Why is my Shih Tzus face always wet

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated November 18, 2024

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Why Your Shih Tzu Smells So Bad: 6 Causes & How To Fix It

I know how much we love our fluffy companions. However, theres one issue that we often come across their smell.

Weve received an influx of messages from Shih Tzu owners about bad odor, and so we need to address this issue with a thorough guide.

Below, I will help you understand the causes of that stinky smell and provide practical solutions to keep your Shih Tzu smelling fresh.

Are Shih Tzus Known To Be Smelly?

While Shih Tzus can develop odor issues like any other dog, they are not inherently smelly dogs.

However, due to their unique features and coat type, they may be more prone to certain issues that can lead to bad smells.

P.S If your Shih Tzus face smells bad, check out that article <<

Lets run through the list of reasons why Shih Tzus can become smelly.

1. Skin Infections

Skin infections are one of the most common reasons your Shih Tzu might smell bad. These infections can be caused by a variety of factors, such as:

Bacteria: Bacterial infections like pyoderma can cause a foul smell. Pyoderma is common in Shih Tzus due to their thick double coat, which can trap bacteria and moisture.
Fungus: Fungal infections, like yeast infections, can also cause an unpleasant odor. Shih Tzus are prone to yeast infections because of their skin folds and floppy ears.

To combat these infections, try the following solutions:

Keep your Shih Tzu clean and dry: Bathe your Shih Tzu at the right frequency with a gentle, hypoallergenic dog shampoo. Make sure to dry their coat thoroughly, especially in the folds and crevices.
Visit your veterinarian: If you suspect an infection, consult your vet for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. They may prescribe medicated shampoos, ointments, or oral medications to treat the infection.

For more information on skin infections in dogs, check out this article from PetMD.

2. Ear Infections

Ear infections can be another source of your Shih Tzus bad smell. Due to their floppy ears, Shih Tzus are more susceptible to ear infections than breeds with upright ears. The warm and moist environment created by their floppy ears can foster the growth of bacteria and yeast, leading to infection and odor.

To prevent and treat ear infections, consider these steps:

Clean their ears regularly: Use a dog-specific ear cleaning solution and cotton balls to gently clean your Shih Tzus ears. Make sure not to insert anything into the ear canal.
Keep their ears dry: After bathing or swimming, make sure to dry your dogs ears thoroughly to prevent moisture buildup.
Consult your veterinarian: If you notice signs of an ear infection, such as redness, discharge, or a foul smell, consult your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

For more information on ear infections in dogs, check out this helpful article from VCA Hospitals.

3. Dental Problems

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is a common issue in Shih Tzus. This breed is particularly prone to dental problems because of their small mouths and crowded teeth.

Dental issues like plaque, tartar, and gum disease can contribute to a foul smell emanating from your dogs mouth.

To tackle dental issues, try these solutions:

Brush their teeth regularly: Use a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste to clean your Shih Tzus teeth at least a few times a week.
Provide dental chews and toys: These can help remove plaque and tartar buildup, improving your dogs breath.
Schedule regular dental checkups: Regular visits to your veterinarian for dental cleanings and exams can help maintain your Shih Tzus oral health and keep bad breath at bay.

For more information on dental care for dogs, take a look at this comprehensive guide from the American Kennel Club (AKC).

4. Anal Gland Issues

Shih Tzus, like other dog breeds, have anal glands that can sometimes become problematic. These glands, located on either side of the anus, produce a smelly substance used for scent marking. If these glands become impacted or infected, they can emit a strong, fishy odor.

To address anal gland issues, consider the following:

Monitor for signs of discomfort: If your Shih Tzu is scooting their bottom on the ground, licking their rear end excessively, or showing signs of discomfort, it could indicate an anal gland issue.
Visit your veterinarian: Your vet can express your dogs anal glands and check for signs of infection. If necessary, they can also prescribe medications or recommend dietary changes to prevent future problems.
Maintain a healthy diet: A diet high in fiber can help your Shih Tzu have regular bowel movements, which can aid in naturally expressing the anal glands.

For more information on anal gland issues in dogs, check out this informative article from PetMD.

5. Diet and Flatulence

Your Shih Tzus diet can have a significant impact on their smell. Certain foods can cause flatulence, making your dog more prone to passing gas with a strong odor. Additionally, a low-quality diet can affect your dogs overall health, leading to a variety of issues that may contribute to their bad smell.

