Stinky dog--shampoo recommendations???

[digitaldiva]

Our friends have a little rescue Lhasa who is about 7 years old. The little guy gets groomed once a month, but we've all noticed --since he was first rescued about 2 years ago-- he's stinky about a week after grooming. They took the dog to the vet a number of times over the years about the odor, and he's healthy--no medical reason for being stinky, and no other medical or other problems.

I notice that when the Lhasa plays "tag" with the sprinklers in the garden, he REALLY reeks! Worse than normal wet-dog odor!

Now I do know that normal doggie smell is ....well, normal. However, this goes beyond normal doggie and normal wet-doggie smell. He stinks when he's dry and has not been in the sprinklers, and he *really* stinks when he's wet.

Is there a shampoo that will help us people with this odor problem, that can be used between monthly grooming appointments?

Thanks for any help,
Diva

[Marty]

May I ask what they are feeding him? Sometimes changing to a better quality food will help.

[k9Karen]

If there are no health problems, I'd try either a baking soda or vinegar rinse after bathing. It may be a skin pH 'thing' that's causing the overgrowth of the wrong bacteria. If that doesn't work, try a shampoo with coal tar. (It stinks, but the smell doesn't last.)

[Traci]

Did the vet ever do a full bloodwork panel on this dog? If not, now is a good time to do so. Ask the vet to rule out oral health problems, kidney disease, etc.

What is the groomer using for shampoo, and does he/she also use scents or dog "perfumes" during the grooming? This is a common problem for some dogs and owners, since the owners sense of smell adjusts to the shampoo or "perfumes" used by the groomer, and when it wears off, it combines with the dog's natural oils on the skin and becomes worse. Have them ask the groomer to use an oatmeal-based or similar safe shampoo and not to add any "doggy perfume".

Check the yard and garden areas for any signs of something the dog may be rolling in. Also, is it a well or city water or ? that is coming from the sprinklers?

And, as Marty said, make sure they are feeding a high quality food, but talk with the vet first so that all health problems are ruled out first if they need to adjust the diet.

[digitaldiva]

Thanks everyone! I'll print out the posts for our friend!
Diva

[davet]

she might just consider a diagnosis of seborrhea...really stinky

[davet]

forgot to add..Sebulax shampoo works good but sheck with vet first.