Stop your dog from been smelly

Smelly dogs are never fun to be around, no matter how cute. This page will teach you how to get rid of your dog’s bad smell so you can once again enjoy their company!

== Steps ==
 Bring your dog to the veterinarian (you should already have 6-month checkups). The vet should tell you whether or not your dog’s smell has to do with him or her being sick. If he tells you your dog isn’t sick, try the following:

=== Bathing ===
Buy some dog shampoo (conditioner is optional depending on the type of coat). See if you can find one that is formulated to get rid of smell rather than simply try to cover it up.
Wet your dog completely starting from the top of the head to the end of the tail.
Squirt some shampoo into your hands. Start to lather from the top of your dog’s neck to the end of its tail. Shampoo the outside of the ears, the legs, the chest, belly, featherings (if any), and the rest of the body. Be careful to avoid your dog’s eyes.
 Rinse the shampoo out of the coat.
 Repeat this process for conditioner, if you choose.
 Let your dog shake the water off. Then, using either a dog drier or a towel, dry your dog
=== Grooming ===
 Clean your dog’s ears to avoid wax buildup. Very dirty ears may be red or swollen, and may attract ear mites.
* Buy either ear wipes or ear cleanser (i.e. Oxyfresh Pet Ear Cleaner)
* Wipe the ear where wax is evident (generally a dark brown color) and through the different crevasses in the ear.
*Squirt the solution in the dog’s ear and rub the ear in a circular motion.
*Take a cotton ball, place it right under the ear flap, and tip your dog’s head toward it. The solution will be absorbed by the cotton ball.
*Take a clean cotton ball and gently wipe away the remaining solution.
 Make sure your dog has good dental hygiene. Bad teeth lead to bad breath!
* Find a dog toothbrush suitable for the size of your dog’s mouth.  You can buy these at any pet store, in pet catalogs (such as Doctor’s Foster and Smith), or from your veterinarian.
* Squirt a pea-sized amount of dog toothpaste on the toothbrush.
* Gently move your dog’s lip upward so you can see its teeth.
* Brush all the teeth inside the mouth for about one minute. Be sure to get both sides of each tooth.
* Repeat at least twice a week.
 Buy some mildly scented doggie cologne squirt your pooch a couple times for a short-term fix.

=== Bedding ===
 Place all cloth bedding, crate bumpers, and crate covers in the washing machine. Wash on cold. Be careful when adding fabric softeners, as they may irritate your dog’s skin.
 Transfer items to the drier (set on low heat), or set them out to air dry.
 Rinse your dog crate or pet cot off with a hose. If it is really dirty, scrub it out using a sponge or toothbrush and mild biodegradable dish-soap.
 Repeat weekly or biweekly depending on your situation.

=== Other ===
 Try switching to a [[Make Your Own Dog Food| homemade diet]]. Some manufactured dog foods may cause your dog to pass gas, have bad breath, or have a dull and smelly coat.
# Have a groomer or a vet show you how to empty your dog’s anal glads.

== Tips ==
*For dog beds with removable covers, try slipping some lavender buds between the cover and bed for a clean, fresh scent. Doing so may also have a calming effect on your dog!

== Warnings ==
*Avoid feeding your dog: chocolate, onions, grapes, raisins, tomatoes, avocados, nuts, and foods containing caffeine! These can be harmful and poisonous to your dog.
*Make sure you have professional help when first cleaning your dog’s anal glands. Mistakes can lead to serious infections.