Is there something wrong or does my dog just need a bath? It’s a genuine question that many Dachshund owners ask. Many Dachshunds are prone to smelling a bit more than most dog breeds, so this may be normal for your dog. It could also be something else more serious. If this is the case, it’s important to look into it and figure out whether your dog needs professional help.
There are many underlying reasons for the bad smell of your dog, and don’t worry, many of them are treatable. Even though this sounds like a silly topic, it can have serious consequences if not checked out. It’s not your dog’s fault for smelling bad, so take the time to assist your dog in smelling clean and fresh again.
Why Does My Dachshund Smell Bad?
The answer to this question can simply be that they aren’t being bathed enough. If your Dachshund begins to emit a smelly body odor, a simple bath may be the cure. Dogs should be bathed as often as necessary, which means at least monthly, if not weekly. Regular bathing is the best way to prevent strong odors. It also keeps your dog healthy in other areas as well, like the skin and glands. Not to mention it keeps them looking clean and handsome!
If you give your Dachshund a bath and you continually notice a bad smell, it’s time to dig deeper. Check their eyes, ears, and each part of their body individually to locate the smell. If the smell is persisting in a certain area, this could indicate an infection, which would need to be treated through medications. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so taking your dog to the vet regardless of your personal diagnosis is the best option. Let’s go through some of the individual areas and what it means when they smell bad.
Why Does My Dachshund’s Mouth Smell?
Dachshunds are known for their long, pointed snouts. While this makes them cute, the shape of their mouth can lead to them smelling. Food debris and oral bacteria can collect around the teeth and gums, and this is what causes the odor. You’ll find that the smell is more pungent and common in older dogs. Dachshunds are also known to suffer from halitosis, similar to humans.
Brushing your dog’s teeth regularly is a must. It removes plaque buildup and can reduce the risk of your dog getting dental disease, which is the most common infection in dogs. Try buying toothpaste designed for dogs. Though the process may not be the most enjoyable for you or your dog, the benefits of a healthy, happy dog will be well worth it.
Why Do My Dachshund’s Ears Smell?
If your lift your Dachshund’s ear and become overwhelmed with the smell, your dog may unfortunately have lots of yeast or bacteria buildup. It usually worsens in the summer months when dogs are more active. It’s important to deal with this right when you notice the smell because it can lead to infections and more serious problems. Prevention steps can be taken to reduce ear odors and treatment can be done to eradicate already infected or smelly ears.
Be sure to keep the hair trimmed around and inside the inner ear area. Groomers will often do this for you during their scheduled grooming sessions. Trimming the hair prevents dirt from getting into the ears and causing unwanted bacterial growth. Check for dirt, debris, and insects inside the ear. This sounds like not a very fun task but just remember that it’s for the health of your Dachshund.
Why Does My Dachshund’s Feet Smell?
Many dogs enjoy running around outside and exploring off the paved road, so it’s no surprise that their feet have a multitude of bacteria that may be living on their feet. Many Dachshund owners report a smell due to this, even saying that it smells like Fritos. It’s a funny comparison, but the corn chip aroma comes from the bacteria and sweat on your dog’s feet.
To fix this smell, start by washing their paws with pet shampoo and thoroughly scrubbing them (not too rough though!) Trim the hair between the pads and around the paws while you’re at it. Taking your dog to a local groomer is a good idea because they’ll often do this for you. By keeping your dog’s feet groomed, you can cut down on a lot of bacterial growth.
Other Common Reasons for the Smell
Another reason your dog may smell bad is due to the anal glands, which are small sacs found on your dog’s behind. If your dog is licking their bottom or dragging its bottom on the floor, this could indicate that the anal glands are not working properly. Sometimes professionals can squeeze them to empty if the glands are filled. If they aren’t working well because of an infection or disease, take him to the vet for a checkup.
Preventative Steps
As a dog owner, it’s up to you to take the necessary steps in keeping your Dachshund clean and healthy. By regularly cleaning and grooming them, you can add to their quality of life and allow them to feel comfortable.
Follow these practices to keep your Dachshund healthy and smelling fresh:
- Bathe with a gentle dog shampoo
- Wash your dog’s bedding
- Feed your dog good quality food
- Check their exercise/bathroom area for anything smelly
- Brush your dog’s teeth regularly
- Clean & trim their paws
- Trim their inner ears
- Periodically take them to the vet for a check-up
Keep Your Dachshund Smelling Fresh
At this point, you’re well prepared to face any smell your dog may bring to the table. You know how to properly maintain the scent of your dog and identify the cause and treatment of the issue. Don’t be afraid to bring your dog to the vet if there’s a smell that you can’t identify a cause for. They’re here to help. Hopefully, you’ve learned something from this article, and you’ll use it to keep your dog smelling clean and fresh.
