If you are a concerned owner wondering ” why is my dog ​​sad? ” You should know that there are many causes that can cause sadness and even depression in dogs. In fact, thanks to the most recent ethology studies, today we know that dogs are possessors of complex emotions, such as joy, discrimination or sadness.

It is very important not to ignore this behavior, therefore, in this ScoobyDog article, we will explain why a dog is sad and what to do about it. We will detail the most common signs that we can observe, the causes that cause them, and some management tips that every owner should follow to ensure the well-being of their best friend. Keep reading!

Depression in dogs or sadness?

To begin with, it is essential to point out that a continuous state of depression in the dog, which can span days and even weeks, is not the same as an episode of specific sadness. However, the signs that we can observe are very similar, so it will be essential not to ignore them and act promptly, in this way we will prevent it from going overboard, becoming chronic, or getting worse.

How to know if my dog ​​is sad?

Dogs, then, are susceptible to suffering from a state of sadness and depression, but how can we recognize it? If we know the usual behavior of our best friend it will be easier to identify that something is not going well, however, if we have recently adopted the dog, it will not be so easy.

Next we will mention the most common signs or 20 symptoms of sadness in dogs :

• Lack of appetite
• Increased appetite
• Apathy
• Inactivity
• Prostration
• Decreased activity
• Increased sleep
• Wailing
• Crying
• Howls
• Absence of play
• Fear
• Aggressiveness
• Anxiety
• Stress
• Lack of interaction
• Little interest in the environment
• Stereotypes
• Incontinence
• Hides

Why is my dog ​​sad? – 5 causes

Before suspecting that our dog’s behavior is caused by an emotional or behavioral problem, we should go to the vet to carry out a general review and rule out that our best friend suffers from a viral disease, such as distemper or parvovirus. In these cases, we can see that the dog is sad and does not want to eat, it has crones, trembles, and does not get up.

It can also be due to parasitic disease, whether we are talking about external parasites or internal parasites, thus showing that the dog is sad and has diarrhea, vomiting, or scratches excessively. In other cases, we could speak of a hormonal disorder, such as psychological pregnancy in non-neutered dogs. Any of these problems can cause the symptoms mentioned above.

Once organic problems have been ruled out, it will be essential to review the causes that explain “why my dog ​​is sad” since only in this way can we solve it effectively:

1. Adoption of the puppy: when we separate the puppy from its mother and siblings, especially when it is done promptly (before 2 and a half months of age) it is very likely that an episode of sadness or depression will appear that will last until the little one suits your home.
2. Changes in the family unit: as in the previous case, a dog that has been separated from its family, whether we are talking about humans or other domestic animals, may experience a process of sadness and even depression until it adapts to that new circumstance. The birth of a baby, a death, or a new animal at home are also some examples.
3. Use of punishment by the tutor: studies indicate that the use of punishment is not only less effective than positive reinforcement, but it can also cause the appearance of behavior problems, including fear, aggressiveness, or sadness.
4. Loneliness and Lack of Stimulation – Dogs are social animals that shouldn’t spend more than 6-8 hours alone a day. Likewise, they require attention, affection, physical stimulation, and mental stimulation. Lack of enrichment can also cause a state of sadness and depression.
5. Negative experiences and trauma: a very stressful, negative, and even traumatizing situation for your dog can cause depression but also act as a trigger for various behavioral problems in dogs. Dog fights, a run over, or a serious injury are some examples of situations that can cause these types of consequences.

What to do if my dog ​​is sad?

Whether we have identified the cause that is causing sadness in our dog or not, it is highly advisable to visit a veterinarian specialized in ethology or a licensed professional canine trainer or educator to issue a diagnosis and provide us with a list of exercises and guidelines. management. However, while we wait for the specialist’s visit, it may be advisable to follow these basic guidelines:

Pay more attention to canine language

It is obvious that any owner knows their dog, however, during a stage of sadness or depression, it is important to pay much more attention to the body language of the dog to be more respectful with him. We will avoid behaviors that may cause you unnecessary stress and, whenever possible, we will provide you with positive and enjoyable experiences that promote well-being and a positive mood. A quality walk or a bowl of homemade dog food is a simple but effective example.

Spend more time with him

As we have explained, a dog should not spend more than 6-8 hours a day alone, however, spending more time by his side also means paying attention to him. It is not necessary to constantly caress him, it can also be positive to have a brushing session or encourage him to follow us around the house when we do our daily tasks.

