Shih Tzu Odor

Overview

Shih Tzu dogs are so beautiful, it seems like a contradiction that they could have a bad odor, but just like any other breed, they can indeed get a bit (or a lot) stinky. This article covers the reasons why a Shih Tzu can start to smell bad, with either acute cases or reoccurring problems. And of course, we'll provide practical solutions to keep your Shih Tzu smelling fresh.

Whether it's due to natural processes, environmental factors, or health-related issues, we'll get to the bottom of unpleasant smells and offer effective remedies. So, let's get started on this journey to a happier, fresher-smelling Shih Tzu. 

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Top Causes for a Shih Tzu Smelling Stinky

There are quite a few possible reasons why a Shih Tzu may have an unpleasant odor. In some cases, it's a matter of more than one thing happening at the same time. Top causes are:

• Natural Skin Oils: Dogs naturally produce oils in their skin that can accumulate and create a distinctive odor. This is a normal part of a dog's physiology.
• Poor Grooming Habits: Lack of regular grooming can lead to a buildup of dirt, oils, and dander on a Shih Tzu's coat, which can cause a noticeable smell.
• Dental Health Issues: Bad breath in dogs can be a sign of dental problems like tartar buildup, gum disease, or tooth decay, contributing to an overall unpleasant odor.
• Ear Infections: Dogs with floppy ears like the Shih Tzu or those with allergies are prone to ear infections, which can produce a strong, yeasty smell if not addressed.
• Anal Gland Issues: The anal glands in dogs can sometimes become impacted or infected, leading to a very strong and unpleasant odor.
• Dietary Factors: What a dog eats can influence their body odor. Certain foods can cause changes in the smell of a dog's skin and coat.
• Health Conditions: Various medical issues, including metabolic disorders, skin conditions, and infections, can cause a Shih Tzu to develop an unusual odor.
• Wet Dog Smell: When a Shih Tzu's coat gets wet, it can release a strong odor due to the compounds in their coat reacting with the water.
• Environmental Factors: Exposure to certain environments, like mud or smoke, can also contribute to a dog’s overall smell.

How to Remove Stinky Odors and Help a Shih Tzu Smell Nice

#1 Regular Bathing and Grooming

Baths: Regularly bathing your little guy or gal helps remove accumulated skin oils and other stinky elements. Most Shih Tzu dogs do well with a bath once every three weeks, but if your sweetie tends to get smelly in between baths, you can increase this to every one to two weeks. Be sure to use an effective shampoo that rinses away body oil without causing dryness. And follow with a wash-out conditioner. For Shih Tzu dogs that tend to get smelly, we love Earthbath Mediterranean Magic Deodorizing Dog Shampoo. This can be followed with their Oatmeal & Aloe conditioner.

Brushing: Regular brushing is essential to keep the coat clean and odor-free. This also gives you the chance to check for any skin problems that might be causing odor. For shaved or short coats, brush your Shih Tzu once a week. Long coats often require a full combing and brushing one to three times a week.

Body Wipes: Baths are an important foundation to keeping a Shih Tzu smelling nice, but not all puppies and dogs will stay odor-free in between baths due to urine splashes, specks of feces sticking to the coat and more odor-causing cling-on elements. For this reason, spot-cleaning can be very helpful in preventing and resolving bad odors. A grooming wipe like Earthbath Green Tea Awapuhi Wipes are formulated clean and deodorize with all-natural ingredients.

Coat Spray: A coat spray can have a lot of benefits including protection from the summer sun's UV rays and winter's arid air, repelling irritants, and keeping hairs soft and shiny. And another great aspect is a fresh, pleasant fragrance. While this cannot take the place of regular baths and cleanings, a light spritz of a leave-in product can be just the thing to keep a Shih Tzu smelling pleasant.

One that we really love is the Bark2Basics Salon Pets Grooming Sprays that are limited-ingredient, made-in-the-USA handcrafted spritzes with pretty amazing scents including blueberry pie, citrus & pomegranate, coconut & pineapple, peach, passion fruit, sweet Italian lemon and lavender & chamomile. 

