Do Havanese Dogs Smell?

When we welcome an animal into our home, there are a certain amount of accommodations that we need to make. We have to consider that they are, after all, an animal! This means acknowledging things like new smells, hair everywhere, and scratches on the furniture are all bound to happen.

That being said, some dog breeds smell worse than others, and some don’t really smell at all!

Do Havanese Dogs Smell?

All dogs will have some kind of odor, just like all humans do, but sometimes certain breeds have a tendency to smell less or more. Breeds that are harder to groom or that require more extensive grooming can produce more odor when their grooming requirements aren’t met, for example.

The Havanese, fortunately, is not a particularly high-maintenance breed. It is pretty easy to keep clean and that’s why they are often considered quite clean and odorless. They do not shed their hair, which also helps to reduce where the odor might be within your home. This earns them a spot in the list of ‘non-smelling’ dogs.

Sometimes, though, a Havanese will begin to smell. In typically non-smelling dogs, this is a sign to keep an eye on your furry friend, as it can be a symptom of a wider issue.

Does the Havanese Smell More Than Other Breeds?

The Havanese is considered to be a reasonably odorless dog. It doesn’t really smell at all, let alone more than other dogs. The breed, as well as being a low-shed dog, also doesn’t drool a lot. This means that their breath is not as bad as some other breeds’ might be.

That’s not to say that their breath will smell pleasant, but it will certainly be an improvement on more drooly dogs like a St. Bernard.

Do You Need to Take Your Havanese to the Vet If It Smells?

The Havanese’s reputation as a breed that does not really smell means that owners can usually pick up on it pretty quickly when they do begin to stink. If you suddenly notice that your dog has a bit of an odor – what should you do?

Well, there are a few things that can cause a dog to smell that you can handle at home. Likewise, though, there are things that can cause an odor that will need veterinary care. So it is important to make sure you know when to take your Havanese to the vet. If you’ve noticed that your dog has itchy or irritated skin (perhaps there’s dry skin in their coat, they’re scratching a lot or you’ve noticed redness) that could be a sign that your Havanese is suffering from some kind of infection. You should then make a visit to the vet.

If you notice that your Havanese has been itching their ears a lot or wincing when you touch them, or perhaps you’ve realized that the ears are the root of the smell, you should also go to the vet. These are signs of an ear infection and can be quite uncomfortable for your pet.

If you cannot identify the source of the smell, i.e., you’ve had your Havanese groomed, cleaned the house, washed their bed and there’s still an odor, it is worth taking a trip to the vet just for reassurance. Better safe than sorry, after all.

Finally, if you notice that there’s something going on with your dog’s bottom, that’s a sign that you should go to the vet. It is likely a symptom called ‘impacted anal sacs’ and is a sign of an issue with the anus and the sacs around it.

5 Reasons Your Havanese Might Smell Excessively

Next, we’ll go over five reasons your Havanese may smell.

Ear Infections

The Havanese has gorgeous dropped floppy ears. They’re so cute, and we as owners love them. But, for the dog, they can be the cause of all sorts of discomfort and even pain. Ear infections in a dog are sore, red, itchy, and, most noticeably for us, stinky. They smell awful and you’ll probably find that is how you notice them.

If your dog is suddenly paying a lot of attention to its ears, either itching them or rubbing them, or perhaps shaking its head, this is a sign that they have an infection.

Anal Gland Problems

Dogs have two glands just inside their rectums. These glands are known as ‘anal sacs’ and they produce a strong-smelling substance. This is secreted whenever the dog poops and works to help the dog mark its territory through scent marking. It’s incredibly important for dogs and helps them to feel secure in their area.

Sometimes, though, for many reasons, a dog’s anal sacs can become impacted by a number of things. When they are, they can release the substance and it will sit around the dog’s anus, resulting in a fishy scent.

Skin or Yeast Infection

Just as with humans, a really bad skin or yeast infection in a dog can lead to a bad odor. These infections happen in bacteria-prone areas like the belly, ears, and paws. They can be uncomfortable for your pet, and will often produce a strong cheesy smell.

Some skin infections can be symptoms of a larger condition, so it is important to get it looked into. For example, some skin conditions can be evidence of Cushing’s disease, allergies, and hypothyroidism. The skin being dry can also lead to it cracking, opening your dog up to the risk of infection, too.

Dental Issues

Bad breath and dental issues can also be incredibly noticeable, especially in non-smelling dogs. Bad breath is another sign of other conditions, too, so if you notice that your Havanese is suddenly suffering from it, contact the vet.

Bad breath could be caused by anything from simply poor dental hygiene to diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, an upset stomach, or a diet that needs changing.

Dirty Coat

Sometimes, dogs get dirty. We take them on exciting walks and let them explore, and that sometimes means that they run into mud or ponds, covering themselves with muck and all sorts of stuff. If we don’t brush and wash their coat, the smells of these adventures cling. If you’ve recently taken your dog out in the rain, or somewhere where there might be smelly mud/water, consider whether that may be the cause of your Havanese’s odor.

How to Fix Your Havanese’s Excessive Smell

Below, we’ll discuss how to fix your Havanese’s smell.

Give Them a Pamper

Owners can help to ensure that their Havanese does not smell by brushing their Havanese once a day or every other day, as this will help to keep the coat clean and smell-free. Owners should also aim to bathe their dog regularly, perhaps once a week, especially if taking them out into muddy areas or if they’ve been going swimming. Again, implementing this as a routine will help to ensure that your Havanese does not smell more than other dogs.

It may also help to use a conditioner when bathing your pooch. This will make brushing the coat a lot easier and will also help to reduce dry skin beneath. Plus, it will make your Havanese look all silky and shiny – who doesn’t want that?

Implement a Dental Hygiene Routine

Brushing your dog’s teeth is just as important as brushing your own. Dogs suffer from tartar buildup and plaque just as much as we do, and this can often cause bad breath and odor and could lead to the pup developing gum disease. Implement teeth brushing and dental treats into your Havanese’s routine to combat bad breath.

Change Their Diet

Sometimes, bad breath and other odors can be caused by a certain food that your dog is eating. If you’ve recently changed the food and then noticed the smell, change up their diet again. You can change it to another new thing and give that a go or you can change it to the diet they had originally if you know that they liked it.

Clean Their Ears Regularly

Dogs do not clean themselves a huge amount, so they are prone to dirt building up, especially in areas like their ears. That is where you come in. You can clean your Havanese’s ears on a weekly or even twice-a-week basis with a damp cloth or an antibacterial wipe to remove any buildup of wax and dirt that is hiding out there.

Summary

The answer, in short, is no, Havanese do not smell, not really. They will, though, if not groomed correctly or if they are ill. So if you notice that your beloved Havanese is suddenly a little bit smelly, it is worth trying to identify where the smell is coming from and act accordingly. That might mean giving them a wash, changing up the routine, or possibly taking a trip to the vet.

If your Havanese is smelling and there’s nothing anywhere to suggest why, it may also be worth giving their bed and your home a clean. It might just be that you’ve lacked a little in the cleaning department and minimal shedded hair has begun to smell as it sits in your home.