Promotes calm and relaxation at home

There are some relaxation exercises for dogs that, in addition to improving the bond with our best friend, are very effective for those dogs that have stress and anxiety problems. Of course, it is important to point out that we must be very constant and do them on a daily basis so that they are really effective and have a real impact on the dog.

Improves the quality of walks and daily exercise

Physical activity is essential for dogs, therefore, we must ensure that the dog performs a minimum of between 2 and 4 daily walks, combined with physical exercise whenever possible. Playing fetch, jogging for 15 minutes, or simply giving him some time off-leash in a safe and spacious space are activities that will help our best friend develop his muscles and feel more satisfied in his day.

Dogs are capable of experiencing a wide range of emotions , among which is joy. Those of us who have the pleasure of living with a dog’s best friend know well that, in addition to brightening each of our days, dogs are also especially happy on certain occasions, such as when they go for a walk, play with their guardians or with other dogs. , receive affection from those who like them, enjoy their favorite food, among other things.

But do dogs smile? And if they do, why do dogs smile? Does he have his own sense of humor? In this ScoobyDog article, we will try to answer the most frequently asked questions about dog laughter, you can’t miss it!

Dogs and emotions

To know if dogs smile, we must first ask ourselves how dogs experience emotions, such as joy, love, and fear. Thanks to advances in science and technology, we now know that dogs (like many other mammals) experience basic emotions in a similar way to humans. This happens mainly because our best friends have the same brain structures as we and emotions are “processed” in the deep regions of the brain that make up the limbic system.

In dogs and humans, emotions are produced from the capture of stimuli but it is also related to memory. This process of interpretation that makes it possible to feel emotions, such as joy and fear in such different ways, involves not only neuronal activity in the brain, but also leads to the release of hormones that produce some chemical changes in the body.

Fortunately, science has also allowed us to understand that dogs, having a certain emotion, undergo chemical and hormonal changes very similar to ours. Their body even produces oxytocin , better known as the ” love hormone “, and that is why dogs feel love for their guardians and express it in different ways in their daily lives, mainly through their unparalleled loyalty.

Do dogs laugh when they are happy?

Generally, guardians perceive that their dogs are happy thanks to the vigorous movements of their tails. However, our best friends express their joy in various ways through their body language, including their postures, facial expressions, gestures, and actions. And if you wonder if dogs smile, the answer is: Yes! Dogs laugh, even if they don’t laugh exactly like us.

How do dogs smile?

There have been many experts who have dedicated themselves to studying the dog laugh and its bodily expressions. Their dedication has allowed us to know that a laughing dog tends to have its mouth open, relaxed and stretched out to the sides , causing its mouth to curve slightly and its angle to be more pronounced. Usually we observe the ears back and relaxed, tongue in sight and energetic tail . Their eyes are usually relaxed and may squint as a sign of relaxation.

While it is possible to see its teeth through the opening of its mouth, we clearly notice the difference with an angry dog ​​that shows its teeth and takes a defensive posture. When you are experiencing a positive emotion such as joy, logically, your body language should not include signs of fear or aggressiveness . A dog that laughs and is happy is a stable and self-confident dog that enjoys sharing activities of its liking with its guardians, family, and doggy friends.

Of course, canine language is very complex and each dog is a unique individual, so the way they smile may vary depending on their personality, their mood, their environment and the context in which they are at each moment of their life. .

And what does doggy laughter sound like?

When something is so funny to the point of causing us to laugh, we usually emit a characteristic sound that accompanies a sincere and long smile. And according to the interesting study carried out by the ethologist Patricia Simonet, from the University of Nevada (USA), dogs can also have laughter and become very happy.

To expand the knowledge until then available about the laughter of dogs, Dr. Simonet has had the great idea of ​​recording the sounds emitted by dogs when they meet and play with other dogs in the parks. By listening to and analyzing her recordings, she and a team of researchers have discovered that, while the dogs play, their panting sounds in a very peculiar way .

When a dog interacts positively with other dogs and is happy, it makes a gasping sound in the midst of its usual panting. And immediately, their interlocutors respond, showing more excited and willing to play, which intensifies the play session between these dogs. According to Dr. Simonet, this kind of gasping breath would be the vocalization of the doggy laugh, which to us would sound like a ” hhuh, hhuh “, when its peculiar sound is amplified.

