older dog getting smelly?

[it's just apples]

Our lab/GSD mix is almost 10 years old. Her coat is starting to take on that oily/clumpy kind of smelly old dog quality. Her food is one that she's always done well on, and she's getting brushed. I bathe her about once a month.

Is there a shampoo that works especially well for this? Should I go to bathing her twice a month or weekly?

[Ola_]

I definitely wouldn't bathe more often as that can just make skin problems worse. My dogs only get bathed about once a year and they don't get oily. I know you said that she's been on the same food, but perhaps the company has made changes to it? They do that once in a while and inevitably there are some dogs that don't do well on the change - yours may be one of them.

Also, I'd check with your vet and see if this could be a sign of a health problem. How is she doing other than this issue?

[~*max*~]

My old gal's scent very clearly changed as she got older also, as did her coat somewhat. She in later months became quite ill, but I am not sure if the two are related.

I hope your dog is healthy & happy and is just moving through a new stage in life.

[it's just apples]

She seems fine other than this. Her blood work comes back fine, and she's getting around like a puppy- still wrestling our other dog, etc. She's just got this greasy old dog fur.

[luv-my-boys]

If her bloodwork comes back fine and diet wise there hasnt been any changes I would consider two things and see how it goes

1) would be to bath her more regularly. Make sure you use a high quality dog shampoo and conditioner (seems contrary since your trying to get rid of the oil) and make sure you rinse completely off. A high quality dog shampoo wont stip the coat like cheaper products. Make sure you towel dry completely or use very low if any heat if you must dry that way. I fyou are unable to bath that often they do make dry shampoo powder (there are tons of homemade versions) that will help *soak* up the extra oil and freshen. Also have you changed her shampoo/flea meds (topical) or anything that actually goes on her coat? sometimes things like shampoos might not run completly off their coat when rinsing which leaves buildup behind similar to human shampoo.

*I've shown GSD in the past and often bathed my animals up to 2 times a week due to shows and have never had a problem (if its not a underlying health issue)

2. you said your dog was a mix. If it has a longer coat like a GSD I would brush more regularly using a regular dog brush plus a shedding rake (fine and course) It will help to remove any older fur and help distribute the oils thru out the coat.

[AuntLavender]

It's part of aging

My husky got smelly as she got older (she was 15-16 though so quite a bit older than your dog). The vet said it was normal. He gave me a medicated shampoo because sometimes she had seborrhea (sp?) which is overactive oil glands.

My shepherd mix has also started to have an odor but she's almost 15.

I was always told it was normal because my dogs were healthy otherwise just old.

You know how Grandma smells funky? Well mine did and she smelled like an old lady when you hugged her. No one says to bathe Grandma more! LOL! We just accept it as part of aging.

[sagewinna]

It would also be a yeast problem, there is inexpensive medication the vet gave us to clear that up for one of our dogs.

[Ola_]

Hmm, interesting that some have noticed this in older pets. Our greyhound is 10.5 years old and we haven't had anything like this.

Personally I wouldn't bathe more often than monthly though (we tend to go for an average of 1 bath/year, our dogs don't need one any more often unless they've rolled in something stinky).

[it's just apples]

Luv-my-boys- She does have a very GSD type of coat (and has always been a big shedder). I have a Furminator and it helps a lot. What brand of shampoo/conditioner would you recommend? I admit I've just been using the same old cheap stuff I've always used.

Aunt Lavender- LOL! I guess we'll start calling her Granny.