My brother has a mutt (nice one)lol that really stinks all the time and is always scratching and stuff. Also losing its hair. Could this to be a type of allergy? Or what about mange? Does an animal with the mange stink? This dog really has a horrible oder and it acts like it tries to get away from itsself. I am trying to talk him in to taking it to the vet soon. Any advice besides him taking it to the vet?

Allergies whether they are environmental, food, or inhalant types are the most common underlying cause of itching and hair loss. There are other potential causes as well, such as skin parasites (demodectic or sarcoptic mange), flea bite hypersensitivity, and immune deficiency or immune mediated diseases.

The fact that there is an odor present suggests that there is a secondary bacterial or yeast infection flourishing. A combination of topical and oral antibiotics will help clear this up. It would be an excellent idea to have a vet take some biopsies of the skin to determine the exact cause.

Here are a few things you can do to help to alleviate the itching and offensive odor. Cold water applied to itchy areas will provide short-term relief. Shampoo’s that are more geared towards reducing the bacteria level such, as Pyoben and Oxydex will help reduce the odor and itching.

Sometimes just changing the pets diet will help eliminate odors.

Thank so much piggens I will pass this on to my brother and see if it will help his dog in the mean time. Right now you can't stand to be in the same house with that dog and you feel sorry for her. I think she is about 12 years old. Sam

Try vitamin e