Behavior

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4 min read

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Why Do Boxer Dogs Stink

Behavior

|

4 min read

|

Why Do Boxer Dogs Stink

Common

Normal


Introduction

The nose just seems to know. We can easily detect smells, most especially unpleasant ones. A casual survey of today’s most popular dog breeds to find out just how smelly they are has yielded results, and some of the breeds on the list do not seem to surprise people at all. There are just some dogs which are known to smell and one of them is the Boxer. The Boxer is known for their profound flatulence and this can be attributed to their flat face which means they ingest a lot of air when eating. Animated, playful, and vigorous, they need constant leadership because they come from a line of strong-minded working dogs. So, what can you do to have them in your home but prevent your home from stinking to high heavens? 

The Root of the Behavior

There are several reasons why your Boxer might stink and it is important to take a look at them so you know what you can do to put a stop to it. While it may sound very obvious, one of the main reasons is the need for a bath. However, we have been told several times that too many baths can dry out your Boxer’s coat and skin. What you can do to prevent this is space out baths about three weeks apart. If you have a little puppy you should consider yourself lucky that you have the opportunity to show him how great baths can be. You need to allow a gradual introduction to water that won’t instill fear in your dog. Do this by testing the temperature of the water first with the inside of your wrist and if your Boxer refuses to get in the water, you should keep the water level as low as possible. Refrain from skimping on the rinsing even if you are busy because it is important for the coat and skin.

Another reason for a smelly Boxer is wet coat due to outside exposure. In between bath times, it is natural for your Boxer’s body to secrete body oils that accumulate with some dirt. Add in some rainwater that seeps down through the coat and you have yourself a perfect recipe which makes the house smelly. Aside from just enjoying rolling in stinky stuff, one of the most common causes of a smelly Boxer is anal gland problems. This is rather common in all dogs, not only Boxers. When your dog has this problem, you cannot deny the distinct, powerful odor coming from his behind. Another indication of such a problem is when your dog scoots on the floor from time to time. The glands must be expressed if they are impacted and can be done by the groomer or the vet. 

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Encouraging the Behavior

Stink and filth is not something which you would like to encourage in your dog. Unless you like coming home to a smelly house, which we would like to think no one really does. Giving your Boxer regular baths every 3 weeks is something which must be done. However, if you are someone too busy who hardly has the time to give yourself a bath, you will notice that 3 weeks can easily turn into 4 weeks and 4 weeks can easily become 6 weeks. This can be coupled with your dog’s intolerance for bath time and may lead to situations when your dog is unable to receive the thorough cleaning they so deserve and need.

It is very easy for oils in the coat, as well as debris and dirt trapped under the fur, to build up. Near the anus, small bits of feces can also get stuck to the hairs. So, regardless of how busy you are or how much your beloved canine dislikes water, you need to be mindful of their bath schedule and you need to stick to it. If you suspect that the problem may be due to medical reasons, it is important that you take your Boxer to the veterinarian as soon as possible so he can be treated, and his pain alleviated.

Other Solutions and Considerations

Another concern for Boxer owners is the fact that most of them just seem to have bad breath. According to veterinarians, halitosis in Boxers can be caused by inherited disposition or the wrong diet. In order to avoid this, it is important that you do not feed your dog food that has choline or lecithin. Some of the examples include seafood, liver, peas, and eggs. A few remedies which you can easily do in order to avoid halitosis is brushing your dog’s teeth every day, taking your Boxer to regular dental checkups, adding carrots to your Boxer’s diet, adding coconut oil to your dog’s meal, or squeezing a few drops of lemon to your dog’s daily water. 

Conclusion

When it comes to dog odor, do not just think that it is normal and that there are some particular dogs that have this sort of “doggie odor." Dogs that are healthy and cared for should have minimal odor, if any. If you notice any strange or unusual smell coming from your Boxer, you need to examine what may be causing it and take action. 

Written by a Chow Chow lover Jhoana Carla de Toro

Veterinary reviewed by:

Published: 04/08/2018, edited: 01/30/2020

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