In addition, they have reproduced the recordings in some shelters and shelters, making the dogs that were rescued and there await a family listens to them. The response to this sound stimulation has been very positive, as several dogs have improved their mood, reducing symptoms of stress and nervousness. Perhaps that is why our best friends always manage to infect us with their joy, improving each of our days.

Not all dog wipes are bad, we must know how to choose them carefully and understand how to use them best: let’s find out together

Among the many products on the market, dog wipes are among the most popular, but are they bad for Fido or can we use them safely?

In fact, we cannot hide that they are a useful and convenient product that can be of great help in the care and hygiene of our four-legged companion.

Most dog wipes are scented and specially formulated to eliminate bad odors .

But they are not as effective as commercials and advertisements promise and often dog wipes are bad for both him and us because they contain substances that are not really healthy.

Dog wipes: are they all bad?

Today there are many types of dog wipes on the market but we must be very careful and understand which ones we can use and which ones are bad for them.

First of all we must make a premise: taking care of Fido’s hygiene is of fundamental importance and the wipes can be a little help, but not the solution.

The dog should be brushed regularly to eliminate dead hair, dust and debris that settle on the coat and periodically it is necessary to give it a more thorough bath.

Of course, the frequency of brushes and shampoos depends on the type of coat of the dog so it is good to take all the necessary information.

If we do not feel safe and we are not really practical we can rely on grooming professionals who have tools and techniques suitable for this task.

That said, however, hygiene must be taken care of every day and having a packet of dog wipes never hurts.

Everything is in knowing how to choose the best and suitable ones for our Fido that do not hurt him and keep the PH of his skin unchanged .

Most wipes are scented because their main goal is to cover up the dog’s unpleasant odors.

But perfumes and chemicals can damage Fido’s skin which is very delicate and prone to allergies and irritations.

Furthermore, they should not be used too often because the dog’s skin produces a particular sebum substance that serves to protect it from harmful bacteria and microorganisms , from bad weather and even from minor traumas.

Eliminating it completely would mean taking away its natural protection from the dog and making it more exposed to the action of mycosis, bacterial infections and insect bites.

How to choose the right ones

Not all dog wipes are bad for the skin , it is up to us to choose a quality product that does not harm its health.

We are usually attracted to scented ones but the smell they emanate can deceive us: we must not choose them based on the fragrance!

The ideal wipes are to clean the dog without irritating its skin and without completely covering its smell.

Dogs have a very developed sense of smell and what smells good to him could be a big annoyance.

Wipes that are great for your dog and that don’t hurt him should contain natural substances that don’t damage the coat.

Often they are so overloaded with chemical agents that they even discolor the hair and turn it yellow.

All we do is get a bad effect: the wipes have to clean the dog but leave its coat intact!

The ideal wipes for the dog are the odorless ones that do not hurt either the hair or the skin and do not contain allergens.

They are designed to prevent the dog from having allergic reactions or irritations but they do their job very well.

We can use them when we come back from a walk in the park or when Fido puts his paws in the mud on a rainy day.

It doesn’t matter if two or more times a day , we can use them as often as necessary and our Fido will continue to feel good!

Among the best on the market currently there are scented wipes for the dog in cotton that are not humidified to be used dry or soaked in water.

They are a real panacea for the coat of our Fido and in addition they have a sanitizing action , so we can even use them to disinfect wounds and clean very sensitive areas such as eyes, ears and genitals.

How ideal wipes should be

We cannot deny that dog wipes are a great alternative for cleaning your dog quickly and easily.

But it all depends on their quality and therefore on the ingredients they contain which, as we have seen, can be bad for our Fido.

The main purpose of cleaning the dog must be the care and hygiene of the skin and coat, not a simple matter of smell.

Therefore, we avoid choosing wipes with excessive fragrances which in most cases contain substances and soaps that irritate the skin and alter its natural PH.

The ideal wipes should be odorless and free of chemical agents, natural and sanitizing and that do not alter the natural balance of the skin.

Better still, those in cotton to be used dry, a useful tool also for cleaning eyes, nose and other sensitive parts such as ears and genitals.

Alternatives to dog wipes

Alternatively we can opt for a dry shampoo, naturally chosen with the advice of our trusted veterinarian.

The dry shampoo allows us to keep fresh and clean Fido without having to fill the tub of water is applied to the well-brushed coat and then brush again to remove the debris.

