can't stand the smell!?

Question

it's only been 5-6 days since my shih tzu puppy had a bathe.
But he smells so bad! and it's fur is dirty.
I love my puppy with all my heart but I really can't stand the smell. Everytime I pick him up my hands and clothes get stinky.
I know I'm not supposed to wash my puppy often (i was advised to wash him once every two weeks). But is it ok to wash him today? I'll dilute the shampoo and it's moisturazing shampoo. Do you think it's ok?

Answer 1

I'm having the same excact problem with my pomeranian. From what I have researched and the answers I've got from other Yahoo!'ers it could be a skin infection or dry skin. I'd try working with his diet, maybe going to a specality pet store, such as PetSmart or PetCO, and checking into a dry skin dog food, or take him to a vet and try to see if you can get a prescription for a special dog food that he may need.

I'm not there with you and the dog, so if you don't think it's a skin infection, I think it'd be fine to bathe him as long as it was 5-6 days ago since it has almost been a week.

Glad you're looking out for your puppy and good luck with your situation! :)

Answer 2

Blah, sure sounds like a bath is in order. Don't worry about overbathing when the dog's that dirty. You can easly bathe twice a week with a good moisturizing shampoo and maybe a cream rinse or bath oil, and you shouldn't have any problems. If you notice really dry or flaky skin (other than puppy dandruff) you should probably back off on them and bathe every 1-2 weeks or maybe longer (if he can stay clean that long!) You don't need to dilute the shampoo either, unless it specifically says to do so. It'll get rinsed off anyway, and it will dilute some because the dog will already be wet.

Answer 3

If he is not dirty every two weeks, you don't need to wash him that often. That was just to illustrate not to wash him every day. Doing so strips the natural oils form the coat and skin. I fhe is dirty, don't hesitate to wash him, because it will not hurt him. If you would like to cover up the smell and bathe less, they sell sprays that are made to condition dog's hair while covering up odor. Now, I must say that using these sprays too often is not good either, because I'm sure that the chemicals in them are not healthy in large doses. But if you use it to delay a bath for a few days, then it's ok. Diluting the shampoo is a good idea, too. I would think that a totally shampoo-free bath might not leave that clean odor a shampoo bath leaves, but if you brush his coat while he's in the bath, you would be washing out all the big diry particles without stripping the hair.

Answer 4

yes, you can use a mild shampoo like John sons Baby Shampoo but any brand will work.
I have had two shih tzu and i did not have a problem with their odor. I wonder what you are letting that dog get into that he would smell so bad. I would check him out to see that he was eating the right foods and that he did not have a health concern.
I know of people who wash their dogs very often because they go to the hospitals and nursing homes to see the sick people and elderly. check with a good vet to verify what i said...

Answer 5

I have a friend who's a vet specializing in skin/allergies and she has told me that it's okay to wash your dog often, but she advised using a non-medicated pet shampoo and one that doesn't overly strip the dog of it's natural oils-- maybe an oatmeal pet hair shampoo.

Answer 6

Instead of just bathing him again...have you thought about getting him checked out at the vet? Your vet can rule out any infection or skin disorders that may be causing the smell. He may have dermetitis issues that antibiotics or topical medications could help.

Animals coats and skins are very sensitive...washing them too much will strip the hair and skin of natural oils and nutriants that your dog needs.

Please take him to see a vet...if you don't want to do that...at least call one and talk to them. They would give you helpful information.

Good Luck!

Answer 7

What's he been getting into?? If it's not that then he's allergic to something in his food (probably corn or other grain). Switch to something better like Royal Canin or another food that has real meat as the first ingredient.

Canine Caviar Puppy Chicken http://www.caninecaviar.com/puppyformula.html
can buy online


Chicken Soup For the Puppy Lover's Soul www.chickensoupforthepetloverssoul.com
Most feed stores


Royal Canin
www.royalcanin.us/

Answer 8

Yeah wash him if he is dirty.. Just don't wash a dog cause they haven't had a bath in a while, you wash off the necessary oils to keep them and their coat and skin healthy. Wash ONLY when necessary, Like they STINK..

Answer 9

When they tell you to bathe the dog on a schedule, they are just trying to give you an idea on how often.Like people dogs are different, so give your dog a bath if you want.You are the owner.You can buy wipes to wipe your dog down and they make them smell nice.Thanks for 2.

Answer 10

Wash him using oatmeal soap or Johnson's & Johnson's baby soap also take him 2 the vet & have him checked! He could have an underlying medical condition that u don't know abt! Also if he goes outside look where he goes he might b getting in2 something u don't know abt! Good Luck!!