Why Does My Dog Smell After Grooming? Causes and What to Do
Why Does My Dog Smell After Grooming?
Your dog can smell after grooming because the coat or undercoat is still slightly damp (trapping odour), anal glands weren’t expressed, or there’s an underlying issue such as ear infection, skin infection, or dental odour. Strong-smelling shampoos or colognes can also leave a scent some owners find unpleasant. Usually the smell fades within a day or two; if it’s strong, fishy, or persists, ask your groomer what products they used and consider a vet check for ears, skin, or anal glands.
You expect your dog to come home from the groomer fresh and clean, so it can be surprising when they still smell or smell different. The following sections cover common causes and what you can do.
Common reasons your dog smells after grooming
| Cause | What to do |
|---|---|
| Damp coat | Thick or double coats can hold moisture near the skin. Odour from bacteria can develop if the coat isn’t fully dry. Ensure the groomer finishes drying; at home, you can use a fan or ensure the dog is in a warm, dry place. |
| Anal glands | Full or expressed anal glands can leave a fishy, pungent smell. Many groomers offer gland expression; if not, your vet can do it. If the smell is fishy and persistent, ask for gland expression or a vet check. |
| Ear or skin issues | Ear infections or yeast/bacteria on skin produce odour that bathing alone won’t fix. If the smell is musty, cheesy, or coming from ears or skin folds, see a vet. |
| Shampoo or cologne | Heavily scented products can leave a strong smell. Ask your groomer for fragrance-free or mild options next time if you prefer a subtler scent. |
| Dental or mouth odour | Grooming doesn’t clean teeth. If the smell seems to come from the mouth, it may be dental disease—schedule a vet check. |
Is it normal for my dog to smell right after a groom?
A mild “clean” or product smell is normal. A strong, unpleasant, or fishy smell that doesn’t fade within 24–48 hours is worth investigating. Check whether the coat is fully dry and whether the groomer expressed anal glands; if the smell persists or you notice redness, discharge, or scratching, see a vet. For skin irritation after grooming, see dog itching after grooming.
How to reduce or prevent the smell
- Ask your groomer to ensure the coat is completely dry, especially in thick or double coats.
- Request anal gland expression if your dog is prone to a fishy smell (or have your vet do it).
- Choose fragrance-free or low-scent shampoos if you’re sensitive to strong smells.
- If your dog has skin or ear issues, get those treated by a vet; grooming alone won’t fix infection.
Summary
Your dog can smell after grooming because of damp coat, anal glands, ear or skin infection, or strong products. Most mild smells fade in a day or two. If the smell is strong, fishy, or doesn’t go away, ask your groomer what they used and consider a vet check for ears, skin, or anal glands.
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