My teacup Chihuahua smells dead even after a bath. What's wrong?

This sign, if the smell is generalized and coming from the skin, could be caused by skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria). A check up, appropriate disinfection and eventually antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

If the dental cleaning was more than 4-6 months ago, it's possible she needs another cleaning. Some small dogs accumulate tartar at alarming rates and need very frequent dental cleanings to keep everything healthy in there. If she had the cleaning in the last few weeks, I would recommend a follow up visit with her vet to make sure that the extraction sites are healing normally. The smell could be coming from an infection related to the removals.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I’m sorry to hear you’re struggling with your dachshunds’ odor. Do they have any underlying skin, dental, or anal gland issues? Any of these could contribute to what you are smelling. I would recommend they have a thorough physical with a veterinarian to determine if there is an underlying issue contributing to the odor, and get any suggestions on a shampoo that may help. Good luck!

Hi there. Dogs don't sweat through their skin, only their paw pads - so if Mollie has a persistent odor, this is likely due to some other problem such as a bacterial or fungal skin infection, impacted anal glands, an ear infection, or some other issue. I would recommend taking her to the vet for an exam to determine what is causing the odor. He/she should be able to prescribe a medicated shampoo or other treatment for the underlying problem, depending on what is found.

Those teeth could be the problem but these dogs can also have issues with the hair staying wet around the mouth or discharge from the eyes causing the odor. You may try things like facial wipes around the eyes and lips, and brushing the teeth with pet toothpaste every day. You may also have him examined by the veterinarian to make sure there are no infected teeth or other pressing dental issues. Best of luck and please feel free to post any additional questions.

I can understand your concern. It is likely he got some of the carcass stuck in his teeth or stuck to his haircoat. i am not sure if you can pinpoint exactly where the smell is coming from on his body, but this would help also. If he still had parts left inside he would be symptomatic (vomiting, not eating), so that is unlikely. Try brushing his teeth daily, with pet toothbrush and toothpaste for the next week straight, and also giving him a good bath with puppy shampoo to see if this helps. If there is no resolve, or if the smell seems to be coming from his rear end, then he likely needs a probiotic such as Culturelle over the counter to help get his intestinal flora back to normal. I hope this helps! Best wishes moving forward with your pet Muzil. Take care.

There are various causes for the bad smell and they will need to be investigated by a veterinarian. 1) your dog (I am assuming it is a dog, you do not say anywhere what type of animal he is) may have a particularly stinky type of bacteria in his anal sacs. This could be remedied by emptying them and flushing them with an antibitic that kills off all bacteria and then hopefully a new type of bacteria will take up residence. 2) Your dog may have particularly smelly bacteria in his skin that emit a bad smell. Certain antibacterial shampoos can alleviate that 3) your dog may have a mite infection. Sarcoptes mite infections have a typical sweet smell. Sarcoptes mites can be killed with avermectins or a Bravecto chew. 4) He could have a fungal infection (treatable with fungicidal shampoo and/or tablets) 5) If you have other dogs in your house he may have a particular pack smell. 6) He may have a skin condition such as seborrhea which invites certain bacteria who can cause a bad smell. I suggest yu make an appointment with your vet who should then examine your dog and check for the various causes and treat accordingly. Don't forget to do flea control.