Do corgis smell? 7 quick ways to stop them smelling​

Corgis are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and playful nature.

But if you’re here now, you’re probably wondering if they smell, and if they do, how to treat it.

Corgis have a natural odour, but are less smelly than bigger dog breeds. However, they may develop a bit of a stink if their hygiene is not properly maintained or if they are very active outdoors.

In this article, I’ll cover reasons why your corgi may develop an odour and provide some solutions that you can try to help eliminate the unwanted smells.

What causes corgis to smell? 5 things to watch out for!

Corgis have a natural smell. Reasons your corgi might start to smell worse include poor grooming habits; skin conditions; dental problems; gastrointestinal issues; or ear infections.

If your corgi suddenly develops an unpleasant smell, it could be a sign of an underlying health or grooming issue that needs to be addressed.
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Let's explore some of the reasons why your corgi may start to smell.

1. Corgis may smell from poor grooming habits

Corgis need regular grooming to maintain good health and hygiene. If your corgi is not grooming being properly, it may start to develop an unpleasant smell.
 
Due to the corgi’s thick double coat, it is important to brush your corgi regularly to remove excess hair and prevent matting, as this can start to smell.
 
It will also help prevent poo from getting stuck to the hair around your dog's bottom when they use the bathroom.
 
Regular brushing can help prevent unwanted odours from sticking to your corgi. By incorporating regular grooming into your routine, you can help keep your corgi smelling fresh and clean.

2. Corgis may smell from skin conditions

Corgis are prone to certain skin conditions, such as allergies or fungal infections, which can cause itching and scratching. If left untreated, these conditions can lead to the development of sores and infections, which can cause bad smells.

If you notice any signs of skin irritation on your corgi, it is important to have them checked by a veterinarian as soon as possible.

A veterinarian can determine the underlying cause of the irritation and provide appropriate treatment to help fix your dog's discomfort and prevent the development of infections.
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By addressing any skin conditions early on, you can help prevent unpleasant smells and keep your corgi smiling and smelling good.

3. Corgis may smell from dental problems

Corgis can develop bad breath caused by dental problems. This can be unpleasant if they bark close to your face while playing.
 
Dental problems are common in dogs and can often be addressed with a good dental care routine.
 
Simple steps like regularly brushing your corgi’s teeth, and feeding your corgi dental biscuits, can help prevent or remove plaque build-up. This can help eliminate bad breath.
 
If your corgi has bad breath, you should have their teeth checked by a veterinarian. With a little bit of treatment, your vet can help your corgi smell better.
 
Much like grooming, with a good dental routine, you can help prevent unpleasant smells and keep your dog's mouth fresh.

4. Corgis may smell from gastrointestinal issues

If your corgi is having difficulty digesting food, you may notice that their gas and poo have a particularly bad smell. This is not unusual for dogs, especially corgis, and can often be resolved with a change in diet.

Gastrointestinal issues can be caused by a variety of factors, but most often dietary sensitivities.

If you notice any changes in your corgi's digestive habits, it is important to consult with a veterinarian to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.
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In many cases, a simple change in diet can help improve your corgi's digestion and eliminate unpleasant smells.
By addressing any digestive issues promptly, you can help keep your corgi smelling normal.

5. Corgis may smell from ear infections

Another potential cause of unpleasant odours in corgis is ear infections. Ear infections can sometimes produce a bad smell in dogs. These infections can go unnoticed by many dog owners until they start to smell bad.
 
The appropriate solution for a bad-smelling ear infection depends on the severity of the infection. In cases of mild infection, a quick cleaning at home may be sufficient.
 
However, if the infection is advanced, it is best to visit a veterinarian for treatment.
 
If you notice any changes in your corgi's ear health, such as redness, swelling, or discharge, it is important to have them checked by a veterinarian.
 
Your veterinarian can diagnose the cause of the infection and give the right medical treatment to help eliminate the bad smell and improve your dog's ear health.

7 ways to stop your corgi from smelling

There are a number of at home strategies you can try to help your corgi smell better. These include changing their diet, grooming your corgi, and bathing them.

If your corgi develops an unpleasant odour, it is important to take them to the veterinarian for a check-up.
This will help rule out any underlying health conditions and ensure that your dog is healthy, happy, and smelling good.

However, before making a trip to the veterinarian, there are a few things you can try to eliminate your corgi's odour.
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In many cases, simple steps like increasing the frequency of your dog's baths and brushing their coat regularly can help resolve unwanted smells. Let’s look at the techniques now.

