Do Labradoodles smell?
All dogs have their own unique odor, and some Labradoodles inherit coat characteristics which make them more pungent than other dogs.
But, their smell should never be overwhelming, and if you have a really stinky Labradoodle, it might be a sign that something’s amiss.
Since the Labradoodle is a cross between the Labrador Retriever and the Poodle, we’ll start by looking at whether either of these breeds is known for having an excessive odor.
Do Labradors smell?
Unfortunately, Labradors are considered to be one of the smellier dog breeds.
This is largely due to their double coat, which consists of a coarse top coat to protect against bumps and scratches, and a soft undercoat that acts as an insulator.
Labs also produce more natural oils from their skin than most other breeds.
These features combine to make their coat water repellent (perfect for swimming in icy cold water to retrieve waterfowl) but also rather pungent – especially when wet!
The natural oils are one source of their decidedly doggie odor.
And Labs that frequently swim in ponds or lakes also pick up smells from those places – especially if dirty water is allowed to soak into their undercoat, and not washed out before it dries.
Do Poodles smell?
On the other hand, Poodles smell less than most breeds.
They don’t have that distinctive doggy smell associated with most canines.
They have a single coat, which means air circulates to the skin more freely, and smell doesn’t ‘build up’ there.
However, this doesn’t mean that Poodles are completely fragrance-free.
All dogs have their own unique scent, influenced by genetics, lifestyle, diet, etc.
And it should also be noted that every dog releases distinctive smells from their ears, mouth, and feet caused by natural bacteria and fungi.
Do Labradoodles smell?
So Labradoodle is likely to have one parent that smells most than most, and one that smells very little.
Whether or not your Labradoodle smells really comes down to the type of coat that your pup inherits.
Labradoodles with a single coat smell less than those with a double coat.
But this odor shouldn’t be offensive or overwhelming. Just like a purebred Labrador doesn’t normally smell enough to have you covering your nose in disgust.
So if you notice that your Labradoodle has developed an especially stinky or unusual smell, don’t assume you just have to live with it.
Why Does my Labradoodle Smell?
From misadventure to diet, and from bad breath to infection or skin allergies, there are a number of reasons why your Labradoodle could be smellier than normal.
There’s always a chance that a boisterous Labradoodle rolled in something stinky and simply needs a bath.
But if once you’ve ruled out external factors, an unpleasant smell can be a sign of some serious health problems.
Why Does My Labradoodle’s Breath Smell?
Bad breath is a common complaint among dog owners.
There are four main causes:
1. Bacteria in the mouth
The most common cause is bacteria in the mouth which produce volatile sulfur compounds. It can make their drool seem stinky.
Regular toothbrushing and professional cleaning can improve halitosis in many cases by removing plaque build up.
2. Peridontal diseases
Tooth decay, gum disease and abscesses in the mouth or jaw can also cause bad breath.
These need attention from a properly qualified veterinary dentist.
3. Disorders of the gut
Digestive problems due to poor diet or an imbalance of bad gut bacteria can also produce foul-smelling gasses which travel back up the esophagus.
When this happens, it can usually be remedied by a change of diet.
However, it’s best to check with your vet before trying to fix your dog’s bad breath with diet or supplements.
4. Other diseases
There’s also a possibility that your dog’s foul breath is a symptom of a serious health concern such as diabetes, kidney disease, or liver disease.
Which is why, if your Doodle has persistent halitosis, you should always enlist a vet to help find out why.
Why Do My Labradoodle’s Ears Smell?
Although it’s normal for your dog’s ears to emit a mild aroma, a foul odor is a sign of infection.
Labradoodle’s long, floppy ears are more prone to infections than upright ears, because they trap warmth and moisture where bacteria can flourish.
To protect against infection, dry their ears gently and thoroughly every time they go in water.
Other signs that your Labradoodle has an ear infection include scratching his ears, rubbing his head, inflammation of the ear, and discharge from the ear canal.
If you suspect your dog has an ear infection, visit the vet. They may prescribe antibiotics to help them recover.
Why Does my Labradoodle Have Such Smelly Gas?
When it comes to overpowering bad smells, a dog with excessive gas is one of the worst.
It’s also very uncomfortable for your dog.
While occasionally passing gas is perfectly normal, if your Labradoodle is extremely gassy all the time it could be a sign there’s a problem with his diet or digestion.
It could be caused by the fiber source used in his kibble.
Beans and other legumes, cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, and foods containing lactose such as cheese, are other common food causes.
Fixing the problem could be as simple as a little trial and error to find a diet that doesn’t make them so gassy.
You can also try feeding your dog smaller meals more frequently, so that their gut isn’t overwhelmed by large portions which it can’t handle in one go.
And make sure you leave a gap between exercise and eating.
Participating in vigorous exercise right before or after meals can cause flatulence and put your Labradoodle at risk of the life-threatening condition known as bloat.
Chronic gas is also a sign of some health problems, including parasites, irritable bowel syndrome, and intestinal disease.
Before changing your dog’s diet to eliminate bad gas, always check with the vet to make sure there’s no underlying health concern.
Why Do My Labradoodle’s Anal Glands Smell?
While we’re in this vicinity, we need to mention something most people don’t want to talk about, but is one of the most common reasons for stinky dogs.
All dogs have two small anal sacs which secrete a lubricant to help them pass feces comfortably.
If these glands are blocked or the dog has an anal gland infection, this secretion becomes extremely stinky and very painful for them.
This could be caused by a poor diet, or by structural abnormalities in the anal glands.
A sudden smell in this area is a sure sign that there’s a problem and you need to consult with the vet to resolve this issue.
Could My Labradoodle’s Smell be Caused by an Infection?
Labradoodles are particularly prone to skin allergies and infections, which can produce a pungent scent.
It’s important to dry their skin, paying particular attention to skin folds, after they’ve been swimming or get caught in the rain.
Wet dog is a strong smell all on its own, but if their skin stays damp it can lead to skin infections.
Bacterial and yeast infections have a strong smell and might also be related to allergies.
Irregularities in the glands or thyroid problems can also be underlying causes of smelly skin infections.
If you think your dog has an allergy or infection that’s causing an unpleasant odor, it’s time to speak with your vet.
How to Prevent a Labradoodle from Smelling
A smelly Labradoodle is not always caused by something ominous.
It could be that your pup just needs a bath with doggy shampoo. Washing and especially drying, a dog with thick curly hair can be a bit daunting so do check out our guide to getting your dog dry after a bath.
Remember that too many baths are not good because they can interfere with their body’s natural oils and dry out their skin.
Regularly washing their bedding is also something that can reduce nasty smells that often gets overlooked.
Think about your dog’s insides too and make sure he’s eating a high quality diet.
Do Labradoodles smell?
Do you have a smelly Labradoodle?
Tell us about your experiences in the comments.
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References and Further Reading
Beynen AC, “Diet and doggy breath,” Creature Companion, 2017
Culham, N., et al., “Oral Malodor and its Relevance to Periodontal Disease in the Dog,” Journal of Veterinary Dentistry, 1998
Di Cerbo, A., et al., “Therapeutic Effectiveness of a Dietary Supplement for Management of Halitosis in Dogs,” Journal of Visualized Experiments, 2015
Pye, C., “Pseudomonas otitis externa in dogs,” The Canadian Veterinary Journal, 2018
Glickman, L., et al., “Canine Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat),” School of Veterinary Medicine Purdue University, 1995
Scarff, DH, “An approach to anal sac diseases,” Nursing Journal, 2010
Saridomichelakis, MN, et al., “An update on the treatment of canine atopic dermatitis,” The Veterinary Journal, 2016