Why Does My Old Dog Smell So Bad? 7 Causes and What Helps

Teeth, ears, skin, anal glands, accidents and some illnesses can make an older dog smell. How to find the source, what helps at home and when to see a vet.

When an old dog smells bad, there is usually a source you can find: the mouth, ears, skin, rear end or bedding. Bad breath is almost always caused by gum disease, says veterinarian Dr. Patty Khuly, and the AVMA notes that most pets show early signs of it by age 3. A new or strong smell can also be a sign of illness, so start with a vet check rather than a stronger shampoo.

Quick take: Do a sniff check from front to back: mouth, ears, skin folds, rear end, then the bed. If accidents are the cause, a portable spot cleaner like the BISSELL Little Green Max Pet (#ad) is made for pet stains on rugs and upholstery.

Find the source

Where it smells	Common causes	What to do
Breath	Gum disease; an ammonia smell can come with kidney disease, a sweet smell with diabetes	Book a dental check; see the vet soon for ammonia or sweet breath
Ears	Ear infection	Vet exam before using any drops
Skin	Allergies with yeast or bacterial infection, infected scrapes	Vet check; bathe as your vet advises
Rear end	Anal gland problems, a stiff dog that can't groom	Vet visit for the glands; gentle daily cleaning
Urine or poop	Incontinence	Vet check; pads and washable bedding
Gas	Food intolerance or gut disease	Vet visit if it is frequent
Bed and sofa	Odor transferred from the dog	Wash covers often

What helps at home

• Brush teeth. The AVMA calls regular brushing the single most effective thing you can do; daily is best, but several times a week helps.
• Keep the rear end clean. Older dogs with stiff joints often can't groom themselves there.
• Wash bedding and covers often, since odor moves from the dog to everything it lies on.
• Clean accidents fully so the spot does not keep smelling.

When to see the vet

• A new smell that appears suddenly
• Breath that smells like ammonia or is sweet
• Red, painful or smelly ears
• Skin sores, or licking and scooting at the rear end
• Bad breath with drooling, dropping food or a smaller appetite (AVMA)

FAQ

Why does my old dog's breath smell like ammonia?

It can be a sign of kidney disease, which lets waste build up in the blood. See your vet and ask about bloodwork.

Is it normal for old dogs to smell?

Mild changes happen, but a strong smell usually has a cause such as teeth, ears, skin or accidents.

Can bad teeth make a dog smell?

Yes. Gum disease is the most common cause of bad breath, and the AVMA lists bad breath as a reason to get teeth checked.

How do I get the old dog smell out of my house?

Find and treat the cause first, then wash bedding often and deep-clean rugs where accidents happen.

Sources: Dogster: Why do old dogs smell? (vet reviewed), Vetstreet: Why does my dog smell so bad?, AVMA: Pet dental care.

Related guides: Dental care for senior dogs, Anal gland care, Ear infections in seniors, Incontinence pads and bedding.

Educational only, not a substitute for your veterinarian. As an Amazon Associate, SILVERPAW earns from qualifying purchases.

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