My Labrador Retriever's coat stinks - part II

This is part two of a two part e-mail. To read part I visit My Labrador Retriever's coat stinks - part I

Subject: My black Labrador Retriever's coat really stinks - part II.

From: Bev (Canada)

Labrador Retriever Name: Jet

All About Labradors Response:

Hi Bev,

To empty the anal glands, a tissue is held up to the anus and both sides of the anal area are squeezed. If the doesn't work, then yes the finger is next. Yes it will make him smell, but more toward the rectum with a strong unpleasant smelling odor (sort of metallic odor). Is this what your smelling?

Did you check Jet's skin?

Please keep me updated on his condition. Thanks.

Fay

Reader's E-mail - Bev's Reply:

Continue Reading...
His skin is good and his coat is nice and shinny and full. I feed him Nutria Natural Choice weight management…he’s a few pounds overweight according to the vet J. He gets 2 large dog treats per day too.

I was smelling him last night and his head area isn’t the problem but when I smelt at his butt it wasn’t so bad either but oh my goodness his paws are smelly. When you sit and sniff him he’s not so bad but when he walks by or lay’s beside you it’s yuck Jet man you are one smelly dog.

I’ll try your suggestion for his anal glands and see what happens. I notice the skin on the inside of his ears do need a good cleaning, I remember one time being told to use rubbing alcohol, is that right?

I really should have named him Shadow because he is definitely my shadow… love my dog J

Thanks again
Bev

All About Labrador Response:

Hi Bev,

I forgot to reply to your last question on ear cleaning.

You can use white vinegar mixed 1:3 with water to rinse the ears.

One of the best products I've used with success for gunk in my Labrador ears is called a blue power wash (actually I have seen it called many other things, as it has been on the Internet for ages).

"Blue Power Ear Treatment"

INGREDIENTS:

16 Oz. Isopropyl Alcohol (Witch Hazel)
4 Tablespoons Boric Acid Powder
16 Drops Gentian Violet Solution 1%

Mix together in alcohol bottle and shake well. You will also need to shake solution every time you use it to disperse the Boric Acid Powder. An eye dropper can be used to fill the ear.

TREATMENT: Evaluate condition of ears before treating and if very inflamed and sore do not attempt to pull hair or clean out ear at all. Wait until inflammation has subsided which will be about 2 days.

Shake the bottle each time before using. Flood the ear with solution (gently squirt bottle), massage gently for approximately a minute, then wipe with a cloth or tissue. Flood again a second time, and wipe again without massaging in. The dog will shake out the excess. Be advised, the Gentian Violet does stain.

The SCHEDULE of treatment is as follows:

Treat 2x per day for the first week to two weeks depending upon severity of ears
Treat 1x per day for the next 1-2 weeks
Treat 1x per month (or even less frequently, depending on the dog)

All of these ingredients should be available at your local pharmacy. I like to use witch hazel instead of alcohol, as if any scratches are in the ear, the alcohol can cause burning. The Boric Acid Powder soothes the ear and the Gentian Violet Solution is an ant-infection agent. The solution appears to work well on many ear problems. I also like to warm my solution slightly, under warm water, but you can use it either way.

There is also a commercial version of this solution available.

K9 Ear Solution - http://www.firstchoicenaturals.com/Index/showroom.php/All_Supplements-Pet_Supplements-EarsSkinCoat/pid-16?gid=7

Hope this information helps. Please keep me advised.

Fay

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