How to Make a Dog Smell Better

Dog lovers adore their animals despite the downfalls of pet ownership such as shedding, walking the dog in poor weather, becoming adept at using a pooper-scooper and dealing with the occasionally stinky animal. People put up with many things to have the unconditional love of their dog, but putting up with a bad smelling dog doesn't have to be one of them.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Trim a longhaired dog's fur around their mouth and behind to help them smell better. Hair on the dog's mouth can trap food causing a foul odor, and long hair on the behind is the perfect magnet for a dog's loose stool. It doesn't take much debris hiding in fur to cause a big stink.

2. Check the dog's teeth for good dental condition. Plaque causes bad breath just like it does in people. Dogs need to have their teeth brushed at least once a week and a professional cleaning as tarter begins to build up. Dental chews and rubber spike-filled toys are helpful in keeping teeth clean between professional cleanings.

3. Brush dogs as often as possible. Although dog's shed to get rid of dead fur, it's not uncommon for dogs to have that layer of dead hair at the base of their coat, which likes to play host to many different smells. Brushing the hair out from the dog takes away the makeshift home to weird smells so they smell better.

4. Rub the dog with baby wipes to get out any dirt and grime. Choose unscented wipes made for sensitive skin. This helps a dog smell better when a curious dog comes home after a day of exploring messy things.

5. Use a waterless foam bath found at most pet stores. Apply the foam to the dog's fur with vigorous hand rubbing then, then remove the foam with a dry towel. Finish by brushing the fur.
   

6. Apply alcohol-free dog cologne after and between regular baths. Use the spray sparingly as too much can irritate the dog's skin. It's a nice change for a special day too.

7. Get to the root of the problem to help your dog smell better. A wet dog will always stink as will dirty dogs, but a persistent bad smell can indicate a skin condition, dental problems or an ear infection. If a thorough bath doesn't cure the smell, take the dog to a veterinarian for a check up.
   

[sisabileon506]

on 4/6/2009 great advice! i can't use cologne on my pooch - gives him a rash. I found a product called FRESCOPET - its a fragrant collar attachment that you put on your dogs collar and it time releases a subtle fragrance. I change it every week and it keeps him smelling super fresh - and my house doesn't have that smelly smell it used to lol check them out online frescopet.com