Dog lovers can attest to the fact that their beloved companions will occasionally walk up to them with some foul odors, often resulting from your dog rolling in stinky trash. Other times, it may be the occasional wet dog smell, with all these being everyday occurrences.
If, however, your pup retains odors such as vomiting smell that does not go away after a proper bath, it may be time to take them for a vet consultation. Below, we discuss why your dog smells bad and how to get rid of that nasty smell.
How To Remove a Vomit Smell on a Dog?
If you notice a vomit smell from areas around your dog’s mouth, the cause could be poor dental hygiene. Fortunately, this can be solved by adhering to routine dental cleaning schedules. Dental appointments will, for instance, prevent plaques and tartar from developing while also helping you address any underlying concerns that could be causing the vomit smell.
In addition to this, regularly brushing your dog’s teeth will also help. Once your dog gets accustomed to this routine, make it a point to brush it twice a day. Dog chews can also help in preventing dental issues as these also help reduce build-up.
The folds in your dog’s ears and skin could also be harboring moisture that makes your dog smell, making this another area to consider checking. If your dog loves swimming or loves playing in the water, ensure that you dry it to get rid of any bacterial build-up. Bathing them weekly will also ensure that you get rid of any dirt and bacteria.
Another way to remove the vomit smell from your dog will be by feeding them a healthy diet. Food high in protein will be a good start, allowing you to track its progress over time. Try introducing one ingredient in their food at a time to gauge how well your dog’s body reacts to the new diet.
If you notice any flatulence issues, bloating problems, or discomfort, try switching to other food alternatives. Your vet can also assist with this, with their recommendation allowing you to avoid dietary issues down the road.
Why Does My Dog Smell Like Vomit?
If the above practices do not work and your dog still smells like vomit, a few factors could be contributing to the odor. Some of these include:
Ear infections
Ear infections are one of the most common causes of odor in dogs. Infections can stem from excessive hair on top or inside the ear canal, lack of cleanliness, or excess moisture from swimming. The degree of odor will also vary depending on how bad the infection is. A light yeasty smell will be easier to handle as this will require you to clean your dog’s ears.
If the odor is highly unpleasant and smells like fermentation, you will likely notice a brown discharge from your dog’s ear. This will require your vet’s help, with the right drugs coming in handy for the treatment. Allergies and hormonal imbalances could also cause ear infections and bacterial increase, causing more odor.
A bacterial infection will, in particular, be pungent, with some cases manifesting in a sweet smell if the bacteria are of the pseudomonas variety. In this case, the discharge will lean towards yellowish-green pus. Topical medication will often be prescribed along with ingestible drugs.
Other types of ear infections could stem from mite infection, with the sign for this being dark brown material in your pet’s ears. Like the above, this will also call for medical intervention.
Atopy
Atopy refers to allergies caused by food or seasonal weather changes that could cause inflammation of your dog’s skin. When this happens, certain glands produce excess secretion of oil, resulting in a musty smell. If your dog also consumes a poor diet, a foul vomit-like smell could signal a need for a diet change.
Food that is high in carbohydrates and processed foods could cause yeast infections which results in the odor. High protein and non-processed food will be a better alternative, with allergy tablets being ideal for helping you take care of any seasonal allergies.
Dental Problems
Another factor that could be contributing to your dog’s smelling like vomit could be dental problems. A build-up of plaque and tartar on your dog’s teeth could contribute to bad breath, with smaller dog breeds prone to gum disease.
Other breeds will also be prone to getting gingival hyperplasia, which is the overgrowth of gums that could be harboring small bits of food. This may lead to a rotten smell, with the solution to this being cleaning your dog’s teeth. Seeking professional help will also help eliminate and treat these listed dental problems, helping your dog get relief from any discomfort while keeping any odors at bay.
Anal Sacs
Anal sacs are another common reason why your dog may smell. All canines have two scent sacs on their bottom, which can cause pain and smelly secretions when infected. If not adequately addressed, the secretions will remain on the fur, leading to odors.
One way to determine if your dog has anal sacs is by checking if your pet drags his bottom on the ground. This often indicates that they are in pain, with a vet’s help coming in handy for this.
Gas Issues
If your dog is struggling with flatulence, it will also likely have a bad smell. Gas issues could result from food intolerances, with the only help being getting the proper diet for your dog. To get this right, consider consulting with your vet to rule out ingredients such as grains that could be causing gut disturbances.
