If your dog has started smelling unpleasant for no obvious reason, it may be more than a grooming issue. Persistent odour can come from the skin, ears, mouth, paws or anal glands, and sometimes it can be a sign that something isn't quite right with their overall health.
Rather than simply masking the smell with scented shampoos or sprays, it's worth working out where the odour is coming from and addressing the underlying cause.
Common Causes of Persistent Pet Odour
1. Poor Hygiene and Coat Build-Up
Dogs get dirty. Rolling in grass, mud and other outdoor debris can leave their coat smelling less than fresh. Natural oils, loose hair and environmental build-up can also contribute to odour, particularly in dogs with thick coats or skin folds.
Regular grooming helps remove dirt, loose hair and debris while keeping the coat in good condition.
How often your dog needs a bath depends on their coat, lifestyle and skin health. Bathing too frequently with harsh products can strip away natural oils and irritate the skin, while an occasional wash with a suitable shampoo can help keep your dog clean and comfortable.
Choose a gentle, natural shampoo without harsh sulphates or unnecessary synthetic fragrances.
Our Greenpet Herbal Pet Shampoo is made with natural ingredients to cleanse the coat, while the DERMagic range offers additional skin and coat care options for dogs with specific skin concerns.
2. Skin Problems and Yeast Overgrowth
If your dog has a persistent musty or unpleasant smell alongside scratching, licking, redness, greasy skin or flaky patches, it's worth looking more closely at their skin health.
Bacterial overgrowth, yeast and other skin conditions can contribute to persistent odour. You might notice the smell is strongest around the paws, groin, armpits, skin folds or ears.
The skin has its own microbiome, made up of microorganisms that naturally live on its surface. When the skin becomes irritated or its normal balance changes, certain microorganisms can multiply and contribute to further irritation and odour.
Diet, environmental factors, moisture and the condition of the skin can all play a part. Simply washing away the smell won't necessarily resolve the underlying issue.
For natural skin and coat support, explore our Greenpet Canine Skin Bundle
If your dog has recurring skin problems, look at their diet and overall wellbeing alongside topical care.
3. Ear Odour
A strong or unusual smell coming from your dog's ears can be a sign of excess wax, moisture, irritation or an ear infection.
You might also notice head shaking, scratching at the ears, redness or a build-up of dark or waxy discharge.
Dogs with floppy ears or hairy ear canals can be more prone to moisture and debris accumulating, although any dog can develop ear problems.
Regularly check your dog's ears and keep them clean when needed. Avoid over-cleaning, which can irritate the ear canal, and don't push cotton buds down into the ear.
Our Essential Dog Herbal Ear Cleaner is designed to help remove wax and build-up as part of your dog's grooming routine.
If the odour persists or your dog has painful, inflamed ears or significant discharge, investigate the cause rather than relying on cleaning alone.
4. Anal Gland Problems
One of the most recognisable doggy smells is the strong, fishy odour that can come from the anal glands.
Dogs have two small anal glands on either side of the anus. These produce a strong-smelling secretion used for scent communication. Normally, the glands empty naturally when your dog passes a bowel movement.
If the glands don't empty properly, their contents can build up and become uncomfortable.
Common signs include:
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Scooting along the ground
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Licking or biting around the rear end
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A strong, fishy smell
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Discomfort when sitting or passing stools
Stool consistency, dietary fibre, exercise and body condition can all influence normal anal gland function.
The aim is to support healthy bowel movements so the glands can empty naturally, rather than repeatedly expressing them without addressing why the problem keeps occurring.
Read our guide to Anal Gland Problems in Dogs for more information on dietary and lifestyle support.
Greenpet's Herbal Anal Gland Tonic & Anal Gland Solution can also be considered as part of a broader approach to supporting normal anal gland and digestive function.
5. Diet and Digestive Health
Your dog's diet can influence their digestion, stools, skin and coat. Some dogs develop digestive discomfort or skin irritation when their food doesn't suit them, while others may not be receiving an appropriate balance of nutrients.
Processed foods, individual ingredient sensitivities and changes in gut function may all be worth considering when investigating recurring odour.
If your dog has persistent smelly skin, excessive gas, loose stools or other digestive changes, look at their overall diet rather than focusing only on the smell.
A suitable fresh-food diet can provide variety and allow you to pay closer attention to the ingredients your dog eats. However, the diet still needs to meet their nutritional requirements.
Explore our guides to Natural Feeding for Dogs and Natural Feeding for Cats for more information.
6. Dental Problems and Bad Breath
If your dog's breath has become particularly unpleasant, their mouth is another place to investigate.
Food debris, plaque, tartar and inflammation around the teeth and gums can all contribute to bad breath. Persistent odour shouldn't simply be dismissed as normal dog breath.
Regular dental care and appropriate chewing opportunities can help support oral hygiene. If the smell is new, unusually strong or accompanied by difficulty eating, bleeding gums or visible swelling, the underlying cause needs attention.
Australian Animal Oral Care range of dental and oral support may help keep teeth & gums healthy.
7. Underlying Health Changes
Sometimes, an unusual smell isn't coming from the coat or skin at all.
Changes in breath, urine or other bodily secretions can occasionally accompany underlying health problems. For example, some metabolic conditions can alter breath odour, while changes in urine may leave a lingering smell around the coat or bedding.
If your pet develops a sudden or persistent change in odour without an obvious explanation, pay attention to any other changes in appetite, thirst, urination, energy or behaviour.
These signs can help you work out where to focus your attention and whether further investigation is needed.
How to Help Your Pet Smell Fresh Naturally
The best approach depends on what's causing the odour. A bath may be all that's needed after a muddy adventure, but recurring smells usually deserve a closer look.
Here are a few practical steps to get started:
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Keep up with grooming. Brush regularly and wash your dog when needed using a suitable, gentle shampoo.
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Check the skin and ears. Look for redness, greasy patches, flaky skin, excess wax or unusual discharge.
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Support healthy digestion. Review your dog's diet, stool consistency and overall digestive health.
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Pay attention to the anal glands. Recurring fishy odour or scooting may indicate that their normal emptying process needs support.
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Keep bedding and bowls clean. Wash bedding regularly and clean food and water bowls to reduce lingering smells.
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Look for patterns. Note where the smell is strongest and whether it appears alongside itching, digestive changes or other symptoms.
Need Help Finding the Cause?
At Greenpet, we take a holistic approach to animal wellbeing. We look at the bigger picture, including diet, skin health, digestion and everyday care, rather than simply trying to cover up an unpleasant smell.
If you're unsure what's causing your pet's odour, you can ask our naturopath or explore our online consultations.
Identifying the source of the smell is the first step towards helping your pet feel more comfortable and keeping their skin, coat and overall health in good condition.