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Are you looking to own a Boston Terrier and wonder whether they smell? Or are you concerned about your pets’ body odor?
Boston Terriers don’t have a particularly strong smell. However, some owners report an occasional strong odor characteristic of Fritos and corn chips coming from their dogs. But, of course, this is not the Boston Terrier’s natural scent, and if this is happening, it would indicate an underlying health condition.
So how should Boston Terriers smell, and what causes unusual body odor? Read on.
How Much Do Boston Terriers Smell?
Healthy Boston Terriers are not smelly.
Some owners report a distinct scent that is specific to the breed. The typical odor associated with Boston Terriers can be described as a musky or slightly “doggy” scent. This scent typically results from the natural oils produced by their skin and can vary slightly between individual dogs.
What Is Normal and What Isn’t?
Typical body odor in Boston Terriers is usually a mild doggy scent and shouldn’t be overly strong or unpleasant. You can easily tell whether your dog has an unusual odor when interacting with them. A foul smell coming from the ears or skin is often accompanied by other signs such as itching, licking, redness, or crusting. This would indicate an underlying skin issue. Alternatively, a foul odor might also come from their mouth (if suffering from an oral condition) or their anal sacs if there is impaction or inflammation.
What Causes Body Smell in Boston Terriers?
A well-kept healthy Boston Terrier should have a mild scent, but other factors can lead to a strong body odor. It is important to understand why some Boston Terriers may have a stronger or more distinct smell than others so that you can take appropriate measures.
1. Genetics
Some Boston Terriers have a genetic predisposition to atopy or atopic dermatitis. This condition is an allergy to certain allergens present in the environment. Dogs with atopy suffer from chronic inflammation of the skin, which causes itchiness, redness, and secondary bacterial or yeast infections. This results in malodor that requires veterinary intervention.
2. Diet
What you feed your Boston Terrier can affect their body odor.
Certain ingredients can contribute to an increase in odor, while others can help regulate it. For instance, foods with added fish oil can lead to a fishy smell in dogs, while foods that contain ingredients that cause food allergies can cause skin inflammation and therefore malodor in the skin.
3. Skin Health
The overall health of a Boston Terrier’s skin plays a crucial role in its smell. For example, you can expect significantly increased body odor if your dog has skin issues such as allergies, infections, or seborrhea.
4. Environmental Factors
Environmental factors can significantly impact the body odor of Boston Terriers. The surroundings in which they live and spend time can influence the intensity of their scent. For example, exposure to allergens, pollutants, or unclean living conditions may contribute to a stronger smell.
5. Health Conditions
Certain health conditions can contribute to a Boston Terrier’s body odor changes. Here are some health conditions to look out for when dealing with body smell.
Dental Issues
Poor oral hygiene, gum disease, or tooth decay cause bad breath. This, in turn, can contribute to unpleasant body smell. Daily dental care, brushing your dog’s teeth, and providing dental treats or toys, can help maintain their oral health and minimize odor-causing bacteria in the mouth.
Skin Infections
Bacterial skin infections resulting from excessive moisture or skin inflammation can cause an unpleasant odor. Usually, these infections are caused by Staphylococcus species that proliferate on the dog’s skin excessively.
Consult your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment. It is generally a bad idea to buy over-the-counter medication without guidance, as this can worsen the condition.
Ear Infections
Ear infections are common in dogs, including Boston Terriers, and can produce a foul smell. They are usually a result of moisture buildup, allergies, or ear mite infestations. To prevent this, monitor your dog’s ears regularly and contact your vet if you notice any discharge, redness, crusting, head shaking, or itchiness.
Do not hesitate to consult a vet for appropriate treatment for your dog.
Yeast Infections
Yeast infections, particularly in the skin folds and ears, can contribute to a strong, musty odor. These infections are often a sign of yeast overgrowth due to factors like allergies, moisture, or underlying health conditions such as hormonal imbalances, allergies, and a weakened immune system.
You could treat yeast infections using antifungal medications and specialized shampoos. It’s also crucial to address any underlying causes of yeast buildup.
Regular veterinary check-ups, prompt treatment of any health issues, and adherence to recommended healthcare routines can help manage and minimize any odor-related concerns stemming from underlying health conditions.
How to Manage Body Odor in Boston Terriers
Managing body odor in Boston Terriers is essential to their overall well-being. The following are some things to consider.
