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My new puppy's face smells like sweat. What causes it? How to clean?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | unneutered | 2 months and 5 days old | 5 lbs

My Maltese Pomeranian puppy has an issue where no where else on his body has odor except for his face. It is not a foul odor but it kind of smells like sweat. I try to wipe it with a pet wipe and the odor is still there. Different from his breath. I have only had him for 5 days now.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Steve Popish, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 7th, 2017

Hello there, what a cute puppy. Odor from the face can be due to a number of things, but based on the history and age of the dog, i suspect it may be coming from the discharge from the eyes or from remnants of pet food around the lips or whiskers. Try using warm water and cotton balls to wipe the eyes and face daily while monitoring the odor. If the odor is still present and the puppy is acting completely normal, mention it to your veterinarian during your next routine visit. It could be normal and something that you will have to get used to. Obviously, if you see any health issues of any kind, please schedule a veterinary visit sooner. Happy to visit with you further during a consultation. Thank you, Dr Steve Popish

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM
Veterinarian
This type of smell is common for these little fluffy breeds. They have a really difficult time keeping their furry faces clean and often have them soaked with water, drool, dirt and tear stains.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but this smell is really difficult to make go awa. It will probably always be there to some degree, but I'll give you a couple of tips that may help. These tips are mainly focused on washing away the things that start to fester and stink on the face:

1) Try to wipe away any tear stains that form near his eyes with the pet wipe.
2) Wash the face weekly with a gentle dog shampoo.
3) Rinse away any visible dirt or drool with water and pat dry anytime you see it.
4) Rinse face with water and pat dry after he eats.

As you can see, it will take a great deal of work to keep that furry face from stinking. If you have the face regularly groomed (fur trimmed) it will definitely help you prevent the face from getting dirty and stinky.

Also, you should check the ears regularly. An infected ear can have a similar smell as what you described. Look inside each ear to make sure there is not a great deal of dirt and the inside of the ear doesn't look red. If there is blackish looking wax, a red ear, and a smell, then he has an infection and will need to go to the vet for treatment.

I hope this helps and Papi smells better soon.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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