Is it normal for Shih Tzu to smell

Do Shih Tzus Smell (They Shouldnt!)

Shih Tzus are one of the most popular breeds of dogs, and many people raise them in suburban and urban households. They are inside dogs, but that doesnt mean they cant get dirty. But do Shih Tzus smell? Well, they can, but they shouldnt.

Do Shih Tzus Smell

Theyre small, cute, and come in a variety of different colors with fur that grows on top of their delicate face.

Theyre often called a little lions.

But as is the case with all animals, Shih Tzus can have a bad odor to them if they arent taken care of properly.

Here are some of the causes of Shih Tzus odors.

The good news is you can control them.

Shih Tzus Hair

Shih Tzus hair is typically very coarse and grows in profusion around their face.

The fur around their face often grows in a frayed sort of way, which can result in matting and tangles if not kept up with properly.

This can lead to an odor for the dog that is quite strong. Some people have compared it to a yeast smell or cheese popcorn.

The area around their eyes can become wet and this attracts bacteria.

It is this bacteria that is causing the odor.

If your Shih Tzu has this issue, I know mine do, you might want to consider using some sort of face wipe or eye wipe to keep this area dry and free of bacteria.

Oily Skin / Dry Skin

Some Shih Tzus are prone to oily skin while others have dry skin.

While dry skin doesnt typically cause an odor, oily skin can.

Good grooming habits will help take care of this issue.

You will want to take your Shih Tzu to the groomers at least every six to eight weeks.

When you take them, be sure to have the groomer clean out their ears as well.

Shih Tzus ears are moist and damp. This can lead to ear infections.

This will also cause an odor.

I know that my Truman (learn more about him here) had a terrible ear infection one time.

He started scratching his ear like crazy. I had no idea what was going on until I flipped his ear over.

It was all red and scary-looking.

Needless to say, I rushed him to the vet and thats when I found out he had an ear infection.

I had to put medicine down his ear a couple of times a day.

He sure hated that, but it did clear it up.

From then on, I made sure the groomer checked his ears and he hasnt had an infection since.

Skin Infections

Shih Tzus also tend to be prone to skin infections.

If your dog has a kind of yeast smell I always think it smells kind of like cheese then be sure to take them to the vet as they may be dealing with skin issues.

Besides the smell, you might notice them licking themselves a lot or in one place over and over again.

Truman had a yeast issue.

His skin looked fine, but there was this one spot on his lower belly that he wouldnt leave alone. He would lick and lick and lick.

So, back to the vet.

If you find out that your Shih Tzu has a yeast issue, you might want to change your dog food. That can help as well.

What Can You Do About a Smelly Shih Tzu

First off, when in doubt take your Shih Tzu to the vet to make sure there is nothing seriously wrong with them.

After that, there are some things you can do to help eliminate or reduce the smell on your Shih Tzus face.

1. Shave Your Shih Tzu

First of all, you can shave the dog.

This will help keep your Shih Tzu well-groomed and reduce tear stains on their face and oily hair.

I keep both of my Shih Tzus shaved year-round.

It keeps them cool in the summer, but in the winter, I put sweaters on them so they stay warm.

These are the ones I use and they fit really well.

2. Brushing & Bathing

Brushing and bathing is also an option for dogs with oily hair.

Plan on giving your Shih Tzu a bath once every three weeks.

You should also brush your dog every day.

Also, use face wipes on their face daily.

This will go a long way to keeping your Shih Tzu healthy and smelling fresh.

3. Have a Professional Do It

Another option is to have a professional groomer or veterinarian take care of the problem.

You may find that they can provide you with much better results than you will get at home.

The fact of the matter is that Shih Tzus do not typically smell as bad as many other breeds of dogs, but they can be pungent if not taken care of properly.

4. Check for Food Allergies

Your Shih Tzu may have food allergies that are causing it issues.

Changing their food is a quick and easy solution.

5. A Bad Tooth

Tooth decay is common in Shih Tzus.

If yours has bad breath it could be due to this.

Have your vet check their teeth to make sure they are free from tartar and that there is no decay.

You might also enjoy:

Do Shih Tzus Have Fur or Hair?

Why is My Shih Tzus Fur Turning Pink?

Is it Normal for Shih Tzus to Smell Bad?

No, it is not normal for a Shih Tzu to smell bad.

Many people expect all dogs to smell bad because of the fact that some other breeds do.

However, Shih Tzus are typically very clean animals and if they smell then there is an issue you need to look into.

You may also enjoy:

How Often Should a Shih Tzu Be Groomed?

Do Shih Tzus Need Hair Cuts?

To Sum it All Up:

Your Shih Tzu shouldnt smell bad. If it does, this is telling you that there might be a health issue that needs to be addressed. As a pet owner, it is your responsibility to make sure you provide good grooming habits and see the vet regularly to check for skin conditions. Doing so should keep your Shih Tzu smelling fresh as a daisy.

