Do dogs have a "fear" odor?

    • Gold Top Dog

    Do dogs have a "fear" odor?

    Hi all!

     

    Just wondering if dogs have a scent they give off that is noticeable to humans when they are afraid of something?

    Ruby is HORRIBLY afraid of thunderstorms...she's not afraid of a single other thing, and normally really outgoing...we even live by the airport and no issues with jets...but when a big thunder-boomer comes through she seems to have a bit of a sour stinky odor she gives off.  She hides right near me and shakes when it rumbles...and the smell is SOOO bad!  Even Stewie seems to kind of sniff her and go "ick!"! lol

    Maybe I'm imagining things...but growing up on a farm I know animals can give off all sorts of scents...but this is really icky! LOL

    Only have I ever noticed the scent when there were thunder storms, and once when we took her out on the boat the first time she was SO scared and nervous...now she loves it...but it seems related to fear?  Do dogs have glands they give off that odor?  It doesn't smell like her anal glands...but who knows!  When the vet has expressed them before when we were having all sorts of diet issues when we first got her I would recognize that smell anywhere...this is more sour-ish.

    I usually have to give her a bath with some natural shampoo I got from a dog show that has an essential oil in it to curb the smell!  She smells great afterwards...but boy!  The smell she seems to give off is extreme!

    If that's not what it is...any ideas?

     

    Sorry...and one last question...since I do honestly hate bathing my dogs b/c I'm afraid of shampoos and all the chemicals...do you guys have any recommendations for shampoos and conditioners that smell great and are safe?  I got my last bottle at a dog show and it's 100% natural, has all sorts of yummy things in it...but was $17 for a small bottle!  I'm just so afraid of bothering their coats and sking or something!

    • Silver
    Those are the anal glands being expressed when the dog is afraid. Smells pretty bad when it happens. You only have to wash the area to get rid of the smell not the whole dog. As a groomer I tried a lot of shampoos but there was one that smelled good and was natural it was called Kelco Dr Fl33 Shampoo - A wonderful pesticide-free shampoo. A must for the summer season to help attack those pests! Stops itching and soothes skin with a deep lather and cleansing action. Citrus scented and contains aloe, jojoba, and vitamins A, D, & E. One Gallon. Dilution: 50 TO 1. I buy it by the gallon from the Shampoo lady on line It is concentrated so you mix and shampoo for years to come.
    • Gold Top Dog

     Yeah, they smell sort of musky and gross to me, when they're stressed. Bean sweats, being a hairless dog, and she REALLY stinks when she's stressed. Dogs' pads sweat, and I suspect that's what we're smelling.

    • Gold Top Dog

    Ah ha!  So it really is the anal glands then?  They smelled much differently when they were expressed...but it's good to know I just need to wash that area!

    I will be sure and get some of that shampoo and have it on hand for he next set of storms!  I'm glad it's citrus and not powdery or flowery smelling!

    I knew you guys would know!

    Thanks!