Why Do Shih Tzus Stink? 4 Vet-Reviewed Reasons & Solutions

Canines often do gross things like rummage through the garbage and eat poop. However, they still tend to be clean animals, grooming themselves regularly throughout the day to stay healthy and happy. In general, dogs shouldn’t be smelly, including Shih Tzus. This doesn’t mean your Shih Tzu can’t or won’t ever get stinky, but there will be a reason for the smelliness that should be addressed, such as an infection. Here’s what you should know.

Shih Tzus Can Have a Bad Odor, But It Shouldn’t Last

Like any dog, a Shih Tzu can just get stinky sometimes. But it is not normal or healthy for them to continuously have a bad body odor. If they do stink regularly or are so odorous that it is disturbing, there is undoubtedly an underlying cause that needs addressing.

A healthy Shih Tzu that's properly groomed won’t stink more than any other breed that is well cared for. So, let us explore why one might be so stinky.

The 4 Reasons That Your Shih Tzu Might Be Stinky

Whatever the reason for the offensive odor, there is typically a correction for it. Here are the most common reasons that a Shih Tzu might be stinky and what you can do about it.

1. Lack of or Improper Grooming

The Shih Tzu’s signature long coat can get tangled and matted if not properly groomed and cared for. This can trap debris and stinky smells, and lead to skin problems and discomfort.

What to Do About It

Make regular grooming a priority with daily brushing and monthly bathes. You should also schedule professional grooming to trim and maintain your pup’s coat. Make sure their coat is completely dry after every bath and keep their face and beard clean with regular wipes.

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2. Infection

Shih Tzus are a brachycephalic (flat-faced) dog breed. Their short head shape means they have skin folds on their face which can get moist and infected leading to nasty odors. They also have shallow eye sockets so their eyes protrude more. This means they can be prone to eye infections and problems with tear drainage, both of which can lead to stinky smells. Shih Tzus can also suffer from ear infections, the signs include redness, irritation, swelling, discharge, and increased odor.

What to Do About It

Tear staining may be relatively common in Shih Tzus, but always have a veterinarian evaluate any eye issues and follow their instructions for cleaning. Keeping hair groomed away from the eyes can help to avoid any irritation, and you may need to regularly clean any gunk building up with a clean damp cloth. Keep other skin folds clean and dry with pet-safe wipes.

If your dog is showing any signs of an ear infection then schedule a checkup with a veterinarian as soon as possible. They will evaluate and may prescribe medicated ear drops to treat the infection and get rid of the smell.

3. Dental Issues

Research from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) found that dental (periodontal) disease was the most commonly reported disorder of Shih Tzus in the UK. Dental disease develops because an overgrowth of bacteria forms plaque, which then leads to tartar buildup. The result is gum disease (gingivitis) and bad breath. Shih Tzus are prone to dental disease due to their small mouths and overcrowded teeth.

What to Do About It

Prevention is better than cure so make regular tooth brushing a priority from a young age. Schedule regular checkups with a vet to spot dental issues before they become serious. Thorough veterinary teeth cleaning and extractions may be necessary depending on the level of dental disease present.

4. Anal Glands

Anal sac impaction was also found to be a common problem for Shih Tzus in the RVC research. If your dog has a fishy smell and is showing signs of irritation around their back end this could be the cause of the stink.

What to Do About It

Contact a veterinarian, your Shih Tzu may just need their anal glands manually emptying to get rid of the smell. Some dogs have infected anal glands though and may need medication like antibiotics as well. Luckily there are a few things you can do to reduce your dog’s risk of stinky anal gland issues. Feeding your Shih Tzu a high quality complete dog food and keeping them at a healthy weight can help, sometimes a vet may recommend adding extra fiber to their diet as well to help bulk up their stools.

Avoid Letting Bad Odors Take Over

If you’re having a hard time getting rid of your Shih Tzu’s bad odor, it’s important to reach out to your veterinarian for advice, guidance, and perhaps a checkup and testing. If the smell is caused by a health condition or infection, the longer it goes untreated, the worse it is likely to get. The sooner you can address the stink, the better your dog’s health will be overall.

Summary

Shih Tzus can become stinky, but they shouldn’t stay that way if they are healthy and well cared for. Of course, things happen, and dental issues or infections can develop. But with a focus on grooming, a healthy diet, and a great working relationship with your veterinarian, you can help stave off such problems or at least address them quickly.

• See also: How To Train Shih Tzus – 10 Expert Tips

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