Goldendoodles can be prone to strong body odor due to their Poodle heritage, which makes them shed less but still produce oils that can cause smelly skin.
Their thick coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling, which can lead to skin irritation and increase the likelihood of a strong smell.
Some Goldendoodles may inherit the Poodle's low-shedding trait, but not the low-oil trait, resulting in a coat that's prone to oiliness and a stronger smell.
Regular brushing and bathing can help reduce the amount of oils on their coat and minimize the smell.
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Why Do Goldendoodles Smell?
Goldendoodles can smell due to various reasons, including ear infections, dental issues, and gas caused by dietary problems. These issues can be easily overcome with proper care and attention.
Ear infections and dental problems are two common causes of a stinky Goldendoodle. In fact, ear infections are a common cause of stinky Goldendoodles, as mentioned in the article.
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Other causes of a stinky Goldendoodle include improper coat cleaning, anal sac problems, and inherited traits like EYE RUN (a poodle trait). These issues can be addressed with proper grooming and veterinary care.
Here are some common causes of a stinky Goldendoodle:
- Ear Infections
- Dental issues
- Gas (or dietary)
- Atopy
- Improperly cleaned coat
- Anal Sacs
- EYE RUN (Poodle Inherited trait)
Causes of Smell
Goldendoodles can be prone to a range of issues that contribute to their smell.
One of the most common causes of a stinky Goldendoodle is ear infections. These can cause a strong, yeasty smell to emanate from your dog's ears.
Dental problems are another common cause of a smelly Goldendoodle. Issues like periodontal disease or infected teeth can lead to a foul odor coming from your dog's mouth.
Anal gland problems can also cause a strong, fishy smell in Goldendoodles. This is due to the buildup of bacteria in the anal glands, which can become infected and lead to a persistent odor.
Systemic problems, such as metabolic diseases like kidney disease and liver failure, can also contribute to a smelly Goldendoodle. These underlying health issues can cause a range of symptoms, including a strong, unpleasant odor.
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Here are some common causes of a stinky Goldendoodle:
If you notice a persistent or unusual smell coming from your Goldendoodle, it's essential to consult with a veterinarian to rule out underlying health problems and treat any symptoms.
Why It Happens
Goldendoodles smell because they have a unique coat type that combines the low-shedding qualities of Poodles with the high-shedding nature of Golden Retrievers.
Their coat type is the main culprit behind their strong odor.
Their fur traps moisture, sweat, and oils from their skin, creating an ideal environment for bacteria and yeast to thrive.
This leads to a buildup of odor-causing compounds on their skin and in their fur.
Regular grooming can help reduce the amount of bacteria and yeast on their coat, but it's not a foolproof solution.
Goldendoodles need regular baths, nail trimming, and ear cleaning to stay fresh and odor-free.
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Getting Rid of the Smell
If your Goldendoodle has a funky aroma, fear not. There are several ways you can help them get back to smelling fresh and clean. Try these tips from Dr. Murdoch to eliminate smelly odors on your dog.
To eliminate smelly odors on your dog, try these tips from Dr. Murdoch.
You can help your Goldendoodle get back to smelling fresh and clean by following these steps.
According to Dr. Murdoch, there are several ways to help your dog get rid of smelly odors.
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Maintaining Clean Coats
Regular bathing and grooming is a necessity for Goldendoodles, especially if they like to roll around on the ground or play in the mud.
Dirty coats can start smelling at some point, so it's essential to establish a regular grooming routine.
Bathing your Goldendoodle too much can dry out their skin and cause irritation and skin problems.
You should never use human shampoos or conditioners on a dog, as they can be harsh on their skin.
Choose a dog-friendly shampoo that suits your pet's skin type and condition, and make sure to thoroughly wash your dog to remove all traces of shampoo.
If your dog is a wrinkly breed, give their skin folds extra attention during bath time.
An all-round good hygiene routine can prevent bad smells and also more serious medical issues that are caused by bad bacteria.
You should start with grooming and cleaning as soon as you've adopted your Goldendoodle, so they can get used to it from early on.
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Regular brushing, bathing, and grooming can prevent problems with smelliness in Goldendoodles.
To keep your dog looking and smelling good, regularly brush their coats, give them monthly baths, and care for their nails, ears, and teeth.
Bathing your pet can be challenging, but the right shampoo will make it a lot easier, and there are safe, all-natural shampoos designed with your pets in mind.
Common Issues
Goldendoodles, like all dogs, can be prone to shedding and dander, which can lead to unpleasant odors.
Their coat type is a major contributor to this issue, as they often inherit the low-shedding trait from their Poodle parent.
Regular grooming is essential to prevent matting and tangling, which can cause strong odors.
Some Goldendoodles may be more prone to skin issues, such as allergies or infections, which can lead to a strong, unpleasant smell.
Their diet can also affect their body odor, with some owners reporting that their Goldendoodles smell worse when fed a high-carb diet.
Goldendoodles are known to be intelligent and trainable, which makes them easier to teach good hygiene habits, such as regular bathing and nail trimming.
Grooming and Care
Choosing the right shampoo for your goldendoodle can make a big difference in reducing odors. Dr. Murdoch recommends looking for products with natural ingredients like oatmeal and aloe vera.
These ingredients help moisturize your dog's fur and soothe their skin, which can reduce the likelihood of odors. It's a good idea to consult with a vet for personalized recommendations on the best shampoo for your goldendoodle's specific needs.