Make it a point to monitor how your dogs respond to the changes in their food. If the problem persists, consult your vet, as this may indicate an underlying medical issue that needs further assessment.
Skin Fold Pyoderma
Skinfold pyoderma refers to a bacterial infection of the skin that originates in a dog’s fold. If your dog has two adjacent skin surfaces close to each other, it will likely create the perfect breeding ground for bacteria to thrive. This can also be accelerated by moist conditions, mainly when your dog does not get dry after swimming or bathing.
The bacteria then produce a discharge that is often accompanied by a foul odor. Some of the most common areas where your dog can develop skin fold pyoderma include the lips, groins, and mammary glands for female dogs that have just had their puppies. Treatment for this may involve the administration of antibiotics, helping reduce any bacterial growth.
Urinary Tract Infection
Dogs with urinary tract infections will pass urine with a foul smell and will likely worsen with time. If you notice an unusual smell in your dog’s urine that does not disappear, consider booking an appointment with your vet. Urinary tract infections require a professional diagnosis, with the treatments often being antibiotics to help clear up the infection.
While vomit or rotting fish smells are the most common indicators of urinary tract infection, other signs can also help you pinpoint this problem. These include frequent urination and signs of strain when your dog tries to urinate. Older dogs may also suffer from incontinence, with the urine leaking into the fur or skin, resulting in an unpleasant smell when it dries.
Parvovirus
Parvovirus is another cause of odor in dogs. Dogs with parvovirus suffer from viral attacks in their intestines, resulting in the death of intestinal cells. When these cells are expelled from the body, your dogs’ waste will have a nasty smell that may occasionally remain on their fur.
Vomit will also be another symptom of parvovirus, along with lethargy that poses a severe health risk for your dog. If you notice a vomit smell on your dog, ensure that your dog visits your vet as this indicates a life-threatening condition. Puppies are prone to this ailment, with dehydration likely to make your dog’s condition worse.
While odors such as vomit will be a cause for concern, sweet smells from your dog also need to be checked out. A fruity or sweet breath may indicate diabetes, requiring urgent care by a professional.
How Long Does Vomit Smell Last in a Dog?
The length of time that a vomit smell lasts in your dog will be proportionate to the recovery time for the underlying illness. Medication can help reduce the vomit smell significantly, with the odor associated with some diseases clearing up in a few days.
Dogs with folds that grasp food, saliva, and bacteria may require a more extended period to eliminate the vomit smell, with some extreme cases requiring surgery to eliminate the folds. If, however, the vomit smell is caused by hygiene problems, routine cleanups will help tackle any odors within a few days. This will also be the case for dogs requiring dental care, allowing your pet to get rid of any mouth odors.
How To Get Rid of a Vomit Smell From the Carpet?
Every dog owner will likely have one or more instances of vomiting smells on their carpet, a task that fortunately has an effective solution. Keep in mind that time will be of the essence when trying to get out of odors, and it is crucial that you start your cleaning process as soon as you detect any foul smells. There are a few tips that you can use, as listed below.
Using Laundry Detergent and Water
Begin by removing any solids from the carpet if your dog has vomited on it. If the smell originates from infections whose odor has passed on to your carpet, begin by dampening the affected area with water. This will help you to loosen stains or any residual smells. After this, sprinkle some laundry detergent and more water and use a brush to scrub the area. Once you notice the smell fading away, you can then spray an air freshener of your choice.
Put Your Vacuum to Use
This method will come in handy if you have vomit stains that are causing the carpet odor. For this, you will need a vacuum designed for spot cleaning. Such equipment comes with powerful suction functions, allowing you to get rid of stubborn stains. All you need to do is place the vacuum atop the stain on your carpet and turn it on. Its brushes will scrub and suction the area in question, allowing you to get rid of the smell in no time.
Utilize Household Items
A simple carpet wash for the affected area will also be effective, with household items such as white vinegar and hydrogen peroxide being the go-to for this. Start by diluting your preferred solution in tap water and add this to a spray bottle. Dampen the area of concern and then blot the spot using towels. You can also wipe it or gently scrub the carpet, after which you can place the towel over the damp area until it gets saturated.
After washing, you can also freshen your carpet with ready-to-use sprays that disinfect, clean, and refresh areas with foul smells. The majority of the household sprays come in different scents, with the most common being citrus, lavender, and eucalyptus scents. These will allow you to spruce up your room, helping you revitalize your space.