How Do I Stop My Golden Retriever from Smelling?

How do I stop my golden retriever from smelling? Golden retrievers are among the friendliest, most loving, and most beautiful dogs. They get along well with kids, adults, and all other pet animals. Golden retrievers are usually exceptional because of their sense of smell. However, the most common question that comes to mind is…

Do Golden Retrievers Have A Strong Odour?

Yes, Golden Retrievers produce smell. They are famous for their unique smells and their friendly nature. It’s always very frustrating when the lovely creature smells terrible.

However, there is good news in that it’s not always because of owner faults; golden retrievers naturally have more odour than other breeds of dog. Hence, there are always some reasons which cause Golden Retrievers to smell bad. Let’s find out those reasons and their solutions.

Reasons Golden Retrievers Smell Bad

Like many other breeds of dog, Golden retrievers are also among the group of smelly dogs. It is thus essential to determine the leading cause of bad odour to find a better solution.

There can be several different reasons that cause smelly Golden Retrievers, and they include:

• Poor diet
• rolling in smelly things
• Yeast infection
• Some metabolic secretions
• Health Issues (Kidney failure, Diabetes, bad breath)
• Skin infection or pyoderma

How Do I Stop My Golden Retriever from Smelling?

Below mentioned recommendations will help improve the smell of Golden Retrievers and aids in smelling them fresh and clean. 

Keep Your Dog Dry

The foremost step to improving the smell of golden retrievers is to keep them dry. The wet coat of the dogs leads to infection. Thus, it is essential to dry their skin and ears and regularly examine the dogs’ ears to prevent any ear infections.

Regular Grooming

Another critical factor that leads to smelly Golden Retrievers is the irregular grooming of the dogs. Appropriate grooming through brushing, bathing, and drying will improve the dogs’ smellg of the dogs. Appropriate grooming through brushing, bathing, and drying will improve the dogs’ smell. This regular grooming will also decrease the production of infection-causing organisms on the skin.

Regular brushing will stimulate the skin to secrete more oil, which will, in turn, reduce the chances of bacterial infection and yeast formation on the skin. Grooming helps keep the dog’s coat fresh and clean, and the smell from the coat becomes free of foul odors. Grooming will also enhance the coats as it will remove all the loose, broken hair.

Dental Health

Grooming not only includes skin grooming. It also consists of the dental care of the dogs, and bad breath is one of the major causes of a bad dog’s odor. By improving and caring for dental health, one can help enhance the smell of our lovely Golden Retrievers.

Cleaning a dog’s teeth regularly will help in the reduction of bad odors. The use of toothbrushes for the dogs will remove any foul odour from the dog’s mouth and keep them healthy. Regular tooth brushing will keep the teeth and gums infection-free.

Another way to improve the foul breath of our dogs is by providing them with bones to chew, which will reduce the plaque production on their teeth and keep the teeth healthy and clean.

Change The Diet

A bad diet leads to a smelly Golden Retriever. Thus, it is essential to make sure that the dog is getting an appropriate diet. The best way to know what diet is best for your dog is to visit the vet.

Prevent Rolling On Smelling Substances

Another reason for the Golden Retrievers to smell is that they like to roll on the substances near them. Hence, reducing this habit of moving smelly things will help in the reduction of bad smells. This can be done by commanding, training, providing exercise, and keeping them cool.

Inadequate bedding harbours bacteria, including fleas, fungus, and parasites. Therefore, clean and wash the bedding of Golden Retrievers and remove all smelly things from them to avoid the production of foul odor. Washing bedding with vinegar and hot water will remove all sorts of bad smells from a dog’s bedding.

Ear Care for Golden Retrievers

Golden Retrievers are known for their adorable, floppy ears that can’t be missed. However, what many dog owners may not realize is that these floppy ears can create an ideal environment for yeast and bacteria to grow, leading to infections and, consequently, unpleasant odors. Therefore, regular ear care is an integral part of keeping your Golden Retriever smelling fresh.

Firstly, you should incorporate ear checks into your weekly grooming routine. Look out for signs of infection such as redness, swelling, discharge, or a bad smell. If your Golden Retriever is scratching their ears more than usual or shaking their head frequently, these could also be signs of discomfort and potential infection.

