Smelly puppy

sweetp · Junior Member Joined: 07 Apr 2008 Posts: 22 Location: BC

Hello!!

New to the forum (since looking for, over the past several weeks, and now getting a labradoodle)...wondering if anyone can answer a question on doggy smell?

We just got our pup from the breeder the other day. He's a 4th gen australian labradoodle, with a soft curly fleece coat.
He has a very doggy smell. We'd heard that there was no smell with australian labradoodles (which was something we were very happy to hear about), and hadn't noticed any with previous doodles that we've met, so we're confused as to why ours smells!
We thought perhaps because puppy was with other dogs at the breeders he may be 'covered' in a smell? Will it go away? We have bathed him (for which he sat beautifully!), but it was kind of a quick job, so I don't know if we just weren't thorough enough?

Is it common for australian doodles to smell?

Linda · Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2008 3:53 pm Post subject:

What does he smell like...Can you describe it? Urine, poo, fishy? Has your vet cleared him yet?
If it is just a doggy smell I would say it is probably just from being with the other dogs at the breeders. After two shampoos he won't smell anymore! Doodles don't usually smell.
And whatt food is he on...and what food did the breeder feed him?

momoftwo · Senior Member Joined: 03 Mar 2007 Posts: 267

Welcome! I would think your puppy should not smell. My Australian does not have a dog smell to him at all. If a bath didn't help I would start looking for other causes. Have you taken a good look / sniff in his ears? I would also look at the food you are feeding. I would agree - something is not right.

Heather

Lucky Me · Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2008 5:46 pm Post subject:

I'd say check out the ears too! I have brought home puppies in the past with funky smelling ears, I remember one had an ear infection.
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Linda · Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2008 6:28 pm Post subject:

I just remembered! Bella had a doggie smell when we first brought her home as a puppy. I bathed her but I was very nervous about washing her head because of her eyes(even though I used the no tears puppy shampoo)! And so the smell lingered even after a bath. I bathed her again and really washed her head and she was all better! Maybe that will help?
Otherwise, I would check ears and if that is the issue, I would look at her food ingredients. Corn can cause yeast to overgrow and ears would be prime for a yeast infection.

MaxandMe · Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2008 7:06 pm Post subject:

IF AFTER a really good thorough washing of the body and head doesn't rid your doodle of odor

PLEASE check the ears as a yeast infection can be the cause and easily cleared up if caught early. Very Happy

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sweetp · Junior Member Joined: 07 Apr 2008 Posts: 22 Location: BC

Thanks for all the replies...I feel better that the doggy smell will go away!

It's really just a strong dog smell...nothing unusual. Have had a look at his ears and they look fine. His mouth and teeth look good as well.
As for food, he was on Costco premium puppy food with the breeder, so still on that for now.

The bath we gave him was very quick. We didn't want to stress him out too much, and he's still recovering from his neutering (the breeder said they had bathed him already since his surgery, so I figured safe to do so).
Not to mention the fact that I'm not so sure of myself yet with bathing him, and didn't know how much he would tolerate!

We're heading to the vet tomorrow for a check up, so we'll rule out anything wrong healthwise. Will plan on a couple more baths afterwards to make him smell sweet!

Shaia · Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2008 9:13 pm Post subject:

aside from the bath, i would definitely suggest giving his diet some attention. costco is not the best quality food - he could be sensitive or allergic to some of the fillers. if you do a search, you'll find lots of good diet info on this forum. some of the better foods are canidae, innova, wellness and california natural brands. good luck with your little guy!
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Mary & Shaia

sweetp · Junior Member Joined: 07 Apr 2008 Posts: 22 Location: BC

Thanks...I don't intend to keep him on the costco stuff. I didn't want to switch him too early though...I figure he's had enough stress for the short term.
Was thinking of trying him on Canidae...have read lots of good things about it and it was recommended to me by another breeder.
Any suggestions on how soon to switch him over? Was thinking to keep him on the costco food for a month, gradually working in the new food...

Shaia · Posted: Tue Apr 15, 2008 11:04 pm Post subject:

after he settles in, i think it'd be fine to switch him over before waiting a month. do it gradually, as you know, i usually do it in about 2 weeks, mixing them together a little more each day until i've weaned off the old food. i think you'll see great results! each pup is so different though - with our current doodle, i tried several foods before we settled on one her stomach liked. Smile

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Mary & Shaia

Linda · Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2008 5:02 am Post subject:

Actually Costco IS a pretty good food! If he is doing well on it I would not feel compelled to change. The price is good, too.

lmtoth2 · Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2008 6:12 am Post subject:

I have also read before that Costco's food is pretty good...our dogs have problems with grains so we could never try it.

Next time you give you puppy a bath, try giving him some treats during the bath. Kirby really doesn't like baths and we treated him during his past 2 baths ago and they went so much better!
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sdrudge · Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2008 8:05 am Post subject:

Sounds like you have all the help you need. I would have said check the ears too.
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Samantha, Cacao and Beau

Shaia · Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2008 3:51 pm Post subject:

just sayin.' if he's still smelly after a bath, maybe costco isn't the food for him.
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Mary & Shaia

sweetp · Junior Member Joined: 07 Apr 2008 Posts: 22 Location: BC

Well, we went to the vet yesterday...happy to say Bosco is very healthy, and his ears are perfect!

Vet did have a concern about his food though (she's not a fan of the costco brand), and advised us to change it now. He's had a bit of the runs since we brought him home (can't imagine how stressful all that change must have been for him), and the vet thought the food was contibuting to the problem. She recommended Medi-Cal/Royal Canin-Vet diet (development formula). Since he already had a bit of tummy upset, she said it wouldn't hurt to start mixing in the new food now.

He is doing beautifully, and I can't even believe how nicely he sits for his bath/shower! We bathed him last night (very thoroughly) and he smells better now. He had no complaints in the bath or with the gentle blowdry afterwards...he is exceptionally tolerant! Such a gorgeous pup! Totally laid back and relaxed, and so affectionate!
He did so well at the vet as well...what a good boy!