Ezra comes from the stream. The Url has him again. He is wet, happy, and smells of... dog. Of wet dog. Of stream. Of adventure. Of nature's entire microbiome.
We dry him off — as best we can. Sometimes we tell ourselves: he'll lie in the sun anyway. He'll dry off. And then, a few hours later, he's lying next to us on the couch (I mean the outdoor couch) and smells a bit odd. Not bad. At the latest, when our hands smell of Ezra after petting him, we start talking about this topic. You - our dog stinks. Andreas takes it a bit personally, and I just want to talk about it.
Once it was more than just a bit odd. The vet recognized it: algae from the stream. The skin microbiome (the natural balance of beneficial bacteria and fungi on the skin) was out of balance. A special shampoo helped. And since then, I think differently about dog odor.
Because dog odor is almost never just dog odor. It is usually a clue.
Does every dog smell? Does it have to be that way?
Many dog people think: dogs just smell. That's how it is. It's part of it.
But that's not true — or at least not necessarily. Matthias wrote to us: "Since we added zeolite, our dog's coat has felt much shinier and healthier. And he no longer has a typical dog odor."
No more typical dog odor. That's no coincidence. That's a body in balance.
A healthy dog with an intact skin microbiome (the community of all microorganisms — tiny living things like bacteria and fungi — that live on the skin in a healthy balance), a functioning digestion, and sufficient nutrients barely smells. Anyone who knows their dog well knows: if they suddenly smell stronger than usual — something is wrong.
❓ The most common questions at a glance
★ Why does my dog smell so strongly — even though I bathe him regularly?
Frequent bathing can destroy the skin's natural protective film — and thus weaken the very microbiome (the community of beneficial bacteria on the skin) that prevents odors. Those who bathe too often risk more odor, not less.
★ Why does my dog have bad breath?
Bad breath less often comes from the mouth than one might think — and more often from the intestines. An unbalanced intestine produces gases and decomposition products that are exhaled through the lungs. Of course, teeth, gums, and salivary glands can also cause odor — regular dental checks with the vet are important.
★ Why does my dog smell like fish?
Almost always, the anal glands (two small glands on either side of the anus that produce a strong-smelling secretion) are the reason. If they don't empty themselves — see the vet.
★ Why does my dog smell from his ears?
Ear odor — often sweetish-musty — is usually a sign of yeast fungi or bacteria multiplying in the moist environment of the ear canal. Always thoroughly dry moist ears after swimming.
★ Does zeolite help against dog odor?
Zeolite binds ammonia (a pungent-smelling breakdown product that occurs during protein metabolism), biogenic amines (natural compounds like histamine or putrescine that arise during protein breakdown and cause odor in excessive amounts), and mycotoxins (toxic metabolic products of molds) in the intestines. Less internal burden — less external odor. And zeolite also works in the dog's mouth, binding foul-smelling substances there.
★ What is AM+PLUS and how does it help against dog odor?
AM+PLUS are active microorganisms — living, beneficial bacteria and yeasts — that strengthen the skin microbiome from the outside. Instead of masking odor, they displace odor-producing germs by restoring the good balance on the skin. Completely natural.
Where does the odor actually come from?
There isn't just one dog odor. There are various sources of odor — and each tells a different story.
Fur and skin — the most common source
Millions of bacteria and fungi live on every dog's skin — in a healthy balance. This microbiome (the community of all microorganisms on the skin) protects the skin, regulates sebum flow (sebum is the natural skin oil that the sebaceous glands — small glands in the skin — produce), and keeps odors in check. If it gets out of balance — due to too frequent bathing, moisture that doesn't dry properly, nutrient deficiencies, or stress — odors arise.
Wet fur that doesn't dry properly is a classic example. The moisture creates an environment where certain bacteria and fungi thrive. Environmental factors also play a role — algae from the stream, mud, leaves — which further stress the microbiome.
Ezra dries in the autumn sun after his swim in the Url. Most of the time, that's enough. Sometimes not. And then he smells.
Winnie — our divorce orphan with Grandma and Grandpa — initially had dandruff and irregular shedding. Some areas grew new fur, others didn't yet — and the black skin showed through. This is particularly noticeable in dark dogs. Probably nutrient deficiency from her difficult past — a body that was never sure when its next meal would come saves on everything that isn't immediately vital for survival. The fur is part of that.