The correct way to clean your Golden Retriever’s ears is by using a veterinarian-recommended ear cleaner. Remember, the aim is not to deep clean the ear canal, but to clean the outer ear. Avoid inserting cotton swabs into the ear canal, as it can push debris further in and potentially cause damage. Instead, moisten a cotton ball with the ear cleaner and gently clean the outer part of the ear.

Visit A Vet 

If anyone gets stuck figuring out the actual cause of the foul smell from Golden Retrievers, it is essential to visit the vet immediately. The vet will examine the dog and get any underlying medical cause that leads to a bad smell in our dogs. This visit to the vet will aid in ruling out any possibility of a bad smell in our friend. 

FAQs How To Stop Golden Retriever from Smelling

Why does my Golden Retriever smell bad even after a bath?

While occasional bad odors can be normal for dogs, persistent unpleasant smells might indicate health issues. Causes may include skin infections, dental diseases, ear infections, or digestive problems. Poor diet could also be a contributing factor. If the bad smell persists after a bath, a visit to the vet would be the best course of action.

How often should I groom my Golden Retriever to keep them from smelling? 

The grooming frequency for Golden Retrievers can vary based on factors like age, lifestyle, and health. In general, it’s advisable to brush their coat daily to remove loose hair and dirt, and bathe them every 4-6 weeks to maintain cleanliness and manage any potential odors. Remember, frequent baths can strip natural oils from your dog’s skin, so balance is key.

Can a change in diet help reduce my Golden Retriever’s smell?

Absolutely. A well-balanced diet is essential to your Golden Retriever’s overall health, and this includes maintaining a healthy skin and coat. Certain food ingredients can influence your dog’s odor. Low-quality dog food or a diet high in unhealthy fats and carbohydrates may lead to skin issues and consequent smells. Always consult your vet before making significant changes to your dog’s diet.

What kind of shampoo should I use for my Golden Retriever to minimize odor?

The choice of shampoo can greatly affect your Golden Retriever’s odor. Choose high-quality dog shampoos that match your dog’s skin type. Some dog shampoos are designed to combat odors, while others might focus on treating specific skin conditions. Hypoallergenic, deodorizing, or medicated shampoos could be a good choice. Always consult your vet for personalized advice.

Is it normal for my Golden Retriever’s ears to smell bad?

While dogs’ ears might have a slight natural odor, a strong, foul smell could signal an ear infection, especially if accompanied by symptoms like redness, swelling, or discharge. Regular ear cleaning can prevent many such issues, but if the smell persists, you should seek veterinary advice.

How can I clean my Golden Retriever’s ears safely?

Cleaning your Golden Retriever’s ears should be a gentle process. Use a vet-recommended ear cleaner and a soft, clean cloth or cotton ball. Carefully wipe the outer part of the ear without probing into the ear canal, which could cause damage or push debris further in. If your dog shows discomfort or the ear has a persistent bad smell or discharge, contact your vet.

Can I use human products to bathe my Golden Retriever?

Human products, including shampoo and soap, are not recommended for dogs. The pH balance of dog skin is different from ours, and human products could disrupt this balance, potentially leading to skin irritation, dryness, and subsequent bad odors. Always use products specifically formulated for dogs.

How often should I clean my Golden Retriever’s ears to prevent odor?

It’s generally recommended to clean your Golden Retriever’s ears once a week. However, this may vary depending on your dog’s health status, lifestyle, and propensity for ear issues. Your vet can provide the best personalized routine for your dog’s ear care.

Can dental issues contribute to my Golden Retriever’s bad smell?

Absolutely. Dental problems like plaque, tartar build-up, gum disease, or tooth decay can cause bad breath in dogs. Regular dental care, which includes daily teeth brushing and professional dental cleanings as needed, is crucial for preventing these issues and keeping your dog’s breath fresh.

Why does my Golden Retriever still smell bad even with regular grooming? 

While regular grooming is key to controlling odors, a persistent bad smell might be a sign of underlying health issues such as hormonal imbalances, internal organ problems, or certain metabolic diseases. If your Golden Retriever still smells bad despite regular grooming, a comprehensive check-up with a vet is warranted.

Bottom Line

How do I stop my golden retriever from smelling? It is, therefore, understandable from the above discussion that our Golden Retrievers can be smelly. However, it is possible to improve their smell by following different practises after determining the primary cause of the foul odor. Following the tips stated above, it will be easy to keep our dogs healthy and odour-free.