Why Does My Dog Smell Like Burnt Hair or Rubber? 4 Vet Reviewed Reasons & FAQs
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Dog owners often get used to the interesting odors coming from their pets and are surprised when house guests wrinkle their noses when they walk in. Sometimes, however, an unusual smell from your dog could cause more problems than just a few visitors holding their noses. If your dog smells like burnt hair or rubber, should you worry?
Burnt hair or rubber odors could have several causes, some of which could be a reason to worry, like an actual burn. In this article, we’ll cover some potential reasons your dog could smell like burnt hair or rubber and what to do about them.
The 4 Reasons Your Dog Could Smell Like Burnt Hair or Rubber
1. An Actual Burn
Your dog might smell like burnt hair because it was burned. Dogs can get burned by contacting a hot surface, such as a grill or portable fire pit. They may be injured if they get too close to a fireplace or bonfire. Dogs could also be burned by heating lamps, warming pads, or chemicals.
If your dog suffers a burn, it is a reason to worry. Burns can be painful and, depending on how severe they are, can be extremely difficult to treat. Seek veterinary help immediately if you suspect your dog smells like burnt hair due to a burn injury.
2. Skunk Spray
Skunk spray is one of the most offensive odors your dog may encounter and is sometimes described as smelling like burnt rubber or hair. Whether you live in a rural or city area, your dog could encounter a skunk, especially around dawn or dusk. Skunks are typically mellow animals but won’t hesitate to spray a dog in self-defense. The spray is produced by the anal glands of skunks and contains stinky sulfur containing compounds. They can spray this potent liquid as far as 15 feet !
If a skunk sprays your dog, it’s typically more of an annoyance than a worry. However, the side effects could be more concerning if the skunk targets your dog’s eyes or mouth. Skunk spray can injure your dog’s eyes and cause temporary blindness.
The pungent odor may also cause your dog to vomit and, rarely, can cause anemia if swallowed. Contact your vet if your dog is sprayed in the face or if they’re vomiting or unwell at all. Your vet can also recommend a good skunk odor neutralizer to clean your dog.
3. Anal Glands
On either side of your dog’s anus are two glands full of a smelly liquid. When your dog poops, the glands empty naturally. Sometimes, the glands can become clogged or infected, causing a strong odor. While it’s not generally described as smelling like burnt hair or rubber, every dog is different, and the anal gland smell is a potential cause of this strange odor.
If your dog’s anal glands are clogged, they may need to be manually expressed by your vet. Should they become infected, see your veterinarian for treatment.
4. Other Sources of Odor
Your dog’s ears, skin, and mouth are all familiar sources of abnormal odors. Again, these aren’t commonly described as smelling of burnt hair or rubber but must be considered potential culprits if your dog stinks. Make an appointment with your vet to investigate, especially if you notice other signs like scratching, redness, or hair loss.
What to Do If Your Dog Smells Like Burnt Hair or Rubber
If you notice this unusual odor, examine your dog carefully for any signs of injury or burns. Observe your dog for other signs, such as vomiting, that may indicate skunk spray. If your dog’s anal glands are clogged, you may notice them scooting their rear on the ground or chewing underneath their tail.
Contact your veterinarian if you can’t identify a source for the odor. They may need to examine your dog or perform tests to find out what’s going on. And, of course, always call your vet before giving your dog any medications or performing home treatments.
Conclusion
We don’t love our dogs less when they smell, but it is important to track down the source of unusual odors. If your dog smells like burnt hair or rubber, the cause probably isn’t something to worry about in most cases. However, some causes of this scent could be concerning or dangerous, so it’s best to talk to your veterinarian if you notice it or other new and unusual odors coming from your dog.
See also:
- Stinky Dog Face: Vet Reviewed Signs, Causes & How to Help
- Why Does My Dog Eat My Hair? 7 Possible Reasons
Featured Image Credit: san4ezz, Shutterstock