Please Note:

This article is informational only and does not substitute for veterinary advice. Always check with your veterinarian if you are concerned about your Shih Tzus behavior. This article should not be considered in any way as veterinarian advice.

Why Do Shih Tzus Smell Bad?

There is nothing quite like the smell of a wet dog, gentlemen. Something about it is so irritating, and Im not sure what it is. It smells bad, is stagnant, and is stale. They typically dry off quite soon and return to their typical, barely musky dry scent. Unless they dont, that is.

There are those dogs that, no matter how many baths you force them through, just cant seem to get clean. This article is for you if you think your dog still smells after a bath or just generally does.

Are All Shih Tzus Stinky?

Have you ever questioned why Shih Tzu has such a foul odor? There are a few reasons why these canines frequently have a pungent smell, though. Shih Tzus, to start, have a fur coat that is quite dense and restricts airflow. As a result, any sweat or dirt that gets caught in the fur may begin to smell. Additionally, Shih Tzus produce more oil than other dogs due to their extra-large sebaceous gland. This oil can contribute to the pungent smell as well as give the fur a greasy appearance. Last but not least, Shih Tzus have numerous skin creases that can harbor bacteria and cause illnesses. These illnesses may emit a disagreeable odor.

What Are The Common Reasons Shih Tzus Smell Bad?

• Infection or Skin Inflammation

Numerous factors could be at play if your dogs skin is inflamed. There may be external irritants, allergies, burns, bacterial, viral, parasite, or fungal diseases. Take your dog to the vet as soon as you can if they still smell after a bath, are overly scratching or licking themselves, have a lot of scaling, or are rubbing themselves on the carpet. Use just the shampoo and conditioner recommended by the veterinarian on your dog.

Have you been itching your inner ear a lot? What about uncontrollable head shaking? Do your dogs aggressive tendencies increase when you touch its ears? If your dog is experiencing any of these issues, it might have an ear infection! Dogs require more frequent cleanings of their ears since they have larger ear canals than humans do. Because of their ears frequently, this is also one of the most disregarded ways to improve your dogs odor. Consult a veterinarian before attempting to clean your dogs ears on your own, and then use a gentle ear cleaner.

• Dental Issues & Foul Breath

If you follow, dog breath is always a touch rough. Ahaha.

In any case, dental problems in dogs are a major contributing factor to odor. Giving your dog chew toys could help if you think their breath is intolerably awful. Yes, just your average chew toy.

How does that assist? A dogs natural method of cleaning its teeth is to chew. It keeps their teeth in good health and removes plaque. Dog treats for dental health are another option.

Make sure to get in touch with your vet if you discover that these solutions dont work.

The extent to which a dogs diet impacts its odor is absolutely astonishing. The main cause of your dogs persistent odor after a bath may be a diet high in inferior dog food. Bad dog food can harm your dogs digestive tract, which leads to an unfavorable odor as a result of unbalanced gut bacteria.

The harsh reality is that you might not be ready for a dog if you feel you cant afford to feed them well. So before you visit the adoption facility, make sure it is within your budget!

How To Stop Shih Tzus From Smelling Bad?

There are steps you can take to ensure your Shih Tzu is smelling well so that those cuddles can continue after you have ruled out any underlying medical conditions that may be the source of the stench.

There are numerous options available to you.

There is never an easy way to do this since some dogs will just flat-out refuse. However, if you can, you should use a small toothbrush and dog toothpaste to brush your Shih Tzus teeth. Use only dog toothpaste; human toothpaste includes fluoride, poisonous to dogs.

Your adorable little Shih Tzu does, as you are well aware, accumulate a lot of crud around their eyes. Im aware that Truman has several problems with this. Even by Shih Tzu standards, his eyes are huge and frequently teary. A face wipe is the most effective tool for removing all tear stains and discharge buildup.

Youd be shocked at how frequently a Shih Tzu can develop an ear infection. In addition, dirt in your dogs ear might cause unpleasant odors.

You should spend a few minutes each week cleaning your dogs ears underside.

Use a wipe that isnt overly wet because too much moisture can cause ear infections.

While you shouldnt bathe your Shih Tzu too frequently, you should brush their hair well every day or at least every two to three days. Using a grooming wipe is a different choice. Starting at the top of your dogs head, you should work your way down over him. Make sure to include the bottom as well. a bath too frequently, but you should brush your hair well every day or at least every two to three days.

Conclusion

Shih Tzus are charming dogs who are renowned for their affectionate and amiable personalities. Why does Shih Tzu stink so much, though? Their distinct anatomy and physiology hold the key to the question. These furry pals can develop a foul odor for a variety of causes, including skin conditions and anal glands. You can, however, maintain your Shih Tzu smell lovely and fresh with the right maintenance and routine cleaning. So now you know the answer when you wonder why your dog smells nasty!