🐾 Why My Dog Humps — and What Actually Helps

Ezra comes from the stream. 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 off — as best we can. Sometimes we tell ourselves: he'll just 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 kind of funny. Not bad. At the latest, when our hands smell like Ezra after petting him, we start talking about this topic. You - our dog stinks. Andreas then takes it a bit personally, and I just want to talk about it.

Once it was more than just kind of funny. 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've thought differently about dog odor.

Because dog odor is almost never just dog odor. It's usually a clue.

Does every dog smell like a dog? 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), proper 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 strong — 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's breath smell?

Bad breath less often comes from the mouth than one might think — and more often from the gut. An imbalanced gut produces gases and decomposition products that are exhaled through the lungs. Of course, teeth, gums, and salivary glands can also cause odor — regular dental check-ups at 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 on their own — see the vet.

★ Why do my dog's ears smell?

Ear odor — often sweet and musty — is usually a sign of yeast 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 decomposition product that arises during protein metabolism), biogenic amines (natural compounds such as histamine or putrescine that are formed during protein breakdown and cause odor in excessive amounts), and mycotoxins (toxic metabolic products of molds) in the intestine. Less internal burden — less external odor. And zeolite also naturally 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 healthy balance on the skin. Pure nature.

 

Where does the smell actually come from?

There isn't just one dog smell. There are different sources of odor — and each tells a different story.

Coat 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 production (sebum is the natural skin oil produced by the sebaceous glands — small glands in the skin), and keeps odors at bay. If it gets out of balance — due to too frequent bathing, moisture that doesn't dry properly, nutrient deficiencies, or stress — odors develop.

Damp fur that doesn't dry properly is a classic example. The moisture creates an environment where certain bacteria and fungi thrive. In addition, environmental factors — algae from the stream, mud, leaves — further burden 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 at grandma and grandpa's — initially had dandruff and an irregular coat change. Some areas were getting new fur, others not yet — and the black skin shimmered through there. This is particularly noticeable in dark dogs. Probably nutrient deficiency from her difficult past — if you were never sure if the next meal was coming, your body saves on everything that is not immediately vital. The fur is part of that.

 

She loves bathing — stays still obediently — but the oil from her skin then settled in the carpet and her bed. These are the sebaceous glands (small glands in the skin that produce a protective oil) that produce too much — this is also skin that is not yet completely in balance. After three weeks of zeolite: no more dandruff. The fur is coming back. That's already a joy.

👉 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 gut. An imbalanced gut 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 at 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 bad breath is strong and persistent, the liver can 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 proliferation

Ear odor — often sweet and musty — is usually a sign of yeast (single-celled fungi that occur on and in the body and cause odor and inflammation when overgrown) or bacteria multiplying in the moist environment of the ear canal. Droopy ears are particularly susceptible because air circulation is poorer. 👉 Mites in dogs — ear odor and mites are often linked. More on this here.

Wet 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 — it's almost always the anal glands (two small glands on either side of the anus that produce a strong-smelling secretion that is normally emptied during defecation) that are the cause. If that doesn't happen — see the vet. This is 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 symptoms. If you really want to get rid of the odor, you have to start from the inside.

DOGKRAFT Zeolite in the food

Zeolite binds exactly the metabolic products that cause odor in the gut — ammonia (a pungent-smelling decomposition product that arises during protein metabolism and, if in excess, exits through the skin and lungs), biogenic amines (natural compounds such as histamine or putrescine that are formed during protein breakdown), as well as mycotoxins (toxic metabolic products of molds) and other pollutants. If these substances are already bound and excreted in the gut, they do not enter the blood, not the lungs, not the 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 swims (which can be three a day) in the Url. Now at the sea, he gets a double portion because the seawater makes his stool softer. You can read more about it in the Dosage and Application Guide.

 

Nutrients for a healthy skin microbiome

A healthy skin microbiome needs silicon (a natural mineral contained in the zeolite crystal lattice, which zeolite releases to the body through ion exchange) — for fur, skin, and connective tissue. High-quality oils like linseed oil or salmon oil also provide support. And sufficient nutrients — as Winnie shows: a well-nourished body also rebuilds its fur properly.

 

What really helps — from the outside

Dry thoroughly — really thoroughly

Don't just wipe over. Between the toes, armpits, ears — wet fur that stays wet for hours is an invitation for odor. There are dog bathrobes made of terry cloth or fleece that really help. And there's us — with five large microfiber towels (we originally bought them for ourselves because they're so soft and absorbent) that are all wet and dirty at the same time in autumn. 😄 Now we've been at the sea for a few days, and this endless drying can sometimes get annoying.

What is AM+PLUS — and how to 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, there are over 350 mineral and 170 plant information in spagyric (a naturopathic method that unlocks substances through fermentation and distillation) and homeopathic form.

The core consists of lactic acid bacteria — the same ones found on healthy skin and maintaining the natural balance. AM+PLUS restores this balance — not through chemistry but by introducing beneficial microorganisms that simply displace odor-producing germs. Not killing — displacing. That's the difference.

How to use AM+PLUS on dogs:

•    Always mix fresh — dilute a shot of AM+PLUS with a little water, just as much as you'll use right away. Microorganisms lose their potency with prolonged exposure to air.

•    Mist finely — do not soak. Back, flanks, belly, paws, between toes, armpits. Avoid eyes and muzzle area.

•    Apply to still slightly damp fur after drying — this is 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 in balance too.

 

Important: Do not mix AM+PLUS with zeolite powder in one 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 the use of AM+PLUS microorganisms in dogs in this article.

Don't bathe too often

This sounds counterintuitive. But frequent bathing destroys the skin's natural protective layer — precisely the one that prevents odors. Rebuild the microbiome with AM+PLUS after bathing. Ezra hates bathing anyway. He has his own clear stance on that. 😄 And we shouldn't shower every day either..

 

TIERKRAFT Skin Powder for irritated areas

Where the skin is irritated — folds, between toes, reddened areas — TIERKRAFT Skin Powder with organic lavender oil helps. It binds moisture, soothes, and keeps odor-forming bacteria in check. Simply sprinkle a thin layer.

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 clarified by a vet. Skin changes accompanied by odor — weeping areas, redness, crusts — also belong in professional hands.

 

What our customers have experienced

 

 

 

 

Old Dogs and Odor — Special Attention

As dogs age, their smell changes. This is normal — but it's also a hint. Kidneys work slower, the liver detoxifies less efficiently, the skin microbiome regulates itself with more difficulty. An old dog smells different — not because he is old, but because his body needs more support.

Zeolite relieves the liver and kidneys by binding toxins in the intestine — this is especially valuable when these organs are working slower. AM+PLUS supports the skin microbiome from the outside — gently, without chemicals.

All 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 good measure, and obvious 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 Gut Barrier	Molecular Nutrition & Food Research
3	Januškevičius et al. (2013)	Clinoptilolite as a Feed Additive — Fecal 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

 

Finally

Dogs smell. Sometimes like a stream. Sometimes like adventure. Sometimes like wet fur in the autumn sun.

But the typical dog smell that clings to everything — to the couch, to 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 food. 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 charcoal, healing earth or bentonite — what does my dog really need? An objective comparison for dog owners
→ ⭕️ Effect, application, experience - Overview & guide to zeolite for dogs
→ ⭕️ Dosage and application of Steinkraft Zeolite for dogs. A guide for dog lovers.