Why Does My Schnauzer Smell Bad? (And What to Do)

We all know that “dog” smell when our Schnauzer needs a cleaning and his bedding needs a wash; and we all know that “wet dog” smell after some summer play in the sprinklers or a doggie bath. But what is up when you notice a truly bad Schnauzer smell? Could there be a problem that runs deeper than dirt? I wanted to know for myself and did some research. Here’s what I found.

Why do Schnauzers smell bad and what can I do? Schnauzers can smell bad due to their naturally oily skin, and regular bathing will help. However, a bad odor can also be due to unhealthy gums, infections, bacteria, diabetes, kidney and bladder problems, or even cancer.

If you are consistently detecting an odor you can’t identify or correct, it’s wise to check with your veterinarian to screen your Schnauzer for several serious health issues.

Schnauzers are generally known for being hypoallergenic and, as a result, not prone to bad doggies smells. If your Schnauzer does have an unidentified odor, take notice.

Outside of being wet or needing a bath, any strange or offensive odor could be a clear signal that something needs to be addressed. For example, if the smell is sweet or fruity it may be a sign of diabetes. If the smell is like that of urine it may indicate kidney or bladder diseases. A fishy smell is a clear sign of blocked anal sac glands.

An odd or bad odor is absolutely a sign of trouble and should never be ignored or dismissed as unimportant.

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Why Your Schnauzer Smells Bad

In most (if not all) cases of a foul odor, you should consult your veterinarian for advice and treatment. If you are consistently noticing an odor you don’t recognize, chances are it’s a health issue that will need treatment.

Let’s take a look at the specific health issues that can cause your Schnauzer to smell bad:

Seborrhea (Oily Skin)

Schnauzers, particularly Miniatures, are more predisposed to excessively oily skin, resulting in a unique smell and greasy feel when touched. This can be treated with gentle cleansing shampoos, more regular baths, and topical medications.

Dental Problems

One of the most frequent causes of odor is simply bad breath due to dental problems. Unfortunately, Schnauzers are more prone to dental issues such as tartar and plaque build-up, along with the resulting gingivitis if not properly addressed. Daily brushing, enzymatic water additives, tooth-cleaning treats, and regular dental check-ups can all prevent problems. Keep in mind that unattended teeth can cause severe health issues for your Schnauzer.

Poisons and Burns

Poisons such as corrosive or caustic substances, and the act of biting into electrical cords, can cause severe ulcers and burns in your Schnauzers mouth. You may notice signs of poisoning such as lethargy, vomiting, or seizures. You may also notice increased drooling, decreased eating, and very bad breath.

Allergies

Sometimes food can cause allergic reactions that may cause inflammation of the skin. This may lead to excess excretion, thereby producing a bad smell. Poor diet can cause such conditions as well as contribute other infections (such as a yeast infection) that can cause an unhealthy odor.

Processed foods and diets that have high concentration of carbohydrates are major causative agents for these allergic reactions. This can be eliminated by using high-quality proteins, non-processed foods, and anti-allergy medication prescribed by your veterinarian.

Gas

Hyperacidity can cause gas and discomfort. Low-quality food and human food containing lactose which is difficult for Schnauzers to digest can cause flatulence.

Infected Anal Sacs

Anal glands should express naturally when your Schnauzer poops. When the process is not working properly, your Schnauzer might suffer from infected or blocked anal sac glands. These glands contain a smelly, oily fluid. If the anal sacs are not working properly, the fluid builds up and can produce a foul odor that smells somewhat fishy.

Ear Infections

Yeast and different types of bacteria ear infections just as they do in humans. When your Schnauzer’s ears are healthy, they naturally fight bacteria. However, if your Schnauzer is experiencing a hormonal imbalance, allergies, or other illness that has weakened their immune system, bacteria and yeast can grow drastically, causing bad odor.

Kidney and Liver Disease

Underlying metabolic problems like  kidney failure or rarely, liver failure, can result in ulcers developing in the mouth. This can result in excessive drooling, avoiding eating, and bad breath.

Urinary Tract Infection

If you Schnauzer smells like urine, she may have a urinary tract infection. It could also be a sign of a bladder or kidney infection. If you notice that your Schnauzer has a difficult time urinating, you notice blood in her urine, or she is drinking water excessively, it’s time to visit the vet.

