Do you have a golden retriever? If so, you know that they can get a little smelly from time to time. So you may ask, how to keep a golden retriever from smelling bad?
We’re going to give you some tips on how to reduce these unwanted odors as well as prevent them from happening in the first place. This means that there will be more cuddles with your pup without a funky scent.
Your golden will be happy to know that you’re providing the best hygiene care for them, and you’ll be happy to have a dog that smells great!
Are Golden Retrievers Smellier Than Other Dogs?
Certain dogs carry more odors than others. For example, breeds with excessive wrinkles such as the English bulldog are more likely to have a problem with bacteria build-up.
While golden retrievers don’t have wrinkles, they do have long fur. This means that there is more surface area for smells to cling to. However, in general, golden retrievers are no smellier than other dogs.
This means that they won’t need special maintenance such as extra baths. As long as you’re taking care of them properly, they should smell just like any other pup!
How Often Should Golden Retrievers Be Bathed?
Regular bathing is the best way to prevent your golden retriever from smelling bad. We recommend bathing them every two to three weeks. This will help to remove any dirt, debris, or smells that may be clinging to their fur.
You can go as long as 2 to 3 months without bathing your pup, especially if they are in clean home condition and don’t play outside often. However, if they start to smell bad, it’s time for a bath!
Don’t forget to use a dog-specific shampoo that is gentle on their skin and won’t strip away the natural oils in their fur. These oils are important for keeping their coat healthy and looking its best.
Causes of Bad Odors in Golden Retrievers
Understanding the root causes of bad odors in golden retrievers can help you to prevent them from happening in the first place. Here are some of the most common causes of bad smells in golden retrievers:
Diet
Believe it or not, what your dog eats can affect how it smells. If their diet is high in processed foods, this can cause them to have bad breath and body odor.
This is because the bacteria in their gut break down the food differently, causing them to produce more gas. This gas then escapes through their mouth, nose, and behind, leading to bad breath and body odor.
Dental Issues
Dental problems are another common cause of bad odors in dogs. If your pup has plaque build-up on its teeth, this can lead to gingivitis and other dental problems.
These issues not only cause bad breath but can also lead to a bacterial infection. This infection can then spread to other parts of their body, causing them to smell bad all over.
Anal Gland Issues
« Is Coffee Bad for Dogs?
Why Do Golden Retrievers Want to Eat Everything? »
Anal glands are two small sacs that are located on either side of your dog’s anus. These glands produce a foul-smelling liquid that is used to mark their territory.
If these glands become full or infected, they can leak this foul-smelling liquid. This can cause your dog’s behind to smell bad, and the odor can spread to their fur.
Skin Conditions
Skin conditions such as allergies, hot spots, or seborrhea can also cause your dog to smell bad. These conditions can cause your pup to itch and scratch excessively. This then leads to open wounds and bacterial infections.
These infections can cause your dog to smell bad all over its body. In extreme cases, they may even lose patches of fur due to excessive scratching.
Ear Infections
Ear infections are another common cause of bad odors in dogs. These infections occur when bacteria or yeast build up in your dog’s ears. This can then lead to a foul-smelling discharge.
Preventing Bad Odors in Golden Retrievers
Here are some tips on how to keep your golden retriever smelling fresh and clean:
Brush Your Golden Retriever’s Teeth
Brushing your pup’s teeth on a regular basis is one of the best ways to prevent bad odors. We recommend brushing their teeth at least once a week. This will help to remove any plaque or bacteria that may be building up on their teeth.
Use Dental Treats and Chews
Another way to keep your golden retriever’s teeth clean is to give them dental treats and chews. These treats and chews are designed to help remove plaque and bacteria from your pup’s teeth.
Brush Your Golden Retriever’s Coat
Brushing your golden retriever’s coat on a regular basis is another great way to keep it smelling fresh and clean. This will help to remove any dirt, debris, or smells that may be clinging to their fur.
Do this as often as possible, at least once a week.
Check Their Ears
Checking your golden retriever’s ears on a regular basis is another great way to prevent bad odors. This will help to remove any wax or debris that may be building up in their ears.
Make time to check your pup’s ears every month.
Clean Your Pup’s Bedding Frequently
Cleaning your golden retriever’s bedding on a regular basis is another great way to keep them smelling fresh and clean. This will help to remove any dirt, debris, or smells that may be clinging to their fur.
Try to invest in a dog bed that has a removable and washable cover. This will make it easier to keep their bed clean and fresh-smelling. If your dog’s bed isn’t washable, sprinkle baking soda on it and vacuum it regularly.
Improve Your Golden Retriever’s Diet
One of the best ways to prevent bad odors in golden retrievers is to improve their diet. This means feeding them high-quality food that is rich in vitamins and minerals.
You should also avoid feeding them table scraps as this can lead to digestive issues and bad breath.