Many of these products also have a detangling function so they are ideal for those who own a long-haired dog prone to knots and tangles.

If your dog gives off a really unbearable smell, we could make a 100 percent natural DIY deodorant with apple cider vinegar and water.

Let’s mix them in a ratio of 1 to 2 and spray it on the entire surface of the coat, naturally avoiding the eyes.

If despite the wipes, shampoos and natural deodorants the dog continues to give off a very strong and pungent smell we must consult the veterinarian .

It could be a more serious problem related to Fido’s diet or an infectious state.

If an older dog is cold, you need to pay attention and be aware of his needs to solve the problem quickly

When an older dog is cold the problem should not be underestimated. Also because it is not a simple whim, but a real discomfort that deserves adequate answers. Especially when our four-legged friend is no longer a ‘kid’.

This is an aspect that must be taken into due consideration especially during the winter season, when the cold temperatures risk putting those little dogs that cannot count on iron health in difficulty. Acting promptly can be crucial.

Fido and the arrival of winter

Understanding if an elderly dog ​​is cold is part of all the attentions to be taken into account to have a clear picture of Fido’s general state of health. Especially in the coming weeks, with autumn coming to life and preparing to lead the way to winter, the lowering of temperatures could be an aspect that should not be underestimated.

Adopting functional countermeasures and playing in advance may prove necessary especially if you live in areas where the climate is particularly rigid or otherwise exposed to sudden drops in the thermometer, perhaps even below zero.

Find out if the dog is cold

Just as there are people who suffer more from the cold and others who, on the other hand, are able to endure cold temperatures without particular difficulties, also for Bau it works more or less the same way.

In the case of older dogs, of course, this is a situation further accentuated by the weight of age . An aspect that has a decisive influence is that of the breed: in fact, there are also some breeds of dogs that have a particular difficulty in enduring the cold and the risk of getting sick for the animal is always around the corner.

This is why it is essential to understand if our four-legged friend suffers from the coldest temperatures or not. One of the most common signs is hesitation in leaving the house or an insistent search for the owner. The latter is an attitude that often, understandably, is accompanied by the desire to stay in the hottest areas of the house or in any case those that have a radiator inside them or, especially in the case of country buildings, a fireplace.

Another input to be grasped in the case of older dogs is the skin condition . If it is particularly dry, Fido is most likely struggling to stand the cold. Muscle stiffness and tremor are also signs to be picked up and monitored with particular attention.

These potential symptoms can also be accompanied by wheezing and a fatigued gait. Grasping these nuances can help to have a clear picture of the conditions of our four-legged friend.

Preventing the cold is possible

When an older dog is cold, the guard must always be kept up . But is it possible to prevent such situations? The answer is yes, just take some precautions maybe just before the arrival of winter so as not to be caught unprepared.

One of these precautions concerns Bau’s grooming . One solution, in fact, may be to avoid cutting the coat, often decisive in contrasting the cold that characterizes the coldest days of the winter season. In this case, the hair can be cleaned using a brush , called to intercept any dandruff to be eliminated. Better to resort to quick baths with hot water.

Already in autumn we can begin to accustom our dog even to shorter walks than the summer ones, characterized by warm temperatures and the mutual desire to be outdoors.

Especially in winter, we could ‘dress’ Fido with a wool or cotton garment or with a small raincoat, in order to maintain an acceptable body temperature and further protect him from atmospheric factors such as wind and rain.

Another key passage concerns the position of the kennel . Especially if in summer this was placed in an outdoor area, also to allow our four-legged friend to suffer as little as possible the scorching temperatures of the summer, now it may be the right time to move the ‘sleeping area’ into a place in the house where the warmth does not find it difficult to make its way and give relief to our furry friend.

If the kennel is too bulky to move into a domestic environment, the advice is to invite our elderly dog ​​to spend the winter with us inside the house.

Older dogs and cold, diseases

As is often said, the dog is man’s best friend. And it often follows in its tracks. This also applies to cold-related illnesses. Older dogs, just like humans, carry cold marks on their bodies and can develop certain conditions. One of these is arthritis which, as we know, develops with disorders of a muscular or joint nature.

Cough is also one of those ailments that can put an older dog in serious trouble , especially if he is struggling with respiratory problems. Vomiting and fever complicate the picture of the ailments with which it is appropriate that our four-legged friend does not come into contact.

