Dog Health

How to Keep Your Dog Smelling Fresh and Clean: A Guide for Every Pet Parent

As a loving dog parent, one of your priorities is ensuring your best friend stays happy, healthy, and, of course, smelling fresh. While dogs naturally have their scent, proper dog treatment to keep that smell under control can make a big difference in your dog’s comfort and home environment. But how do you maintain that delightful freshness without overwashing or causing harm to your dog’s skin? In this blog, we’ll walk you through the top tips and tricks for keeping your dog smelling fresh and clean all year round.

Tips to Keep Your Dog Smell Fresh & Clean

Start with Regular Grooming

Grooming is the foundation of cleanliness for your dog. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s essential for hygiene. A well-groomed dog is a cleaner, fresher-smelling dog. Here’s how you can achieve this:

Brushing: 

Brushing your dog’s coat regularly is essential to wipe out dirt, dead hair, and debris that can lead to unpleasant odors. The brushing aids in the even distribution of natural oils throughout the coat, promoting healthy skin and shiny hair. 

For dogs with longer fur, it is recommended to brush them daily, whereas shorter-haired breeds can be brushed 2-3 times per week.

Trim That Coat: 

Long hair can trap more dirt and moisture, which leads to a stronger odor. Regularly trimming the coat around areas prone to getting dirty (like under the belly, legs, and tail) can prevent odor from building up.

Bathing Your Dog the Right Way

One of the most obvious ways to keep your dog smelling fresh is to bathe them regularly. However, there’s a balance between keeping them clean and overwashing.

How Often Should You Bathe Your Dog?

Bathing your dog too frequently can strip their skin of natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation, which can cause an unpleasant smell. Typically, dogs should be bathed every 3-4 weeks, but this varies depending on breed and lifestyle (e.g. if they love mud puddles, more frequent baths may be necessary).

Choosing the Right Shampoo: 

Always use a dog-specific shampoo. Human shampoos can upset the pH balance of your dog’s skin, leading to issues like dryness and flakiness. Opt for a mild, natural dog shampoo designed for sensitive skin or a deodorizing one to help fight the odor.

Rinse Thoroughly: 

After shampooing, rinse your dog thoroughly. Any leftover soap or shampoo can cause skin irritation and a stronger odor. Proper dog treatment in grooming ensures long-lasting freshness.

Dental Hygiene: A Fresh Mouth Means a Fresh Dog

It’s easy to overlook your dog’s oral health when controlling odor. However, bad breath is a common complaint among dog owners, and it can affect your dog’s overall scent.

Brushing Their Teeth: 

Regularly brushing your dog’s teeth is the best way to prevent bad breath. It is important to use a toothbrush and toothpaste specifically designed for dogs and aim to brush their teeth at least 2-3 times a week.

Dog Brushing

Dental Chews and Toys: 

If brushing isn’t your dog’s favorite activity, dental chews and toys designed to promote oral health can be helpful. These products not only help keep your dog’s teeth clean but also reduce bad breath.

Clean Their Ears Regularly

Your dog’s ears can be a source of odor, especially if they’re prone to ear infections or wax buildup.

Check for Infections: 

A foul smell from your dog’s ears could indicate an infection. If you notice an unpleasant odor or your dog frequently shakes their head, consult your vet for proper dog cleaning and treatment.

Cleaning the Ears: 

Regular ear cleaning can help prevent odors. Use a vet-recommended ear cleaner and cotton balls to wipe them gently.

It is recommended to clean the ears carefully and avoid inserting anything too deep into the ear canal, as this causes damage.

Maintain a Healthy Diet

A dog’s diet can significantly affect its smell. Foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids can help maintain a healthy coat and skin, reducing overall odor.

Dog Diet

High-Quality Food: 

Feed your dog high-quality, well-balanced food to promote healthy skin and coat. Foods with too many additives, preservatives, or fillers can lead to digestive issues, which result in unpleasant smells.

Hydration: 

Ensure your dog stays hydrated. Proper hydration helps maintain healthy skin and fur. Additionally, staying hydrated flushes out toxins that may contribute to bad breath or body odor.

Use Dog-Safe Sprays and Wipes

Between baths, you can use dog-safe sprays, deodorizing wipes, or dry shampoos to keep your dog smelling fresh. These products are especially handy after walks or playtime when your dog might pick up a bit of an outdoor scent. Here you can also use the Fido Everyday Fresh Spritzer Spray 125ml to make them clean.

Deodorizing Sprays: 

Look for sprays specifically formulated for dogs. They can neutralize odors without harming their skin or coat.

Dog Wipes: 

Great for spot cleaning between baths, especially after outdoor adventures or messy meals. Wipe down your dog’s coat, paws, and belly to remove dirt and odor.

Wash Their Bedding and Toys

No matter how often you bathe your dog, they’ll smell bad if their bed and toys are dirty.

Regular Washes: 

Wash your dog’s bedding and toys every week or two to keep them fresh. This prevents odors from building up and keeps your house smelling better, too.

Odor-Control Fabrics: 

Consider using odor-control fabrics or sprays on your dog’s bed to keep the smell under control.

Professional Grooming

If maintaining your dog’s cleanliness feels like too big of a task, you can always enlist the help of a professional groomer. Regular grooming appointments can ensure your dog gets deep cleaning, nail trimming, and other services. It also contributes to overall cleanliness and freshness.

Wrapping Up

Proper dog treatment is key to keeping your dog smelling fresh and clean. It’s not just about regular baths—it involves a holistic approach that includes grooming, dental hygiene, proper diet, and regular ear cleaning. By following these steps, you’ll not only keep your dog smelling good, but you’ll also ensure their comfort and overall well-being. A fresh-smelling dog is a happy dog—and a happy dog means a happy home!