Do Shitsu Dogs have a tendency to smell badly?

Question

I found a shitsu dog and she smelled really bad. I took her to the vet because I thought she had mange. The vet told me she was just very malnutritioned and dehydrated. She gave me some anti-biotics and special food. Her hair has been growing back but she still smells. Shes had 3 baths in 2 weeks. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

I've had 3 Shih Tzus. They tend to be stinky because they lick alot due to skin probs. The smushed in face gets stinky too. You have to keep the hair around those buggy little eyes trimmed short. Also prone to ear probs due to lots of hair in the ear canal. Keep up with the vet visits & see a groomer on a regular basis. They are lovely little dogs with a goofy personality. Lots of fun.

Answer 2

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RE:
Do Shitsu Dogs have a tendency to smell badly?
I found a shitsu dog and she smelled really bad. I took her to the vet because I thought she had mange. The vet told me she was just very malnutritioned and dehydrated. She gave me some anti-biotics a...

Answer 3

I am assuming since you went to the vet that he/she did not discover any infections in her mouth, but did confirm she is malnurished, and dehydrated.

So, you may want to consider the following things.
1. Get a quality dog food such as Eukanuba. It is expensive, but it is good.
2. Provide her fresh water daily. (you probably already are)
3. Order some nutritional supplements from www.nuvet.com. I used them with my dog and they made a big difference in giving her a healthy coat again, and she felt better within a few days.
4. Go to a farm store like Tractor Supply, or Farmers Co-op, and buy some Ivermectin for cattle. Give her 2/10ths of a CC by mouth once per month for an average sized shih tzu. This will kill most mites, and it will protect your dog from worms, and heart worms too. We do this with our dogs, and it works great.
P.S. She won't like the taste & You can get a syringe at the farm store.

Best Wishes!

Answer 4

My mom's Shih tzu doesn't smell at all, unless she needs to go to the groomers. Does she smell better after she's had a bath? Maybe you should check the backside to make sure she doesn't have nasties stuck in the fur.

I might add that Mom keeps her dog's fur fairly short--not down to the ground like show dogs. For real animals and real pet owners, this is probably a lot more practical than long.

Because of their short muzzle, Shih tzu's can get a smelly face. You may need to wash the dog's face after she eats.

Answer 5

Them sort of dogs are supposedly odor free, so I know there must be a problem with her.

Check her teeth, as she might have infected gums, also check her ears...

Its my guess that the smell will go away after she gets a little healthier...

Oh, also when you bath her make sure you use conditioner, that not only puts a little better scent on her, but it helps her not dry out after all the baths she's had...

some people say dogs don't stink as bad if you hair-dry them, instead of letting it dry on their own...not sure if its true

Answer 6

I have 2 Shih-tzus and they don't stink. I bathe them every 7 - 10 days and wash their faces with a wash cloth with a tiny drop of baby shampoo 2 times a day, as others have stated, their faces can get smelly under the eyes if you don't keep it clean.

Answer 7

Age can play a part in skin problems in some breeds.
Is her hair really oily? You might need a good medicated shampoo- Like a oatmeal shampoo. You can wholesale buy:www.jefferspet.com
Keep Anal Glans clean
http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_anal_sacs.html
Keeping her on the special food will help.
retired 24 yrs/K9's

Answer 8

depends on where/what the smell is...check her mouth and ears for possible infection. call and ask a vet or a groomer for advice.

Answer 9

I got him neutered. That seemed to really help his smell a lot.