Maintaining Proper Hygiene
Maintaining proper hygiene for your dog is one of the best ways to manage body smell.
Ensure your Boston Terrier stays fresh and clean by keeping their paws, genital area, and skin folds clean and dry, avoiding trapped moisture. You should bathe them regularly, but not more often than every 6 weeks, with the right shampoo. Your veterinarian is the best professional to advise you on how often your dog needs bathing. Additionally, brush their coat approximately once a week to remove loose hair and debris, keep an eye on their ears to detect wax buildup, and provide daily dental care to maintain oral hygiene.
Bathing your pet can be a difficult task, but the first step is to choose a great shampoo. We love Hepper's Shampoo Products, both of which are natural, pet-safe options specially formulated to clean your pet's skin and coat without causing irritation. Both formulas are also free of dyes, soaps, sulfates, and phthalates. Your pet will enjoy the soothing aloe vera and oatmeal, and you'll love the clean, fresh scents!
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Provide Proper Diet
Considering that your dog’s food will influence their body odor, it helps to feed them high-quality, complete, and nutritionally balanced dog food.
Consider good quality proteins such as fish or poultry, ensure the right amount of whole grains and fats, and avoid excessive consumption of foods with artificial additives.
Keep Their Environmental Clean
Creating a clean living environment for your Boston Terrier is essential in managing their smell. Regularly clean and vacuum their living areas to remove dirt, dander, and any potential odor sources
Also, regularly wash their bedding, blankets, and toys to eliminate lingering smells. Pay attention to areas where your dog spends the most time, such as their crate or favorite lounging spots, and ensure they are kept clean and fresh.
Explore Odor-neutralizing Products
You might also consider using odor-neutralizing products. For example, use pet-friendly sprays or wipes on their coats between baths. You could also use odor-neutralizing sprays for their bedding or designated areas in your home.
Here are our favorite products to combat tough pet odors at the source. The Hepper Pet Cologne keeps your pet's coat smelling fresh between washes. The Wash Wipes are perfect for a quick refresh or cleaning of sensitive areas. We also recommend Hepper's Advanced Bio-Enzyme Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator Spray, which permanently removes even the worst stains and smells, making cleanup a breeze.
| Image | Product | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|
For Between Baths
 |
Hepper Pet Cologne Spray |
|
Check Price |
For On-The-Go
 |
Hepper Wash Wipes |
|
Check Price |
For Home
 |
Hepper Advanced Bio-Enzyme Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator Spray |
|
Check Price |
At PangoVet, we've admired Hepper for many years, and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!
Additionally, regular washing of their food and water bowls and using odor-absorbing products like baking soda in their living space can help control unwanted stenches.
How to Keep Your Dog Healthy, Safe, and Happy
You can ensure your furry companion enjoys a fulfilling life free of offensive body odors by taking proper care of them. Consider the following.
Maintain a Regular Grooming Routine
Maintaining a regular grooming routine is essential for keeping your Boston Terrier healthy, comfortable, and happy.
For example, regular brushing helps remove loose hair and debris, and promotes a healthy coat. Additionally, regularly trimming your dog’s nails prevents overgrowth and discomfort. Remember to clean their ears and brush their teeth to prevent infections and dental issues.
Vet Visits
A veterinarian is in the best position to provide essential preventive care, such as vaccinations, parasite control, and routine health screenings. They can also offer valuable guidance on nutrition, exercise, and any specific health concerns or conditions affecting your dog.
Create a Regular Exercise Routine
Establishing a regular exercise routine is crucial for your Boston Terrier’s health.
Physical activities help maintain weight and promote cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and mental stimulation. You could adopt a routine that includes daily playtime, walks, and interactive games that cater to their energy levels and abilities.
Additionally, consider incorporating activities that cater to their breed-specific traits, such as agility or obedience training.
Conclusion
Boston Terriers don’t generally smell outside the musky, doggy scent characteristic of most dogs. Maintaining regular grooming routines, addressing any underlying health conditions, providing a balanced and nutritious diet, and keeping them clean are all essential parts of dealing with bad odor.
If your dog has a particularly strong odor, they might have an underlying health issue. Consult a vet for a diagnosis and treatment.
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If your dog has a particularly strong odor, they might have an underlying issue. Consult a vet for a diagnosis and treatment.
Featured Image Credit: bubutu, Shutterstock
