My Cocker Spaniel Stinks - A Lot!
by Marnee
(OC)
Stinky Spaniel - Who Me?
My Cocker Spaniel stinks!
She starts to stink just an hour after she has taken a bath.
Why? And what can I do?
Reply from Pauline - Website Owner
What a little cutie!
I would recommend you check a couple of things:
Check her mouth
Our Cocker Spaniel (Max) very often gets what's commonly known as 'Cocker Mouth' and it absolutely stinks!
It happens as a result of not wiping or cleaning their mouths and food and moisture get trapped in the fur and folds around the lips. This creates ideal conditions for bacteria to grow and thrive and this is where the foul smell comes from.
The food in the fur around the bottom lip can harden as it dries so you may need to soak it off.
If it's not too bad, you may be able to simply wipe or wash it away, however, if may be wise to visit to the vet.
Max was prescribed a course of antibiotics and a small tub of antibiotic wipes (which we managed to get much cheaper on-line). They worked very well and we now keep them on hand and at the first signs of 'that smell' we get them out and give him a good clean.
We also try to remember to wipe his mouth with a baby wipe after each meal, but...
Check Her Ears
If your cocker spaniel has an ear infection, the bacteria in her ears could be causing a smell.
I recommend you read the following:
Learn more about your Cocker Spaniel's Ears,
Ear Infection In Dogs,
Symptoms Of Dog Ear Infection,
How To Keep Your Cocker Spaniel's Ears Clean.
The information in these articles will help you to keep your cockers ear in tip top condition!
Check Out Her Bottom!
If the smell is not coming from her mouth it may be the glands in her bottom. Check out this article on anal glands for more information. You'll also learn how to clear them if you discover that that is the problem and the glands are blocked.
If it's neither of these, perhaps one of our visitors can help?
If you're at all worried about her, or your cocker spaniel is showing any signs of ill-health, we recommend you go and see the vet immediately.
Good luck and let us know how you get on!
Teaching your puppy recall is one of the most important things you will ever teach your Cocker. Learn how to train your dog to come back when called.
Train a Cocker Spaniel to let go of whatever's in his mouth, without hesitation, and you won't regret it. This is an excellent command to teach your puppy!
Giving your puppy obedience training, such as sit, stay, wait, come etc., will help you to shape a well-behaved puppy and will also help to keep him safe.
