Why Do Shih Tzu Dogs Stink

Daphne is absolutely adorable, despite the odd smell that is coming from her body. Everyone loves Daphne because they think she is so cute with her teddy-bear face, but you have been having trouble when you are around her recently because she does not smell good. In fact, her odor is actually causing your house to smell and you never thought Shih Tzu dogs smelled bad. Yet, maybe you were wrong about your past ideas. Could Daphne just smell because it is a part of how she is? Now, you are determined to find out more about the Shih Tzu breed and why dogs like Daphne may smell.

Everyone loves the Shih Tzu breed because they are calm, adorable, and great family pets, despite the bad smell you are now discovering in your dog, Daphne. In fact, it is not necessarily normal and common for Shih Tzu dogs to smell bad, but it can happen and there are a few reasons for the bad odor. First off, it is important to know that food and water can play an important role in your dog's smell. If you give your dog food and water and it gets caught in the hair on their face, it may dry out and cause your dog to smell. If the food is mixed with water, bacteria may gather in the hair on your dog's face, which can cause your dog to also smell. If food and water is not the problem, then there may be issues with your dog's actual body. Shih Tzus are known to have issues with their eyes. 

You may notice that Daphne has gunk in her eyes quite frequently, which can build up and lay on the hair that surrounds her face. Secondly, Shih Tzus can have diseases that cause their eyes to tear, which will also contribute to the build-up. If the hair around your dog's eyes stays wet, bacteria can also build up and it may begin to smell. Sometimes, people will think the smell is from bad breath, but it is actually from the eyes. Your dog can have bad breath, but that is only common if you do not provide your dog with the proper grooming care. Beyond these health concerns, you may want to check out your dog's anal glands. If your dog smells profusely, they may have backed up anal glands that need releasing. There will be a gland on each side of your dog's anus and they can fill up with liquid easily. If these health concerns do not seem common in your dog, you may want to get your dog checked out with the veterinarian.

No one wants their dog to smell and no owner wishes poor health on their dog. Therefore, if you discover that your dog smells, you are going to want to fix the problem. It is important to first analyze your dog and see where the smell is coming from. If you cannot find the issue, you may want to look at your dog's skin. Sometimes, Shih Tzus will have skin issues where their skin is dry and itchy, which may cause negative odors. A few common skin issues in dogs are seborrhea and Cushing's disease, but you will probably be able to tell if this is an issue in your dog because they may be bothered by their skin.

Secondly, if you notice that your dog has gunk around their eyes, you may want to see if your dog has allergies or if it is allergy season. Allergies can enhance eye issues within your dog and they can also provoke negative smells. Although health issues may be a concern, you may just need to bathe your dog more often. Sometimes Shih Tzus have oilier coats because they have longer hair. If you can bathe your dog every week or two, it may make a world of difference for her and for you. 

When you discover that Daphne smells, you are going to want to investigate her body to decipher where the smell is coming from. If you do not discover her eyes to be wet and if you do not believe her anal glands need releasing, you may want to check the skin underneath your dog's fur. If there are bumps, swelling, or redness, your dog may have allergies and she may have skin issues that are present, causing odor issues. If you cannot find the smell, you need to check with your veterinarian, He may be able to provide answers and medicine that can soothe your dog's body and her smell.

Daphne is an adorable dog, despite the odd smells that have been coming from her recently. It is important to make sure Daphne is healthy in all areas of her life because this will make the world of differences for her health and her happiness. If not, life may be a bit difficult (and stinky) for you and her.