Best Shampoo Options
When choosing a shampoo for your dog, it's essential to consider their specific needs, such as addressing skin conditions or allergies.
Dr. Murdoch recommends looking for products that use natural ingredients like oatmeal and aloe vera to help moisturize your dog's fur and soothe their skin.
Natural ingredients like oatmeal and aloe vera can be beneficial for your dog's skin and coat.
To find the right shampoo for your Goldendoodle, consider factors like reducing dander and eliminating oils, as well as preventing matting in the undercoat.
The best Goldendoodle shampoos have a balanced pH, are soap-free, and have a pleasant smell.
Here are some key features to look for in a Goldendoodle shampoo:
- Balanced pH
- Soap Free
- Excellent smell
- Biodegradable and environmentally friendly
- Does not wash off flea applications
The Earth Bath All-Natural Shampoo is a popular choice for Goldendoodles, as it can help reduce odors and is gentle on their skin.
Skin Problems
Skin problems can be a real issue for Goldendoodles, and one of the most noticeable symptoms is a bad odor. This can be caused by yeast infections, bacterial infections, or seborrhea.
Yeast infections, such as those caused by Malassezia yeast, can lead to skin changes, discomfort, and bad smells. Bacterial infections, like staphylococcus pseudintermedius, can also cause similar symptoms.
Seborrhea is another skin problem that can cause an unpleasant odor in Goldendoodles. This is due to the production of excessive sebum amounts that cause the dog's skin to become red, flaky, and itchy.
If you suspect your Goldendoodle has a skin problem, it's essential to speak with your veterinarian as soon as possible. They can determine the proper treatment, which may include antibiotic and antifungal creams, and special care for your dog's skin.
Here are some common skin problems that can cause bad odors in Goldendoodles:
- Yeast infections
- Bacterial infections
- Seborrhea
Dental Issues
Goldendoodles can suffer from bad breath due to gum disease, which is not uncommon in dogs.
Both Poodles and Golden Retrievers can be prone to gum recession, leading to increased bacteria in the mouth.
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, can cause pockets of gum recession that trap food and bacteria near the teeth.
Calculus and plaque can form if food stays on the teeth, allowing bacteria to grow.
The soft bacterial buildup, known as dental plaque, can be easily removed, but calculus or tartar requires professional cleaning of your Goldendoodle's teeth.
To prevent dental issues, look for dental chew toys or natural tooth cleaning treats that are specifically designed for Goldendoodles.
Here are some common dental issues to watch out for:
Eye Discharge
Eye discharge, also known as eye gunk or eye poo, is a common issue in Goldendoodles and other Poodle mix breeds.
It's not just small dogs that get eye stain, even giant breeds like Bernedoodles can be prone to it.
Using tear-stain remover on a damp cloth can easily remove the gunk and prevent the smell.
Some breeds, like Australian Labradoodles and Aussie Bernedoodles, may have less eye stain due to their mixed ancestry.
How to Groom
Grooming is an essential part of a cat's daily routine, and it's best to start when they're young. Regular grooming helps prevent hairballs and reduces shedding.
Cats need to be brushed at least two to three times a week to prevent matting and tangling of their fur. Brushing also helps distribute skin oils, keeping their coat healthy and shiny.
Nail trimming is a crucial part of grooming, and it's recommended to trim your cat's nails every four to six weeks. Trimming their nails too short can be painful for your cat, so it's essential to be careful.
Cats also need their teeth brushed regularly to prevent tartar buildup and promote good oral health. Brushing their teeth daily is ideal, but even brushing a few times a week can make a big difference.
Cleaning your cat's ears regularly is also important, as wax and debris can build up and cause infections. Use a gentle ear cleaner and cotton balls to clean their ears, taking care not to push too hard and hurt their ear canal.
Bathing your cat is not always necessary, but it's recommended if they get into something sticky or dirty. Use a mild shampoo and warm water, and be sure to rinse them thoroughly to prevent skin irritation.
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A Reader Question
I've had a few readers ask about the smell of Goldendoodles, so I thought it would be helpful to share a question and answer from one of our readers. Lizzie emailed us to ask about the smell of Goldendoodles and how it compares to Labradoodles.
All dogs can smell, and there's no greater or lesser predisposition to smelling bad between Labradoodle and Goldendoodle.
As it turns out, there's no significant difference in odor between F1 and F1b or even F2 generation Goldendoodles. This is surprising, given that Poodles are known for being an extremely low odor dog.
Individual Goldendoodles may have an odor, but there are plenty of possible solutions to the most common odor-causing issues. These include regular bath time, addressing anal gland issues, and improving oral hygiene.
Here are some common causes of bad smell in Goldendoodles:
- Ear infections
- Dental issues
- Anal gland problems
- Bad breath caused by improper oral hygiene, digestive issues, or eating garbage
If you're experiencing a strong odor from your Goldendoodle, it's always a good idea to consult with your vet to rule out any underlying medical issues.
Sources
- Smelly Dog? Here's Why—and How To Get Rid of ... (chewy.com)
- Why Do Goldendoodles Stink (wagwalking.com)
- Why Do Goldendoodles Smell? 6 Causes and Prevention (doodledoods.com)
- https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/why-does-my-dog-smell/ (akc.org)
- Pet MD Yeast (webmd.com)
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