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Do Shih Tzus Smell (They Shouldn’t!)

a man smelling a bad odor
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Shih Tzus are one of the most popular breeds of dogs, and many people raise them in suburban and urban households. They are inside dogs, but that doesn’t mean they can’t get dirty. But do Shih Tzus smell? Well, they can, but they shouldn’t. 

Do Shih Tzus Smell

They’re small, cute, and come in a variety of different colors with fur that grows on top of their delicate face.

They’re often called a little lions.

But as is the case with all animals, Shih Tzus can have a bad odor to them if they aren’t taken care of properly.

Here are some of the causes of Shih Tzu’s odors.

The good news is you can control them.

Shih Tzu’s Hair

Shih Tzu’s hair is typically very coarse and grows in profusion around their face.

The fur around their face often grows in a frayed sort of way, which can result in matting and tangles if not kept up with properly.

This can lead to an odor for the dog that is quite strong. Some people have compared it to a yeast smell or cheese popcorn.

The area around their eyes can become wet and this attracts bacteria. 

It is this bacteria that is causing the odor.

If your Shih Tzu has this issue, I know mine do, you might want to consider using some sort of face wipe or eye wipe to keep this area dry and free of bacteria.

A macro detail background of dry skin
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Oily Skin / Dry Skin

Some Shih Tzus are prone to oily skin while others have dry skin.

While dry skin doesn’t typically cause an odor, oily skin can.

Good grooming habits will help take care of this issue.

You will want to take your Shih Tzu to the groomers at least every six to eight weeks.

When you take them, be sure to have the groomer clean out their ears as well.

Shih Tzu’s ears are moist and damp. This can lead to ear infections.

This will also cause an odor.

I know that my Truman (learn more about him here) had a terrible ear infection one time.

He started scratching his ear like crazy. I had no idea what was going on until I flipped his ear over.

It was all red and scary-looking.

Needless to say, I rushed him to the vet and that’s when I found out he had an ear infection.

I had to put medicine down his ear a couple of times a day.

He sure hated that, but it did clear it up.

From then on, I made sure the groomer checked his ears and he hasn’t had an infection since.

purebred Shih Tzu in front of white background
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Skin Infections

Shih Tzus also tend to be prone to skin infections.

If your dog has a kind of yeast smell – I always think it smells kind of like cheese – then be sure to take them to the vet as they may be dealing with skin issues.

Besides the smell, you might notice them licking themselves a lot or in one place over and over again.

Truman had a yeast issue.

His skin looked fine, but there was this one spot on his lower belly that he wouldn’t leave alone. He would lick and lick and lick.

So, back to the vet.

If you find out that your Shih Tzu has a yeast issue, you might want to change your dog food. That can help as well.

Shih Tzu dog looking at camera
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What Can You Do About a Smelly Shih Tzu

First off, when in doubt take your Shih Tzu to the vet to make sure there is nothing seriously wrong with them. 

After that, there are some things you can do to help eliminate or reduce the smell on your Shih Tzu’s face.

1. Shave Your Shih Tzu

First of all, you can shave the dog. 

This will help keep your Shih Tzu well-groomed and reduce tear stains on their face and oily hair.

I keep both of my Shih Tzus shaved year-round.

It keeps them cool in the summer, but in the winter, I put sweaters on them so they stay warm.

These are the ones I use and they fit really well.

2.  Brushing & Bathing

Brushing and bathing is also an option for dogs with oily hair.

Plan on giving your Shih Tzu a bath once every three weeks.

You should also brush your dog every day.

Also, use face wipes on their face daily.

This will go a long way to keeping your Shih Tzu healthy and smelling fresh.

3.  Have a Professional Do It 

Another option is to have a professional groomer or veterinarian take care of the problem.

You may find that they can provide you with much better results than you will get at home.

The fact of the matter is that Shih Tzus do not typically smell as bad as many other breeds of dogs, but they can be pungent if not taken care of properly.

4. Check for Food Allergies

Your Shih Tzu may have food allergies that are causing it issues.

Changing their food is a quick and easy solution. 

5. A Bad Tooth

Tooth decay is common in Shih Tzus.

If yours has bad breath it could be due to this.

Have your vet check their teeth to make sure they are free from tartar and that there is no decay.

You might also enjoy:

Do Shih Tzus Have Fur or Hair?

Why is My Shih Tzu’s Fur Turning Pink?

Is it Normal for Shih Tzus to Smell Bad?

No, it is not normal for a Shih Tzu to smell bad.

Many people expect all dogs to smell bad because of the fact that some other breeds do.

However, Shih Tzus are typically very clean animals and if they smell then there is an issue you need to look into.

You may also enjoy:

How Often Should a Shih Tzu Be Groomed?

Do Shih Tzus Need Hair Cuts?

To Sum it All Up:

Your Shih Tzu shouldn’t smell bad. If it does, this is telling you that there might be a health issue that needs to be addressed. As a pet owner, it is your responsibility to make sure you provide good grooming habits and see the vet regularly to check for skin conditions. Doing so should keep your Shih Tzu smelling fresh as a daisy.

 

 

Please Note:

This article is informational only and does not substitute for veterinary advice. Always check with your veterinarian if you are concerned about your Shih Tzu’s behavior. This article should not be considered in any way as veterinarian advice.

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