Can shampoo cure dog's body odor ?

jkoch

By Dr. John Koch

Question: My dogs seems to have a very strong body odor. We shampoo once each week, but the odor returns in a few days. We have tried several different shampoos and they all work about the same. I am afraid to bathe her more often. Is there a special shampoo that might help, or do you have any other suggestion?

Answer: If the proper shampoo is used, your dog may be bathed more than once each week. Be sure to use a non-detergent hypoallergenic shampoo. Make sure that it is designed for dogs and not humans. The skin and hair of dogs has chemistry that is very different from humans. Human products, even baby shampoo, should not be used on pets. There are a number of differences between the skin and hair of humans and that of animals. Perhaps one of the most important is the pH or acidity. Humans have a pretty acidic skin and hair with a pH of 5.5. Dogs and cats on the other hand have an alkaline pH of 7.5. Virtually all human shampoos are acidic and if they are used on a pet they tend to be drying and slightly irritating.

Finding a pet shampoo specifically designed for pets can be a little tricky. The least expensive way to produce such a product is to use what is already made for humans. A few additives are mixed in and the mixture is put into a bottle with a pet label on it. There is really nothing wrong with this except that the pH is wrong and additionally, chemical residues tend to build up in the skin with irritation resulting. Skin irritation can be subtle and not readily noticed, however it can still be enough to cause or aggravate skin odor.

It is difficult to know which products have the right pH and are specifically made for pets because labels are misleading. Many board certified veterinary dermatologists recommend three product lines. The Virbac Company manufactures a line of shampoos under the label of Allerderm. Pfizer manufactures a line of shampoos under the label of mycodex, and DVM pharmaceuticals also manufacture an excellent line of shampoos.

If you pet has a persistent body odor, a veterinarian should examine it. Infection, allergy, or any of several other problems that require more specific treatment could be the cause.

Dr. Koch is a Cape Girardeau veterinarian.