So here’s the awkward question, “Are pugs smelly?”
It depends.. (like everything in life)
I don’t think our pugs smell bad. They just smell like “dogs”. When our non-dog owner friends come into our house, they sometimes mention the smell of our pugs – but that’s only because they are not used to it!
However, there are a lot of factors that can make a pug smelly, and it’s not always a simple case of them being a stinky dog breed.
In this article, we’ll talk about what’s their natural odor, what can cause excessive odor, and what you can do to keep your pug smelling fresh. So, grab a cup of coffee (or tea if you are from the UK) and let’s get into it.
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Pug’s Natural Odor
Let’s start with the very basics – pugs, like any other dog breeds, have a natural odor. It’s just unavoidable when you have a dog. But, before assuming all pugs are stinky, there are a few things that can make a big difference in how smelly they are.
Most importantly, consistent grooming is required. Pugs have a short, dense coat that can become oily and smelly if not groomed properly or on a regular basis. This includes brushing, bathing, and trimming regularly to keep their coat clean and healthy. Remember to take care of those wrinkles! If their wrinkles are not cleaned, they can become a breeding ground for bacteria.
Another thing to keep in mind is diet. A healthy diet can make a huge difference in how a pug smells. Make sure they’re getting the right nutrients and that you’re not overfeeding them (extra weight can lead to extra odor). And of course, being overweight can lead to some health issues.
So, to sum it up, pugs do have a natural odor, like all dogs, but regular grooming and proper hygiene can go a long way in keeping them smelling fresh. And if you’re ever unsure about their smell, give them a sniff test and if there’s something off, it’s always best to consult with a vet to rule out any underlying health issues.
Factors that can cause excessive odor in Pugs
Okay, so we now know that regular grooming and proper hygiene can help keep a pug from smelling terrible. But what if they start smelling like something else? Like something really really bad? Yes, just imagine that.
Well, that’s when we need to start looking at other factors that can cause excessive odor in pugs.
Let’s start with those wrinkles again. We’ve already established that they must be cleaned on a regular basis, but even with thorough cleaning, they can become infected. And when that happens, you’re in for a rough time (and by “bad time,” we mean a smelly time). It’s time to take your pug to the vet if you notice any redness, swelling, or discharge coming from his wrinkles.
Another thing to keep an eye out for is skin infections. These can happen to any dog, but pugs can be more prone to them due to their wrinkles. Yes that’s right, those cute wrinkles causing all sorts! And let us tell you, skin infections are not pleasant. They’re red, swollen, and can have a discharge that smells… well, not great.
But it’s not just skin infections that can makes pugs smelly. They’re also prone to some health conditions that can make them smellier than the average dog. For example, pugs can get anal gland problems. If you are a pug owner, or you’ve owned a dog with this problem, you’ll know exactly what we are talking about here. Yep, it stinks.
Before you start freaking out and thinking that all pugs smell like that all the time, let us assure you that these are not common occurrences. They can, however, fappen, and it is critical to be aware of these. If you notice any strong odours coming from your pug that you can’t seem to get rid of, take them to the vet to rule out any underlying health issues.
Tips to Keep Pugs Fresh Smelling:
So far, we’ve discussed the natural odour of pugs as well as the factors that can contribute to excessive odour. But what can you do to keep your pug smelling good? Nobody wants a stinky pug, right? Here are a few pointers – and these are the things we do to make sure our pugs don’t start smelling bad!
- Brush and bathe your pug on a regular basis. This will keep their coat clean and healthy, as well as prevent any oils from accumulating and causing odour.
- Clean their wrinkles regularly. Use a damp cloth or a cotton swab with a mild cleanser to keep their wrinkles free from bacteria and infection. Or you can always hunt for dog wrinkle wipes online like this one!
- Watch their diet. A healthy diet can make a big difference in a pug’s natural odor. Make sure they’re getting the right nutrients and that you’re not overfeeding them (extra weight can lead to extra odor).
- Keep an eye out for any signs of infection. If you notice any redness, swelling, or discharge coming from your pug’s wrinkles or skin, it’s time to visit the vet.
- Consult with a veterinarian if you have any concerns about your pug’s odor. They can rule out any underlying health issues and provide you with specific advice on how to keep your pug smelling fresh.
- Lastly, give your pug regular checkups, it will help you to keep track of their overall health and well-being.
To Wrap Up
So, there you have it – the lowdown on whether or not pugs are smelly. And the answer is… it depends. All dogs have a natural odor, but regular grooming and proper hygiene can go a long way in keeping pugs smelling fresh. And if you’re ever unsure about their smell, give them a sniff test and if there’s something off, it’s always best to consult with a vet to rule out any underlying health issues.
We’ve also talked about the factors that can cause excessive odor in pugs, and what you can do to keep them smelling fresh. Remember that pugs can be prone to certain health conditions that can cause odor issues, so it’s important to be aware of them and take them to the vet if you notice any strong odors.
All in all, pugs are no more smelly than any other dog breed. It’s all about proper grooming and hygiene, and keeping an eye out for any potential health issues. So, if you’re thinking about adding a pug to your family, don’t let the fear of them being smelly stop you. With a little extra care, they can be just as fresh-smelling as any other pup.