She loves bathing — stands still patiently — but the grease from her skin then settled in the carpet and in her bed. These are the sebaceous glands (small glands in the skin that produce a protective fat) producing too much — that, too, is skin that is not yet quite in balance. After three weeks of zeolite: no more dandruff. The fur is growing back. That's a joy to see.
👉 Autumn coat care — Brushing, drying, microbiome: mindfulness for dog and nature
👉 Itching and allergies — when odor is accompanied by scratching: check out the article: Understanding itching and allergies in dogs holistically
Bad breath — often deeper than you think
Bad breath in dogs less often comes from the mouth than one might suspect — and more often from the intestines. An unbalanced intestine produces gases and decomposition products that are exhaled through the lungs. This is true for humans — and for dogs as well.
Of course, teeth, gums, and salivary glands can also cause odor. Regular dental care and dental check-ups with the vet are important — especially for older dogs.
Ezra doesn't smell from his mouth or ears. He's been getting zeolite since he was little. Coincidence? I don't think so.
If the bad breath is strong and persistent, the liver could also be behind it — elevated liver values cause a characteristic sweetish-foul odor. More on this: 👉 Elevated liver values in dogs - how natural detoxification can support your dog's liver.
Ears — moist environment, rapid multiplication
Ear odor — often sweetish-musty — is usually a sign of yeast fungi (single-celled fungi that occur on and in the body and cause odor and inflammation when they overgrow) or bacteria multiplying in the moist environment of the ear canal. Drooping ears are particularly susceptible because air circulation is poorer. 👉 Mites in dogs — ear odor and mites are often related. Read more here.
Moist ears after swimming — in the Url, in the lake — should always be thoroughly dried. Not just externally, but also internally with a soft cloth.
Anal glands — the famous fishy smell
If a dog smells like fish — and hasn't eaten fish — the anal glands (two small glands on either side of the anus that produce a strong-smelling secretion that is normally emptied during defecation) are almost always the reason. If that doesn't happen — see the vet. That's not something to ignore.
What really helps — from the inside
This is the most important part. Because washing away odor is not a solution — it's treating the symptom. To truly get rid of the odor, you have to start from the inside.
DOGKRAFT Zeolite in food
Zeolite binds precisely the metabolic products that cause odor in the intestines — ammonia (a pungent-smelling breakdown product that occurs during protein metabolism and is expelled through the skin and lungs when in excess), biogenic amines (natural compounds like histamine or putrescine that arise during protein breakdown), as well as mycotoxins (toxic metabolic products of molds) and other harmful substances. If these substances are already bound and excreted in the intestines, they do not enter the blood, lungs, or skin. Less internal burden — less external odor.
0.5% of the daily food amount. Simply mix it into the food. Ezra has been getting it since he was little — and hardly smells, except after his baths (which can be three a day) in the Url. Now at the sea, he gets a double ration because the seawater makes his stool softer. You can read more about it in the Guide to Dosage and Application.
Nutrients for a healthy skin microbiome
A healthy skin microbiome needs silicon (a natural mineral contained in the zeolite crystal lattice that zeolite releases to the body through ion exchange) — for fur, skin, and connective tissue. High-quality oils like linseed oil or salmon oil provide additional support. And sufficient nutrients — as Winnie shows: a well-nourished body also rebuilds its coat properly.
What really helps — from the outside
Thorough drying — truly thorough
Not just a quick wipe. Between the toes, armpits, ears — damp fur that stays damp for hours is an invitation for odor. There are dog bathrobes made of terry cloth or fleece that really help. And then there's us — with five large microfiber towels (we originally bought them for ourselves because they are so soft and absorbent) that are all wet and dirty at the same time in autumn. 😄 We're at the sea for a few days now, and this constant drying can sometimes be annoying.
What is AM+PLUS — and how do you use it?
AM+PLUS are active microorganisms — living, beneficial bacteria and yeasts — produced on an Austrian mother culture (a natural carrier medium on which microorganisms are cultivated) from Loidholdhof in Upper Austria. In addition, over 350 mineral and 170 plant essences are included in spagyric (a naturopathic method that unlocks substances through fermentation and distillation) and homeopathic form.
At its heart are lactic acid bacteria — the same ones found on healthy skin that maintain its natural balance. AM+PLUS restores this balance — not through chemicals but by introducing beneficial microorganisms that simply displace odor-causing germs. Not kill — displace. That's the difference.
How to use AM+PLUS on your dog:
• Always mix fresh — dilute a shot of AM+PLUS with some water, only as much as you will use immediately. Microorganisms lose their potency when exposed to air for too long.
