Ha ha! this reminds me of when my boys were small. When they were sweaty DH said their hair smelled like wet dogs!!

Mama my chi does not have an odor. I bath her but not frequently since her skin is in good condition and she doesn't smell. I may try an oatmeal shampoo next time, that sounds very gentle.

Generally speaking a healthy dog does not smell. As far as oatmeal shampoo being soothing, many animals that are sensitive to grain are allergic to it as it is grain based and in fact is harmful to the skin as it promotes bacteria. It should only be used to soothe poison ivy. Anyway that is according to our veterinarian.

Oh but Dolly, don't ask a veterinarian, do a Google search! ;-)

My Havanese gets groomed once a month. She generally does not smell in between bathings although her feet do smell like Fritos! Her breed does not shed.

Sometimes a dog can smell if they have ear infections.

Will do, Elmer;-)

Lucille I make the oatmeal milk and add a squirt of oatmeal shampoo. My vet recommended I try this on Lils sensitive skin. Works great for us but she doesn't have a grain allergy or sensitivity.

It doesn't really lather but it seems to clean well enough and leaves her very fresh smelling without the itch she gets from bathing.

I've been using this on Rosy also.

Wonder if a drop of coconut oil would benefit

Dogs would think this discussion is ridiculous. They live in a world of 'smell' (scent). They'd say that every dog, person, whatever (!) 'smells'.

True. And if dogs ruled, some would mark everything in a house with their scent. Some of them try. They probably don't understand (if they think about these things) people who won't let them mark the sofa but who use scented spray on that same sofa

Different dogs seem to vary in their interest in sniffing and marking outside items and vegetation, but I'm sure all of those has scent to them also.

"don't ask a veterinarian, do a Google search!"

Of course the American Kennel Club has no idea what they are talking about, so be sure to consult with a vet ($$) before you follow any advice you might find online there!!

Egit!!

Gardengal, that is an easy question to ask during a routine annual visit.

Um, er, not to be rude, but I suggest asking close friends or family that don't live with you if your dog/house smells. You literally can get nose-blind to the smell of your dogs when you live with them all the time. When you first enter the house the smell is very apparent. He is a neat and clean person and he has the dog groomed on a regular basis but, sorry, they smell....like hounds.

But if one doesn't have a dog yet - hence the questions about whch ones smell - one is unlikely to be visiting a vet for a 'routine annual visit' :-))

My point was the automatic dismissal of information found online just because it was found online is silly and unnecessary. Of course there is garbage published online but there is also a great deal of accurate information that is available for the reading. It is just a matter of evaluating the source and using some common sense.

Elmer....I gotta say....my cat has been to two vets. Neither is trust worthy. Putting a pet on steroids is common now. My cat had a "grain" allergy, he scratched his ears until he bled, .....instead of NOT feeding him corn....put him on steroids AND an appetite suppressant, since the steroids would cause him to over eat, was the vet solution.

Vets have become an expensive racket industry. At least that's been MY experience.

An informed consumer....in every market is wise.

My point was the automatic dismissal of information found online just because it was found online is silly and unnecessary. Of course there is garbage published online but there is also a great deal of accurate information that is available for the reading. It is just a matter of evaluating the source and using some common sense.

Exactly. I think it is good responsible due diligence to do a quick look-up of your situations online to know what to expect. Even in the noblest of professions there are those who are not adequately informed, (or who have money as a first priority) and as for everyday situations, there are certainly companies who try to upsell or otherwise persuade a more expensive solution. (The plumber a few years ago who wanted to dig up the entire front yard to the tune of thousands for a simple repair another plumber subsequently did for a few hundred).

I looked up the oatmeal shampoo deal online and specified vet opinion. Interestingly, vets had opinion both for and against. With the enormous quantity of oatmeal shampoo on the market one might expect more literature if there was a problem due to 'grain allergy' but that was not apparent, there were only a few reports.

Speaking of evaluation, when someone claims that their vet said something, what you have to evaluate is not only the vet credentials, but also the reliability of the claimant, someone could allege their vet said anything.

Nicole and I posted at the same time, her quote is spot on:

An informed consumer....in every market is wise.

Exactly, Lucille. One person claims their vet said no to oatmeal and another claims their vet recommends it. One should do their research and decide what is best for them in their situation.

When my vet recommended bathing in oatmeal which was a few years ago it was because of Lils itching caused from environmental allergies. My vet said the oat is more gentle than all the chemicals in dog shampoos. I tried it but did add a small squirt of dog shampoo and the after bath itch decreased dramatically matter of fact it seems to sooth her irritated skin. But like I said she has no grain allergies.

What in the environment is causing this allergy to Lil?

