Why is My English Bulldog So Smelly?

If you have an English bulldog, you know that they have the notorious reputation of being smelly. In this blog post, we will explore the reasons why Bulldogs tend to be so stinky. We will also provide some tips on how to reduce their odor. Bulldogs are wonderful dogs, and with a little bit of effort, you can keep them smelling fresh!

Facial Folds and Wrinkles

A big reason why your English bulldog may be stinky is because of their facial folds and wrinkles. Their wrinkles make them so adorable and squishy, but they are also a common reason for the odors that this breed can emit.

Their skin folds trap dirt, moisture, and bacteria. If they are not cleaned regularly, they can become a breeding ground for odor-causing bacteria and yeast infections.

Tail Pocket

Another potential cause of bad odors in Bulldogs is their tail pocket. This is a small sac located at the base of their tail, which can fill with dirt, sweat, and other debris.

In addition to the debris that can collect in the area, the tail pocket doesn’t get much air circulation, which makes it the perfect environment for bacteria to grow. As a result, your dog can develop a bad odor.

Proper cleaning of this area is necessary to prevent yeast and bacteria from forming in the tail pocket as a result of the debris accumulation.

Smelly Paws

Your English bulldog’s feet may also be the source of their bad odor. Their feet have lots of nooks and crannies where dirt and bacteria can hide.

Dogs also sweat through their paws, which creates the ideal environment for germs and fungus to grow.

Cleaning their paws regularly is critical, but also, be sure to inspect their paws frequently to check for any cuts or infections.

Wrong Bathing Routine

You may be surprised to learn that one reason your English bulldog smells bad is because of their bathing routine. If you are not bathing them correctly, it can actually make the problem worse.

When you bathe your dog, use a mild shampoo designed specifically for dogs. Avoid using human shampoo, as this can dry out their skin and make them more prone to skin infections.

Also, be sure to rinse them thoroughly to remove all traces of shampoo and soap. If any residue is left behind, it can irritate their skin and cause them to scratch excessively. This can lead to more dirt and bacteria getting trapped in their fur.

How to Keep Them Smelling Fresh

Fortunately, there are a couple of things you can do to help reduce the amount of odor your English bulldog emits.

After bath time, get all of their wrinkles and skin folds good and dry. That will prevent moisture from getting trapped in them and producing bacteria.

In between bath times, make sure you are wiping their facial folds, wrinkles, tail pockets, and toes regularly. One way to make that process easier is to use Squishface Wrinkle Wipes to wipe away dirt and grime. 

Our alcohol-free formula is gentle enough for even the most sensitive and allergy-prone dogs. Since there’s no harsh chemicals in our wipes, you don’t need to worry about stinging or irritation. Squishface Wrinkle Wipes clean the skin of dirt and other debris and they also actively help to rebuild the skin because they have phytosphingosine in them. Phytosphingosine is a pro-ceramide with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, making it ideal for addressing skin issues that commonly occur in English Bulldogs.

After getting them clean and dry, use Squishface Wrinkle Paste as a protective barrier on your dog’s nose rope, wrinkles, skin folds, toes and tail pockets.

Squishface Wrinkle Paste forms a water-repellent barrier on the skin surface which keeps moisture, yeast, fungus, and other odor producing bacteria at bay.

The Bottom Line

There are a number of reasons why your English bulldog may have a bad odor. However, by following the tips above, you can help to reduce the amount of odor they produce.

If you have any questions or concerns about your dog’s wrinkles or skin folds, or you are concerned they may already have an infection, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian.

For more tips, tricks, and all things Squishface, don’t forget to visit the blog every week!