Why Do Bullmastiffs Smell

Originally from England, Bullmastiffs are fast, powerful, and have a keen sense of smell, but they also have the aggression of a Bulldog. They can be threatening and fierce and they rely on their sheer mass to scare intruders away. They are often seen assisting in police work and they are also used as watchdogs. They are reliable guardians and companions and they prefer to live with their family with whom they are most comfortable. With all their positive traits, you’d think they are perfect, but the fact is they smell! Thankfully there are a few things you can do about their unpleasant smell.

First of all, it is important to know that each dog has his own natural smell which can be pretty strong. The smell becomes worse if the dog has not been given a bath for a couple of weeks. This bodily scent is spread to the body by scent glands which are located in various locations of the dog’s body. It is normal for dogs to play in the soil and given half the chance you will see your dog looking the most content in his life. Your Bullmastiff may also pick up the scent of other dogs or other animals which have done the same thing. Bullmastiffs are also known to have naturally oily skin and this makes it very easy for dirt to get trapped against the skin. This is the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive and before you know it, an unpleasant smell can develop that is caused by a bacterial infection and the trapped dirt mixing with oils and scent from the glands. 

Irregular bathing and general grooming are often the culprits of unpleasant smells coming from your Bullmastiff, as with any other dog. Before you commit to getting a pet dog, it is important to be aware of the dog’s needs and to think carefully whether you have the time and effort to dedicate to making sure that they are cleaned regularly. Skin infections can cause smells and some of the symptoms are rashes or scaly skin and hair loss. If you see this on your Bullmastiff, you should take him to the veterinarian right away. Ear infections can also be a source of odor and the symptoms are excessive scratching, dried blood in the ears, and drainage. Your dog’s anal glands can be infected as well. The anal glands are located near the anus and they need to be regularly expressed in order to prevent the buildup of bacteria and also the occasional infection which causes odor. 

You certainly do not want your Bullmastiff to smell so bad. How else are you going to enjoy his company inside your home? One of the most important things you should do religiously is to groom your dog and bathe him every two weeks. If your Bullmastiff spends a lot of time outdoors and likes to roll in something smelly, you may need to bathe him more often. Wash your dog’s bedding at least once a month. Your hard-fought battle against wayward smells will be for naught if your dog continues sleeping in a smelly bed. Use warm water to wash the bedding with pet-safe detergent and dry thoroughly outdoors or in the dryer. 

You should also brush your dog’s teeth every day to keep his gums healthy and prevent bad odor. Use a small toothbrush with a toothpaste specially made for dogs and brush in small circles. This will loosen plaque and get rid of the odor. Only feed your dog high-quality food. Many dog foods of low-quality lead to digestive upset and gas, aggravating your dog’s smell problems. Only purchase food with real meat that does not have preservatives. Lastly, you should bring your dog to a veterinarian because bad odor can be a sign of skin infection, gum disease, and illness.

Cold weather is one of the things that might discourage owners from giving their dog a bath and keeping them clean. Fret not for baking soda is here. Baking soda or cornstarch works well in dry baths. Sprinkle it on your dog’s coat and rub it down to their skin. Get a towel and brush it around and remove any excess baking soda or cornstarch. Cornstarch may also be used to help stop a bleeding toenail that was cut too short. Baby wipes are also another option. They are gentle enough for dogs and strong enough to deodorize them but refrain from using the wipes near your dog’s eyes.

A stinky Bullmastiff is the last thing you want running around the house and licking your face. Dogs have a natural doggy odor but a stinky dog is another story. Observe your dog so you can determine the causes and take the possible steps to prevent your Bullmastiff from smelling bad.