Our dog's feet have always smelled like fritos and her feet are fine. Is it yeast? Sure, probably, but that doesn't mean she needs a course of antibiotics. I've smelled cat's feet which have the same smell.

We did discover that she developed an unpleasant smell (to us) when she was getting "Greenies" daily. When we stopped giving her the treats, the odor went away.

Veterinarians are people just like you and me and they don't agree on everything. I know this because I worked for two of them back when there wasn't a veterinary hospital on every corner. Medical doctors are the same way, don't you think? They don't all give out the same advice either. You/we have to be informed consumers wherever we go. (We like the practice we use now because we ask questions and they take the time to give us detailed answers.)

ETA:typo

Nicole, fill in the blank:

The _ _ _ _ _ we've used doesn't seem to be as capable as others and I wonder if s/he is any good at all. I don't trust them, the charges are always more than seems reasonable. They're always up-selling and suggesting I need more than I think is necessary and I'm not sure they always have my best interests in mind.

(plumber, optometrist, roofer, medical doctor, hair stylist, dentist, landscaper, and yes, veterinarian, etc)

There are a lot of crummy _ _ _ _ (fill in the same blank) around, many who seem barely competent or less. It sounds like you've been to two crummy vets and for people living away from a large metro area (where competition in any trade or profession helps drive out the crappy ones), vets (just like medical doctors) are limited and not always the most capable. Find another, keep changing until you're comfortable. Same with any service provider.

Vet school is as long as medical school, 4 years. Vets who specialize spend the same years in training, and some more years, as medical doctor specialists. But vet earnings are much lower on average than medical doctors. One reason why you feel aggrieved at prices is for most people going for medical care, the charges are covered by insurance. If you take your dog or cat to the vet, you pay the fee yourself.

AND, for anyone with a medical question about a dog or cat, please check with a vet. Even if you don't own a pet yet, good vets, even busy ones, should be happy to give you 10 minutes of their time to answer questions. You're a potential client!

Elmer....

I'm glad YOU found a good vet....I don't know of one.....yes I will keep searching....in my FREE time. In the mean time I'm NOT going to let MY cat die or be ill.

A friend and I were talking about our cats years ago and found we both thought their feet smelled like fritos. So I looked it up (lots of web sites about it) and found it's a very common thing due to healthy bacteria. https://www.puppyleaks.com/dog-feet-smell/

Elmer - no, a good patient researches and educates themselves. Any doctor or vet can make a mistake, an informed patient or pet owner at least is armed with knowledge and can double check before proceeding with treatments or medications. Don't you read the insert or look up in the PDR any contra-indications before taking a medication?

Are you aware that in the hospital setting nurses are required to check with a doctor before administering meds if anything seems wrong to them. They don't just "do what the doctor tells them", they use their brains just as we can.

Dragonwings - you're spot on, customers should educate themselves!!!

When I want or need expert advice or consultation, I talk with an expert. It's foolhardy for an untrained person to think that even with access to the right source information that a reasonable understanding much less a basis for using judgement as an expert can do can be obtained. An even greater and more frequent risk is that access to unauthoritative or even unfounded sources that will lead to misinformation.

If you distrust or feel a need to second-guess your expert, you're not seeing an expert.

To your question "Don't you read the insert or look up in the PDR any contra-indications before taking a medication?", the answer is a big NO. Why should I? I trust the advice I get. If you think you can make heads or tails out of those disclosure items, and can factor in everything that presumably your expert has done, you're fooling yourself. Big time.

I love my vet and all the other vets in his practice! They are bright, caring and highly professional. I wish my vet could be MY primary care physician!

My dogs (Cavalier King Charles Spaniels) go to the groomer every other week, but I take my own shampoo and conditioning rinse with me. On the recommendation of another Cavalier friend, I now use John Paul pet products.

John Paul Pet Oatmeal Shampoo for Dogs and Cats, Sensitive Skin Formula Soothes and Moisturizes Dry Skin and Fur, 16-Ounce

John Paul Pet Oatmeal Conditioning Rinse for Dogs and Cats, Soothing Sensitive Skin Formula, Moisturizes and Revitalizes Dry Skin and Fur, 16-Ounce

I buy these on Amazon. I could not be happier! They smell SO good, their coats are silky and shiny, and their skin is clean and sweet.

Many doggy odors are caused by eye discharge that becomes infected and stinky, and yeast infections in the ears. The eyes can be hard to treat - they often require antibiotics and scrupulous cleaning of the hair under the eyes daily. The ears are now a breeze - my vet shot something down into the ears and that was it - no more drops or creams getting all over their coats and me!