#2 Dental Care

Maintaining your dog's dental hygiene is crucial and if a stinky odor is originating from your Shih Tzu's mouth, this is your sign that dental care needs to be better addressed. Since a strong unpleasant smell from the mouth can be sign of infection or tooth decay, the first step should be a vet visit to have potential dental issues ruled out.

Once that is complete, regular at-home dental care including brushing of your Shih Tzu's teeth with canine toothpaste, using dental sprays and providing dental chews, will help prevent tartar buildup and gum disease, thus reducing bad breath. For brushings, one product we like is the Arm & Hammer for Pets Clinical Care Dental Kit; it contains a toothbrush, a safe paste and a fingertip brush and is sized well for most Shih Tzu dogs. 

#3 Anal Gland Care

If your Shih Tzu's bad odor is coming from their behind and has a strong rotting fish or metallic smell, it may be anal glands. Anal glands are small glands located near the anus. They secrete a fluid that is unique to every dog and serves as a means of communication and territorial marking. However, when these glands become impacted or infected, they can create significant discomfort, leading to behaviors like scooting (dragging their rear on the ground). The scooting can cause rupture and fluid leakage. One of the most noticeable signs is a fishy or metallic odor that is particularly strong and unpleasant.

Issus with broken skin should be treated by the veterinarian. And prevention by means of expressing these glands is a delicate process, typically done by a vet or a professional groomer.

#4 Drying off Properly

A 'wet dog smell' often puzzles pet owners, especially after their dog has had a bath or been out in the rain. This odor is due to bacteria and yeast on the skin releasing unpleasant scents upon contact with water. To tackle this, it's vital to use an effective shampoo (refer to Step 1: Regular Bathing and Grooming) and ensure your Shih Tzu is thoroughly dried after getting wet, whether from a bath or rain. Here are some key tips:

• Towel Drying: Begin by using highly absorbent towels to gently but thoroughly blot and dab your Shih Tzu's coat. It's important to cover all areas, including the underbelly, paws, and ears. Microfiber towels like the Bone Dry Pet Grooming Towel can be particularly effective as they are more absorbent and gentler on your dog’s skin and coat.
• Using a Dog-Specific Hairdryer: For Shih Tzu dogs with longer coats, a towel might not be enough. In these cases, using a dog-specific hairdryer can be beneficial. These dryers are designed to be quieter and less intense than human hairdryers, which can be too hot and frightening for dogs. When using a dryer, keep it on a cool or low-heat setting to avoid overheating or burning your dog's skin.
• Technique Matters: Start from the back and move towards the front, drying in the direction of hair growth. This helps to avoid matting and tangles. Pay special attention to areas that retain more water, like the undercarriage and around the ears and tail.
• Ensure Complete Dryness: Ensure that your Shih Tzu is completely dry, not just on the surface, but also at the roots of their hair.
  

#5 Environmental Hygiene

Maintaining a clean living environment for your Shih Tzu plays a crucial role in controlling and reducing odors. Dogs spend a considerable amount of time in their bedding and living spaces, and these areas can harbor odors if not cleaned regularly. Here are a few tips:

• Bedding Maintenance: Wash your Shih Tzu's bedding frequently. Use a mild, pet-safe detergent and ensure the bedding is completely dry before using again. This helps eliminate odors and prevents the growth of bacteria and yeast that can contribute to bad smells.
• Clean Living Spaces: Regularly clean the areas where your little guy or gal spends most of their time. This includes floors, carpets, and any furniture your dog has access to. Vacuuming carpets and upholstery can remove pet hair and dander that contribute to odors. Using pet-safe cleaning products can further help neutralize and eliminate odors.
• Air Quality: Ensure good ventilation in your home to help disperse any lingering odors. An air purifier can also be effective, especially in rooms where your Shih Tzu spends a lot of time.
• Regular Grooming Space Cleaning: Make sure to regularly clean and disinfect the area where you groom your Shih Tzu. This includes washing any towels, brushes, or grooming tools used during grooming sessions.

