I have 2 west highland terriers & they constantly smell, even when I have just bathed them. Is this normal?

Answer 1

Check the label on their kibble. does it contain corn or soy? Both are often to blame for smelly skin, and many other skin problems. A lamb or chicken with rice based diet is best.

changing kibble, if it the offender, will help, but take about 3 weeks to show improvement.
Meantime, you can dry bathe them with Colgate men's shaving foam...just the cheapest kind, and wipe dry with a rag or towel...This is good and moisturizing for their skin.

The smell comes from excess sebum (skin oils) Bacteria grows in the oil and increases the odor. If the diet change doesn't help, then the dogs should have their thyroid function tested, as excess sebum is one indicator of elevated thyroid.

Answer 2

All dogs have an inherently doggy smell but just after a bath this should be absolutely minimal and, if you live with them and so are used to their natural smell, you should find it hard to smell. There are various complaints that could be leading to this - check their ears are clean (dog ear wax stinks), change their food to something very bland and try to include charcoal biscuits (this absorbs some of the smell of doggy farts), if it is their breath charcoal biscuits will help as will parsley. If none of these help, see a vet - their are various digestion problems, skin complaints and glandular complaints that could cause this and they will be able to narrow it down for you.

My Doberman, when we first got her, had a skin complaint that stank, produced dreadful doggy farts and had awfully smelly ears (she was a very neglected rescue dog) and with the help of the vet for the skin complaint in about 2 months she was as fragrant as my German Shepherd!

Answer 3

dogs do have a natural doggy smell, but if you bathe them too often it gets worse! try leaving three months between bathing times to allow the natural oils in your dogs coat to come back. This should help you on the way to better smelling doggies. After this you may want to talk to a groomer and ask for thier advice on getting a shampoo for smelly dogs, but remember not to bath them often as you will just strip out the natural oils again and be back to the beginning. If your dogs get particularly muddy out on a walk let them dry off somewhere then brush the dirt out. Much easier and you don't have to worry about damaging their coats.

Answer 4

No, they need a check up from the vet. Kidney failure makes their urine smell of acetone/pear drops. Some skin conditions make dogs smell, and white coated terriers are more prone to them for some reason. Or it could be their diet. Your vet can sort it all out.

Answer 5

usually when westies smell it can be 1 of 2 things. if they are shaking their head all the time and has brown goo in ears it is ear mites which clears up with drops from vet or pet shop. if not the case it could just be a mild skin irritation. creams and shampoo from vets clears this up. sometime you may need pills.

Answer 6

They're nasty little creatures. But they should not smell much right after a bath. Talk to a vet about what you're feeding them and have their teeth checked. Also get stronger detergent.

Answer 7

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Answer 8

No,but they will smell a little more if they're boys,take them to your vet for a check up,or do as I do.....go to pet shop and look thru a book for help. Expensive to buy so just take notes and leave! Good luck

Answer 9

do you groom them, or have them professionally groomed? If you do it make sure to get under the hair and down to the skin with the soap, also with a lot of small or terrier / poodle types you have to apply ear powder and pluck the hair out. They can get infections if you dont.

Answer 10

Could it be their breath that is causing the odor? Bathing alone won't help with dog breath. You can get special toothpaste just for dogs, and there are various chew toys that help with bad breath if that's what it is.