As a pet owner, there is something so special about cuddling and petting your floppy-eared dog. English Springer Spaniels are such affectionate pets and love attention. The downside is that their smell comes with their eagerness to shower love on you; the problem is that English Springer Spaniels can sometimes be downright stinky.
English Springer Spaniels often stink. They have a unique oily, musty smell that gets more intense with age. Their skin is oilier, preventing them from soaking through when they hunt in wet weather. Their long ears also trap wax that makes them smelly.
All dogs smell, and English Springer Spaniels even more so. There are various reasons for them to be smelly pets, but knowing how to keep them clean and well groomed will minimize the smell and be kind to your nose.
English Springer Spaniels Are Smellier Than Other Dogs
Every breed of dog has some peculiarities to its smell. Still, the difference between the smell of different dogs is generally not that noticeable. On the other hand, English Springer Spaniels have a distinct odor and smell completely different from other dogs.
The English Springer Spaniel loves to hunt and is a working dog. Their coats suit the British hunting environment and weather conditions. Hunting outdoors in wet marshes for hours requires the breed to stay dry and not get cold.
Oily skin contributes to the typical musty odor of these animals. Not only is their skin oily, but they have thicker coats that dry quickly, and their oily skin prevents water from soaking in. In very wet conditions, their fur becomes oily too to protect their skin and keep them warm.
Dogs don’t produce smells the same way humans do; they perspire from under their paws and noses and not through their cells. English Springer Spaniels are no different. They are working dogs and enjoy physical activity; they may sweat more than other breeds, contributing to their pungent smell.
Several Factors Contribute To A Stinky Spaniel
While their genetic make-up, skin, and coat are unique and protect them from the weather they hunt in, there are other reasons that your pet could have a rather unpleasant odor. These medical conditions and the unusual smell of this breed can make for a stinky pet.
- English Springer Spaniels are prone to dental problems; rotting teeth make your pet’s breath smell foul.
- Even though they make your pet look adorable, spaniel’s long floppy ears can harbor foul odors. Spaniel’s ears produce a lot of waxy substance which gets stuck in its ear canal. Wax also gets trapped in the ear folds and often causes ear infections, leading to smelly ears.
- Spaniels’ sensitive digestion can result in constant farting or gastric problems and add to their overall odor.
- Secretions from your pet’s anal glands are also a common cause of foul dog odor. The secretion is pungent, smells like fish, and can be overpowering.
- The Springer Spaniel has sensitive skin, and skin allergies may secrete unpleasant smells related to diet and food quality.
- Your pet may also develop dry, itchy skin and oily skin, known as seborrhea, creating an even more unpleasant smell.
- A wet dog smell is another unpleasant scent. Added to the typical English Springer Spaniel smell is a very stinky combination.
- Certain cancers also emit a smell either from your pet’s breath, nose, or under its tail.
Keeping Your Pet Clean Will Help Minimize The Smell
Even though your English Springer Spaniel’s odor is more potent than most other dogs, keeping them clean and well groomed will improve the smell.
Dental hygiene is paramount, and cleaning your dog’s teeth prevents bad breath. To clean your pet’s teeth, you should wipe or brush them daily to prevent plaque from becoming tartar and causing their teeth to rot. Also, let your pet chew on dental sticks and other clean toys to loosen plaque. Using human toothpaste is dangerous for your pet.
Brush your Springer Spaniel often to untangle its hair and clean flakes and debris from its coat. Try using a wire brush as this will be able to brush the hair and undercoat. Follow the direction of your pet’s hair growth, and do not yank the brush over matted hair. It helps to give your pet a good wipe down after brushing to remove loose hair.
Always check under your pet’s tail to make sure that no poop is stuck there; if there is, gently wipe the area, or wash it if necessary. It’s best to keep it trimmed to prevent any fecal matter from getting stuck to it.
Bath your pet at least once a month or earlier if it smells terrible. Because English Springer Spaniels have sensitive skins, use a gentle dog shampoo and ensure that you rinse your pet well. Don’t get shampoo in your dog’s eyes, nose, or mouth to avoid reluctance to future baths.
Your vet will need to expel your pet’s anal glands to release the build-up of oil in the anal glands. Dogs will characteristically secrete anal fluid when stressed or when their anal sacs are full. Other than the awful smell, dogs scooting on their bottoms or licking their rear ends can indicate that their anal glands need attention.
Keeping your pet’s ears clean is essential. Do this at least once a week. Wipe the outer part of the inside ear with a wet cloth and dry the ear. Then, squirt a vet-approved solution into their ears to clear the ear canal. Wipe off any solution that runs out. Be gentle and do your best to keep your pet comfortable with the process.
Dietary Changes Can Make Your Pet Stink Less
Springer Spaniels have sensitive digestive systems. Too much grain or oil in their diets can lead to gastric discomfort, causing them to bloat and let off smelly air. Try a more natural or raw diet to combat this; this is better for gut health and produces far less flatulence in your pet.
Experts suggest adding Omega 3 oils or coconut oil to their food to keep their coats healthy and shiny. Omega oil is good natural oil. In addition to keeping your Spaniels coat looking good, it helps to ease and control skin irritations and dry, itchy patches.
Conclusion
English Springer Spaniels tend to stink. They produce an oily, musty smell that is unique to their breed. They love to hunt in wet, marshy places, and the oil on their skin assists in keeping them dry and prevents them from being soaked to the bone.
Their long flappy ears make them prone to ear infections that smell awful. Dental problems are usual with this breed, and bad breath from decaying teeth causes them to smell bad. Their sensitive stomachs can also emit pungent gas when fed the incorrect diet. Consistent grooming, keeping their ears clean, and maintaining dental hygiene can help diminish their stinky smell.
