Do Havanese Dogs Smell?

Do Havanese Smell? The reality is that all dogs smell but some breeds are better at remaining clean. I Own a Havanese dog and I can vouch for its non-smelly nature. They don’t shed, and they don’t smell. They are great for people with allergies and they are also easy to keep clean.

If your Havanese does smell there could be a few reasons for that and some solutions we can provide.

How to Keep Your Havanese From Stinking

Havanese are cute little toy dogs that come from the island of Cuba, no taller than 11.5 inches fully grown. They are adorable, ultra-friendly, easily trained, hypoallergenic, and they don’t even stink! At least, no more than an ordinary dog would stink. Havanese have silky hair that doesn’t produce a bad odour, assuming you take good care of it by brushing the dog’s hair every day. Because the Havanese does not do a lot of drooling, there is none of the “bad breath smell” that some dogs give off. You can cuddle, kiss, and hug your Havanese all day long without every smelling something foul or gross.

Of course, this means you need to take care of your dog with frequent grooming. If you leave your dog to run through the woods, roll around in the dirt, or even just lounge in the house all day and never wash or groom them, chances are they will start to smell at some point. And that’s your fault, not theirs. 

How Do I Groom My Havanese Dog?

Havanese must be groomed often. It is recommended that you set aside at least five minutes of your day to brush the dog’s soft coat of hair. This will keep it from stinking. It will also keep its coat from getting matted or tangled. This is important because a matted coat on your Havanese can cause skin problems and could lead to a big clump eventually needing to be cut out entirely. This is unpleasant for the dog and for you, so it is best to keep up a schedule and brush your dog’s hair. 

Some people like to cut the Havanese’s hair even shorter than it already is. This is fine and won’t bother the dog at all. In fact, it will cut down on the chance of it shedding, matting, or getting stinky. If you choose to cut the dog’s hair shorter, try using a lotion to keep the ends from splitting. This will also make sure your dog smells great with their new haircut. 

When brushing your Havanese, do it gently. Their hair is not very thick and a light brushing will do enough to remove all the dead hairs trapped inside its outer coat. This is especially true for Havanese puppies since their skin is super fragile and can be hurt during a rough brushing session. Whatever you do, don’t let it get to the point where your dog’s hair is coarse and difficult to brush. This means you have been neglecting the grooming duties and your dog’s hair has gotten clumped and dirty.

When brushing your dog’s hair, be aware of their face. There is a ton of hair around their cute little face and because they are rude piggies when they eat, they can get crumbs and other small stuff stuck in their facial hair. Be careful and brush it extremely gently. Take care to remove any unwanted debris with your fingers. As a side note, you can use a mist sprayer on your dog’s hair before brushing.

How Do I Keep My Havanese Dog Smelling Good?

Even though Havanese dogs are not naturally smelly and won’t get smelly without blatant neglect or medical mishap, there are still some things you can do to keep them smelling fresh. The first thing on the list should go without saying – brush your dog’s teeth! This does not need to be done every single day, but you should brush their teeth regularly. A good brushing will prevent their gums from getting infected. It will keep other nasty dental conditions from forming in their mouths. And, of course, it will keep them from getting gross doggie breath.

Just like humans, dogs need baths. The best way to keep your beautiful Havanese smelling doggie delicious is by giving them an occasional bath. Be warned, not very many dogs are going to be happy about it. You can lessen your Havanese’s stress over bath time by sticking to a schedule. This will get them used to it. Try bathing them once a week for continuity. This will keep them smelling good and keep their hair nice and lustrous. For people who are worried about damaging the dog’s skin by so much washing, stop! A weekly bath will not hurt your dog in any way. Professional handlers bathe their dogs up to two times a week to keep their coats shiny and clean.

Another bonus to washing your dog weekly is that their skin will be clean. Clean skin and clean hair equal a healthy, non-stinking dog. Always give your pup’s hair a quick brush before the bath. This will make sure their hair is free of tangles and the shampoo will do its job. You may need to try a few different brands of shampoo, in the beginning, to see what works best on your Havanese’s coat. Also, your dog may react better to certain conditioners and shampoos. If you are applying with a sprayer, steer clear of your dog’s face. Imagine how you would feel if someone sprayed soap up your nose.

