Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Do Dachshunds Smell Bad? Vet-Reviewed Facts & Grooming Tips

miniature chocolate dachshund standing on rock

While any dog can stink, Dachshunds aren’t notoriously any more smelly than other breeds. Although they shed moderately, they’re considered to be relatively clean dogs who can go for long periods of time without seeing the tub. In fact, they only need to be bathed every 3 months or so unless they become particularly muddy at the dog park. If your Dachshund smells awful, you should consult with a vet who can check them for signs of illness, such as ear infections, skin problems, or anal glands that need to be expressed.

Dogster divider_v3_NEW_MAY_24_

How to Keep Your Dachshund Smelling Fresh

Thankfully, it doesn’t take much effort to keep your Dachshund smelling good. You should bathe them every 1-3 months with a vet-approved canine shampoo.

If you are looking for the perfect, pet-friendly shampoo and conditioner combo, we highly recommend the products by Hepper. With a soothing oatmeal shampoo, free of soaps and other harsh chemicals, and a cucumber and aloe scented conditioner, your pet's skin and coat will be smooth, hydrated, and irritation-free. 

Image Product Details
Hepper Oatmeal Pet Shampoo Hepper Oatmeal Pet Shampoo
  • Safe for Dogs & Cats
  • Lightly Scented
  • Soothing Oatmeal
  • Hepper Pet Conditioner Hepper Pet Conditioner
  • Detangles and reduces friction
  • Nourishing, coconut-based formula
  • pH balanced
  • At Dogster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years, and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding products of this cool pet company!

    While your Dachshund needs only quarterly bathing, you might have to wash their hind quarters more frequently if they have an upset stomach or after an anal gland expression. To keep your Dachshund clean, you can wipe them down after a moderately dirty trip to the park.

    How often you’ll need to brush them, however, depends on the length of their coat, which may be short or medium length. Brushing distributes their natural oils across their coat, which nourishes their fur and prevents them from developing any greasy spots, as well as mats and tangles. For medium-length coats, this should be done a few times per week.

    Your Dachshund’s teeth need to be brushed daily in order to keep their pearly whites in top shape, and tame doggie breath.

    Besides hygiene, be sure to feed your Dachshund a healthy, well-balanced diet to avoid excessive gas and help prevent scooting. If you do all of these things, your Dachshund should be generally stench-free. If they still smell like a skunk, it’s probably time to see a vet.

    Dogster divider_v3_NEW_MAY_24_

    The 4 Possible Reasons Your Dachshund Smells Bad

    1. Full Anal Glands

    You know that funny move where dogs scoot along the carpet? That’s usually a sign that their anal glands need to be manually expressed. Your dog has two sacs located near their anus that are filled with a foul odor that releases every time they poop. To humans, it smells a little like rotten fish mixed with a fart, but to dogs, it’s their signature scent that shares key factors about their age, health, and sex.

    Most dogs fortunately possess the capability to express their own glands when they defecate, but occasionally they need some help on this front. Chronic inflammation, obesity, frequent diarrhea, or a diet low in fiber may prevent them from expressing their glands properly.

    Since most dogs can express their glands naturally, you shouldn’t try to do it unless it’s absolutely necessary or recommended by a vet, and only after you’ve had appropriate training from them to do so.

    Dachshund butt
    Image Credit: HPK Images, Shutterstock

    2. Ear Problems

    Your Dachshund’s adorable ears may be the site of the unrelenting stench. Mites, infections, and built-up earwax can all cause unpleasant odors. Black specks resembling coffee grounds often accompanied by an excessive amount of wax may raise suspicion for ear mites. While this condition is easily treated, you’ll need to take your Dachshund to the vet to receive a prescription for ear drops.

    If your dog has an ear infection, their ears will likely smell funky and may appear unusually red on the inside. Your dog may cry if they’re touched there, shake their head and the inside of the ear will be inflamed and often contain discharge. A vet will need to examine their ears to determine if the infection was caused by a bacterial, or fungal source. After cleaning out their ears and checking that the eardrums are fine, they’ll usually give you ear drops to treat the problem at home.


    3. Skin Infections

    Slick, oily skin with a moldy or sour odor may be a sign that your dog has a bacterial or yeast infection somewhere on their skin. A vet will prescribe medicine to your pup to remedy the problem and will recommend specific diagnostic testing in order to get down to the root cause of your dog’s skin problems. Unfortunately, some Dachshunds seem prone to skin issues or may suffer from allergies. You might want to talk to a vet about switching your Dachshund’s food to an allergy-friendly diet while dogs with infected skin generally require a course of antifungals or antibiotics, topical creams, sometimes with anti-inflammatory medications, and allergy management, if this is the cause of their skin problem.

    If you need to speak with a vet but can't get to one, head over to PangoVet. It's an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!

    PangoVet_Mention-in-Content Savings V1


    4. Bad Breath

    Did you know that 80% of dogs develop periodontal disease by age 3? Unless they’re chomping down on food (or our fingers during the puppy stage), we might not think about our Dachshund’s teeth very often. However, it’s critical to keep up with your dog’s oral health with daily toothbrushing and professional cleanings as recommended by a vet.