Some people are better than others are evaluating resources on the internet. Some are excellent and many, many are either alarmist, have an agenda, are selling a product, or just indulge in anecdotal nonsense. I was lucky to have a wonderful librarian that followed my class from 4th grade through high school, and she taught us how to evaluate a resource (doesn't matter if it's print or internet - the process is the same). But I'm constantly shocked at how many people cannot do this and think that if it's on the internet, it "must be true".

Elmer, I don't usually read those package inserts for prescription drugs before I take the drug, but if I notice something out of the ordinary after taking a new drug for a day or so, I will go back and read it to see if this is a possible non-harmful reaction or something where I should notify my physician immediately. ALL drugs have side-effects and physicians weigh these against their patient's needs, but some drugs have very, very serious side-effects (black box drugs) and it's important to pay attention to ones body. Many years ago, I had some infection and was given a prescription for Cipro. I had never taken this before. After taking it for one day, I woke up in the night with my legs intensely itching. I turned on the light to grab some lotion in my nightstand drawer, and saw that my legs were swollen twice their normal size. I went and got that insert and saw that this was a rare, but known side effect and indicated potential kidney failure - I was to call my doctor at once. Well, I did wait until morning and was told to stop it immediately and never take this drug again. Levaquin can cause a ruptured achilles tendon when all one did was roll over in bed. This can happen even months after one takes the drug. Tobramycin can cause permanent bilateral hearing loss with just one dose, but it's often an absolute necessity for a cystic fibrosis patient with a drug-resistant pseudomonas infection.

It's important to know about these potential serious side effects and report them to ones physician. The physician can then decide whether to discontinue the drug and find an alternative one.

BTW, Cavalier owners all agree that our dog's clean, fluffy little paws, smell like fresh popcorn! So I get the "Frito" thing - they smell like some form of roasted corn! It's not an unpleasant odor at all!

Anglo that looks like good shampoo, I ordered some for Duchess, thank you for the link.

"Don't you read the insert or look up in the PDR any contra-indications before taking a medication?", the answer is a big NO.

I personally think that is a foolish decision if one does not look up side effects, etc. for medications. Medication interactions, allergies, and so on are responsible for many hospitalizations every year, one should know what to look for.

Personally I feel that if one has children and does not read this information especially if it is easily available, and there is an injury that could have been prevented with an early report, in my opinion that counts as abuse.

Elmer, yes I can easily read those inserts and the PDR, I took many semesters of Clinical Chemistry, Anatomy & Physiology and Physiological Chemistry, my grades were 75% A's and the rest B's, never made below a B in college. My profession required a degree and passing boards. Then I was in the profession for over a decade in the hospital setting.

However, it doesn't take a degree to read the list of contra-indications. Do you honestly think that a physician has memorized that information for every single drug he ever prescribes and thus can assure that you will never have a drug reaction?

All experts make mistakes, no physician is perfect. Next time you see a physician ask him if he has malpractice insurance, then think about why he chooses to do so.

If you have a question about drugs, interactions, side effects, you ask the prescribing physician or your pharmacist. Both should have a list of everything you take and at least one and often both will be using software that throws up red flags when appropriate for interactions or things to be mindful of given your personal situation. In my state, a pharmacist must speak with the customer when any new prescription is picked up and this is the reason why. If you forget to ask when picking up a drug or if you want more information, you can always call your pharmacist and have such conversations.

Raye, you comment is preposterous. Unless you were a pharmacist, what you're suggesting is the equivalent of saying you spent the night at a Holiday Inn Express and that makes you an expert to do everyone else's job at least as knowledgeably as they do. Be sure to let your professionals know you feel that way, you'll find yourself having trouble finding practioners who want you as a patient. Don't wonder why.

As far as experts....isn't Harvard about as expert as one can expect....yet a team of 33 doctors prescribed a medication that could have been fatal to my daughter....the pharmacist caught it.

33 Harvard doctors. Big big mistake.

You caught the mistake by doing a Google search or from what you learned in a college chem class?

"Next time you see a physician ask him if he has malpractice insurance, then think about why he chooses to do so."

You know, this is not a thoughtful comment and your implied conclusion is wrong.

A major contributing factor, not the only one, is because in the US, the losing party in a tort suit DOESN'T have to pay the other side's expenses, as is the case in so many other countries. So, frivolous suits (against all sorts of people and businesses) on questionable grounds are filed daily on a contingent fee basis with the expectation that some number of them will be settled for a nuisance value. Yes, it's legal extortion. That's an important reason, one of several why it's prudent for professionals to have malpractice or other liability insurance. Many do, including lawyers, accountants, optometrists, insurance agents, restaurants, etc., etc., But of course you know that. Do you refuse to patronize restaurants that have liability insurance? If you do, you'll be eating at home a lot.