The best way to protect Bau from these pathologies is to focus on prevention , trying to create the conditions to make the overcoming of the winter season comfortable for our little dog. An advantage for him, but also for those who are next to him and look after him lovingly.

In case of persistent health difficulties, the advice is always to contact your trusted veterinarian who knows any previous clinical and breed characteristics.

Winter in the kennel, how to warm it

Before we talked about the possibility of welcoming the elderly dog ​​who is cold in the house. But this hypothesis is not always viable, either for reasons of space or for other reasons. At that point, if the reference place is the kennel, you have to find a way to make it a welcoming place where Fido can hide away and not suffer from the cold.

The solution is to heat it up. There are several ways to succeed in this delicate task. The more traditional leads us to resort to the most classic of woolen blankets . It is placed inside the bed and made available to the dog. But there are other possible ways to go.

One of these is that which leads to the use of an electric blanket . In this case, we will warm it up with the help of electricity before putting it back inside the kennel. Otherwise there is also the possibility of filling a bottle with very hot water and placing it under the blanket that we are going to place inside the bed of our furry friend.

The breeds that withstand the cold best

The answer to the cold is an attitude . It is true for humans and it is also true for dogs, whether young or old. However, it is undeniable that, in the case of our four-legged friends, there are breeds that are more predisposed to better tolerate low temperatures, even the most rigid.

In fact, some dogs have a physical conformation, a coat and an under skin that allow them to stay warm even in extreme conditions.

But what are these breeds? They are the ones that we can historically find in mountain areas and for this reason able to adapt better to cold temperatures. Among the various breeds stand out the St. Bernard, the Abruzzo Maremma Shepherd, the Chow chow and the Bernese Mountain Dog, all particularly accustomed to harsh climates.

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The spots in the dog’s eyes are an indication of excessive tearing, but not only. Let’s see how to solve this little problem.

Sometimes spots form in the dog’s eyes, just below the lower lids, but what are they due to?

Sometimes they are brownish, almost reddish, and are mainly due to the tearing of the dog.

They are easily noticed in dogs with white coats such as the Maltese, the Poodle, or the Bichon Frise that produce more tears than other dog breeds.

This excessive tearing causes the eye contour always to remain moist, becoming a dangerous proliferation point for fungi and bacteria.

The spots in the dog’s eyes are not a simple cosmetic problem, but there is a lot more to know.

Therefore it is essential to go to the vet immediately to understand the causes and proceed with the most suitable therapy.

Spots in the dog’s eyes: epiphora

You have probably never heard of it, but epiphora is a fairly common condition and causes spots in the dog’s eyes.

It means that the dog produces many more tears than it should because the eyes are always moistened and stains.

The dog tears so profusely because it has blocked tear ducts, which means that we are probably in the presence of a disease or inflammation.

This is why it is so important to contact the veterinarian for a specialist visit; it is the only way to know with certainty the cause of the epiphora.

Before prescribing a treatment, the doctor must do the necessary tests to identify the presence of an infection or an allergy, another cause of excessive tearing.

But it could also be a foreign body that got into Fido’s eyes, causing a reaction.

For this type of health problem, the veterinarian usually prescribes a therapy based on antibiotics, but he can resort to surgery if this is not enough.

There is a particular type of operation called flushing by which it can clear the dog’s tear ducts so that the secretions return to normal.

How does nutrition affect

Another possible cause of the spots in the dog’s eyes is the incorrect diet or, in some cases, a change of diet that is too fast, which causes a decompensation in the dog.

L ‘ diet is key to the health of Fido, we will never stop repeating it, and this particular dog’s reaction is proof.

In practice, if the vet excludes the epiphora, excessive tearing can be caused by a diet that is too rich in proteins.

Each case must be evaluated individually, and the vet must be good at tracing the exact cause of this dog condition.

When spots form in your dog’s eyes due to the diet and the type of food we give to Fido, some precautions must be taken.

First of all, red meats could be eliminated for a period, preferring white meats or even better fish.

At the same time, we could move from the industrial diet to the home one, or in any case, to foods free of cereals.

When this problem is due to nutrition, it may take months before you see the first results, so don’t despair if, after a few weeks, you still see spots in the dog’s eyes.

Other factors that cause the spots in the dog’s eyes

We have seen that the dog’s eyes’ spots can result from the obstruction of the tear ducts ( epiphora ) or an incorrect diet.

