All dog owners know that dogs tend to have a unique doggy odor. However, the Labradoodle can be more prone to certain smells than other dogs. But can a Labradoodle smell bad?
It is normal for Labradoodles to smell, especially if they are straight haired. Labradoodles can also smell if they have a dirty coat from rolling in something, have a poor diet or are suffering from a medical issue, such as an ear infection, anal glands, dental problems or allergies and skin infections.
This mixed breed is an active dog who loves the outdoors and the water, so they are unlikely to have an odorless coat as they like to get dirty by rolling in smelly stuff and getting wet, which increases the likelihood of yeast infections and allergies.
That said, breeding and the type of coat plays a crucial role as to why your Doodle smells so bad. But there are also other reasons to consider.
Here we look further into what causes a bad Labradoodle smell and how you can resolve it.
Why does my labradoodle stink even after a bath?
One thing that makes a Labradoodle smell so bad is rolling in poop or on a dead animal! For some reason, dogs love to do this, so the first thing we do is bathe our dog to get them clean and smell fresh again.
But what if your dog still stinks after having a bath? Should you be worried?
If your dog still has a smelly odor after you have bathed and dried them, it may be down to an underlying medical condition that needs addressing as soon as possible. You will most likely have to schedule an appointment with your vet.
Here we look at some possible conditions your Labradoodle may have.
Ear infection
Most Labradoodles are prone to ear infections because of their Poodle inheritance. The hair in the inner ear can block the airflow causing bacteria and moisture to build up in their ears resulting in an ear infection.
An infection of the ear is undoubtedly one of the most painful things a dog can experience, and you may notice a yeasty and heavy smell coming from inside your dog’s ear canal. Because Labradoodles have long, floppy ears, they are more likely to trap unwanted substances like dirt which leads to infection.
If you see your dog shaking its head more than usual and scratching its ears, and generally looking in a state of discomfort, you must take them to the vet, who will probably give antibiotics to help them recover.
To protect against ear infections in the future, make sure you totally dry the ears of your dog when they get wet, as bacteria thrive in moist ears. You can also learn how to clean them effectively by following our top tips in our blog how to clean Cavapoo ears.
Anal Glands
Now we have all seen our dogs sniff another dog’s behind, but what they are actually sniffing are the two anal sacs located on the lower side of the anus.
These glands are filled with an oily substance and secrete a unique fishy smell that tells a dog everything they need to know about another dog, such as their sex, health and approximate age.
A common reason why you have a smelly dog is because of blocked anus glands. You may notice a strong fishy stench coming from this area, which is not normal, and your dog biting its rear end or scooting its bottom across the floor.
If you see the glands are swollen or complete, they need expressing, which can only be done by a licensed veterinarian and is a simple and painless procedure. To avoid this issue in future, improve your Labradoodle’s diet by making sure they have plenty of fiber and enough exercise.
Diet & nutrition
Like us, a proper diet is vital if your Labradoodle is to be healthy. Dogs with a poor diet will lack the essential nutrients to produce the hormones and oils needed for a fresh smelling, healthy coat and the reason why they smell so bad.
Dogs are natural carnivores and very often, you can resolve the problem by switching your Labradoodle to a fresh food diet of human-grade meats (chicken, beef and fish) with some vegetables and fruit.
A bad diet can also cause your dog to have gas, creating a foul stench and making your dog uncomfortable. While passing gas occasionally is perfectly normal, it is a sure sign their diet needs changing if it happens continuously.
Cheap dog food contains undigestible fillers, so switch to a high-quality brand with meat as the main ingredient or a fresh food diet. Feeding smaller meals more frequently can also help. Remember always to make any changes slowly.
You should also try an elimination diet as often foods like beans or broccoli or foods containing lactose such as cheese are common causes of flatulence in dogs.
You should also consider your dog’s teeth, as bad breath can be a sign of gum disease. Brush the teeth at least three times a week to remove tartar and to keep their breath smelling fresh.
If you would like some recommendations on the best food to feed your Labradoodle, then why not check our our review guide.
Allergies
If your Labradoodle smells bad continuously, they likely suffer from an allergic reaction or infection. Because of their coat characteristics, Labradoodles are particularly prone to infections.
Causes of dog allergies can be bad shampoo, new food or even something outdoors whereby they have rolled in something unpleasant.
Fleas are also most active during the warm summer months and can introduce bacteria to your dog’s skin leading to an allergic reaction or skin infection if left untreated.
The symptoms of a skin allergy or infection include excessive itching, swelling, hives, rashes and pus. You must schedule a consultation with your vet if your dog has any of these issues.
To avoid any infections in future, make sure you thoroughly dry your Labradoodle’s skin and all of its folds and regularly treat for fleas. You could even try a bathrobe, as they can assist your dog in drying naturally but thoroughly.
Can I prevent my labradoodle from smelling bad?
You can take plenty of steps to stop Labradoodles from being stinky dogs.
Brushing your dog at least once or twice a week will remove any mats or debris in your dog’s coat, and bathing with a good doggy shampoo will keep them clean and smelling fresh.
We have many review guides on the best shampoos for your Labradoodle, whether you are looking for anti-itch, antibacterial or simply want your dog to smell devine, check out the below:
- Best dog tick shampoo
- Best antibacterial and anti fungal dog shampoo
- Best anti-itch dog shampoo
- Best hypoallergenic coat shampoo
Remember to dry them thoroughly afterwards with a towel and hairdryer. But too many baths can result in dry skin, so once a month is fine.
Washing your dog’s bedding can reduce smells and is often overlooked.
And finally, ensure your dog eats a high-quality diet with meat as the main ingredient and adding fruits and vegetables as healthy alternatives to treats.
Conclusion
Straight haired Labradoodles tend to have a stronger odor as they shed their coat more, so the good news is that well-bred, curly coat or wavy-haired Labradoodles won’t stink as bad.
There are many ways to keep a Labradoodle fresh smelling, from regular grooming and bathing to paying attention to your dog’s diet. If your Labradoodle still smells after you have done all these things, consult a licensed veterinarian, who can investigate the problem.