• Mist finely — do not soak. Back, flanks, belly, paws, between toes, armpits. Avoid eyes and mouth area.
• Apply to slightly damp fur after drying — that's the ideal moment. The microbiome reset after bathing.
• For routine use: 2 to 4 times a week. For sensitive areas: 1 to 2 times daily.
• Spray sleeping area, cushions, dog blankets after washing — this keeps the environment balanced too.
Important: Do not mix AM+PLUS with zeolite powder in a spray bottle. Zeolite clogs the nozzles, and then you'll be annoyed when nothing comes out. First one, then the other.
You can read more about using AM+PLUS microorganisms in dogs in this article.
Don't bathe too often
That sounds counterintuitive. But frequent bathing destroys the skin's natural protective film — precisely the one that prevents odors. After bathing, rebuild the microbiome with AM+PLUS. Ezra hates bathing anyway. He has his own strong opinion on that. 😄 And we shouldn't shower every day either...
TIERKRAFT Skin Powder for irritated areas
Where skin is irritated — folds, between toes, reddened areas — TIERKRAFT Skin Powder with organic lavender oil helps. It binds moisture, soothes, and keeps odor-causing bacteria at bay. Simply sprinkle on thinly.
When to see a vet
A sudden strong odor that has changed is always a signal. Especially ear odor, fishy odor from the anal glands, and very strong bad breath should be checked by a vet. Skin changes accompanied by odor — weeping areas, redness, crusts — also belong in professional hands.
What our customers have experienced
"Since we added zeolite, our dog's coat has felt much shinier and healthier. And he no longer has a typical dog smell."
— Matthias and Maja ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"The unpleasant smell of her fur disappeared after just 3 days of use."
— Anna Z. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Our dog was losing some of his fur. After 2 weeks of zeolite, the fur started growing back!"
— Claudia F. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Old dogs and smell — a special consideration
An older dog's scent changes. This is normal — but it's also a clue. The kidneys work slower, the liver detoxifies less efficiently, the skin microbiome regulates less easily. An old dog smells different — not because he's old, but because his body needs more support.
Zeolite relieves the liver and kidneys by binding toxins directly in the gut — which is especially valuable when these organs are working slower. AM+PLUS supports the skin microbiome externally — gently, without chemicals.
Everything about accompanying an old dog — with stories about Bakku — can be found here: 👉 When is a dog old - support and companionship for seniors
References
This article does not replace veterinary advice. It is intended to inform and guide — not replace. Stated for the sake of good form, and it's clear anyway.
|
No. |
Author/Year |
Topic |
Source |
|
1 |
Pauschinger et al. (2020) |
Influence of the skin microbiome on odor formation in dogs |
Veterinary Dermatology |
|
2 |
Lamprecht et al. (2015) |
Zeolite reduces oxidative stress and improves the intestinal barrier |
Molecular Nutrition & Food Research |
|
3 |
Januškevičius et al. (2013) |
Clinoptilolite as a feed additive — stool quality and blood parameters in dogs |
Veterinarija ir Zootechnika 64(86) |
|
4 |
AGES Austria |
Approval of clinoptilolite (1g568) as a feed additive for all animal species |
ages.at |
|
5 |
Hecht, K. (2017) |
Healing of Nature and Wildlife through the application of natural zeolite |
Spurbuchverlag |
To conclude
Dogs smell. Sometimes like a brook. Sometimes like adventure. Sometimes like wet fur in the autumn sun.
But the typical dog smell that sticks to everything — to the couch, the carpet, in the car — that doesn't have to be. It is usually a sign that something is out of balance. From the inside or from the outside.
Zeolite in the feed. AM+PLUS microorganisms on the fur. Thorough drying. And sometimes the vet. That's all — no rocket science, but a different perspective on what our dog is telling us when he smells.
Read more:
→ Osteoarthritis in dogs
→ Zeolite, activated carbon, healing earth or bentonite — what does my dog really need? An objective comparison for dog people
Read even more:
🔗 🐕 Effect, application, experience - Overview & Guide to Zeolite for Dogs
🔗 🐕 Dosage and application of Steinkraft Zeolite in dogs. A guide for dog lovers.
🔗 Questions and answers about Zeolite on our FAQ page
🔗 What is Zeolite? – Formation, effect & why quality is crucial
🔗 About us - This is Steinkraft Zeolite