    Dogster divider_v3_NEW_MAY_24_

    Conclusion

    If you’re hesitating about adopting a Dachshund because of the possible stench, you can breathe a pleasant sigh of relief. While no living creature may be strictly odorless, Dachshunds aren’t known to be particularly stinky. If you do smell a foul odor emanating from your hound, you should probably examine them for any medical issues such as ear or skin infections or blocked anal glands. Otherwise, maintaining a regular grooming routine that includes weekly brushing and daily tooth brushing should keep them smelling fresh in between baths.


    Featured Image Credit: David Pecheux, Shutterstock

    How useful was this post?

    Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

    Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

    Your feedback really matters.

    What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

    Join the conversation

    Leave a Reply

    You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

    Talk With A Vet Online

    Peace of mind,
    anywhere, anytime

    Affordable vet advice

    Miniature Golden Retriever Dog Breed: Info, Pictures & Care

    It’s easy to see why the Golden Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds around. Universally loved for their peaceful natures,...

    How Much Playtime Does a Puppy Need? Importance for Socialization (Vet-Reviewed)

    Puppies require playtime for exercise and socialization. Without playtime, puppies can easily engage in destructive behavior, m aking playtime an important aspect of...

    Pomchi (Pomeranian & Chihuahua Mix): Info, Pictures, Care & More

    Pomeranians and Chihuahuas are two of the most loved small breeds around the globe. Why not combine the two together? Well, some dog...

    How Did My Tropical Dogs Handle Snow? Adapting to a New Environment

    Hi, I’m Allison! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my three mixed-breed dogs from Thailand, Jelly, Lorraina, and Manic. Have...

    More related

    10 Great Off-Leash Dog Parks in Pasadena, CA, You Can Visit in 2025

    Located just east of Los Angeles, Pasadena may be best known as the home of the famous Rose Bowl and the Rose Bowl...

    Why Mental Stimulation Is Crucial for Dogs: 6 Vet-Approved Reasons

    We hear a lot about how important it is that dogs get their daily dose of exercise in. Of course, regular physical activity...

    10 Siberian Husky Myths & Misconceptions: It’s Time We Stop Believing These

    The Siberian Husky breed was officially recognized in 1930. This beautiful dog is known for working in packs, pulling sleds across the snow....

    Smooth Collie: Info, Pictures, Temperament & More

    We’ve all seen Lassie, and many people wanted to have a Collie after seeing how loyal she is. The thick coat can be...

    Keep reading

    What Is Dog Food Made Of? Vet-Reviewed Ingredient Guide

    Buying dog food is so commonplace. We do it all the time without a second thought. If your dog is running low on food, you hop online or go to the store and grab the same bag you’ve been buying....

    german shepherd dog lying near food bowl

    Do Puppies Need Puppy Food? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

    When you stop to really think about it, it may seem like a no-brainer that puppies would need different food from our adult dogs. After all, we feed infants baby food. However, it really isn’t that clear to a lot...

    dry dog food in a bowl on wooden table

    What to Feed a Dog With Arthritis: Comprehensive Guide

    An estimated 20% of dogs over 1 year of age have osteoarthritis, or degenerative joint disease (DJD), which is a progressive and complicated disorder. It can profoundly impact an animal’s quality of life and, sadly, has no cure. Instead, pet...

    Disabled Senior Dachshund Dog Eating Pet Food At Home

    Can Dogs Eat Mint? Vet Approved Facts & FAQ

    What do you think of when you think of mint? Fresh breath, spruced-up salads, smoothies, and mojitos. But have you ever wondered if your dog can have mint? Smelly dog breath is a common complaint, so is it okay to...

    can dogs eat mint

    How to Tell If Dry Dog Food Has Gone Bad? Signs & 9 Tips to Keep It Fresh

    Something you may not think about that often is the expiration date of your dry dog food. And some pet owners may even think that dry dog food stays fresh for way longer than it does. Unlike wet dog food,...

    A small dog refuses to eat dog food

    Authority Puppy Food Review 2025: Recalls, Pros & Cons

    Review Summary A new puppy can bring a lot of excitement into your life! Along with the adorable pictures and play, there are some tough questions, like what you will be feeding your new bundle of fur. If you are...

    Dogster_Authority Puppy Food Review

    10 Foods With Vitamin C for Dogs: Vet Reviewed Nutrition Facts & Info

    Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is incredibly important for normal immune function in mammals, including dogs. It promotes the activation of white blood cells, which is the body’s principal means of fighting off infection. It also has some...

    woman giving broccoli to her dog

    Aldi Pure Being Dog Food Review 2025: Recalls, Pros & Cons

    Review Summary Aldi Pure Being is made with meat as the main ingredient in their foods. The dog food is an excellent option for pet owners on a budget. You can rest assured that the food is balanced and nutritious...

    Dogster_Aldi Pure Being Dog Food Review