Is a smelly older dog normal? why does my older dog smell so bad

Okay, so my old buddy, Max, started to smell… well, pretty bad. It wasn't his usual doggy odor; it was something stronger, and definitely not pleasant. I was stumped, so I started digging around to figure out what was going on.

My Investigation Begins

First, I checked his food. Maybe something in his diet had changed? Nope, still the same old kibble he's been eating for years. I even sniffed the bag to make sure it wasn't rancid or anything. All clear there.

Then, I considered his age. He's a senior dog now, and I know things can change as they get older. I remembered reading somewhere that older dogs can sometimes develop health issues that cause bad smells.

The Deep Dive (and Some Sniffing)

This is where I really got down to business. I started with the basics:

• Ears: I peeked inside Max's ears. Sometimes, ear infections can cause a nasty smell. They looked a little waxy, but not too bad. I gave them a gentle cleaning anyway.
• Mouth: Oh boy, this was the tough part. I held my breath and took a whiff of Max's breath. Definitely worse than usual. I checked his teeth and gums. They were looking a bit… yucky. Plaque buildup, some redness. Bingo!
• Skin: I ruffled through his fur, looking for any signs of skin problems. Sometimes, skin infections or allergies can cause odors. I didn't see anything obvious, but I did feel a few small bumps.
• Rear End: Okay, let's be real, nobody enjoys this part. But I checked his anal glands. Sometimes, if they get impacted, they can release a truly awful smell. I didn't feel anything unusual, but I wasn't exactly an expert.

Putting the Pieces Together and Making a Decision

After my thorough (and slightly smelly) investigation, I had a hunch. The bad breath and the state of his teeth were the biggest clues. I suspected dental disease was the main culprit, but those skin bumps also worried me a bit.

So, I decided it was time for a vet visit. I didn't want to mess around with home remedies when it came to my old pal's health. I booked an appointment, and we headed to the vet the next day.

The vet took my dog, Max, and they both came back about 30 minutes later. The doctor said, Max had serious dental problems and a small infection. The doctor also said Max's anal glands were also a bit of a mess, and that I should get him checked up more often.

So, there you have it. It might take a long time, but I am sure Max will be back in good shape.