No Elmer, physicians carry malpractice insurance because they know that at some point they will make a mistake that could result in a lawsuit. Some states have ended tort abuse and yet physicians in those states still carry insurance.

Multiple posters have stated why you're wrong on this, a wise consumer/patient educates them self, a foolish one remains ignorant. When purchasing a car or a smartphone do you research and read others reviews first? You don't need to be an expert in those areas to make informed decisions.

As rushed and hurried as today's physicians are, overloaded with federal paperwork requirements, they simply cannot do all that you assume. Next time you're at a physician ask them if they want their patients to be informed and active in their healthcare, run, run, run from one that says no..

It is especially quite common for people to say their dogs' foot pads smell like fritos.

I don't think this is any cause for emergency alarm. I would however take immediate action if your Fritos smell like foot pads.

And for the record...I filed no suit nor spoke to any attorneys. I've questioned myself many times as to why I didn't but get no answer.

Lucille was it you that said your Chi never has an odor? Thinking about it I don't think I've ever met a Chi with a odor. Rosy has only had 3 baths so far because at first it was hot weather and I didn't want her getting a chill from the AC than the cold weather hit and put a damp chill in the air. Shes just to small and chills easily yet....she always smells fresh. Lol

All dogs have an odor. Some may find it acceptable, while others find it offensive. I don't know why they (your choice which person) do, but they do. Anyone who thinks a dog doesn't have an odor has likely become nose blind.

has likely become nose blind.

With my current vision problems I can't see dust either.

I filed no suit

You had no damages, what would you sue for? One of the essential elements of a tort suit is that one has damages from the behavior.

But it is true: Nurses, pharmacists, and patients and family all are part of the safety team which is why it is so important to know about medications taken and side effects.

Anglophilia - Our Eskie's feet smell like fresh popcorn as well. He also doesn't smell - unless of course he gets into something. Our previous dogs (Hounds) did have an odor - one that I will always miss.

Raye, your equating doing background buying information on such trivial things as a car or a phone to the extreme technical knowledge needed to understand and assess something medical speaks to how little you understand this question. Be happy with your profound misunderstandings all the same.

PS - what federal paperwork do you think docs do? Aside from Medicare billing (which software and support staff do) ? You really have some dodgy information, I think that's why you have the notions you have.

All physician are required to comply with the massive ACA paperwork requirements, many are spending more time with paperwork than with patients.

Buying a car is typically the second most expensive item ordinary people purchase, that is not trivial.

Elmer, as you have restated time and time again, you don't have intellectual capacity to understand medical technology, so why are you making any attempt to contribute to the conversation since you have NOTHING to add to the discussion?

Just for Elmer - "It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt." Mark Twain

"All physician are required to comply with the massive ACA paperwork requirements"

Can you cite an example of paperwork that PHYSICIANS have to do? Insurance work is strictly back office stuff. More misinformation? Are you someone who uses the BS term "Fake News"? It may apply here to what you've suggested.

Are you someone who's against the idea of broad healthcare coverage in our country and reducing the ranks of uninsured, as other countries that consider themselves to be developed and civilized have? Shame on all those who feel that way.

You're entitled to have any opinions you want. When you spread misinformation and disinformation, I'll speak up.

Just for Elmer - "It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people
think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt." Mark Twain

I saw that the first time, the sentiment isn't new or original. Nor, apparently, is it thought to have been said by Mark.Twain. But as with the other things, you can say it a few more times and hope the veracity improves. But it won't.

Elmer, your comments have nothing to do with the OP question. Other posters are advocating patient/customer education and I also strongly advocate for patient education, I've seen lives saved and the good it does in so many lives.

It is clear that you are currently incapable of polite, social interactions. Your posts are inappropriate rants and insults, please, get professional help with your relational/social deficiencies. Note that I am not the first or second to point this out to you.

Angolphilia thank you again for your link to the John Paul oatmeal shampoo, I just got it delivered, must be good stuff UPS made me sign for it.

I think I'll give Duchess a nice bath sometime soon.

Both of my Chi’s feet smelled like Fritos after they’d been sleeping. But as far as stinky ... never! Mine gets bathed in Angel shower gel by Thierry Mugler. She smells wonderful.

Interestingly, one of my niece's pet name for her Wheaten terrior, Shamus, is Frito Man :-) I have never noticed this particular aroma from any of my dogs but it is obviously not restricted to Chihuahuas!!

btw, 10year old Shamus was just diagnosed this week with lung cancer :-( He had developed a cough. She and her family are devastated and are getting a second opinon and options for treatment but please hold some positive thoughts for this beloved pet. I fear it will not be a good outcome.

"When you spread misinformation and disinformation, I'll speak up."

and when you do, others here will also.

Nice comment. Can you give an example?