My Havanese Dog’s Ears Stink

We all love the Havanese’s thick and beautiful hair. However, all the hair growing inside your Havanese’s ears can cause problems. Before adopting a Havanese, you should know that they are more prone to ear infections than other dog breeds. The telltale sign of an ear infection in your pup is a bad smell coming from the ears. 

To avoid a stinky ear infection and a massive veterinary bill, check your dog’s ears every now and again for an excess wax build-up or foreign debris. You can do this whenever you groom the dog or give it a bath. Pieces of food or dirt that get tangled in the hair inside the dog’s ear can lead promptly to an infection. You will know right away if there is a bad smell when you sniff the dog’s ears. If there is, seek a veterinarian right away. An infection can hopefully be cured quickly with special medication.

To keep your dog’s ears clean and smelling normal, check them periodically. When you give your dog a bath, gently insert a cotton ball into each ear. You may also consider trimming the inner ear hair. Whatever you do, never ever shove Q-tips into your dog’s ears.

OK, So My Havanese Does smell, how come?

Several factors can contribute to a Havanese dog (or any dog) developing an unpleasant doggy odor. There is a normal dog smell or doggy odor, but sometimes it is worse. Here are some potential causes, along with suggestions for resolving the issue:

1. Skin Infections: Dogs, including the Havanese breed, can develop skin infections caused by bacteria, fungi (like yeast), or parasites. These infections can produce a distinct and unpleasant odor.
2. Ear Infections: Ear infections, especially those caused by yeast or bacteria, can produce a strong smell. Regularly check your dog’s ears for redness, discharge, or an unusual odor.
3. Dental Issues: Bad breath can be a result of dental problems, such as gum disease or tooth decay. Regular dental check-ups and brushing your dog’s teeth can help prevent these issues.
4. Anal Glands: If not expressed naturally or manually, the anal glands can become impacted or infected, producing a foul-smelling secretion. If you notice your dog scooting on the floor, it could be a sign of anal gland issues.
5. Diet: What your dog eats can influence how they smell. Some foods might not agree with your dog’s digestive system, leading to gas or smelly stools. Consider consulting with a vet about the most suitable diet for your Havanese.
6. Environmental Factors: Rolling in something smelly outside or coming into contact with foul-smelling substances can be a cause. Regular grooming and baths can help in these cases.
7. Health Conditions: Some medical conditions, including metabolic disorders or gastrointestinal issues, can cause unpleasant odors.
8. Infrequent Bathing: Havanese dogs have a double coat, which can trap dirt, oils, and odors. Regular grooming and occasional baths with dog-appropriate shampoo can help control any unwanted smells.

If you’re concerned about a persistent or sudden onset of odor in your Havanese, it’s always a good idea to consult with a veterinarian. They can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatments or interventions.

How Often Should a Havanese Be Bathed?

We bathe Nessie at least once a month. We have a bath, but my sister-in-law only has a shower, so sometimes Nessie gets a shower too.

Havanese dogs have a soft, silky double coat that can become tangled or matted if not properly cared for. However, when it comes to bathing, overdoing it can strip their coat of natural oils, leading to dry skin and a lackluster coat.

Generally, a Havanese should be bathed approximately once every 3-6 weeks. But this can vary based on several factors:

1. Activity Level: If your Havanese is very active outdoors and tends to get dirty frequently, you might need to bathe them more often.
2. Coat Length and Condition: Dogs with longer coats or those prone to matting might benefit from more frequent baths. Regular brushing in between baths can help reduce tangles and remove dirt and debris.
3. Skin Conditions: If your Havanese has a skin condition or is prone to allergies, the recommended frequency of baths may change. Always use a dog-appropriate shampoo, and if skin issues are a concern, consult your vet for a recommendation.
4. Personal Preference: Some dog owners choose to bathe their pets more frequently simply based on personal preference or the dog’s smell. As long as you’re using a mild, dog-specific shampoo, this is generally okay.

Remember, even if you’re not giving full baths frequently, you can always use dog wipes to clean your Havanese’s face, paws, or underbelly as needed. Regular grooming, including brushing and occasional trims, paired with a suitable bath routine, will keep your Havanese looking and feeling their best.