One thing nobody warned me about before adopting a big dog was… the smell! Or better said, the stink.
Here at home, Thor — my German Shepherd — is the sweetest companion: playful, loyal, super protective.
But sometimes, I’ll be honest, he walks into the living room and brings a smell that dominates the whole place.
And it’s not for lack of bathing, trust me. Sometimes the odor shows up just a few days after a bath, and I’d find myself thinking, what am I doing wrong?
After chatting with a vet, doing a ton of research, and testing several things, I discovered there are simple (even natural!) ways to remove and control strong dog odors — especially with big boys like Thor.
If you’re in the same boat, here’s everything I’ve learned so far.
Why does the smell appear?
First, it’s important to understand that all dogs have a natural scent. It’s like human skin — we all have our own.
But with large dogs, they’ve got more skin, more glands, and more fur… so the smell is stronger.
Other factors that make things worse:
- Excess moisture (after bathing or rainy walks)
- Built-up dirt and sweat
- Skin conditions or infections
- Poor nutrition
- Lack of regular brushing
Thor, for example, loves rolling in damp grass. So yeah — water, dirt, and dog sweat = the perfect recipe for “Eau de Wet Dog.”
Tips to eliminate strong dog odor
Let’s get into what actually worked here at home:
1. Brush their coat regularly
Brushing helps remove dead hair, dirt, and even leftover food or drool.
I brush Thor about three times a week, and honestly, that alone cuts the smell in half. Plus, he loves it. He’ll even roll over to have his belly brushed.
2. Use odor-neutralizing dog shampoos
There are shampoos made specifically to neutralize bad smells without harming your dog’s skin.
Look for ones with ingredients like oatmeal, aloe vera, or baking soda.
Bathing every 2 weeks works well here.
And be sure to dry your dog thoroughly after bathing — trapped moisture can lead to bacteria and fungus (aka: more stink).
3. Try an apple cider vinegar rinse
A friend of mine who owns three Labradors gave me this tip.
Mix 1 part apple cider vinegar with 3 parts water and pour it over your dog at the end of the bath. Then rinse it off.
It balances the pH of their skin and keeps the smell under control.
I tried it on Thor and loved the results — the vinegar smell fades quickly, and the doggy odor stays away longer.
4. Check their diet
Yes, what your dog eats affects their scent. Cheap food or overly fatty meals can alter their natural body odor.
After I switched Thor’s food to a higher-quality brand with omega-3s and natural ingredients, the difference was huge.
Talk to your vet about the best food for your pup.
5. Use pet-friendly grooming wipes
Between baths, pet wipes are lifesavers. I use them mostly on Thor’s paws, belly, and neck — the areas that trap the most grime.
They’re great for wiping off sweat, dirt, and that “wet dog smell” after a walk in the grass.
6. Try natural deodorizing sprays
Don’t spray human perfume on your dog — ever. Their skin is sensitive and that can lead to allergic reactions.
Instead, look for natural dog-safe sprays with gentle ingredients.
One that I use has lavender, and Thor actually chills out when I spritz it.
Getting rid of strong odor in large dogs isn’t about masking the smell with perfume — it’s about caring for their hygiene, health, and daily habits.
With small changes, you’ll keep your big buddy clean, fresh, and way more pleasant to cuddle with.
And let me tell you — ever since I started using these tricks, even my couch is thankful. 🐶💦🌿
Got any tips that worked with your big pup? Drop them in the comments — I’d love to try them out too!
