My dog smells bad AND has itchy skin
by Audrey Harvey
Dogs with a normal healthy skin and coat don’t smell offensive, and they don’t itch. If your dog smells awful, has a greasy coat and is constantly scratching, it means there is something very wrong.
In many cases, the problem is a fungus called Malassezia. This little yeast organism is responsible for skin infections that are especially itchy, smelly and greasy to the touch.
Diagnosis and Treatment
It’s not hard to diagnose Malassezia infection on your dog’s skin. Your veterinarian will apply some sticky tape to his skin, and gently peel it off, picking up some yeast organisms in the process. He will be able to identify the organisms under the microscope.
There are several options for treatment, depending on the severity of the infection. If it is only a small problem, you may be able to control it by regularly bathing your dog in an anti-fungal shampoo and applying an anti-fungal ointment. More severe cases need to be treated with anti-fungal tablets.
Where does Malassezia Come From?
Small numbers of Malassezia live on the skin of all dogs, and neither you or your dog notice any effects. Before they can cause skin problems, there needs to be a change to the surface of the skin that allows them to grow and multiply. Large quantities of yeast on the skin result in the familiar musty odor and itch.
Malassezia seems to enjoy oily skin, and any condition that increases oil production will also increase the numbers of yeast on the skin. The most common condition is an allergic reaction, however dogs with seborrhea will also have increased oil production, and a secondary Malassezia infection.
There are some less common predisposing causes. Some dogs have a deficiency in their immune system, which allows Malassezia to multiply, and others are allergic to the yeast. If this is the case you should start your dog on immune boosting supplements like Eyemunity which is an all natural powder your sprinkle in your dogs food. It’s filled with herbs that will support your dogs immune system.
Dogs with hormonal conditions such as hypothyroidism are also predisposed to Malassezia overgrowth. The end result is the same - lots of yeast, itchy skin, dreadful odor and a greasy coat.
Fortunately, Malassezia infections aren’t contagious, but it can take a bit of work to clear them up.
Prevention is Best
Because Malassezia infection is secondary to some underlying skin problem, the only way to stop it recurring is to identify and control that underlying cause. Your veterinarian can help you with this, and your dog may need blood tests and allergy tests to get to the bottom of it.
In the meantime, the oatmeal in Comfy Dog Oatmeal shampoo for dry & itchy skin will soothe your dog’s skin inflammation, and ease his itch. Because it rinses clean, it won’t leave any residue on his skin, and it will leave him smelling minty fresh. Follow it up with Fur Butter leave in conditioner for longer term itch control. It leaves the coat soft and silky and has a lot of colloidal oatmeal to deal with the itchy skin.
If you notice any areas where your dog is particularly itchy, tackle them with Itchin’ for Relief. This all natural spray will quickly ease his itch and stop him scratching. It also contains Onion Bulb Extract which will help prevent any fungal infection.
It can be hard work, but if you control your dog’s underlying skin condition, and care for his skin and coat with Comfy Dog shampoo and Fur Butter, the Malassezia won’t have the opportunity to multiply. This means no yeast infection, no itchy skin and no smelly dog. It’s worth the effort.
August 9th, 2011 at 1:22 am
The average dog shouldn’t be any stinkier than the average person!
Jasmine has weak immune system and with moisture he skin likes to break out with infections; usually bacterial though.
We are supplementing for immune system and skin health and do regular medical baths. That had been working so far for most part.
October 14th, 2011 at 2:08 am
My dog has the stinky smell. I have noticed when I take her bedding out (we use an old comforter), the bed is wet? and smells horrible. The only difference here is that her coat is not oily but she does scratch a lot. Is it possible she is wetting her bed?
I usually add vinegar to the water and wash it in hot water and it comes out without smells but by next morning it stinks again (and so does she)
any suggestions?
October 18th, 2011 at 5:07 pm
I have used oatmeal dog shampoo for my dogs itchy skin and it has worked really well. Dog food can often be linked to a dog’s skin condition. So many dry dog foods contain fillers and dyes which cause reactions in dogs. Paying more for a good quality natural dog food can help to keep your pet healthy and happy. I feed my dogs Nutrience and they both love it.
