Valerian root has long been known for its calming qualities, and dogs can benefit too. Its earthy smell interacts with neurotransmitters like GABA, reducing hyperactivity and tension.
Yeast infections in dogs have a distinct musty odor. Learn what it smells like, where to check, and how to tell it apart from a bacterial infection.

Why do dogs feet smell like Fritos? Learn what causes Frito feet in dogs, including bacteria, yeast, and paw moisture buildup. Discover easy dog paw cleaning tips and the best paw care routine to help reduce smelly dog paws and keep paws fresh and healthy.

These active ingredients give valerian its characteristic earthy (and often pungent) smell but also its calming properties. In pet products, valerian extract is often standardized for potency and available as powders, capsules, tinctures, or blended into chews and treats.

Because barking and excessive activity are typically signs of stress in shelter dogs not to mention being undesirable behaviors in the eyes of many adopters the study concluded that exposure to the odors of vanilla, coconut, valerian, and ginger has the potential to reduce stress in shelter dogs.
One common concern for dog parents is when their canine companion smells like fish. Often, this fishy smell is unnatural and can be a sign of an underlying health issue in your dog for which veterinary attention is needed. Why Do Dogs Smell Like Fish?