Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 4/17/2010

Question
Hi, I have a boxer mix that I got from the pound several months ago. Every time he gets up in the morning or nap his belly, legs and paws smell so bad that it'll run you out of the room. His back coat and head are fine, smell like the shampoo I use every other day. I know bathing often is not good. So I switched diets....3 times. Trying 4 different shampoos. Then started with deodorizing wipes. Now some neutralizing spray (which is a blast to hold him down for). Lats night he came up to me after a nap and just wreaked. So I rubbed him down with baby powder. This helped for the short term, but the smell was back this morning. Asked the Dr. at the pound, well needless to say I don't think they care to much. This has to be a skin problem. The only place I feel he is oily is up in the pits of his legs. He's gotten so used to the wiped that I grab the box and he lays on his back. they seam to work the best for immediate results but only last 12 hours or so. Let me know what you think, I'm spending a mint on stuff for this dog and Fabreez.

Answer
So often, there is a skin disease that creates this odor.  What usually happens is that the skin disease causes the oil glands to secrete more.  Then the oils are broken down by the bacteria and yeasts on the skin, which create the odor. Many of these dogs have to be on antibiotics and antifungal drugs as well as special anti-seborrheic shampoos.  Please take her to a vet to tell you what skin disease is present and what to do to treat it.