Why Do Golden Retrievers Smell Bad and How to Fix It?

Do you own a golden retriever? If so, you may have noticed that they can sometimes smell bad. This can be pretty frustrating, especially when your dog is one of the most adorable creatures on the planet!

Odor is a common problem for golden retriever breed dog and can be caused by a variety of things, including diet, poor grooming, yeast infections, and health problems. In this blog post, we will discuss why golden retrievers smell bad and how to fix it. We will also talk about some of the reasons why they may develop an odor, as well as tips for keeping your dog smelling its best.

Do All Goldens Smell Bad?

No, not all golden retrievers smell bad. However, the breed is known for being prone to developing an odor. This is especially true if your Golden is in the water a lot or if he/she has a lot of fur. Their coat can harbor dirt, bacteria, and other things that can cause them to smell bad, even fishy at times.

Do Golden Retrievers Smell Worse than Other Dogs?

This is a difficult question to answer. All dogs have different natural smells, and some breeds are known for being more smelly than others. For example, basset hounds are known for their strong odor, while poodles are not. Golden retrievers fall somewhere in the middle. They are not as smelly as some breeds, but they are certainly not odor-free.

What Causes Golden Retrievers to Smell Bad?

There are a few different things that can cause golden retrievers to smell bad. These include:

Diet:

Believe it or not, diet can play a significant role in your dog’s smells. This is one of the least likely reasons your Golden may be stinking up your house. But, it is possible. Dogs only sweat from their feet and tongue, but even so, if they’ve been eating something that doesn’t agree with them, it can come out in their odor. For example, if your Golden is eating a lot of fish, he may start to smell like one!

If your dog has allergies, they may manifest in their skin and cause them to have an odor. This is especially true for food allergies.

Yeast infections:

Yeast infections are common in dogs, and they can often cause a bad smell. These infections can occur on the skin, in the ears, or even in the gut. If your dog has a yeast infection, he may have a musty smell. These can be treated with anti fungal medications, but you should always consult your veterinarian first.

Skin infections:

Skin infections are another common cause of odor in dogs. These can be caused by bacteria, yeast, or even allergies. If your dog has a skin infection, he may have a foul smell, usually accompanied by itchiness. These can be treated with antibiotics or other medications, but you should always consult your veterinarian first.

Rolling in smelly dirt:

This one is pretty self-explanatory. If your dog likes to roll in smelly dirt, he’s going to smell like it! This is often the case with dogs who love to play outside. Dogs are especially attracted to the scent of dead worms and other small creatures. So, if you live in an area with a lot of these critters, your dog may be more likely to roll in their scent.

Poor grooming:

If your dog isn’t being properly groomed, this can also lead to an increase in odor. Goldens need to be brushed regularly (at least once a day) to prevent their fur from harboring dirt and bacteria. It’s important to bathe them regularly as well, but be sure to use a dog-specific shampoo that won’t dry out their skin. How often you bathe them should depend on how dirty they get.

For example, if your Golden lives in the water a lot, their fur can harbor that dampness and mildew smell if not properly dried after swimming or playing in the rain.

Health problems:

Some health problems can cause dogs to develop an unpleasant odor. For example, kidney disease and diabetes can both lead to a fruity or sweet smell. If your dog smells bad and you cannot figure out why it’s always best to take them to the vet to rule out any underlying health issues.

How to Keep Your Golden Retriever Smelling Good

Commit to a regular grooming routine:

This is the best way to prevent your Golden from developing an odor. Brush them regularly and bathe them as needed. A good rule of thumb is to brush them at least once a day and bathe them every three to four weeks. Over bathing can actually strip the natural oils from their skin and make them more susceptible to skin infections.

Use a quality dog shampoo:

When you do bathe your Golden, be sure to use a quality dog shampoo. Human shampoo is not designed for dogs and can cause irritation. Look for a shampoo that is designed explicitly for Golden Retrievers or other dogs with sensitive skin.

Use dry dog shampoo:

Yes, they make such a thing! If you don’t have time for a full bath or your dog’s skin is too sensitive to handle it, you can use a dry dog shampoo. These are powders that you simply rub into your dog’s fur and then brush out. They work by absorbing the oils and dirt from their fur.

Check their ears:

Be sure to check your Golden’s ears regularly and clean them as needed. Ear infections are one of the most common causes of foul odor in dogs. You can usually tell if your dog has an ear infection if they are shaking their head a lot or scratching at their ears. If you suspect your dog has an ear infection, take them to the vet right away.

Brush their teeth:

Just like humans, dogs need to have their teeth brushed regularly. This helps prevent plaque and tartar buildup, which can lead to bad breath. You can use a special dog toothbrush and toothpaste or just a regular toothbrush (do not use human toothpaste on your dog). If you’re not sure how to brush your dog’s teeth, ask your veterinarian for a demonstration.

Invest in a good quality dog food:

A healthy diet is essential for all dogs, but it can be especially helpful in reducing odor. Make sure you take your dog to the vet to rule out any allergies if the suspected stench is coming from their diet.

Keep any personal items, dog beds, blankets, fav stuffed animals clean:

These items can hold on to smells, so be sure to wash them regularly. A good rule of thumb is to wash dog beds and blankets every two weeks and stuffed animals once a month.

By Taking Proper Care Of Your Golden, They Shouldn’t Smell Bad

If you have tried all of these things and your dog is still stinky, it’s time to take them to the vet for a checkup. There could be an underlying health issue causing the odor. Otherwise, enjoy your sweet-smelling Golden!

Do you have any tips for keeping golden retrievers smelling fresh and clean?