How To Make Your Dog Smell Better With A Few Simple Steps

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Dogs can often smell a bit stinky, especially their feet. While some people believe that this is just a fact of life, there are ways to make your dog smell better. Read on for few quick tips to help your smelly dog stay fresh and clean!

Give Your Dog a Bath

Giving your dog a bath is the first step in keeping them clean and healthy. It’s important to bathe your dog regularly, especially if they spend a lot of time outdoors. Bathing your dog also helps to remove dirt, dust, and other allergens from their coat.

How often you bathe your dog depends on their skin and coat type. You want to avoid bathing them too often, as that can dry out their skin. Here’s a list of our favorite dog shampoos!

Clip Your Dog’s Nails

Clipping your dog’s nails can be a daunting task, but it’s important to do for their health. When you clip your dog’s nails, you are removing the sharp points that can easily snag and tear.

If you’re not comfortable clipping your dog’s nails, ask your veterinarian to show you how or take your dog to a groomer. This helps keep grime from building up under their nails and getting that yucky corn chip smell!

Here are a few tips to make it easier to cut your dog’s nails:

• Have a helper.
• Have treats and/or a favorite toy on hand.
• Choose a time when your dog is relaxed and not too active.
• Gather together all of the supplies you’ll need. This includes clippers, styptic powder (or a product like Kwik Stop), treats, and a towel.
• Place your dog in a comfortable position. You may want to have them sit or lay down
• Avoid cutting too much. It’s much better for everyone to build a positive experience for your dog more frequently.

Trim Your Dog’s Hair

Dogs need to be trimmed regularly to keep their hair healthy and looking good. If you don’t trim your dog’s hair, it will become matted and tangled, and will be difficult to groom and manage.

There are a variety of ways to trim your dog’s hair, so consult with your veterinarian or groomer to find out the best way for your dog.

Clean Your Dog’s Ears

Dogs’ ears need to be cleaned regularly to keep them healthy and free of infection. Ear cleaning is easy and can be done with a few simple supplies.

First, gather a soft cloth, some warm water, and a gentle ear cleaning solution. Wet the cloth with warm water and squeeze out any excess.

Gently wipe the inside of your dog’s ear with the cloth, using circular motions. Be careful not to insert the cloth too far into the ear canal. 

Clean Your Dog’s Feet

Dogs are often dirty and their feet are no exception. Not only do they track in mud and dirt, but their feet can also be a haven for bacteria and fungus. Regularly cleaning your dog’s feet is an important part of keeping them healthy and free of infection.

There are a few ways to clean your dog’s feet. One is to use a pet-safe shampoo and wet their feet before lathering up the soap. Rub the soap into the fur and between the toes, then rinse off the suds. 

When your dog comes back in from a potty sesh, you can teach them to give you their paws so you can wipe them. Make sure to positively reinforce this by giving them treats!

Use a Dog Deodorant

Some people swear by using a dog deodorizing spray to keep their pet’s smell under control. Others find that this is an unnecessary step, and that simply bathing their dog regularly is enough.

If you notice your dog stays a bit smelly, you may want to give it a shot! Here’s a deodorizing spray for dogs that’s highly reviewed.

Use Dry Shampoo For Dogs

Dry shampoo is a powder or spray that is used to clean the coat of a dog without water. It is made from natural ingredients and helps to remove dirt, odors, and excess oils from the coat.

Dry shampoo is ideal for dogs who live in freezing climates.  We used it during our Alaskan winters when the outdoor temperature was well below zero for weeks on end! It can be used as often as needed and is safe for dogs of all ages. Begley’s Natural No Rinse Waterless Pet Shampoo is a great option!

Brush Your Dog’s Teeth

Dental issues are one of the biggest and most dangerous causes of a gross dog smell. It’s important to keep up on your dog’s dental health as it can cause a host of other health issues. Here’s a complete guide to taking care of your dog’s teeth!

Check In With Your Dog’s Vet

If you’ve tried all these tips and your dog still smells, it may be time to set up a vet appointment. They can evaluate your dog’s skin condition, check for allergies, and set up a customized plan to help.

By following these steps, you can make your dog smell better. It may take some time and effort, but it’s worth it!