As a dog owner, you may know what it’s like when your dog smells. There is one particular dog breed that is known for being smelly, which is the Great Dane. Although dogs, in general, have scent glands, Great Danes have different factors that can make them smell bad.
Are Great Danes Smelly?
Great Danes are one of the few dog breeds that are known for having a strong odor and smell to them. This may be due to many factors including health-related issues, their scent glands, or food pertaining to their diet.
Here are some factors regarding the causes of your Great Dane being smelly and tips on how to manage their smell effectively.
They Have A Lot of Hair That Can Trap Odors
The Great Dane has a short, sleek coat of fur that sheds light to average, which makes grooming manageable. Just like other dogs, their fur carries dirt, dander, and other allergens that can make them smell funny. One of the causes of their smelly fur is dead skin cells and hair.
Although Great Danes have a single coat of fur, their large size can overwhelm the grooming process. In other words, the volume of their fur will shed twice as much because of their size. The best solution for reducing odors in their fur is to brush and bath your Great Dane on occasion.
Their Skin Is Thin and Sensitive
Great Danes have thin, sensitive skin, which makes them susceptible to skin infections. The medical definition for a skin infection in Great Danes is called, “atopy.”
A skin infection can be caused by food allergies or something in their surroundings. These allergies can cause bacteria, which can make them smelly.
Besides having an odor, other signs of having a skin infection are itchiness, inflammation, sneezing, and watery eyes. The odor you notice may come from the oils in their skin.
Other types of skin infections may be caused by yeast or bacteria. If you fear your Dane has a skin infection, it is recommended to take him to the vet for antibiotic treatment.
In addition, your vet may recommend a medical shampoo for your Dane’s skin infection. You may see an improvement in treatment after three to five days. If you are not seeing any changes, contact your veterinarian.
They Produce a Sebum Which Absorbs Bacteria
Aside from skin infections, Great Danes may produce sebum that can absorb bacteria under their skin. Sebum is an oil that furry animals produce to keep their hair shiny.
In some cases, the oil can be too thick, which may result in clogged pores and hair follicles.
Your dog may suffer from a condition known as, “seborrhea.” This is a skin infection where the sebaceous glands produce excessive amounts of sebum which may cause your dog to have flaky, itchy, scaly, or irritated skin.
This condition usually affects a dog’s back, flanks, and face. Moreover, this condition can get worse under the folds of their skin.
In addition, Great Danes tend to smell from their anal glands. There are two sebaceous glands in the anal area on either side. After a dog poops, these glands will let out a pungent odor, causing your dog to smell fishy. This strong scent can be another reason why Great Danes tend to smell bad.
Although their anal glands are not a cause for concern, it can be an issue if the glands get clogged or infected. In some cases, poop can get tangled in their fur near their rectum area. You may notice your dog trying to clean itself down there.
If you notice this sudden behavior, or believe the smell is coming from their rectum, take a look under their tail to ensure it is clean.
If their anal glands are causing problems for your dog, take them to the vet to have them express those glands. Your veterinarian may recommend a fiber diet for your Great Dane.
Dental Diseases
Most dogs may develop bad breath, known as “halitosis.” If you smell an odor coming from your Great Danes mouth, it may be due to dental issues. A broken tooth or gum recession makes it easier for bacteria to form, causing your dog to have bad breath.
The two causes of dental diseases are:
- Gum (periodontal disease) – This is when pockets form in your dog’s mouth, which then causes receding gums around their teeth. These pockets make it easy for food, debris, and bacteria to get trapped near a tooth, resulting in gum recession.
- Excessive plaque (calculus) – Just like the human mouth, plaque can develop from food staying on the teeth. The bacteria then causes a soft plaque to build up. You can easily remove the plaque by brushing your dog’s teeth. Failure to do so will cause the plaque to harden into calculus. If your dog produces calculus, you will need to take him to the vet to get it professionally removed.
To prevent gum diseases, you can either give your Dane a dental dog treat, or a chew toy. You can also manually clean his teeth every week.
They Are Eating A Diet High In Fish and Other Smelly Foods
A Great Dane’s stomach may have sensitivity to certain foods. These smelly foods can result in your Great Dane developing an upset stomach. Another reason is that they are allergic to a certain type of food.
The best solution is to adjust their diet to foods with various protein sources such as lamb and rabbit if they are unable to eat fish.
Excessive Drinking and Panting
Excessive drinking and panting can be a serious condition for your Great Dane. Your dog tends to pant to reduce its body temperature. Panting causes their body to lose water due to evaporation. Excessive amounts of panting will cause them to become thirsty more often.
Excessive drinking can also cause frequent urination and can be the cause of a serious disease known as polyuria or polydipsia. Polyuria is frequent urination, while polydipsia is excessive thirst. Both conditions usually occur as a combination.
Polyuria and polydipsia in your Great Dane can be caused by:
- Urinary System issues such as kidney infections, kidney failure, or bladder infections.
- Liver disease
- Dehydration
- Reactions from certain medications
Great Danes May Smell From Being in Heat
This type of odor is common in female Danes. It is known as the “canine reproductive process.” If your Great Dane is unspayed, she will experience this process at least two times in a year for about 7 to 10 days.
During the first days of her heat cycle, your Great Dane may produce discharge that is red like blood. This is known as the “proestrus” stage. You may notice these little droplets around her bedding or during playtime. In addition, your dog may repeatedly lick her vulva, rub her genitals on surfaces, and become very clingy.
In the later days of her cycle, also known as “estrus,” your Great Dane will begin her actual heat stage. Her discharge will change texture and look more “pink” colored. During this time, her discharge will have a unique smell that will attract male dogs. She will also urinate frequently to let male dogs know she is ready for mating.
Various Diseases
Just like other dogs, Great Danes can develop various diseases that can make them smelly. Here are a few health-related issues that can cause unwanted odors.
- Ear Infections – If you have noticed a black discharge or a pungent smell coming from your dog’s ears, they may have an ear infection. This can be from excessive moisture in their ears, which then leads to a bacterial or yeast infection.
- Fungal infections may cause a bad odor that resembles dirty socks.
- Bacterial bladder infections may cause a strong, pungent smell in your dog’s urine.
- Diabetes can produce a fruity and sweet smell in your dog’s urine.
- E.Coli disease can make your dog smell like vomit, or have a pungent, tart smell to them.
Best Grooming Practices for Your Great Dane
Great Danes require regular grooming. You can either use a high-velocity dryer, or a slicker brush to groom your dog.
This can help loosen trapped dirt and debris. In addition, it is stated this dog breed requires weekly baths every six to eight weeks. You can use a dry or powdered shampoo to eliminate unwanted odors or grease from your dog’s fur.
When to Consult A Vet
A smelly odor from your Great Dane may be a cause for concern. You should consult your vet if you notice anything unusual regarding the health of your dog. Here are some reasons to contact your vet:
- Any unusual fluid seeping from his body
- Diarrhea/constipation that may last more than three days
- Halitosis
- Stinky or infected ears
- Skin infections or irritation that doesn’t improve from OTC medications after 7 days
Great Danes can have a wide range of conditions that can relate to their odors. If they have an odor that is caused by a health-related issue, it is important to contact your veterinarian.
