EDMOND — Q: Help! We have a 3-year -old Shih Tzu. He’s a great dog except that he has a serious social problem — he has B.O., and it’s pretty intense — at least to me. He even smells bad two or three hours after I bathe him. He doesn’t scratch himself excessively, but he did have an itch-scratch allergy problem about a year ago. I love my dog, but I can’t take the awful smell much longer. Please, any advice? — Myrtle P.
A. Unfortunately, most dogs have at least some body odor — at least to certain people. And a few of these certain people possess a particularly acute sense of smell that can render them hyper-sensitive to even the slightest malodor — one that may not be objectionable to others. But this is not to dismiss Myrtle’s claim that she actually has what I’ll refer to as a “stinky dog.”
The underlying causes of “stinky dog” syndrome are varied; thus there are several solutions. Probably the most common cause of this not-so-unusual condition is when bacteria and yeast, normally found on the canine skin, begins to break down excessive surface oils. The resulting oxidation of fat creates a foul smell. Included in those that most generally present this problem are Labrador retrievers, basset hounds and cocker spaniels simply because these breeds have a heavier than usual sebaceous gland secretion. Breeds that produce less oil, for instance, are doberman pinschers and poodles.
If your dog emits a foul odor shortly after a bath, there are several areas you need to inspect. Any of these could be the culprit:
• Ears. If a good cleaning doesn’t stop ear canal odor see your veterinarian.
• Anal sacs. Two small sacs, one on both sides of the anus, normally contain a really pungent smelling oily solution. When infected, the malodor is even worse. If your odor problem emanates in this region, again, see your vet.
• Mouth. Gingivitis, and/or periodontal disease, resulting usually from heavy tartar build-up, can lead to objectionable oral odor. While checking this region, also look for lower lip-fold necrosis ulcers, which are fairly common and accompanied by a really foul odor.
• Allergic scratching. Scratching can cause untold trauma to a dog’s normal skin barriers, resulting in changes in the animal’s immune chemistry in such a way that microbes (principally staphylococcus intermedius) can grow more rapidly. This, in turn, leads to a fairly common skin disorder known as bacterial dermatitis, or pyoderma.
Bacterial dermatitis usually is treated with oral antibiotics such as cephalexin or clindamycin. Additional therapy also is provided by regular use of antibacterial shampoos containing benzyl peroxide or hexadine.
The minimal length of antibiotic therapy in treating bacterial dermatitis in dogs is three to four weeks, and as a general rule should be continued for two to four weeks beyond any clinical signs. Also, contact time is important when using the medicated shampoos mentioned above. To be effective, bathe afflicted dogs weekly and leave the shampoo on for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing.
If all else fails, and the excessive doggy odor persists, you may want to consider having your vet do a thyroid profile. The thyroid gland regulates metabolism of all cellular functions — dysfunction can produce a wide range of clinical and non-clinical manifestations including several forms of dermatitis.
DR. WILLIAM K. FAUKS is a retired Oklahoma City veterinarian. If you have any questions regarding the health of your pet, please write to “Ask a Vet,” at 3142 Venice Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73112, or e-mail bfauks1@aol.com.
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