To address diet-related odor issues, try these tips:

Feed a high-quality diet: Choose a well-balanced, high-quality dog food that meets your Shih Tzus nutritional needs.
Avoid gas-inducing foods: Foods like beans, dairy products, and certain vegetables can cause flatulence in dogs. Limit or eliminate these foods from your dogs diet to reduce gas.
Monitor for food allergies: Some dogs have food allergies or intolerances that can cause digestive upset and gas. If you suspect your Shih Tzu has a food allergy, consult your veterinarian for guidance on an elimination diet to identify the culprit.

For more information on choosing the right food for your Shih Tzu, take a look at this article from the AKC.

6. Rolling in Stinky Stuff

Lastly, your Shih Tzu might smell bad simply because theyve rolled in something stinky. Dogs have a natural instinct to roll in smelly substances, such as feces or dead animals, as a way of masking their scent.

To keep your Shih Tzu smelling fresh, follow these tips:

Supervise outdoor play: Keep a close eye on your Shih Tzu during outdoor activities to prevent them from rolling in stinky substances.
Clean them up promptly: If your dog does manage to roll in something smelly, clean them up as soon as possible using dog wipes or a gentle shampoo.
Use positive reinforcement: Encourage your Shih Tzu to avoid rolling in stinky stuff by rewarding them with praise and treats for staying clean during outdoor play.

Related: The Ideal Brushes & Brushing Routine for Shih Tzus

Closing thoughts

In conclusion, there are various reasons why your Shih Tzu might smell bad, ranging from skin and ear infections to dental issues and diet.

By following the solutions provided in this guide, you can address the underlying causes of your dogs odor and keep them smelling fresh and clean.

Remember to consult your veterinarian if you suspect an infection or if your dogs smell does not improve with regular grooming and care. With a bit of effort and attention, you can ensure your Shih Tzu stays happy, healthy, and smelling great.

For additional resources on Shih Tzu care, check out these reputable websites:

As a fellow Shih Tzu owner, I hope this guide helps you better understand the causes of your dogs bad smell and provides you with practical solutions to keep them smelling their best. Good luck, and happy grooming!

Disclaimer

Before making any decisions that could affect the health and/or safety of your dog, you should always consult a trained veterinarian in your local area. Even though this content may have been written/reviewed by a trained veterinarian, our advice to you is to always consult your own local veterinarian in person. Please read our full dislcaimer if you have any questions.

How to Wash a Shih Tzu's Face

BY MOLLY | EVERYTHINGSHIHTZU.COM

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When it comes to pups, Shih Tzu might just have some of the cutest faces around.

But if you don't wash your Shih Tzu's face regularly, it can quickly become anything but adorable.

For starters, one of the standout iconic features of this breed -- thelong, silky coat -- needs daily attention, or it turns into a tangledmess that traps all sorts of gunk.

This is especially true whenit comes to your pup's face.

To wash your Shih Tzu's face, first, comb out her hair to help get rid of tangles. Use a soft, moist cloth with some mild, tearless shampoo on it to gently clean your dog's face, concentrating around the eyes to battle unsightly tear stains. Then rinse your dog's face with a cloth with only water on it, and dry as you brush out the hair.

One of the battles that many Shih Tzu owners face is tear stains around their dogs' eyes.

Tear stains can be caused by a number of different factors, such as eating certain foods, allergies, infections, and even hair irritating your pup's eyes.

When your dog's face is dirty and stained, this not only makes your pup feel miserable, but she also doesn't look her best.

To find out the no-nonsense way to keep your Shih Tzu's face clean and in top-notch shape, check out these tips!

What Is the Best Way to Wash a Shih Tzu's Face?

If you have a Shih Tzu, then you need to be prepared to regularly clean their face.

It's important to keep the proper tools on hand so that you have what you need when the time comes to wash your dog's face.

Here are a few things that you should add to your pup's grooming kit:

Two soft washcloths, paper towels
Tear-less shampoo
Warm water
Blow-dryer

Soft washcloths and paper towels are perfect for ensuring a gentle touch when it comes to cleaning your Shih Tzu's face.

Paper towels are lint-free and won't scratch your pup's eyes.

You'll want two washcloths because one will be used for cleaning with shampoo and the other cloth will be used to rinse the face using only water.

