You’ve probably noticed your German Shepherd has started to smell really bad, and now you may wonder, “What should I do? Is this normal?” German Shepherds can suddenly start smelling really bad, and usually, it’s because of health issues, poor diet, grooming, and bad hygiene.
You have probably heard this before “smell like a dog”, and the sad truth is that German Shepherds can sometimes smell really bad, but should they? Absolutely not! German Shepherds shouldn’t smell bad, and if they smell bad, you need to solve that problem as soon as possible! There are multiple reasons why sometimes German Shepherds can smell bad, and we will try to cover all of them in this article.
Common Causes of Unpleasant Odors in German Shepherds
If your German Shepherd has a less-than-pleasant odor, the source could be anything from an ear infection to dietary issues. Smells can be a big clue to your pup’s health and wellbeing. Here are some potential causes:
- Ear Infections: German Shepherds have lovely long ears that can trap moisture and create a perfect breeding ground for yeast or bacteria. If your dog’s ears smell a bit off, it’s worth getting them checked out by a vet.
- Skin Issues: German Shepherds can suffer from skin conditions like dermatitis, which can cause bad smells. Skin folds around your GSD’s neck, tail area, and groin should be checked for trapped dirt that’s producing bacteria or yeast.
- Bad Breath: Don’t forget about dental care! Bad breath might be a sign of dental disease, which isn’t just smelly, it can also be quite serious. Make sure you’re brushing your dog’s teeth regularly and consider giving them dental chews to help keep their teeth clean.
- Anal Glands: Your German Shepherd can also smell really bad because of anal glands. Dogs have two small oval-shaped sacs on either side of the anus. The purpose of the glands is to produce a fluid with a strong odor (very pungent and fishy smell) unique to each dog.
- Gas Attacks (Flatulence): Gas attacks, also known as Flatulence, occur when gas builds up in your German Shepherd’s intestinal tract and colon. Flatulence in German Shepherds most often occurs due to changing the diet and fast eating.
- Urinary Tract Infection: A urinary tract infection may also cause your German Shepherd to emit a bad smell.
- Lack of Grooming: If you don’t groom your German Shepherd, this may lead to them smelling bad.
- Wet Dog: Almost all dogs smell very bad after they have become wet. This smell is a result of normal microorganisms that live on the healthy skin and hair of dogs. These microorganisms live under the fur of your German Shepherd because they can only survive in dark, moist, and warm conditions.
- Dirty Environment: A dirty environment may be the cause of your German Shepherd’s bad smell.
- Diabetes: Diabetes may be the reason your German Shepherd smells bad.
Diving Deeper into Specific Odor Sources
Let’s explore some of these potential causes in more detail:
Gas Attacks (Flatulence)
Gas attacks occur when gas builds up in your German Shepherd’s intestinal tract and colon. Your German Shepherd can suffer from Flatulence if you have recently changed his food, or his food wasn’t good for eating.
What causes gas attacks (Flatulence) in German Shepherds? There are many reasons why your German Shepherd may have gas attacks, but the most common ones are:
- Eating too soon after vigorous exercise
- Eating too quickly such that air is ingested
- Spicy food
- Eating milk products
- Diets with excessive fiber
- Food allergies or intolerances
- Indigestion
- Parasitic infection
Anal Glands
Your German Shepherd can also smell really bad because of anal glands. According to the AKC, anal glands are: “Dogs have two small oval-shaped sacs on either side of the anus. The purpose of the glands is to produce a fluid with a strong odor (very pungent and fishy smell) unique to each dog. It’s believed that the expression of a small amount of this fluid marks territory. Most dogs can also involuntarily express their anal sacks when they are fearful or become stressed”.
There are a ton of different reasons why your German Shepherd may suffer from anal glands, but one of the most common reasons is poor gastrointestinal health. Other causes include:
- Small, soft, or loose stool
- Allergies (including Atopy)
- Pet’s anatomy (abnormal positioning)
- Other – Including infections
Wet Dog
Almost all dogs smell very bad after they have become wet. The microorganisms that are found on your German Shepherd’s body cause this “wonderful smell”. “The smell on the skin of dogs is a result of normal microorganisms that live on the healthy skin and hair of dogs”. All healthy dogs have microorganisms on their skin, but you can’t smell them when they are dry. These microorganisms live under the fur of your German Shepherd because they can only survive in dark, moist, and warm conditions.
Expert Tips for Managing and Preventing Odors
- Regular Grooming: Regular brushing may help control any potential stink sources. However, you shouldn’t bathe them often, that actually makes them stink. It will give them opportunistic yeast blooms that give them a pungent parmigiana scent.
- Check for Trapped Dirt: Check skin folds around your GSD’s neck, tail area, and groin for trapped dirt that’s producing bacteria or yeast.
- Dietary Adjustments: Cheap dog food and treats might not be easily digested leading to stinky gas. Consider feeding your pup high-quality dog food with lots of protein and fewer fillers.
- Veterinary Care: If you suspect ear infections, skin conditions, or other medical issues, consult with your veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.
- Address Anal Gland Issues: If anal glands are the problem, your vet can express them or address any underlying gastrointestinal health issues.
By identifying the source of the odor and taking appropriate action, you can help your German Shepherd smell fresh and clean.