Why Does My English Bulldog Stink and What Causes It

English Bulldogs are prone to stinky skin due to their unique skin fold structure, which can trap moisture and bacteria.

Their short, flat faces also make it difficult for air to circulate, leading to a buildup of moisture and heat, perfect conditions for bacteria to thrive.

This combination of factors can cause English Bulldogs to develop skin infections and irritation, leading to a strong, unpleasant odor.

Regular cleaning and drying of their skin folds can help reduce the risk of skin problems and stinky skin.

I've noticed that my English bulldog can get a bit stinky at times, and it's usually due to secondary yeast or bacterial infections on the skin or inside the ears.

These infections can be caused by dog allergies that lead to scratching and licking, which can open the door for infections.

Dogs may not always exhibit obvious signs of discomfort, but they often show itchy behaviors like head shaking, licking, or rubbing their body or head against furniture, people, or walls.

A fresh viewpoint: English Bulldog Head Tremors

Changes in skin and coat can also be a sign of an underlying issue, such as skin color changes, hair loss, or spots of shorter coat.

If you notice the smell getting worse, it's a good idea to take a closer look at your dog's skin and coat for any signs of infection.

Here are some signs to look out for:

The COVID-19 pandemic has actually led to more people seeking care for their pets, as they've had more time to notice the signs of an underlying issue.

English bulldogs are prone to bad breath due to their brachycephalic skull structure, which can make it harder for them to keep their teeth and gums clean.

Bad oral hygiene is a common cause of bad breath in dogs, just like in humans. If your English bulldog isn't a chewer, regular brushing of their teeth or dental cleanings can help prevent plaque build-up.

Suggestion: English Bulldog Teeth

Periodontal disease can develop from poor oral hygiene, leading to inflamed gums, cavities, and even pus formation, all of which contribute to bad breath.

Dental disease is common in dogs, especially those who don't receive routine pet dental exams. Regular dental cleanings and tooth brushing can help prevent serious problems like broken and loose teeth, discoloration, and tooth loss.

Kidney disease and diabetes mellitus can also cause unusual or foul breath in dogs, so it's essential to rule out these underlying conditions.

Preventing bad breath in dogs is simpler than treating it. Regular teeth brushing with dog toothpaste, which is formulated specifically for dogs, can reduce plaque and promote better oral hygiene.

Providing your English bulldog with plenty of chew toys and dental treats can help them take care of their teeth naturally, preventing plaque and tartar build-up.

Small breeds, like English bulldogs, may require more dental care than larger breeds due to their increased risk of periodontal disease. Regular teeth brushing and providing plenty of chew toys from an early age can help prevent this.

Check this out: How to Take Care of an English Bulldog

Dogs can be gross, and sometimes their bad breath is a result of unsupervised snacking, like getting into the garbage or eating cat poop. This is not only smelly but also unhygienic.

Securing the trash and limiting your dog's access to unpleasant outdoor finds can resolve this issue. Placing the litter box outside of their reach is a simple solution that eliminates cat feces consumption.

Dietary issues can also contribute to bad breath, as digestion plays a big role in flatulence formation. If your dog has food allergies or a food intolerance, they could become more gassy after eating the offending food.

You might like: Best Food for Olde English Bulldog

Yeast overgrowth can be a stinky problem for dogs, especially those with wrinkled skin like bulldogs and Shar-Peis. These breeds are prone to yeast overgrowth in the folds of their skin.

A funky smell from your female dog might be a sign of a yeast or bacterial infection, such as vaginitis. This can be accompanied by yellow or white discharge.

Ear infections are also common in dogs due to overgrown yeast and/or bacteria.

Related reading: Dogs Similar to English Bulldog

Dogs can be gross, and their bad breath can be a real issue. Sometimes their habits translate directly into bad breath, like getting into the garbage or eating decomposing animal remains.

Dietary issues can also cause bad breath in dogs. If your dog has food allergies or a food intolerance, they could become more gassy after they eat the offending food.

New food or table scraps that our dogs aren't accustomed to are also more likely to cause our dogs to fart, as are low-quality dog foods. This can lead to unpleasant odors and unhygienic behavior.

Securing the trash and limiting your dog's access to unpleasant outdoor finds, like roadkill, will resolve this issue.

Check this out: Bully Dog Lifespan

Your English bulldog's paws can be a significant source of their bad odor. Their feet have lots of nooks and crannies where dirt and bacteria can hide.

Cleaning their paws regularly is critical, and daily wipe-downs with Squishface Wrinkle Wipes can remove bacteria from the surface. This can help prevent the growth of germs and fungus that contribute to their stinky smell.

You might like: English Bulldog Licking Paws

Applying Squishface Wrinkle Paste to their paws can also nourish and protect the skin, leaving it well-cared for. Just be sure to apply baby socks afterwards to prevent licking and potential white paw prints.

Regularly wiping their facial folds, wrinkles, tail pockets, and toes in between bath times can also help reduce their odor. Squishface Wrinkle Wipes are a great tool for this, as they're gentle and effective at removing dirt and grime.

For another approach, see: English Bulldog Wrinkle Cream

Some dog breeds are naturally gassy, and it's not just because they're eating beans. Most commonly, brachycephalic breeds or breeds with shortened noses are prone to gas, including boxers, bulldogs, mastiffs, and pugs.

Their short snout makes them swallow more air, which can lead to gas and other digestive issues.

Regular exercise is a must for our furry friends. In a survey of pet owners, dogs who got less exercise were more likely to be reported as gassy than their better exercised peers.

A different take: English Bulldog Exercise

Exercise not only keeps our dogs physically fit, but also helps them feel more relaxed and calm. A tired dog is a happy dog, and it's a great way to reduce stress and anxiety.

Dogs who get regular exercise tend to have better digestion, which means fewer gas and bloating issues. This is especially true for breeds that are prone to gastrointestinal problems.

Exercise can also help reduce shedding and prevent hairballs, which is a win-win for both our dogs and our vacuum cleaners.

The tail pocket, a common culprit behind bad odors in Bulldogs. This small sac located at the base of their tail can fill with dirt, sweat, and other debris.

Proper cleaning of this area is necessary to prevent yeast and bacteria from forming. The tail pocket doesn't get much air circulation, making it the perfect environment for bacteria to grow.

Dirty and sweaty tail pockets can lead to a strong, unpleasant smell. Regular cleaning can help reduce this odor and keep your dog smelling fresh.

For more insights, see: English Bulldog Tail Pocket

Using Squishface Wrinkle Wipes can make cleaning the tail pocket easier and more effective. They clean the skin of dirt and debris and also help to rebuild the skin with their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

After cleaning, applying Squishface Wrinkle Paste as a protective barrier can help keep moisture, yeast, fungus, and other odor-producing bacteria at bay. This can help prevent the buildup of bacteria and keep your dog smelling fresh for longer.

For your interest: English Bulldog Wrinkle Infection

Smelly paws can be a real issue for some dogs, especially those with wrinkly skin like English bulldogs. Their feet have lots of nooks and crannies where dirt and bacteria can hide.

Dogs sweat through their paws, creating an ideal environment for germs and fungus to grow. This is why daily wipe-downs with Squishface Wrinkle Wipes can be super helpful in removing bacteria from the surface.

Applying Squishface Wrinkle Paste to the area can also be beneficial, as it contains soothing ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil that leave your pup's paw nourished and well-cared for.