I always spend most of my free time playing with my German Shepherd as I love him the most. He is also very familiar with my friends, one day my friend tried to hug him but I noticed he was not able to hug him then I asked what was wrong with him, and he complained to me that my dog was a little smelly. It also becomes frustrating when our German Shepherds smell bad. I wondered why my German Shepherd is smelling so bad. What’s the reason behind his smell?
So Why do German Shepherds smell bad? There may be various reasons behind the bad smell of German Shepherds. They can smell bad because of any health issues such as gums in their teeth or diseased teeth, ear infections, bad smelly breath, or issues with their anal sacs. German Shepherds can also smell bad if they roll over the grass that may be stinky.
Most dog owners think that it’s quite natural to have an odor in the German Shepherd that may let them smell a little bit but it can’t be always true. There may be many factors that may let our dogs smell.
Here in this post, we will discuss all the factors which make our German Shepherds smell bad and how we can stop them.
Let’s dive into our topic and discuss it thoroughly:
Table of Contents
Why Does My German Shepherd Dog Smell So Bad?
German Shepherd dogs are highly active and loving breeds. They always want to run here and there, roll on the ground or want to play with their loving owners. There may be plenty of times that they get themselves dirty which can let them become smelly.
As German Shepherds were originally bred for working dogs and they also like to do outdoor activities like guarding your compounds against intruders or other dangers. Sometimes you may also let your dog go for a long walk in the rainy season as a result they become wet. When their fur dries it may smell.
However, it may be rectified when you make them a bath with proper shampoo. As an owner, it becomes annoying when your pet smells bad and all of you will want your dog to always smell good.
There may be other reasons why German Shepherds can smell so bad. Let’s discuss some of the reasons why your German Shepherds may smell bad!
Health Issues
German Shepherds may be a little smelly but if they smell bad there may be some health issues.
They can smell bad because of diabetes or bad teeth, however, it’s quite normal in dogs to have a bad smell but if their smell is bad then there must be a health factor to be smelly.
Diseased teeth and gums may also cause increased drooling that may catch their fur and as a result, they may become smelly.
An ear infection may be another health problem behind your German Shepherd’s bad smell as there may be bacterial problems in their ears that may lead to smell as well. Infections in the ears are often accompanied by excessive shaking of the head which of course will be not normal behavior.
The problem in anal sacs is another health issue due to which there can occur smell in your German Shepherd. When Your German Shepherd poos it can release bad air which may smell bad due to the problem in the anal sacs.
All the health issues are not natural and if there is a bad smell that you can’t tolerate then it will be better to visit your vet and get proper treatment.
Bad Diet Quality
A proper diet plan plays a crucial role in all dog’s life. We all know the good quality of your dog’s diet always allows them to live a healthy life while messing with their diet plan always provides them with poor health and as a result, they always remain sick.
If you do not provide the proper diet plan or feed them poor-quality food then they can suffer from various health issues. Poor food quality may lead to various digestive issues times there may be a pain in their stomach.
Another health issue is diarrhea that is generally occurred due to poor food quality and may be responsible for your German Shepherd to smell bad. It is highly recommended that all dog owners provide a proper diet plan so that they can be healthy all the time.
Always meet your vets at regular intervals and take their valuable advice for a proper diet plan.
Rolling Around Smelly Things
Most of you might like to go for outings with your dogs and wherever they see grasses, they like to roll around. It’s common among German Shepherds as they like rolling around the grass but when they do this activity regularly there is a higher chance to stick over smelly things that may be in the grasses and may be responsible for their smell.
German Shepherds can also roll around other things like mud, and dirt after which mud or dirt may stick on their fur and if they avoid bathing then they can also smell bad.
If your German Shepherd is rolling regularly then there is a higher chance they have a yeast infection that may let them do so unnecessarily. To avoid such activities, you should watch your German Shepherd properly when you go on outings with them. Provide proper training so that they can obey your command at once.
Inadequate Grooming
All the dogs need an occasional bath as per recommendation if they roll over dirty things or mud. On the other hand, grooming also plays a major part when they become messy. Regular brushing is also required whenever their fur is messed up as this breed is also prone to shedding a lot.
Grooming also involves teething you should brush your dog’s teeth at regular intervals as the bacteria present in their mouth may decay their tooth which may ultimately smell bad when they breathe.
If the ear of your dog is not cleaned at a regular time then the wax present in their ear may start smelling as there may also presence of bacteria in your dog which should also be cleaned to avoid any serious health issues.
It is recommended to use proper grooming tools that enhance the look of your dog without affecting them. You can also take a quick look at our hot topic on how to brush your German Shepherd where you will get the relevant information about grooming kits for your beloved pet.
How Do I Get My German Shepherd To Stop Smelling?
The smell in German Shepherds is quite common but it becomes intolerable when they start smelling bad. There are many concerns which you should look after and we discussed above. Now we will look at how we can get rid of the smell of your German Shepherds.
Let’s discuss how we can smell our German Shepherds smell better:
Feeding High-Quality Food
We all know the negative impact of poor-quality food on the health of your German Shepherds or other dogs. Feeding poor quality food makes them unwell and because of this, they start smelling so to avoid all this mishappening.
You should always feed a high-quality diet to your German shepherds. Adding some raw food like fresh food and vegetables to their diet will be beneficial for their growth and health.
