Strong Body Odor in a Senior Dog With Hypothyroidism
by A reader
We're sorry, that sounds hard on all of you. A strong, ear-infection-like smell all over the body usually comes from yeast (Malassezia) or bacteria growing on greasy, scaly skin, a problem called seborrhea. Hormone disease such as hypothyroidism is one of the most common causes, and the infection keeps coming back until the underlying problem is controlled. That's why shampoo alone often only helps for a day or so.
Ask your vet to check that her thyroid level is in the right range now that she's on medicine, and to take skin and ear samples to see whether yeast, bacteria or both are present. She may need treatment by mouth as well as baths for a few weeks. Allergies can also drive repeated yeast infections and are worth discussing.
In a dog her age, also ask about other sources of odor: ear infections, dental disease, anal glands and kidney disease can all cause a strong smell. Her vet can check for each of these at one visit.
See thyroid disease in dogs and yeast infections in dogs.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.
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