A Rhodesian Ridgeback is an excellent choice if you are looking for a furry companion that won’t stink up the house. Not only is this particular breed of dog intelligent and majestic, but it is also very clean. The Rhodesian Ridgeback has very little odor and minimal shedding, so you don’t have to vacuum and spray room deodorizer every time they come inside.
If you have one of these magnificent breeds and are wondering to yourself, “why does my Rhodesian ridgeback smell?” it could be an indication that there is something wrong.
Keep Your Dog Clean
But, even though they have earned the well-deserved reputation of being virtually odor-free, it’s still a good idea to bathe your furry pooch regularly to keep them smelling fresh. Use a shampoo for dogs since it has ingredients that will help nourish your dog’s fur, so it is healthy and shines.
Some are even formulated to prevent dandruff, and others are more gentle on sensitive skin. Try to begin bating your puppy at a young age so that they can get used to bath time and won’t try to fight you when they are full-grown (and much harder to wrangle!).
Keep Those Gums and Teeth Sparkling
One reason why your dog may smell more than usual could be due to a dental issue. One of the most common causes of bad dog breath is plaque build-up, and some breeds are more likely to develop Gingival Hyperplasia.
The unpleasant odor is caused by bits of food that are trapped under the overgrowth of the gums. The best way to avoid this problem is to take preventative action and keep your dog’s teeth nice and clean.
There are many products specifically designed to clean in all those hard-to-reach places, such as bones and treats. In addition, be sure to take your dog to the vet at least once a year for an annual checkup.
This way, you can keep an eye on the health of your dog’s gums, and you can get them professionally cleaned if needed.
Certain pet insurance companies will even cover the cost of the cleaning, so you want to ask your current or potential provider for more details. You should also brush your dog’s teeth to help keep plaque under control.
It Could Be Gas
If your dog passes gas more frequently than you would like or they typically clear the room, it could be caused by an intolerance to a certain brand of food or, more specifically, a specific ingredient. An intolerance is not the same as a food allergy, which can cause adverse reactions such as skin inflammation.
You could consult with your vet and see what they suggest or try to switch to a different brand. A grain-free or fish-based diet is typically easier for many dogs to handle, but every dog is different and has a different tolerance level to certain foods.
If you have talked to your vet and have tried changing up your dog’s diet but are still wondering, why does my Rhodesian Ridgeback smell? It could be an indication of a more serious health issue.
Your Dog May Be Suffering From Allergies
If your dog is smellier than you would like at certain parts of the year or after eating a new food, it could be from atopy, a type of hypersensitivity reaction to an offensive food or allergen. The reaction is often excessive oil production which can cause your dog to smell.
There are a few different causes of this, such as a poor diet that can cause a yeast infection to develop and, thus, a foul smell. A diet too high in carbohydrates or a diet that has too many processed foods can also cause the overproduction of oil.
Your vet may be able to prescribe an allergy medicine, or you could also try adding more high-protein foods and cutting out the processed foods to see if it helps.
Your Dog May Have an Ear Infection
Although ear infections are more common for dogs with floppy or very hairy ears, such as Springer Spaniels or Basset Hounds, any dog can get one. An ear infection can develop when your dog is fighting off an infection or allergies.
When this happens, too much bacteria and yeast accumulate, resulting in a very unpleasant smell. Keep your dog’s ears clean and dry, and you can usually avoid this problem altogether.
Even if your dog gets regular checkups, it’s still a good idea to check inside its ears from time to time.
Is Your Dog Scooting for Relief?
The scent sacs or glands cause another very common culprit of stench. Dogs usually meet and greet each other by smelling the scents created in these glands, which are located near the dog’s rear.
That’s why dogs sniff each other’s bottoms when they first encounter one another. Likewise, your dog uses these glands to meet and greet other dogs.
When something is going on in this area, it can smell pretty bad. Your dog may even scoot across the floor if it is bothering it, which can be an indication that this is the problem.
Even if you take your dog to all of its checkups and you are diligent with bathing and all the other hygienic practices of keeping your dog feeling great and smelling better, it’s still possible that an odorous problem can arise.
It is much less likely, but the good news is that it is likely treatable. But try to take care of it right away since it will be easier to get rid of a bad smell before it has a chance to get really bad.
