Whenever a dog lover goes about searching for the right breed to bring into their homes, there is one question that they often forget to ask: “Is the breed or dog smelly?” Indeed, certain breeds do tend to smell more badly than others. Despite being the most popular dog in America, Labrador Retrievers do have a tendency to be smelly. Many people have bought or adopted Labs, only to discover that their beloved pooch emits disagreeable odors.
So, do Labradors smell? Just how stinky can they get? Let us give you the answer.
Yes, Labradors DO Smell.
Let us first put the above statement in its proper perspective. Generally speaking, all dogs, regardless of breed, have distinctive odors of varying degrees of intensity. These smells help to distinguish a dog from another, even if they are of the same breed. These same smells can also help a human identify their favorite dog from other dogs.
For example, in a 2015 study published in the journal Anthrozoos, 88.5 percent were able to distinguish the scent of their dog from that of another dog just by sniffing their blankets.
Of course, there are two other factors that can affect just how badly a dog will smell, namely proper hygiene and the presence of disease.
The Smell of a Labrador in Normal Circumstances
In normal, day-to-day life, Labradors in general are a bit smellier than other breeds. The reason for this is their thick double coat. The Lab’s double coat serves two specific functions:
1) It repels dirt and water, especially since Labs have been bred to retrieve ducks and other prey from lakes and seas.
2) It helps to regulate their body temperature.
Although the coat is very helpful when the Lab is swimming, it can, unfortunately, retain moisture. This includes moisture from sweat and natural skin oils that the breed exudes when active. It is this trapped moisture that causes the distinct “wet dog” smell that is attributed to the Lab.
Another source of bad odors is the stuff that your Lab rolls around in whenever they are out of your sight. If you allow your dog to go outdoors, it is its nature to roll into the stinkiest of things, including smelly grass or even the poop of other animals.
Thankfully, these smells can be easily remedied by immediately drying the dog with a towel and a blow dryer whenever it gets wet or after giving it a bath. Take note that it is not necessary to give your Lab a weekly bath. It is sufficient to brush its coat twice a week to get the dirt out. You only bathe your Lab every three months or if it gets very dirty, muddy, or matted. Frequent bathing depletes it of its natural oils that may lead to dryness and skin infections, which in turn may cause its odors to get worse. In some cases, your dog may be allergic to shampoos and other bathing products, which can also produce the same undesirable results as frequent bathing.
The Smells of a Lab in Abnormal Circumstances
When your Lab emits odors that are different from or worse than the “wet dog” smell that you are accustomed to, it is possible that there is something wrong with your dog.
Here are the common causes of bad odors in Labradors:
1) Diet
In most cases, bad odors in Labs can be caused by the food they eat. If your Lab’s smell changes around the time that you are trying out a new dog food for it, you can already assume that the food is the culprit.
2) Bad Breath
When your Lab has halitosis or bad breath, it may be due to tartar buildup in the teeth or there may be existing cavities or diseases of the teeth or mouth. When your dog is allowed outdoors, you also have to consider the possibility that they may be eating something bad outside, including carrion or dead animal flesh, which can cause bad breath. In addition, bad breath is one of the early signs of canine diabetes and cancer.
3) Infection
Infections in your Lab can produce bad odors. Because their ears flap down instead of standing upright, Labs are prone to trap moisture and ear wax, which can lead to a smelly ear infection. Skin infections and allergies can also lead to stinky smells. If you sniff a “corn chip” smell on your dog’s ears and food pads, it may be an infection caused by a yeast called Malasezzia.
4) Gas
Just like humans, it is natural for your Lab to fart in order to get rid of excess gas in its digestive tract. However, stinky gas can be a sign that something is wrong in your dog’s tummy.
5) Clogged Anal Glands
Anal glands are two small sacs located on the lower sides of your dog’s anus. Its primary purpose is to produce the scent that distinguishes it from other dogs. The secretions of these glands also aid in lubricating your Lab’s anus when it poops.
There are cases wherein the anal glands become impacted or clogged with secretions. Not only does it produce a smelly odor because of the trapped secretions, it also makes it difficult and painful for your dog to move its bowels.
What To Do
Whenever your Lab smarts to smell bad, you should start by doing a thorough examination of your dog from head to tail. This can be done during its regular brushing sessions.
Examine your dog’s coat for dirt, mud, or feces that may have gotten trapped in the hairs. Look at and feel the skin for any redness, scabs, pests (like ticks and fleas), and lumps.
Next, check your Lab’s ears and teeth. You can clean your dog’s ears gently using a cotton ball dipped in a little baby oil to remove accumulated ear wax and dirt. Make it a point to brush its teeth after meals to prevent tartar buildup and cavities.
Check your dog’s feet for any signs of infection. Remove any dirt, grass, or other irritating substances which may have gotten trapped in between its toes.
If your dog shows signs of infection or they are passing out foul-smelling gas or have smelly bottoms, bring them immediately to your vet for an assessment. Your vet can prescribe the appropriate dog food for its stomach as well as antibiotics and other medications for infection. In cases of clogged anal glands, your vet can manually squeeze the glands to remove excess secretions. They can also teach you the procedure so you can clear out the glands regularly at home.
Of course, the best way to minimize Lab smells is by observing good hygiene with your dog and by regularly cleaning your home of smelly dead hairs and dander. Good ventilation and the use of air filters can also help get rid of the stink.
