Do my dog's allergies cause him to stink?

He has seasonal allergies every spring, which cause him to be itchy, but this year he also smells bad -- like a dog, just a dirty dog smell, and he usually has NO odor (that's one of the reasons I chose a poodle). Does his odor have something to do with his skin allergies, or what? I have to bathe him every week or I can't stand it. Also, my hands feel like they have a residue on them when I pet him. Is there anything more I should be doing? Like a special shampoo?

Do my dog's allergies cause him to stink?
Dog skin allergies can definitely make them have a distinct and foul odor.


Placing your dog on medication for the allergies (if you haven't already) may help with the itching and smell.


Bathing a dog every week, especially if they have an allergy, is not recommended because it can cause the skin to be more irritated and dry. This can cause the odor to become worse.


I would definitely speak with your vet about the condition to see if there is something you can give to your pup to help his allergies.
Reply:Sounds like it does case him to smell there is special deodorant which is a spray you can use on him.
Reply:Yes, your dogs allergies may cause him to smell during an allergic attack and their are treatments like shampoo that you can get him. Have a chat to your vet on the phone and ask him to reccommend a product for your dog. If it's your local vet, he would have seen your dog before and will be able to give you a good idea.
Reply:I would take him to the vet, he could be getting into something outside that's irratating his skin and as far as the residue on your hands it's probably just cause he's dirty. But the vet can avise you on different shampoos and medicationd to help his allergies. Just like people dogs as they age can develop new allergies to things that didn't bother them before.
Reply:It's very possible that your dog's allergies cause him to smell, although I've heard of this more in line with food allergies than seasonal allergies. I don't know what you feed, but if it has corn or wheat products in it, you might want to switch to a high quality rice or grain free food.
Reply:Sounds like he may have a yeast infection, it is very common for it to go hand in hand with the allergies. Will give almost a waxy feel.


See your vet, there are topical treatments or oral ones also.


Too frequent bathing or harsh shampoos can often make it worse.


You might also want to check his food and don't give him anything with wheat or corn in it. Often pets with allergies will benefit from a food with a single protein source, such as Wellness Simple Solutions (duck or venison formulas)