Why Does My Dog’s Poop Smell So Bad? 10 Possible Causes & Remedies

No one expects dog poop to smell like a bouquet of roses, but there’s a difference between stinky and foul. If your dog’s poop wages war on your nose, you don’t have to grin and bear it. Most of the time, ultra-smelly poop comes from a diet or medical issue that can be rectified. Here are 10 of the most common problems.

Top 10 Reasons Your Dog's Poop Smells So Bad:

1. Poor Diet

Do you get the first dry food you see at the grocery store? Often, the main cause of smelly stool is diet, and although low-quality dry foods might fill your dog’s belly, that doesn't mean they’re healthy. Many dog foods are full of fillers that your dog can’t digest or fail to give them a balanced diet, leading to smelly stools.

2. Food Allergies

Even if you’re avoiding food that would give any dog a tummy ache, every dog is different. Allergies and intolerances can lead to digestive issues, including smelly poop. Some of the most common allergens are proteins like beef, pork, or chicken, but your dog might also be allergic to a vegetable like corn, potatoes, or peas.

3. Digestive Issues

If you’ve tried a few foods and allergies don’t seem to be the culprit, it might be that your dog just has a sensitive stomach. Dogs with sensitive stomachs often get irritated by eating too quickly or the wrong foods.

4. Scavenging Bad Food

Dogs often eat any food they can access, even if they are well-fed. If your dog loves to snack, he might get into something with a bad smell. This could be rotten food, or it might be something that your dog can’t digest very well, like dairy products.

5. Nutrient Absorption Problems

Sometimes, smelly feces is related to malabsorption, an inability to gain nutrients from food. This usually accompanies weight loss or signs of malnourishment and a seemingly endless appetite. That’s because the food passes in one end and out the other without your dog getting nutrition from it.

6. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency

A related problem is exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, which is caused when your dog’s pancreas doesn’t release enough enzymes for proper digestion. The signs are similar to nutrient malabsorption, but a stool test can show a lack of enzymes.

7. Medications

If your dog is already facing health issues that require regular medicine, a side effect might be a strong odor in your dog’s poop. This isn’t necessarily a sign of something wrong with your dog, but you can always talk to a vet to make sure.

8. Bacteria or Parasites

Another possibility is that your dog is experiencing illness caused by bacteria or parasites. Common diseases like parvovirus and E. coli can cause smelly feces to come on suddenly. Another cause is a parasite like intestinal worms.

9. Intestinal Bleeding

Bloody discharge with a sharp, metallic odor is usually caused by intestinal bleeding. The causes of intestinal bleeding vary—it could be a disease, a medical condition, or an injury—but in all cases, vet treatment can help you determine if the condition is serious.

10. Infection

Dogs occasionally get infections that lead to a foul-smelling discharge. This discharge might be noticeable in the stool or leak from your dog without bowel movements. Depending on where the infection is in your dog’s digestive system, it may cause visible swelling, redness, or other symptoms.

Final Thoughts

Stinky poop might be annoying to smell, but it can be life-threatening for your dog. If your dog's feces have a sudden change in consistency and odor, it might be a sign that something is seriously wrong. On the other hand, some foul odors can be resolved by switching to a different food. Figuring out what is wrong can help you determine if you need to act and find the best treatment for your pup.

• See Also: Why Won’t My Dog Poop Outside? Possible Reasons & Solutions

Featured Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock