Hiya

Just want to ask a couple of questions about my 4 month old labrador.  His feet smell really bad.  Its like strong cheese although used trainers might best explain how bad.  He was ok until recently since he got an ear infection and thats when it started.  The vet is treating the ear infection but did not really care about the feet smell.  Each of his feet smell the same and it makes me gip.  Is this a normal problem for dogs and will it go?  anyadvice would be great.

My other question is, what shampoo is good for 4 monthold labrador?  he is always scratching and I wonder if his skin is irritable.  Is there any I should avoid, and any that are good for skin irritations.

Thanks in advance
Amanda

dont think this is a normal thing in dogs, certainly none of mine have ever had a foot smell! it sounds like a skin problem, an allergy or fungal infection possibly, maybe related to his ears? i would ask his vet to check them out, maybe do a skin scrape or pluck. they should also be able to advise a good shampoo as well.
with regards to the scratching is he treated for fleas? they are the most common cause of itchy skin.

If he's had an ear infection he'll have been scratching his ears, and probably transferred the infection to them. They might well need treating. That said, our old labrador's feet had their own distinct musty smell which we got quite fond of!

If he's generally itchy then his diet might need looking at. What are you feeding him? It could also be connected to your household cleaning products (carpet cleaners etc) that he might come into contact with.

My first dogs feet used to smell like popcorn :)
Like Jeangenie says I would get them checked if they have suddenly started smelling as he could have transferred the ear problem to his feet...
Does the skin look ok and is dry?

HI Amanda

Ive never heard of dogs having smelly feet, is this when you put your nose to them or is that strong you can smell it from a distance? Very odd. I am going to sniff my gangs feet now lol

Re: shampoo, Quistel is brilliant, ive used it for a few years now and wouldnt use anything else. One of my boys has allergies and gets very scratchy in the summer, this does the trick and smells gorgeous.

Beth

I always use Johnson's baby shampoo on a puppy.  I think if it is mild enough for babies, then it shouldn't do a puppy any harm.

I would give his feet a wash with some hibiscrub a few times and see if it settles.  It is general yeast that makes feet smell I believe in dogs like their ears.

thankyou guys for all your comments. I am going to try your hints and tips and see how it goes.  We are going back to vets next week for follow up so i will c if his feet smell less.  haha. 

Amanda