But the causes sometimes depend on other factors such as the dog’s age or the breed’s predisposition to profuse tearing.

In the first case, age affects both puppies and older dogs, but for different reasons.

When puppies, for example, grow permanent teeth in place of baby teeth, the tears become more acidic, and it is common for spots to form under the lower eyelid.

In older dogs, it is a bit different because, at that age, the tear ducts become clogged more quickly than in young dogs, and this is how Fido tears more and stains are created in the dog’s eyes.

In addition to age, Fido’s specific breed can also affect its particular characteristics and a particular conformation of the muzzle.

Just think of dogs like the Chihuahua or the Poodle, in general, all dog breeds that have vast and protruding eyes.

These specimens tear a lot because they cannot contain secretions due to the confirmation of their eyes.

They are born already predisposed to the epiphora without necessarily having the lacrimal ducts blocked or unable to drain the liquid.

That annoying hair in front of the eyes

Spots are a common problem in dog breeds that grow very long hair right on their eyes.

Just think of the Schnauzer, the Portuguese Water Dog, the Brie Shepherd, or the Lhasa Apso.

They have such long hair on their eyes that one wonders how they can see well!

Since these are particular breeds and know how much some owners care about preserving their characteristics – many have always refused to shorten this hair.

On the one hand, it is not to change the dog’s typical appearance and because the false belief has spread that this hair protects the eyes from the sun’s rays when it is not exactly right!

It is natural for a dog that never has eyes exposed directly to sunlight to have a more significant reaction when they are released.

Therefore, a question of “habit” is not linked to the fact that these breeds are particularly sensitive to light.

Since hair that is too long on the eyes often causes irritation and even the brownish spots mentioned above, it is best to shorten it from time to time to avoid these problems.

Spots in the dog’s eyes: how to get rid of them

The spots in the dog’s eyes can be easily eliminated, but it is always better to rely on the vet’s advice rather than rely on DIY.

Your vet will give you several options to take care of Fido’s eye hygiene and prevent irritation and other annoying (and dangerous) health problems.

Prevention is always better than cure, so if Fido is already predisposed to excessive tearing, it would be advisable to clean his eyes daily.

Just a soft and clean cloth moistened with warm water to pass very gently around the eyes (never inside!) Or a cotton pad impregnated with warm chamomile.

Chamomile has the advantage of soothing the affected area but also of preventing the proliferation of bacteria.

If we have a white-haired dog, the eyes’ spots can be a bit difficult to get rid of completely.

To bring back this pure and clean hair, we can use a specific whitening shampoo suitable for this type of dog.

The important thing is to use the product at least once every two weeks and no more because, in the long run, it could dry out the hair and damage Fido’s skin.

Finally, to clean the stains in the dog’s eyes, we can use a cotton pad or clean gauze soaked in 3% boric water.

The boric water – which must be strictly indicated by the veterinarian – not only allows you to sanitize the eye area but also has a strong stain removal power. Hence, the hair quickly returns to its original color.

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If an older dog stinks there can be many reasons. Understanding that specific of our quadruped will allow us to find a remedy

Adopting a four-legged friend, especially if we save him from the kennel and give him a life worthy of being called such, is a life-changing experience. If an older dog stinks, we certainly shouldn’t be discouraged. There will be a solution to solve the problem.

Fido does not only bring with it unpleasant sides, on the contrary: they are really collateral. If your dog loves being outdoors and running around the park, he will certainly need more frequent grooming. For the rest it will be a concentrate of pampering and love.

An overview

Although the life of our four-legged friend can be very adventurous, he should not give off a bad smell always and regardless. If an older dog still stinks after bathing, something is wrong.

This could be one of the first signs of health problems or ailments . So it is important not to ignore them: better an extra check-up visit by our trusted veterinarian, who knows any previous clinical and breed characteristics, than an underestimation of any pathologies (some of which are also serious).

Diabetes

Diabetes can affect dogs of any age , but as our four-legged friend grows older , the risk of getting sick increases significantly. There are several diseases that could arise at this stage of your life and also those related to a glycemic disorder.

In these cases, diabetes tends to be progressive , which translates into a difficulty in identifying the first symptoms (or at least in connecting them to the right diagnosis). This is why routine visits to the specialist can make a difference in terms of prevention.