Diabetes

Also, certain endocrine diseases like Diabetes Mellitus can result in complications when untreated leading to fat breakdown (diabetes ketoacidosis) and an unusual sweet “acetone” smell to your Schnauzer’s breath.

Cancer

Cancer growths located anywhere in your Schnauzer’s body can become infected and ulcerated, resulting in a foul, dead tissue smell. Keep in mind that this can begin and then progress in hard-to-see places such as in his ears, mouth, and skin. If you notice a “dead tissue” smell, inspect your Schnauzer closely and see your veterinarian. If you notice any type of lump or growth, see your veterinarian immediately.

What To Do When Your Schnauzer Smells Bad

Involve your Veterinarian

Remember that, like human bodies, Schnauzer bodies can give early signaling that something is amiss. An odd or bad odor is absolutely a sign of trouble and should never be ignored or dismissed as unimportant. Your veterinarian should be contacted immediately for their professional diagnosis and treatment options.

Establish a good relationship with your Schnauzer’s veterinarian and maintain a regular annual check-up schedule. This level of consistency and medical record-keeping can help both you and the veterinarian spot early signs of disease and illness.

Vaccines

Keeping current on your Schnauzer’s vaccine schedule is an essential part of maintaining health and protection against very serious diseases.

There are two Vaccines categories: Core (required) and the Non-core Vaccines (elective based on the risk factors of your Schnauzer).

Required Vaccines

Core (required) vaccines include the Distemper Virus (CDV), Canine Parvo Virus (CPV), and the Canine Adenovirus-2 (CAV-2), and Rabies. The first series is usually started after six weeks of age and it requires a minimum of two vaccines given two to four weeks apart. The last vaccine should be given between fourteen and sixteen weeks. After this first series, the dogs should be revaccinated after every three years.

Elective Vaccines

Non-Core Vaccines include options such as Canine Parainfluenza Virus (CPiV), Canine Influenza Virus H3N8, Canine Influenza Virus H3N2, Distemper-Measles combination vaccine, Bordetella Bronchiseptica, and Borrelia Burgdorferi. Discuss these options with your veterinarian since the non-core vaccinations are often less effective that the core vaccines and can also vary in importance based on your Schnauzer’s lifestyle, current health, and even your geographical location.

Basic Maintenance

Essential hygiene, grooming, diet, exercise, and veterinary check-ups are all standard requirements for maintaining overall health, including minimizing odor.

Consistent dental hygiene is an essential responsibility for any Schnauzer owner. Brushing teeth daily and regularly inspecting your Schnauzer’s gums are two of the only reliable ways to ensure dental health. It’s a simple task that can grow into a gentle way to bond with your Schnauzer and needs only take a minute or two.

Bathing, while basic, can be a challenge if your Schnauzer resists. Again, consistency will help ease the resistance and, like dental care, can be a healthy, caring way to bond. Be sure to wash every nook, cranny, and fold.

Additional Questions:

What Causes that “Wet Dog” Smell? We live in a complex ecosystem that contains microscopic organisms. They surround and permeate nearly everything around us, including our pets. That “wet dog” smell we all recognize and dislike comes from the tiny microorganisms, such as yeast and bacteria, that thrive on your dog’s fur. These miniscule organisms excrete foul and volatile compounds that are released through water. When your dog gets wet, (ironically, even through baths meant to clean them) the water liberates the molecules from your dog’s coat into the surrounding air. The odor is released and will only dissipate when your Schnauzer’s coat is completely dry.

Why Do My Schnauzer’s Paws Smell Like Corn Chips or Popcorn? Similar to the “wet dog” problem, stinky paws are caused by microorganisms. The problem stems either from yeast or from the bacterium Proteus, both of which can smell like corn chips to humans. The odor can also stem from the bacterium Pseudomonas, which can smell more like popcorn to our noses. Moisture increases the odor since it encourages the microorganisms to thrive. If you are concerned about your Schnauzer having a yeast infection, see your veterinarian. If you want to address her corn chip paws at home, ensure that she is on a low-sugar, anti-yeast diet. You can also give your Schnauzer an anti-fungal foot bath with a gallon of water, a cup of hydrogen peroxide, and 1-4 cups of white vinegar. Let her paws dry naturally.

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