Poodles are typically a clean dog breed and they have minimal body odor. However, they may often produce bad smells especially when they have health issues. As a dog owner, it is important to be familiar with the reasons why your poodle might smell and how to fix it. So, do poodles smell? Yes. Is there something you can do about it? Absolutely yes.

Why Do Poodles Smell?

So, why would your cute, little pup develop a strange smell out of the blue? Let’s take a look at some of the potential causes and how you can manage the situation.

They Haven’t Been Neutered

If your dog has not been neutered and is still in heat (when they release pheromones that attract other dogs), then this can cause their fur to smell strongly of hormones. This can make your entire house smell like a litter box, even if your dog does not have any toileting accidents in the house.

The only way to fix this problem is by neutering your dog or getting them fixed at an early age.

Failure To Groom Them Regularly

Poodles, like most dogs, require a bath every four to six weeks. This is especially important because their short hair coat doesn’t mask odors as effectively as long-haired breeds do. A good bath removes dirt and dead skin cells, which can lead to odor problems if left on the coat.

If you don’t bathe your dog often enough, you may notice that they start having a funny smell when they get dirty or after being outside for long periods of time without a bath. 

Give Your Poodle the Perfect Bath: These Are The Essentials!

If this happens, try giving them a bath more often or use dry shampoo on their coat instead of shampooing them with soap and water. This can help get rid of the smell and keep your poop in top shape.

There Might Be a Blockage In Their Urethra

The most likely reason for your poodle smelling like urine is a blockage in the urethra. This can be caused by a stone, bacteria, or even a foreign body that has lodged in the bladder. The most common cause of this problem is a urinary tract infection (UTI).

A UTI is an infection of the urinary tract. It occurs when bacteria from the outside environment enter the bladder and multiply there. These bacteria can also get into the bloodstream and travel to other parts of the body where they cause infections.

If left untreated, UTIs can cause serious complications such as sepsis and organ failure.

A quick vet check will determine if there is a blockage present and what can be done about it.

There Is an Ammonia Buildup In Their System

Ammonia is a natural component of the body and can be found in the urine. It has been known to cause damage to the kidneys, liver, and skin and can also cause vomiting.

If you have a poodle that smells bad, it may be because there is an ammonia build-up in their system. This can be caused by many things such as eating certain foods or not giving them enough water.

If you notice your dog starting to smell, then take them to the vet immediately.

They Have a Skin Infection

A skin infection can be caused by fleas and ticks that have been on your dog for a long time and are now dead but still on his body. When they die, they release their waste into their fur coat which makes their coat smell bad. 

The best way to prevent this is by using an anti-dermatitis shampoo that kills the fleas and ticks before they can cause harm to your dog’s skin.

Protect Your Dog’s Hair from Fleas!

An Incorrect Diet

Poodles need a high-quality diet to keep their curly coats shiny and healthy. If you’re feeding them the wrong food, they may not produce enough enzymes in their urine or feces, which can cause an unpleasant odor.

The best way to solve any problem with your poodle is to feed them the correct diet. Your dog’s diet should be high in protein like chicken, and low in carbohydrates. They need fat, but no more than 2% of their diet should be fat. 

The remaining part of their diet should be made up of protein, which will help build muscle mass and promote healthy skin, hair, and nails.

They Are aging

As dog’s age, their glands produce more oil and bacteria which can lead to odors in the house and on their coat. This can cause your dog to smell like urine or feces, or both. You may notice this when you walk into your home after being gone for a few hours or after leaving your dog alone for a few days.

If you have noticed that your dog’s odor is becoming stronger or worse than usual, then it may be time to consult with a veterinarian about this issue. Some dogs will need medical treatment while others can be treated through diet changes and grooming techniques.

They Have Mange

Mange is the most common cause of poodle odor, and while it’s an unpleasant condition that can make your dog uncomfortable, it’s not contagious to humans or other dogs. It’s caused by a microscopic mite that burrows into the skin and lays eggs in the hair follicles. The eggs hatch and release larvae that feed off of your dog’s skin tissue.

Your vet will treat this condition with medicated shampoo, which kills the mites and prevents them from returning. Your vet may also recommend monthly applications of antifungal medication to prevent a recurrence.

How To Prevent a Poodle From Smelling

Regular Baths

Bathing your poodle regularly can help remove dirt and oils that contribute to you poodle’s smell. It’s important to use dog-specific shampoo as human shampoos can be too harsh on a poodle’s skin. Aim to bathe your poodle every 4-6 weeks.

Brushing

Brushing your poodle’s coat regularly removes dead hair and helps distribute natural oils which keep their skin and coat healthy and smelling fresh. Brushing your poodle once a week will improve your dog’s smell.

Diet

A balanced diet can help prevent skin issues that affect your dog’s odor. Feed your poodle high-quality dog food and avoid feeding them table scraps as they can upset their digestive system and lead to unpleasant odors.

Clean Your Poodle’s Ears

Poodles have long floppy ears that can trap dirt, debris, and moisture which can lead to infections and unpleasant smells. Cleaning your poodle’s ears at least once a week using a gentle cleaner and cotton balls will help with his smell.

Dental Hygiene

Poor dental hygiene can result in bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease, all of which can cause bad smells. Brush your poodle’s teeth regularly using a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste. You can also give them dental chews or toys to help keep their teeth clean.