#6 Dietary Adjustments

A well-balanced diet plays a role in managing your Shih Tzu's overall odor. The right food not only meets their nutritional needs but also affects their skin and coat health, which in turn can influence their natural scent. Here are some tips:

• Quality of Dog Food: Opting for high-quality, balanced dog food is essential. Look for foods that contain the right balance of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals suited to your dog's breed, age, and health status. Premium dog foods often contain additives that improve skin and coat health, reducing odors.
• Fish Oil Supplements: Fish oil is known for its beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, which promote healthy skin and a shiny coat. However, it’s important to be cautious with the dosage. Excessive fish oil in a dog’s diet can lead to a noticeable fishy smell emanating from their skin. This is because the fatty acids in fish oil, while healthy, can produce a strong odor when they are metabolized and excreted through the skin.
• Observation and Adjustment: Pay close attention to how dietary changes affect your Shih Tzu. If you notice an increase in odor after introducing new foods or supplements, it may be necessary to adjust their diet again.
  

#7 Address a Skin Yeast Infection

Skin yeast infections can be a common cause of unpleasant odors in Shih Tzu dogs. These infections are typically caused by an overgrowth of naturally occurring yeast (malassezia pachydermatis) on the skin. This overgrowth can be triggered by various factors including allergies, hormonal imbalances, or a weakened immune system.

• Symptoms of Yeast Infection: The most noticeable sign of a yeast infection on a Shih Tzu's skin is a strong, musty odor, often compared to moldy bread or cheese. Other symptoms can include itching, redness, irritation, and flaky or greasy skin. You may also notice changes in the coat, such as dullness or excessive shedding.
• Areas Affected: Yeast infections commonly affect areas that are warm and moist, such as the ears, between the paw pads, under the armpits, and around skin folds. These areas provide an ideal environment for yeast to thrive.
• Diagnosis and Treatment: If you suspect your Shih Tzu has a yeast infection, a visit to the veterinarian is recommended. The vet may take skin scrapings or swabs for testing. Treatment typically involves antifungal medications, either topical or oral, depending on the severity of the infection. If your Shih Tzu has has yeast infections before, and you are sure you recognize it as such, you can often treat this skin issue at home.

#8 Address Other Possible Health Issues

Persistent odors in Shih Tzu dogs, even with good grooming habits, may indicate an underlying health issue. So, for stubborn odor issues that do not respond to the listed remedies, it's crucial to consult a veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Some common health problems not mentioned above that can lead to unusual odors include:

• Bacterial Skin Infections: Bacterial infections in dogs often emit a foul or musty odor, varying with the bacteria type and infection severity. Infections impacting oil glands may produce a rancid smell, while a pungent scent from wounds suggests a serious infection needing urgent veterinary attention. Additionally, skin allergies can cause infections and odor due to persistent scratching and irritation.
• Ear Infections: Chronic ear infections, often more prevalent in dogs with floppy ears, can emit a strong, unpleasant smell and require medical attention.
• Metabolic Disorders: Conditions like diabetes or kidney disease can change a dog's bodily odors. For instance, diabetes can give the breath a sweet or fruity smell.
• Gastrointestinal Issues: Problems in the digestive tract, including infections or dietary intolerances, can lead to bad breath or other body odors.

A veterinarian can perform a thorough examination and run necessary tests to determine the cause of the odor. They may recommend changes in diet, medication, specialized grooming routines, or other treatments based on the specific health issue. Addressing these underlying conditions is essential not just for controlling odors, but also for your dog's overall well-being and quality of life.

A Final Note

Having a canine family member that smells bad can affect the whole household and make cuddling a challenging task. Most odor problems can be remedied at home, but if your Shih Tzu does not respond, do please seek diagnosis and treatment from the vet. 

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