Do puppies smell more than dogs? Puppies are cute, adorable, and extremely playful, but some of them might just smell bad.
Well, in general, puppies don’t smell more than dogs. They don’t have a long coats like older dogs which is often the cause of the bad odor. However, there are certain dog breeds that smell more than others, irrespective of age. For example, long-haired dogs smell bad because dirt and odor get trapped inside the fur. Puppies can also smell bad because of bad breath developed during the teething period. Other reasons for bad smell in puppies include ear infections, skin infections, anal gland issues, teeth problems, etc.
To know more about the reasons behind the bad smell in puppies, continue reading.
Is It Normal For Puppies to Smell Bad?
No, it is not common for puppies to smell bad. However, some breeds can develop a bad odor. Most of the time, bad odor in puppies is due to poor dental hygiene.
During the teething period, bacteria accumulates along the gum line of puppies. This often results in “fishy breath.” However, this is a natural process, and the smell goes away on its own.
Sometimes, the bad odor in puppies is also caused by an ear or a skin infection. A dog’s ear may be infected, which can cause a bad smell. You can avoid these problems by keeping your dog’s fur clean.
Reasons Why Puppies Smell Bad
Here are some common reasons why puppies smell bad.
- Bad Breath
Many puppies suffer from bad breath. It can be caused by many different things. However, in most cases, it is the result of poor oral hygiene. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to improve the situation.
The first thing you should do is see your vet. A veterinarian can help you determine if the issue is related to your pet’s diet or if it’s due to a more serious underlying condition. The most common cause of bad breath in dogs is dental disease.
- Skin Disease
Whenever your dog smells bad, there is a good chance that you are dealing with a skin infection. Skin disease in dogs can be difficult to diagnose and treat, but early detection and good hygiene can help minimize the damage.
A dog’s odor can come from a number of different things, including allergies, infections, and parasites. The best way to find out what is causing the problem is to visit your veterinarian.
- Anal Glands Issues
Among the most common problems for dogs are anal gland issues. It’s important to note that dogs of all breeds, sizes, and ages can have anal gland problems. This type of condition can be caused by a number of things, including allergies, inflammation, or an infection.
If your dog is suffering from anal gland infections, you may notice a greasy, fishy odor in its stool. The first step to dealing with anal gland issues is to find out the cause.
- Teeth Problems
Your puppy can also smell bad because of teeth problems. If you have a dog, then you know how important it is to maintain its teeth. Aside from regular brushing, your canine can also benefit from special mouthwash.
Keeping your canine’s teeth clean and healthy will help prevent any dental problems, from loose or broken teeth to gum disease. Periodontal disease is the most common oral disease in dogs. It is caused by plaque build-up on the teeth and surrounding soft tissues.
- Wet-Dog Smell
The wet dog smell is one of the least pleasant aspects of owning a dog. However, it can be an annoyance, and it may indicate a health problem. One good idea is to use a scented product. These contain ingredients that help mask the smell of your dog’s body. Finally, a good bath and haircut can also do wonders. This will remove bacteria and dander, two factors that contribute to a wet dog smell.
- Teething
Teething is a common occurrence in puppies. It is normal to see teething signs like sore gums, increased drooling and low fever. If your puppy is teething, it might start smelling bad.
One good way to handle stinky teething breath is to use dental chew products. They’re available in a variety of flavors and can be bought online. Frozen treats can also be beneficial. To learn more about the best ways to care for your pup’s oral health, speak with your veterinarian.
- Ear Infection
Another cause of bad odor in puppies is an ear infection. Bacterial ear infections can be painful. They can also produce a yellow or red discharge. Depending on the type of infection, it can smell bad.
Ear mites are another common cause of ear infections in dogs. These mites can be difficult to spot, so your vet will need to perform a thorough exam. Your vet will likely recommend cleaning the ear with a solution to remove the infection.
Tips to Keep a Puppy Smelling Good
When you are trying to get your puppy or dog to smell good, there are a few things that you can do.
- Use a Good Dog Shampoo
A good dog shampoo will clean, deodorize, and moisturize the skin of your puppy. It’s important to find one that’s right for your dog. If your pet has sensitive skin, look for one that’s hypoallergenic.
Dog shampoos for odor are available in a wide range of scents. These shampoos are also detergent and paraben-free, making them a great choice for dry and sensitive dogs.
- Check for Parasites
If you are raising a puppy or a dog that you want to keep smelling fresh, check for parasites. This is a fairly common problem in dogs and is not something that you can neglect. The most common intestinal parasites found in dogs are roundworms, whipworms, and tapeworms. These parasites are usually treated with medications.
- Schedule Regular Baths
There are many reasons why you should schedule regular baths for your dog. It keeps your pet clean and smelling fresh, and it removes harmful things from their coat. It also helps prevent skin conditions, such as acne. But not all dogs like the process. If you are struggling to get your dog to take a bath, try to make it fun with toys, treats, and praise.
- Groom Your Dog
Grooming your dog is one of the best ways to keep your dog healthy and odor-free. It can also be a bonding experience for you and your pet. A professional groomer can help to remove mats, trim nails, and clean the ears.
For dogs, the most important part of any good grooming regimen is a good bath. If you do not want to take your dog to the groomer, you can use a shampoo formulated specifically for your dog’s needs.
- Clean Bedding
If you’re a dog owner, you know how important it is to keep your pet’s bedding clean. The fur and oils from your pet can build up on your bed, creating an unpleasant odor. In addition, pet dander can transfer bacteria and germs to your bedding. It’s essential to clean your pet’s bedding at least twice a week.
Conclusion on Do Puppies Smell More Than Dogs
All puppies have a distinctive smell. However, some dogs have a stronger odor than others. For example, a long-haired breed may have a stronger odor.
Most often, a puppy’s smell is due to teething or infection. It could be caused by a parasite or an ear infection. If you suspect a problem, you should see your veterinarian.
Some of My Favorite Products For Dog Owners
I hope this article has helped you just a bit in everyday life as a dog owner. Being a dog owner for more than 25 years myself, I’ve tried an abundance of different products with varying success, but these products below are some that I can highly recommend to every dog and their owner without hesitation!
These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. But it’s products that I use daily myself, and I have nothing but praise for.
Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be hard, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. But since 2015 when the company was founded, I’ve been using Ollie Petfood. With their product being tailor-made to suit every dog’s specific needs, and as my dogs absolutely love the product, I’m pretty sure I’ve found a product I will continue to use for many years more. If you use my link you can get 50% off your first order.
Dog Training: If you’ve ever owned a puppy, you know that they require a lot of training to grow into a well-behaved adult. Brain Training for Dogs has helped me immensely with the mental training part of raising a dog, and it’s something I strongly recommend you consider.
Grooming: If you have a dog in your home, you’re going to need a brush, and for this, I recommend a Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush. For that price, you simply can’t beat this brush for everyday grooming.
If you’re looking for the most up-to-date recommendations, check out my recommended products section that I’ve created to help every dog owner!
