My Yorkie stinks! Is it an oily skin problem or something else?

Maltese due have a predilection for getting a certain type of yeast infection in their skin, which will give that stinky, musty type of smell. You are right that over-bathing can be harmful, because this can break down their natural defenses. However, in this case, these guys will need more frequent bathing with a medicated shampoo. You should get a medicated shampoo that is labeled for dogs. This can be purchased from pet stores or veterinary clinics. Give them a bath with the medicated shampoo once every other day for two weeks, then once a week after that for a month. You should ensure that the shampoo is worked well into the skin and left for 15 minutes before rinsing. You should also make sure to wash their face, because this is a common source of the smell. They should start to smell better in two weeks. If you are not noticing a change by then, then it's best to take them to a vet for an evaluation, because they may need a prescription shampoo in order to clear this up. Normally, you should not bathe more often than once a month with a shampoo labeled for dogs. You may consider doing the medicated bath once a month for these guys, since they seem to be predisposed to these yeast infections. I hope that helps and this gets cleared-up soon.

It sounds like she has a lot of seborrhea which is oil. This could be due to an infection like yeast or bacteria on her skin but it could also be due to allergies. I like dechra's dermabenss shampoo. It really cuts the oil and has a pleasant smell. Be sure to leave the shampoo on for 10 minutes before rinsing. I would bathe her at least twice a week. If there are any crusts, ulcerations, black "elephant" skin then she will likely need to see your vet in order to be completely resolved as there is likely an infection involved as well. I would also start her a Benadryl regimen twice a day. See link below. I hope this helps. https://www.petcoach.co/canigive/cat/benadryl/#!

A combination of Malaseb shampoo and Coatex supplement usually helps. Malaseb can be used twice weekly for the first two weeks to then decrease the frequency to once every week for 3 weeks to then once every other week. If infections are present antibiotics will be needed (your vet can easily determine that). Hope this answer was helpful, but 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.

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!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a generalized skin infection. You can try to use a medicated shampoo containing chlorhexidine twice weekly for 2 weeks. If there is no improvement or in the meantime this appears to be getting worse, have him evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Also, fish oil can help tremendously with dry skin. Good luck and have a good day!

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.

Oily hair often indicates that there is an underlying problem that is not allowing the skin to maintain a healthy environment. This could be caused by a metabolic condition like hypothyroidism, or a nutritional deficiency. In order to narrow-down the cause of this, you will need to take her to a vet. A vet can help narrow-down the underlying problem with a standard examination and advise you on the necessary diagnostics and/or treatment. For now, you can help to keep the coat free from oil and infection (they often have secondary infections with this disorder) by giving a bath once every three days with a medicated shampoo (can get this at the pet store). It's best to ensure the shampoo is worked well into her coat and is allowed to have at-least 15 minutes of contact time on the skin. Make sure to rinse and dry her well. I hope that helps and your dog gets better soon.