Do All Labradors Smell?

Dog owners know that weird smells are merely part of life. Labrador retrievers, in particular, are notorious for the odors that tend to linger on their shiny, double coat. Whether they rolled in a puddle of mud and dirt, skipped a day or two of grooming, or munched on a bowl of pungent dog food, their smell can be quite unpleasant for some.

How to get rid of Labrador smell? Continue reading to discover everything that you must know about Labradors, their tendency to smell bad, how to get rid of their smell from your house, and how you, as a pet parent, can help them overcome it.

The Science Of Labrador Body Odor

If you are considering adopting a Labrador, you should be aware that their smell will not be easy to deal with. If you are not used to weird odors—healthy and unhealthy alike—that come with dogs living in your house, it will take some time to get used to them.

Why do Labs stink so bad? Truth be told, there is a lot of science behind a Labrador’s signature scent.

Why Do Labradors Smell Bad?

Are Labradors stinky? Some Lab owners love the unique “Lab smell” created by their thick, double-layer fur. However, because of their energetic nature, Labs can become very smelly after an hour or so of vigorous physical activity. As they explore the backyard or play in the dog park, they may encounter all sorts of filthy things that can get caught in their coat.

Labrador retrievers love to play. They will not hesitate to jump in water puddles, lakes, or even mud. Similarly, if you do not clean their fur after a dirty excursion, any foul smell they bring home will linger on their fur and become worse over time.

Healthy odor is caused by natural secretions produced by the dog’s body. These smells generally originate in their ears and paw pads, which are not covered with fur. In addition, Labrador smelly feet are often made worse by the bacteria transferred from your dog’s tongue as they clean their paws.

One of the reasons your dog smells is because of the pheromones it produces. These are unique chemical substances that act as signals for communicating with other species. Moreover, unhealthy dog smells can be caused by dirt and grime trapped in their coat, skin infections, dental problems, food allergies, and even flatulence.

Ways To Improve Your Labrador’s Smell

How do I stop my Labrador from smelling? You should not lose hope when your furry friend comes back home smelling fetid. There are some easy ways to maintain your pup’s hygiene and make them smell fresh and clean.

• Good oral health is as vital for dogs as it is for humans. If their breath smells rancid, make sure you check their teeth and clean them regularly. Use a dog-friendly toothbrush to remove any plaque build-up that may lead to a terrible smell.
• If the reason behind your Labrador’s smell is constant farting, make sure they are fed the right kind of food. A grain-free diet that is rich in protein is an excellent choice. Consult with your veterinarian about your options if your dog’s food doesn’t agree with their digestive system.
• Make sure your Lab’s ears and paws are dry and clean. Keep wet wipes handy as they are gentle on their skin and can quickly clean up dirt and grime with minimal effort.
• Brush your Lab’s hair at least once a day with a wide-tooth metal comb. Brushing their coat thoroughly for 15 to 20 minutes will get rid of any lingering dirt and debris. Be careful when dealing with tangles.
• Don’t bathe your dog more than they need. Experts suggest that Labradors who spend most of their time indoors should be bathed only once every four to six weeks. Washing your Labrador too frequently may dry out their skin, leading to infections and other skin issues.
• If your Lab has gotten into mud and grime, you can rinse them off with a hose; no shampoo needed. Rub their skin to get rid of any lingering dirt.
• While it is crucial to maintain your dog’s hygiene and keep them clean, it is equally important to keep their bedding fresh and smelling good. Wash their bed at least once every two weeks.

How To Get Rid Of Labradors Smell In Your Home?

If you are troubled by your Labrador’s stench that has spread through your house, don’t fret. Getting rid of dog smell in your home only takes a few easy steps.

• Vacuum the carpets, curtains, upholstery, and other furnishings that your Lab frequently comes in contact with. Use a vacuum with strong suction to get rid of all the stubborn dog hair and make your indoor space look spick-and-span once again.
• Use a combination of a strong cleaning solution and hot water to clean the floor. If your Lab has an accident anywhere indoors, make sure to wipe it clean immediately. Allowing excretions to linger on surfaces will make cleaning and getting rid of the smell much more difficult.
• Use baking soda to eliminate any stubborn stains left behind by your dog’s dirty paws. Certainly, baking soda is an excellent neutralizer as it absorbs the foul odor and removes lingering marks.
• You can invest in a good air purifier that captures the bacteria and dirt in the air. This way, you can maintain healthy indoor air quality for your household despite your occasionally smelly Labrador retriever.
• Keep oil diffusers, fresh flowers, and scented candles all over your house to make your interiors smell fresh and clean.

Foul odors in your home are a natural consequence of owning a pet. It is your responsibility to ensure that the funky smell isn’t due to health issues or the lack of proper grooming.

If your Lab smells foul or musty all the time, keep a close eye on their behavior and daily habits. If nothing has changed with their exercise and grooming habits, the bad smell may be due to an infection or allergy. Take your dog to the vet for a thorough consultation.

How to get rid of Labrador smell? With a little bit of care, natural cleaning products, and vigorous vacuuming and scrubbing, you can get rid of even the smelliest odor that comes from your Labrador.