The diabetic specimens, but also applies to us humans, who are not following a therapy with insulin administration and / or dietary changes can undergo a cycle of ketosis. It is nothing more than a reduction in the body’s fat reserves.

Among the symptoms that should alert us is a bad smell coming from the oral cavity of our four-legged friend, better known by the term halitosis . Some associate it with the smell of rotten fruit. If we notice it too, let’s tell the trusted veterinarian, who will take care of all the specific tests to identify the underlying problem.

Kidney problems

Also in this case an elderly dog, especially if it stinks for no apparent reason, is a subject at risk, more than its still young peers. Kidney problems can have a cascading effect on the whole body and affect your health more generally.

Again, bad breath is a wake-up call . The bad adore, then, can spread to the rest of the body, since our four-legged friend usually licks and cleans his coat.

And even in this case, it is good to consult the specialist as soon as possible who, if he confirms our suspicions, will promptly initiate all the necessary protocols to help Fido heal or keep the pathology under control. Timeliness and targeted therapies are essential to donate as much time as possible to our old man, possibly of quality too.

Poor oral hygiene

Not all four-legged friends love toothbrushes, which is why experts have created special snacks to solve the problem of poor oral hygiene. This is a less serious problem than those previously described, but if it is neglected it can cause considerable damage.

Rotten teeth , diseases affecting the gums, plaque and tartar : these are all reasons why the old dog stinks (but also the young one). It is not uncommon for the intensity of halitosis to be particularly annoying.

It is not a normal condition , if the teeth or the oral cavity in general are in a condition to induce our four-legged friend to give off a bad smell. In addition, we will also notice difficulties during meals: the pain that these conditions cause will not make our beloved Fido eat peacefully.

The solution is always the same: no do-it-yourself and a thorough check-up by our trusted veterinarian, the only one able to have an overview and connect all the pieces to identify the dog’s clinical situation. Proper therapy will solve the problem.

Obstruction of the perianal glands

If an older dog stinks it could have a blockage of the perianal glands . In this case, he will have difficulties and pains during defecation . All of this can take longer than expected during the routine walk and cause the so-called “wheelbarrow movement”.

This condition causes a very strong bad smell to emanate from the bottom , which resembles that of rotten fish. Even if the symptoms are quite annoying, there is good news: it is an easily treatable disorder if it is not underestimated and overlooked. The trusted vet will empty the perianal glands to eliminate the blockage that causes so much discomfort to our four-legged friend.

Bladder weakness

Just as it happens to humans over the years, elderly quadrupeds can suffer from bladder incontinence . This disorder, however, is not necessarily identified immediately: Fido, in fact, tends to be particularly discreet.

Fortunately, there are symptoms that can alarm us and lead us to contact the specialist. Among these certainly is the object of our analysis: the bad smell . If we notice it, and fail to associate it with some reason related to a hygiene problem, we do not waste any more time and try to alleviate the discomfort of our faithful friend.

Skin diseases

Pathologies such as parasitic infestations , dermatitis, allergies or intolerances are all causes of a worsening of the health of Fido’s coat; which will no longer appear soft and shiny, but dry and faded. Among the symptoms we will also notice a noticeable bad smell.

As the dog becomes old, and begins to smell in an apparently unmotivated way, it can be subject to minor pathologies that, in adulthood, he would have defeated without major problems.

Our trusted veterinarian will therefore have to check for the presence of fungal or bacterial infections , or any other cause that can cause bad odor.

Not quality grooming

Continuing our excursus among the reasons why an elderly dog ​​stinks, we conclude with the less serious and more easily solved one: grooming. When the cleaning of our four-legged friend is not followed scrupulously and at regular intervals (but not too frequent, I recommend), it is normal that he may emanate a not very pleasant smell.

Fido, even if not at the levels of the felines that are among the cleanest animals in circulation, thinks about his own hygiene: he licks and cleans himself every time he feels the need. But let’s not forget that if he’s not a stray, he needs our help from time to time. Only in this way will it not be smelly and will be admired on the street for its shiny and soft coat.

This is especially true for four-legged friends who are no longer very young. Several health problems and inevitable laziness lead our Fido to be less zealous in taking care of their hygiene.

Here, then, we must intervene with brushing at least once a week (unless the type of hair requires more frequent intervention) and bathing once a month (as a rule). Even when it comes to cleaning our furry dog, we ask our vet for advice.

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