Behavior

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4 min read

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Why Does My Bloodhound Stink

Behavior

|

4 min read

|

Why Does My Bloodhound Stink

Common

Normal


Introduction

Ella is the cutest dog, especially when she walks over to you with her floppy ears. Yet, recently you have begun to notice that she smells absolutely disgusting. You don’t understand why Ella smells so awful, especially since she has not been out playing or running around in the dirt. Ella’s smell is a mystery to you because you cannot seem to find the source of her stink. Even when you take Ella to the groomer’s, it does not help. Due to this, you have now decided to go on a search to understand why Bloodhounds smell all of the time. 

The Root of the Behavior

To some degree, all dogs smell. Golden Retrievers sometimes smell and so do Bloodhounds. Yet, every breed is different and if you own a Bloodhound, they are more than likely going to smell the majority of the time and they are also going to smell more than a Golden Retriever would. In fact, Bloodhounds are specifically known to be amazing at hunting because of their smell. They are loyal, smart, and extremely sensitive to all that surrounds them. You may even notice that their faces slouch and they drool a lot, which contributes to their scent. The Bloodhound coat is made for the wild, which is exactly why they smell a bit more than other breeds. Bloodhounds like Emma have a lot of grease in their coats, which helps with their time in the wild and it also helps with trapping smells. 

Bloodhounds have impeccable scenting skills. Their coats hold moisture to repel dirt and water, which can sometimes help trap scents and even small scraps a lot more than a dog who has a fluffy coat would. You may also notice that Emma has a lot of skin folds, which helps hold a lot of moisture. Her floppy ears help lift the scents that she smells up into her coat. Although Emma is not hunting in the wild, she is still bred to do that. Her coat is going to be extremely greasy and she will easily trap things in her body. If Emma is drooling a lot, her drool may even get stuck in her coat and if her face is not wiped clean after she eats, there may also be food leftover and trapped in her coat. Although this seems quite peculiar, it is a part of the Bloodhound breed. Although it is normal for Emma to smell, you want to make sure you keep her groomed as often as you can. Wipe her mouth after she eats or drinks and wash her when you can because if she may come down with skin issues, if it is not monitored. 

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Encouraging the Behavior

It is completely normal for Emma to smell. In fact, if she doesn't smell, that should be surprising. It is normal for the oil in her coat to trap smells, even if Emma is not active every day. If you own a Bloodhound, you will probably have to get used to the smell. You want to make sure that you manage the smell that comes off of your dog's coat and you want to keep Emma as clean as you can. Wiping her mouth after she eats and drinks, bathing her often, and even cleaning her ears can make a huge difference. 

If you notice that Emma's smell is quite strong or if the smell is a bit different than normal, you may want to check with your veterinarian. Emma's smell could be coming from her anal glands or she may have contracted a skin problem that is called Malassezia Dermatitis. Your dog may become itchy, greasier than normal, have a musty odor, and even have papules on her coat. If this is the case, you want to take care of Emma's health as soon as you can so it does not get out of control. Yet, for the most part, Emma probably will have a light scent and it is just a part of her canine nature. 

Other Solutions and Considerations

If you are having trouble with your dog's smell, you may want to dilute the stink by adding perfume-like smells to your home. You can do this by burning candles or even just having things in your house that smell stronger than Emma does. Although their smell shouldn't be too strong, you don't want to avoid your dog because you cannot handle the smell on her coat. It is probably best that you get used to the smell, especially if Emma is going to be around for a while. She will want to give you love and you want to receive her love in the best way that you can.

Conclusion

Emma is a great dog. Although she smells at times, you want to give Emma as much love as you can. It is suggested to keep Emma clean by bathing her, watching over her, and making sure her health is in order. It is recommended that you take Emma to the veterinarian if you believe she needs medical attention.

Written by a Golden Retriever lover Erika Seidel

Veterinary reviewed by:

Published: 04/20/2018, edited: 01/30/2020

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