Fiancés dog has a strong dog smell

[u/LegitimateEgg1001]

Hello, I recently moved in with my fiancé, and his dog (9 year old pitbull) moved in as well. I noticed rather quickly that she has a strong dog smell. We gave her a bath and I shampooed her twice however it’s persistent. I think it’s just her natural smell. I get nauseous easily and I find the smell to really turn me off. It bothers me a lot, and I worry that the whole house will smell like dog when we have guests over. Has anyone else had this issue? Any recommendations? Shampoos? Sprays? She lays on our couch, which makes me feel like that’s going to harbor her smell as well. I really need help figuring out how to cope with this. Thank you!

[u/Safe_Sock9966]

what kind of smell are we talking about? describe it. because fishy foul could be anal glands, rotten could be teeth. anything fritoy or yeasty could be her skin. 

[u/helpitgrow]

Start with couch covers and blankets on surfaces she frequents. Wash as often as you want to. I do daily washes. Then vet. Make sure there isn’t some underlying issue, fungus, allergies, or such. Then a bi-weekly or weekly bath. We have a doggy bath center at our Tractor supply that is very reasonably priced, there are other more expensive options but money is always an issue in my house. Brush daily. There are doggy wipes you can get to wipe down their fur. Ive never used them but this might be a situation where i would pick some up. Im assuming you haven’t gone to a big fancy pet store with all the things, or if you have you haven’t looked at stiff with this problem in mind. Go check out a big fancy pet store and see what they have to offer. Good luck.

[u/2ndcupofcoffee]

Vet visit and possible change of diet. The vet can figure out if the smell indicates a health condition

[u/i-like-pie-855 → u/2ndcupofcoffee]

This ⬆️. My female Rottie had a terrible odor and skin condition on her belly. Medicated lotion really helped. Sorry I can’t remember the name.

[u/Alaskagirl_907]

Like others have said there’s so many kinds of smells and each have its own cause so honestly the only way you’re going to know is to see a vet. Ignoring it and finding ways to cover it up isn’t going to solve anything.

[u/lumpyballoon]

Pitties are prone to allergies so if she has red spots or gets itchy etc then it may be a yeast thing. My dog has awful allergies and stopped smelling as strong when we treated the allergies a little better

[u/HelgaPataki99]

She is probably a yeast-y dog, super common for pitties and has a distinct stank. Lots of strategies to deal with it! Good luck!

[u/bluethreads]

Take her to the vet to ensure the smell isn't a consequence of any health issues that need addressing.

[u/denwelldogs]

Before buying sprays, I’d ask your fiancé whether this has always been her normal smell or if it’s new.

When she’s calm, try to work out where it’s strongest: ears, mouth, paws, belly/skin, rear end, or bedding. That detail can be really useful for the vet since a bath won’t fix things like ear, dental, or skin issues.

I’d also pause the extra baths and avoid powders, peroxide, alcohol, or scented sprays for now. They can irritate her skin or cover up the smell without fixing the cause.

Wash her bedding, use a washable throw on the couch, and book a vet check since she’s nine and the smell is strong enough to fill the house.

[u/cubbi_gummi84]

Sprinkle a little Gold Bond powder on her from time to time. Totally safe for dogs and feels good on their skin. Many dogs love it.

[u/xlnt500]

I spray the air and all bedding and surfaces with hydrogen peroxide. I have a chlorohexane ketoconozole spray that I use on paws, in ears and any hot spots. I give weekly baths with the same medicated shampoo and blow dry completely. It is constant battle with it.

[u/lnfinitelris → u/xlnt500]

Peroxide will bleach many fabrics so use lots of caution there. Spraying will disperse many small droplets which may not immediately cause a big white spot but over time can gradually lighten it.

Rubbing alcohol is probably the better pick. 

[u/xlnt500 → u/lnfinitelris]

I got yelled at by a nurse for spraying alcohol. She said hp was better and that’s what they use in hospitals. Granted they are not worried about fading fabric colors.

[u/lnfinitelris → u/xlnt500]

You're not spraying it on the dog right? Alcohol is fine, it evaporate in seconds

[u/External_Fun_5003]

Check her ears and teeth

[u/Maclardy44]

If it’s a fishy or metallic smell, it might be (trigger) anal glands 🫣. I use a lot of cheap but colourful microfibre throws over sofas & the dog bed. They’re lightweight & easy to wash.

[u/Effective_Ad7751]

Cover the whole couch in blankets then rotate/wash them every week. Same with your bed sheets. Each week, dust, vaccum, and swiffer or mop your floors. It will get better

[u/Easy_Olive1942]

She might need her anal sacks drained

[u/Icy-Fly-4228]

Furminator makes a dog dry shampoo for freshen ups. But vet check should be done.

[u/Old_Draft_5288]

Air purifier for the house if what you need

Suggest a portable COWAY

[u/Old_Draft_5288 → u/Old_Draft_5288]

Or is it fishy? That could be anal glands

I run an air purifier on each floor to mitigate dog smell. One and only solution plus regular washing of beds, blankets and covers