Ahh, dachshunds, those little elongated dogs that are so adorable and fun to watch. With that peculiar appearance, you would never imagine that they are a mischievous, energetic, and especially stubborn dog breed.
The reality is that Dachshunds are not the best choice for people who have never owned dogs before. They are not easy to care for, it takes a lot of temper and patience, but do those requirements include a resilient nose?
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Do Dachshunds Smell Bad?
No Dachshunds don’t naturally smell bad. Although they require a lot of care, you can be sure that any odor is not a problem with your Dachshund, at least not if everything is okay.
Beyond the normal dog smell, this breed hardly smells bad, and they only require a bath every 3 months. In case it is a dog with long hair, it would not be bad to use a dryer (special for dogs) to avoid the bad smell of accumulated moisture.
Why Does My Dachshunds Smell So Bad?
Exceptions will always exist, so if your Dachshund has had an unpleasant smell for a while, maybe it is due to a health problem or something that is going wrong in your hygiene routine.
Also, do not forget their dental hygiene, as Dachshunds, contrary to their body odor, usually have very stinky breath.
Hygiene
Dachshunds generally enjoy rubbing their body on all kinds of surfaces, especially dirty and sticky ones. In those cases, you should follow a regular grooming routine and bathe them to remove all the dirt and bad smells, though remember that constantly bathing your dog can harm their fur and skin.
Instead, teach your pet to behave and stay away from disgusting places. It won’t be an easy task, but in the long run, you will notice that the bad smell is completely gone.
Bad Breath
As I mentioned earlier, the main source of your Dachshund’s bad smell comes from their mouth, as they don’t usually play with chew toys. As a result, plaque and tartar can build up on their teeth, producing a smelly breath.
That is why it is of great importance to give them chew toys along with a diet based on dry dog food, and of course to brush your Dachshund’s teeth at least 2 times a week.
In case your dachshund already has bad breath, then the best thing to do is to see a veterinarian, who will tell you exactly what ails your dog’s teeth and how to treat it. Take care of dental hygiene as much as possible, as Dachshunds are prone to diseases in that area.
Diet
Don’t forget that bad breath may be due to your Dachshund’s diet. After all, it’s everything he puts in his mouth.
Try to keep them away from garbage and other unpleasant food sources that will not only cause bad breath but also health problems.
Therefore, feed your Dachshund dry and healthy food that will help to avoid the formation of tartar and plaque.
Ear Issues
If you start to notice a cheesy or yeasty smell around your dog, it’s most likely dirt in his ears. Because of their floppy ears, they can be prone to ear infections. If you see a substance oozing from his ear canal or an accumulation of earwax, these are strong signs of poor hygiene.
It is important to clean your Dachshund’s ears at least once a week with a damp cloth, a cotton ball, a special substance to clean his ears, and a lot of patience.
Remember that it is not a difficult process, but you should never force your pet to do something by force, especially if he is as stubborn as a Dachshund.
And you’d better get used to cleaning it, otherwise, your Dachshund will not only accumulate wax and moisture from its naturally droopy ears, but it can also hide unwanted parasites. If you are having issues in this area, see a vet sooner rather than later.
Anal glands
As happens to many dogs, the anal glands of Dachshunds can fill up and generate an unpleasant fishy odor, which can be quite uncomfortable for your furry friend.
One sign that your Dachshund is suffering from this is that he drags his tail on the floor or tries to lick it, although for a Dachshund that’s pretty tricky.
If you suspect this is happening to him, you can find definitive proof in the places where he sits, which might have brown spots. If this is the case with your Dachshund, it’s best to take him to a vet to have his anal sacs emptied so you can learn how to do it.
As a last tip, keep your Dachshund happy and satisfied, as stressful situations could also suddenly empty his anal glands and produce a terrible fishy smell.
Keep Your Dachshund Smelling Fresh
You never thought that a Dachshund would require so much care just for its stink, did you? But if you notice, all the tips are connected and help to keep your stubborn but adorable pup healthy and smelling great.