Yes, Labradors do smell. But thankfully you can minimize the smells by keeping your dog and house clean, and by being watchful of certain conditions that may cause bad odors in your Lab.
So, do Labradors smell? Just how stinky can they get? Let us give you the answer.
Yes, Labradors DO Smell.
Let us first put the above statement in its proper perspective. Generally speaking, all dogs, regardless of breed, have distinctive odors of varying degrees of intensity. These smells help to distinguish a dog from another, even if they are of the same breed. These same smells can also help a human identify their favorite dog from other dogs.
For example, in a 2015 study published in the journal Anthrozoos, 88.5 percent were able to distinguish the scent of their dog from that of another dog just by sniffing their blankets.
Of course, there are two other factors that can affect just how badly a dog will smell, namely proper hygiene and the presence of disease.
The Smell of a Labrador in Normal Circumstances
In normal, day-to-day life, Labradors in general are a bit smellier than other breeds. The reason for this is their thick double coat. The Lab’s double coat serves two specific functions:
1) It repels dirt and water, especially since Labs have been bred to retrieve ducks and other prey from lakes and seas.
2) It helps to regulate their body temperature.
Although the coat is very helpful when the Lab is swimming, it can, unfortunately, retain moisture. This includes moisture from sweat and natural skin oils that the breed exudes when active. It is this trapped moisture that causes the distinct “wet dog” smell that is attributed to the Lab.
Another source of bad odors is the stuff that your Lab rolls around in whenever they are out of your sight. If you allow your dog to go outdoors, it is its nature to roll into the stinkiest of things, including smelly grass or even the poop of other animals.
Thankfully, these smells can be easily remedied by immediately drying the dog with a towel and a blow dryer whenever it gets wet or after giving it a bath. Take note that it is not necessary to give your Lab a weekly bath. It is sufficient to brush its coat twice a week to get the dirt out. You only bathe your Lab every three months or if it gets very dirty, muddy, or matted. Frequent bathing depletes it of its natural oils that may lead to dryness and skin infections, which in turn may cause its odors to get worse. In some cases, your dog may be allergic to shampoos and other bathing products, which can also produce the same undesirable results as frequent bathing.
The Smells of a Lab in Abnormal Circumstances
When your Lab emits odors that are different from or worse than the “wet dog” smell that you are accustomed to, it is possible that there is something wrong with your dog.
Here are the common causes of bad odors in Labradors:
1) Diet
In most cases, bad odors in Labs can be caused by the food they eat. If your Lab’s smell changes around the time that you are trying out a new dog food for it, you can already assume that the food is the culprit.
2) Bad Breath
When your Lab has halitosis or bad breath, it may be due to tartar buildup in the teeth or there may be existing cavities or diseases of the teeth or mouth. When your dog is allowed outdoors, you also have to consider the possibility that they may be eating something bad outside, including carrion or dead animal flesh, which can cause bad breath. In addition, bad breath is one of the early signs of canine diabetes and cancer.
3) Infection
Infections in your Lab can produce bad odors. Because their ears flap down instead of standing upright, Labs are prone to trap moisture and ear wax, which can lead to a smelly ear infection. Skin infections and allergies can also lead to stinky smells. If you sniff a “corn chip” smell on your dog’s ears and food pads, it may be an infection caused by a yeast called Malasezzia.
4) Gas
Just like humans, it is natural for your Lab to fart in order to get rid of excess gas in its digestive tract. However, stinky gas can be a sign that something is wrong in your dog’s tummy.
5) Clogged Anal Glands
Anal glands are two small sacs located on the lower sides of your dog’s anus. Its primary purpose is to produce the scent that distinguishes it from other dogs. The secretions of these glands also aid in lubricating your Lab’s anus when it poops.
There are cases wherein the anal glands become impacted or clogged with secretions. Not only does it produce a smelly odor because of the trapped secretions, it also makes it difficult and painful for your dog to move its bowels.
What To Do
Whenever your Lab smarts to smell bad, you should start by doing a thorough examination of your dog from head to tail. This can be done during its regular brushing sessions.
Examine your dog’s coat for dirt, mud, or feces that may have gotten trapped in the hairs. Look at and feel the skin for any redness, scabs, pests (like ticks and fleas), and lumps.
Next, check your Lab’s ears and teeth. You can clean your dog’s ears gently using a cotton ball dipped in a little baby oil to remove accumulated ear wax and dirt. Make it a point to brush its teeth after meals to prevent tartar buildup and cavities.
Check your dog’s feet for any signs of infection. Remove any dirt, grass, or other irritating substances which may have gotten trapped in between its toes.
If your dog shows signs of infection or they are passing out foul-smelling gas or have smelly bottoms, bring them immediately to your vet for an assessment. Your vet can prescribe the appropriate dog food for its stomach as well as antibiotics and other medications for infection. In cases of clogged anal glands, your vet can manually squeeze the glands to remove excess secretions. They can also teach you the procedure so you can clear out the glands regularly at home.
Of course, the best way to minimize Lab smells is by observing good hygiene with your dog and by regularly cleaning your home of smelly dead hairs and dander. Good ventilation and the use of air filters can also help get rid of the stink.
Yes, Labradors do smell. But thankfully you can minimize the smells by keeping your dog and house clean, and by being watchful of certain conditions that may cause bad odors in your Lab.
