Why does my dog have a strong, stinky, or ammonia-like smell when wet?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I’m sorry to hear you’re struggling with your dachshunds’ odor. Do they have any underlying skin, dental, or anal gland issues? Any of these could contribute to what you are smelling. I would recommend they have a thorough physical with a veterinarian to determine if there is an underlying issue contributing to the odor, and get any suggestions on a shampoo that may help. Good luck!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This may be due to a scent in the environment that has the odor. Also, it is quite common for puppies and dogs in general that they roll on something that may have a scent such as urine in the grass from another dog for example. I would recommend that you go outside with your puppy to see where he is getting that scent. Best of luck!

Hello. It is possible, but not something that I would be overly concerned about. If it continues to be an issue, or any other signs of urinary discomfort occur ( straining, licking, staining around the vulva, increased thirst or increased need to urinate ) please see your veterinarian. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Body odor is a normal thing that most dogs have, it's usually stronger as the dog is larger. bathing the dog usually only makes the odor worse on the long run, high quality food can often reduce some of the unpleasant smell.

Hello, and thanks for your question on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Most groomers will express (empty) the anal glands; I wonder if that's the odor your smell. I recommend washing around Wynter's anus gently with mild soapy water and see if that resolves the odor. If it continues, you may need to bring Wynter in to the vet to get checked out, as a persistent odor is often a sign of infection (of the skin, ears, lip fold, etc). Hope this helps!

This sign, if the smell is generalized and coming from the skin, could be caused by skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria). A check up, appropriate disinfection and eventually antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Hi there. Dogs don't sweat through their skin, only their paw pads - so if Mollie has a persistent odor, this is likely due to some other problem such as a bacterial or fungal skin infection, impacted anal glands, an ear infection, or some other issue. I would recommend taking her to the vet for an exam to determine what is causing the odor. He/she should be able to prescribe a medicated shampoo or other treatment for the underlying problem, depending on what is found.