterinarian. Treatment for impaction involves expressing the sacs to flush out the solidified material, and medication may also be required to reduce inflammation and treat any infection. In some cases, surgical removal of the anal sacs may be necessary to relieve pain and prevent recurrent issues.
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Skunk spray
Skunks spray to repel potential predators with this foul-smelling, oily secretion. While it usually does not result in much more than short-term irritation for humans, it can cause more serious issues for dogs, including nausea, vomiting, and temporary blindness if sprayed in the eyes. In rare cases, heavy exposure can lead to a condition where the red blood cells are destroyed.
If your dog is sprayed by a skunk, it is important to seek immediate veterinary treatment if the spray makes contact with their eyes or mouth. You can use a special shampoo designed to remove skunk spray, but it should be used within 30 minutes for the best results. To prevent your dog from being sprayed, avoid walking them in wooded areas or letting them out in the yard at dawn and dusk, when skunks are most active.
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Skin and coat changes
If your dog smells like rotten cheese, it could be due to skin and coat changes. Skin problems can range from canine seborrhea, a condition that results in a musty, stinky cheese smell due to the buildup of sebum and yeast on the skin, to a hormone imbalance, a fungus, parasites, scratches or bites that become infected, or moist skin folds that become a site for bacterial growth.
Canine seborrhea is characterized by oily skin with dandruff and can cause a pungent, yeasty smell that will remind you of moldy bread or cheese. It is important to note that there is no cure for canine seborrhea, but it can be managed through regular bathing, medicine, and ear cleaning. Other skin issues that can cause an unpleasant smell include allergies, hormonal imbalances, fungus, parasites, and localized inflammation, which can lead to an overgrowth of yeast or bacteria on the skin.
Additionally, an overgrowth of yeast is a common problem for dogs, causing a pungent, musty smell reminiscent of moldy bread or cheese. Yeast infections can occur on the paws, ears, or skin folds, and are often indicative of an underlying problem that creates inflammation of the skin. Symptoms of a yeast infection include itchy paws, itchy ears, and butt scooting due to an itchy butt.
To diagnose a yeast infection, you can perform a simple test by smelling your dog. If they smell like corn chips and exhibit itchiness, it is likely that they have an overgrowth of yeast. Yeast thrives in moist environments, so it is important to keep the affected areas clean and dry. Natural anti-fungal treatments such as coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, and oregano oil can be applied topically or internally to help soothe and treat yeast infections.
It is important to consult with your veterinarian to determine the underlying cause of the skin and coat changes and to receive proper treatment. They may suggest dietary changes or prescribe medication to address the issue. Additionally, regular grooming and brushing can help reduce unpleasant smells by removing dirt, pollen, dead skin cells, and dried saliva from your dog's coat.
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Frequently asked questions
A cheesy odour in dogs is usually caused by an overgrowth of yeast on the skin. This can be due to underlying conditions such as allergies, antibiotic overuse, or immune system dysfunction.
A yeasty smell is often accompanied by itchiness, ear infections, and paw-scooting. Your dog's ears, paws, and armpits are common areas for yeast infections to develop.
A vet can prescribe the best treatment for your dog's yeast infection. In the meantime, you can try natural anti-fungals like coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, and oregano oil. You should also remove all sugar and high-carb content from your dog's diet.