Since you will be working so close to your pup's eyes, make sure to get a tear-less dog shampoo (or even a tear-free baby shampoo).

Even if you are very careful while cleaning your dog's face, you don't want to risk getting shampoo into your pup's eyes, so play it safe and go with the tear-less version.

The warm water helps to dissolve the sticky bits attached to the hair, while the blow dryer is used as a short cut to drying your Shih Tzu's face quickly.

Now that you know what you need, what's the best way to actually wash your Shih Tzu's face?

Assuming you have already gone through the basics of assimilating your dog to the grooming experience, when it comes to washing her face, follow these steps:

Remove the debris

Start with a paper towel to remove any large pieces of gunk and discharge from the eye area. Wet the paper towel with warm water and squeeze out the excess water.

Gently wipe from the inside corner of the eye, down and away from the eye. Be very careful not to touch your dog's eye, and make sure you don't rub the towel across the actual eye.

Create a cleaning mixture

Make a mixture of warm water combined with just a few drops of tear-less shampoo. Soak a washcloth in the mixture and then use it to clean your Shih Tzu's face, starting from the eye area and gently wiping in a an outward motion until the dirt is off your dog's face.

Get rid of the tear stains

Use the sudsy cloth to massage the stained areas of your dog's face, re-wetting the cloth as necessary. Depending on how badly stained your pup's face is, you may need to repeat this step a few times.

It may also be helpful to use a product specifically for the delicate area around the eyes, but also removes the tear stains.

Rinse and repeat

Using a clean washcloth, rinse your Shih Tzu's face by wiping it with the clean, wet washcloth.

Repeat this step until all traces of shampoo are gone.

Dry your Shih Tzu's face

Use a dry paper towel to pat your dog's face and get rid of any excess moisture.

Comb out the hair on your Shih Tzu's face, and then dry it with a blow dryer on a low, warm setting or let it air dry before going outdoors. Once the hair is dry, comb it for a finished look.

Why Does a Shih Tzu's Face Get So Dirty?

Your canine companion's discolored face might be due to a few different culprits.

If you find that your pup has a tendency to get a little messy in the face area, then it's best to clean her face at least every couple of days.

The other things to pay attention to are the factors that can cause dirt and discoloration on your furry friend's mug in the first place.

Using different plastic dishes could discolor your pup's face. Use a stainless steel bowl, instead. Also, if possible, let your pooch drink from a pet water bottle instead of a dish. This way, the hair on her face won't get wet, making it harder for food and junk to stick to it.

Try to avoid foods and treats that have a lot of colors that could stain your pup's face. Strive to offer your high-quality dog foods that avoid a lot of added coloring.

Keep your dog's face regularly trimmed, so that food and debris aren't as likely to get caught up in her hair. Also, trim the hair around the eyes to prevent from irritations.

Be vigilant with tear stains, especially if you notice that they occur often.

Why Does a Shih Tzu Get Tear Stains?

There's no one definite reason why a Shih Tzu gets tear stains. The dark marks that make your precious pup look like she's perpetually crying can be caused by many different factors.

Once you know what causes tear stains, you will be better positioned to prevent them from occurring or at least reduce the frequency at which they appear.

When your pup's tear ducts become blocked, this can cause tears to stream down her face, but what causes the blockage?

Your dog's tear ducts can become blocked due to eye inflammation, allergies, or even a foreign object or substance in the eye. If you believe your dog to have a blocked tear duct, you should bring her to your vet so that he can perform a tear duct flush.

For regular maintenance of your pup's eyes, you could get a canine eyewash that you could use daily to clean her eyes.

Also, here's a DIY tip that works well in keeping the area around the eyes clean? Moisten a cotton ball with a saline solution of mixing one tablespoon of boric acid and one cup distilled water, and gently rub it under and around your pup's eye areas as part of a daily regimen to ward against tear stains! Be sure to avoid getting the solution in your dogs eye as it can cause irritation

If this sounds like a lot of work, you can always use pet grooming wipes to get the job done.

Remember, never use anyting in your Shih Tzu's eyes that your vet hasn't prescribed, and be sure to check with your vet to rule out any medical issues that may be causing your Shih Tzu's tear stains.

With these tips and know-how, your pup is sure to have the precious face that she deserves!