November 8th, 2011 at 1:26 am
my dog holly who is a rott. has vary bad smell to her even after a bath and open sores on her feet that she licks all the time, and her belly is turning black i have tryed everything and nothing is working does she need to be put down? not cancer theo her limf noods fine
November 28th, 2011 at 9:05 pm
@ boobie ojeda - why would you even consider euthanizing your dog based on the symptoms you have described? When you say “I have tried everything…” does that include consultation with a vet?
December 1st, 2011 at 1:51 am
@bobbi ojeda…..Consult a vet, preferably a dermatologist. Sounds like you “tried” the wrong things.
December 4th, 2011 at 7:58 pm
My dog smells also. I was told(read) that it was an internal problem forget what, but should have it checked out with a VET
December 9th, 2011 at 11:48 pm
Hi all..Trying to figure out hoe to get in touch with the guy that has shih-tzu pups…we have one,she is 8 now..so thinking about another..
thx! Merry Christmas to all of you dog people..:))
January 10th, 2012 at 12:25 pm
bobbie ojeda…did you every find out what was wrong with your dog? Mine is doing the same thing
January 11th, 2012 at 3:30 pm
We have two dogs that are itching constantly, stink even after we give them weekly baths and they have flaky skin. We bath them in anti-fungal/bacterial shampoo, we feed them high quality food with no fillers, and they have been to the vet many times for “allergies.” Two separate vets keep putting them on steriods and antibiotics and nothing works. We have no clue what to do and we have just started mixing high quality dog food with homemade chicken rice and vegitables, along with plain yogurt. If anyone has had something similar PLEASE email me!!! Kkillion18@gmail.com We have no clue what else to do and can not afford continued vet bills when everything they are doing is not working.
February 3rd, 2012 at 5:17 am
My dog turned out to be allergic to chicken. We have to feed her hypoallergenic food (lamb based), and this made a huge difference. Before she got major skin infections and hair loss, and after the switch, her skin is healthy.
February 6th, 2012 at 7:39 pm
I also have a foster dog at the moment that really smells and is constantly itching and has lost a lot of hair. The vet treated him for worms with Advocate and a worming tablet. A week later and no improvement. I have been told it could be stress so am going to buy a DAP plug in and will also try the above baths etc. I have been told that you shouldnt bath dogs too often as it gets rid of their natural oils… Hopefully something will work as he is a lovely dog but i feel it will hinder his chances of adoption smelling like he does plus my house stinks!! he smells worse under stressful situations as well. If i go out and put him in the kitchen when I return the room smells terrible. Is this happening to anyone else?
February 22nd, 2012 at 8:05 pm
My min pin is suffering with smelly, itchy skin and also has really bad breath. I feed her grain free and potato free food. She has had many shots for the itching , but as soon as it wears off she is back to stinky, itching, hot spots and bad breath. Ii don’t have lots of money to keep taking her to the vet. But now I’ve noticed one of her lymph nodes on her neck is swollen and sentifive to touch. I think I’m going to a new doctor for second option. Does this sound familiar to anyone? I need help until I can save $$ for doctor.
March 16th, 2012 at 5:26 pm
Could be related to food and diet, right? My German Shepherd used to smell a little off, and had skin issues too. The vet said he was fine, just had minor allergies. We changed his food and both these issues cleared up. He now eats a grain-free food called Alpha made by Natural Balance. It’s worth it to see him so pretty and shiny and no more strange smell coming from him.
March 25th, 2012 at 11:59 pm
We have a white mini schanunzer. We have taken him to five different vets. The last one was a dog dermatologist. We’ve spent close to $2,000 and none of the five doctors can give us a specific answer. They put him on steroids but long term effects were a big concern for us. He smells awful, is constantly scratching and he looks terrible. We love our dog very much and is part of the family but we don’t know what else to do. He is suffering because he scratches all the time, it’s starting to get hot and I can’t stand his smell. We really don’t have the money to spend on more vet bills when they can’t even give us an answer. We are desperate for advice.
March 26th, 2012 at 11:25 am
Hi Sharon,
These are some of the most frustrating cases! Without a doubt, diet and bathing are key. Was allergy testing done? Thyroid testing? Any other details you can share?
May 7th, 2012 at 12:10 am
there is a shampoo for horses and othere animals at tractor supplie main and tail for skin problems working well on my dog so far