Expert: Charlotte Sherrell, DVM - 7/1/2009

Question
I have a 12 yr old Golden Retriever and have recently got a now, 7 month old Chocolate Lab.  My golden retriever never had a smell problem until we got the chocolate lab.  The puppy constantly is trying to play with the golden, bites, wrestles with her and pulls on her neck fur.  Ever since we got the chocolate the golden smells terrible.  I have given her many baths and nothing helps!  What is the problem?  The Chocolate does not smell bad...

Answer
Robin -

Since the two dogs are playing often, there is the possibility that the odor you smell is saliva fromthe younger dog  on the Golden's dog's coat.  

Also because your Golden is a senior citizen, you may want to have your dog evaluated by a veterinarian to determine if there is a metabolic reason for the change in the way he smells.  Your Golden can benefit from bloodworkk which can screen liver and kidney function.

Best Regards,

Charlotte Sherrell, DVM