Why Is My Maltese Dog Smelling [10 Reasons]
Are you struggling with a stinky Maltese dog? You love your furry friend, but sometimes that funky smell can be overwhelming.
Well, fear not! We’ve got some tips and tricks to help you get to the root of that odor and leave your pup smelling fresh and clean.
In this blog post, we’ll explore common causes of bad smells in Maltese dogs and offer some practical solutions to help you get rid of that stink.
Why Is My Maltese Dog Smelling
There are several reasons why a Maltese or any dog may be smelling bad.
Some common reasons include poor oral hygiene leading to bad breath, skin infections, ear infections, or an underlying health condition.
Additionally, if a Maltese’s coat is not properly groomed and regularly washed, it can hold onto odors such as urine or feces.
It’s important to take your dog to the vet for a check-up if you notice a sudden change in odor, as it could be a sign of an underlying health issue.
Also, regular grooming and cleaning of a Maltese’s coat, teeth, and ears can help prevent bad odors.
Let’s break it down further…
Reasons your Maltese dog is smelling bad
The following reasons are some of the causes of bad smells in Maltese dogs:
1. Dirty Coat
Maltese dogs need frequent grooming to maintain the cleanliness and health of their long, gorgeous coats.
Dirt, oils, and bacteria can accumulate on your Maltese’s coat if you don’t groom them frequently enough, creating an unpleasant stench.
Use a dog-specific shampoo to give your Maltese a bath every few weeks to maintain their breath smelling good.
After the bath, be sure to completely dry them off to avoid irritating their skin.
2. Dental Problems
Like humans, it’s critical for Maltese dogs to maintain good dental health.
Bad breath can be caused by tooth decay, tartar buildup, and gum disease and may be a sign of more serious dental issues.
Make sure you frequently brush your Maltese dog’s teeth and take them in for dental examinations to prevent dental problems.
If necessary, your veterinarian could suggest getting your teeth professionally cleaned and treated.
3. Ear Infections
Due to their ear’s shape, which can collect moisture, dirt, and bacteria, Maltese dogs are more likely to develop ear infections.
Your Maltese dog may have an ear infection if their ears smell unpleasant or are discharged.
Besides the odor, ear infections can also cause itching, redness, swelling, and head shaking in Maltese dogs.
Ear infections can result in hearing loss or other problems if they are not treated.
As soon as possible, take your Maltese dog to the veterinarian to receive antibiotic or antifungal treatment.
4. Skin Infections
Bad odors can result from skin diseases, especially if your dog licks or scratches the infected region.
Yeast infections, bacterial infections, and allergies are typical skin conditions in Maltese dogs.
Keep an eye out for symptoms including redness, itching, flaking, and scabbing.
To treat the illness and stop it from coming back, your veterinarian may suggest topical or oral treatments.
5. Anal gland issue
Maltese dogs can communicate with other dogs or mark their territory by secreting a foul-smelling substance from their anal glands.
The anal glands can, however, develop an unpleasant strong odor if they get impacted or diseased.
Scooting, licking, or biting the region near the anus are signs of anal gland issues.
Your veterinarian can physically express the anal glands or give you medicines to treat an infection.
6. Poor Hygiene
Regular grooming can prevent the accumulation of dirt, debris, and bacteria that can give your Maltese dog an unpleasant smell.
To avoid mats and tangles, give your dog a regular bath and keep their fur cut.
Give close attention to places like the face, ears, paws, and underbelly that are prone to collecting odor and bacteria.
To keep your dog smelling fresh in between bathing, you can also use pet wipes or sprays.
7. Poor Diet
The foods that your Maltese dog eats and any digestive problems they may have might have an impact on how they smell.
Because Maltese dogs can be finicky eaters, be sure to select a premium dog food that matches their nutritional requirements and doesn’t have any artificial ingredients or allergens.
You can experiment with modifying your dog’s diet or giving them probiotics if they have gastrointestinal problems or farts.
8. Medical Conditions
Dogs may smell terrible due to certain medical disorders including diabetes or kidney illness.
These ailments can have an impact on the body’s metabolism and waste removal, which can result in a buildup of toxins and odor.
Take your dog to the veterinarian for a checkup and bloodwork if you detect a sudden change in your dog’s behavior or odor.
9. Urinary Tract Infections
Your Maltese may smell unpleasant due to bacterial accumulation in their urinary tract if they have a urinary tract infection.
Additional symptoms include having accidents around the house and urinating frequently or painfully.
A urine test will be done by your veterinarian, who may also suggest antibiotics to treat the infection.
10. Environmental Factors
Finally, your Maltese may smell terrible due to environmental factors including an unclean living space, exposure to cigarette smoke, or exposure to other unpleasant odors.
This can be avoided by limiting exposure to cigarette smoke and routinely cleaning your dog’s living habitat.
Also, you can cover up any offensive smells in your house by using air fresheners or scented candles.
How to prevent a Maltese from smelling
To prevent a Maltese dog from smelling bad, there are several things you can do:
- Bathing: Giving your Maltese regular baths can help remove dirt, grime, and any unpleasant odors. However, it’s important not to overdo it, as too much bathing can dry out your dog’s skin and cause irritation.
- Brushing: Brushing your Maltese’s coat regularly can help remove any dead hair and skin cells that may contribute to bad odors. It can also help distribute the dog’s natural oils, which can keep the coat shiny and healthy.
- Dental Care: Brushing your dog’s teeth or providing dental chews can help keep your Maltese’s mouth clean and fresh, preventing bad breath or other oral hygiene issues.
- Regular Vet Visits: Take your Maltese to the veterinarian for regular checkups and to address any health issues that may contribute to unpleasant odors.
- Proper Diet: Feed your Maltese a balanced and nutritious diet that meets their specific needs. This can help prevent health issues that may lead to bad breath or other unpleasant odors.
- Clean Environment: Keeping your dog’s living area clean and well-aired can help prevent any unpleasant odors caused by poor hygiene.
By following these tips, you can help keep your Maltese smelling fresh and clean.
Learn more about Maltese dog older age issues.
How to manage a Maltese dog smelling
Here are some steps that you can take to help reduce the bad odor of a Maltese dog:
- Brush your dog’s teeth: Regular brushing can help reduce the buildup of bacteria in your dog’s mouth, which can help reduce bad breath.
- Bathe your dog: Regular bathing can help keep your dog smelling fresh and clean. Use a dog-specific shampoo and conditioner to prevent the skin from becoming too dry.
- Clean your dog’s ears: Maltese dogs are prone to ear infections, which can cause a foul odor. Clean your dog’s ears regularly and watch for signs of infection, such as redness or discharge.
- Maintain good grooming habits: Keep your dog’s coat trimmed and brushed to prevent matting and tangles, which can trap odor-causing bacteria.
- Monitor your dog’s diet: A high-quality diet can help keep your dog’s digestive system healthy, which can help reduce body odor. Avoid feeding your dog table scraps or low-quality dog food brands.
- Visit the vet: If your dog’s bad odor persists, despite your best efforts, it may be a sign of an underlying medical condition. A trip to the vet can help rule out any potential health issues.
By following these steps and maintaining good hygiene habits, you can help reduce the bad odor of your Maltese dog.
Learn more about Maltese sick symptoms.