Keeping Them Clean
The most important thing to consider is that you can try to keep them clean whenever they come after the outing. There may be a higher possibility that they might become dirty maybe because of rolling around the grasses. You can make them bathe so that their whole body would be cleaned properly and there would be no possibility for smell in their body.
Apart from their body, their mouth should also be cleaned once a day. Some of you must have preferred to brush your dog’s teeth manually, though it is good for them it’s time-consuming. Seeing the time consumption this can be done once a week but brushing their teeth a week will not be a good idea as it will lead to growing bacteria in their mouth and ultimately they will start smelling.
Cleaning your dog’s mouth daily not only allows them to prevent smell but it will also makes their teeth healthy and allow them to be a healthy canine dog breed.
Grooming Regularly
When you go outside with your German Shepherd then their body also becomes dirty. They need proper bathing so that they can’t smell. You should clean their whole body with a genuine dog shampoo that suits them and is gentle for their skin.
You should also pay special attention to their ear as they are prone to ear infections. You can also use cotton wool or dog-friendly ear cleaner for cleaning their ears. Regular grooming also helps the German Shepherd’s coat healthy and does not allow your dog breed to be smelly dog.
Keeping Your German Shepherd Dry
In my opinion, this is the best way you can keep your German Shepherd smell-free as when they remain wet for a long time it may lead them to smell bad. Remaining wet for a longer period may also lead them to be attacked by many infections.
So it’s important to make them dry after bathing them. This not only allows them to remain disease-free but it avoids other skin infections also.
Stop rolling in smelly things
If you want your German Shepherds not to smell bad when they come after spending a lot of time outside then you should stop them from rolling in smelly things. Rolling on the open surface lets them become dirty which may smell bad later.
You can stop them from rolling by providing them with proper training. You should always be with them when you go outside so that they can do such activities.
Smell issues in German Shepherds are common but if they smell bad for a longer time then it’s time to worry. As a good dog owner, you should also notice their behavior as they provide some indications that only we have to observe.
Do German Shepherds Have Body Odor?
Yes, German Shepherds can have body odor. Just like any other breed of dog, they can produce a smell due to poor hygiene or health conditions.
In some cases, the smell could be caused by parasites such as fleas and ticks. Other causes may include a poor diet, skin infections, allergies, or even hormonal changes.
If your German Shepherd smells bad, it is important to take them to the vet for a checkup. It could be indicative of an underlying medical condition that needs to be treated.
If the smell persists after consulting with your veterinarian then you may need to look into grooming and bathing routines as well as dietary adjustments that can help reduce body odor in your pet.
Additionally, regular brushing will help keep their coat and skin healthy, reducing the potential for odor-causing bacteria.
Why Does My Female German Shepherd Smell So Bad?
Female German Shepherd smells bad because of many reasons, they can also have a strong, unpleasant odor for a variety of reasons. If your female German Shepherd is stinking up your home or yard, it’s important to figure out what the cause of the bad smell is.
So why does my female German Shepherd smell bad, here are some of the common culprits behind an offensive odor:
1. Allergies and Skin Conditions
German Shepherd dog breeds with allergies or skin conditions may have a musty, musky smell due to an overgrowth of bacteria on the skin. Allergies and skin conditions can also lead to excessive licking, scratching, and rubbing which can make the odor even more intense.
2. Anal Glands
Excessive grooming or drinking can cause your German Shepherd to express their anal glands, releasing a strong fishy odor.
3. Diet
If your female German Shepherd’s diet is high in fat or contains too much protein, it can lead to smelly stools and bad breath due to the fermentation of food in her digestive system.
4. Ear Infections
Ear infections can cause a bad smell due to the growth of bacteria and yeast.
To combat the nasty odors coming from your female German Shepherd, it’s important to identify the underlying cause.
If allergies or skin conditions are present, speak to your veterinarian about treatment options. Ensure that her diet is balanced and that she is getting enough exercise.
Lastly, keep her ears clean and dry to help prevent infections. With the right care and attention, you can get your female German Shepherd’s smell back under control in no time.
What Do German Shepherds Smell Like?
A German Shepherd dog has a rich, earthy odor that is often described as musky. This natural scent is created by their glands and fur, and it can vary from dog to dog depending on their diet, health, and environment.
Some German Shepherd owners may find the smell appealing while others may not. Regular grooming can help keep the odor in check, but there’s no way to completely remove the natural scent of a German Shepherd.
If you own one or are considering getting one, be aware that they may leave behind an unmistakable aroma wherever they go! Overall though, most pet owners find this unique odor an endearing part of having a loyal companion like a German Shepherd.
Final Thoughts:
Being a human being, if we don’t bathe for a longer period then our body starts smelling then why can’t our German Shepherds smell? It’s very unfortunate for them that they can’t tell us why they smell. They are also a gift of god and deserve a healthy life.
We should always want our dog’s skin to keep clean and never smell bad. If all things fail then we should immediately contact some professional for the shake of our beloved pet!
Related Questions:
Why Do German Shepherds roll in smelly things?
German Shepherds may roll in smelly things because of boredom or separation anxiety. They may be trying to get their natural smell back. Some of the vets tell that the regular rolling behavior of dogs is not natural, they do such activity in case of some help which should not be ignored.
How Far Can A German Shepherd Smell?
German Shepherds can smell over a mile away from land, up to 40 feet underground, and around 80 feet in the water as they are blessed with 225 million scent receptors. They have a great sense of smell than human beings.