1. Regularly groom your corgi

Maintaining your corgi's grooming routine is an important part of preventing unwanted smells. A professional groomer can provide the necessary expertise and care to ensure that your corgi stays clean and healthy, even if you are unable to do so yourself.

Brushing your dog's fur, trimming their nails, and cleaning their ears on a regular basis can help prevent the build-up of bacteria and other substances that can cause unpleasant smells.

If you are unable to commit to a regular grooming routine, or do not have the time to properly groom your corgi, it may be beneficial to hire a professional groomer to do it for you.

A professional groomer can provide all of the necessary grooming services to keep your corgi clean and healthy and can help stop bad smells developing.
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By investing in regular grooming for your corgi, you can help keep your dog looking and smelling their best. 

2. Ensure your corgi has a healthy diet

Corgis should eat a balanced diet that includes a mix of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates to keep their gut healthy and smelling normal.
 
A diet rich in meat-based foods mixed with healthy dry food can give your corgi the necessary nutrients for good gastrointestinal health, which can help prevent smelly poo.
 
In addition to a healthy diet, it is important to ensure that your corgi has access to fresh water at all times. Dehydration can cause a variety of health problems, including gastrointestinal issues.
 
If you give your corgi ample water and a balanced diet, you can help prevent digestive problems and keep their faeces smelling normal.

3. Move your corgi to a special diet

If your corgi is having trouble digesting their food, you may need to switch them to a special diet for dogs with gastrointestinal issues.
 
A special diet can help improve your corgi's digestion and can prevent unpleasant smells from developing.
 
This may be focused on getting enough fibre or protein, or achieving a better balance of nutrition.
 
Your veterinarian can recommend a suitable diet for your corgi and can help you transition them to the new food gradually to avoid stomach upset.
 
By switching your corgi to a special diet, you can help improve their digestion and prevent unpleasant smells. 

​4. Take care of your corgi’s dental hygiene

It is important to brush your corgi's teeth regularly to prevent plaque build-up and bad breath.

You can use a toothbrush and toothpaste made specifically for dogs, which is better for their teeth than human toothpaste and brushes.

You can also try giving them a dental chew or biscuit to help clean their teeth.
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Incorporating regular dental care into your corgi's grooming routine can help prevent bad smells and keep your dog's mouth healthy and clean.

​5. Keep an eye on your corgi’s skin

If you notice your corgi scratching or itching more than usual, it's important to have them checked by a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause.
 
Corgis are known for their lovable and playful personalities, but they can also be prone to certain skin conditions that can cause discomfort.
 
It is definitely worth a trip to the vet if they appear to be in pain, or the cause if noticeable.
 
There are a few different ways that a veterinarian might treat a dog's skin condition, depending on the underlying cause. Some common treatment options include:
 

• Antibiotics to treat bacterial infections
• Medicated shampoos or creams to soothe itching and inflammation
• Antifungal medications to treat fungal infections
• Allergy medication to relieve symptoms of allergies

 
The specific treatment plan will depend on the type and severity of the skin condition, as well as the overall health of the dog. Left untreated, skin conditions can lead to infections and bad smells.
 
By addressing these issues early on with your vet, you can help keep your corgi happy, healthy, and smelling great. 

6. Bathe your corgi

​Corgis may not be the smelliest breed, but because of their double-coat, they can develop a baseline smell that may become unpleasant over time.
 
For that reason, it is important to bathe your corgi at least once a month using a dog shampoo that contains odour-neutralising agents.
 
When you bathe your corgi, make sure to wash them all over, but pay particular attention to their legs, paws, nails, underside, and ears. These areas tend to trap dirt and can become smelly over time.
 
Wet their fur thoroughly and lather the shampoo into their coat before rinsing thoroughly and drying them off with a towel. Never use human shampoo on your corgi, as it can be very irritating to their skin.
 
It is important to not bathe your corgi too often, as excessive bathing can strip their fur of natural oils and cause skin irritation.
 
If your dog still smells bad after bathing, take them to the vet for further investigation.

7. Spot clean your corgi’s fur

​It is important to spot clean your corgi daily, especially if they spend time in dirty environments, as this will build smells.
 
Whenever you see dirt on your corgi's coat, it is important to clean it immediately. Allowing dirt to sit on your dog's coat can cause matting and unpleasant smells.
 
Daily attention should be given to your corgi's paws, legs, and undercarriage, as these areas are prone to accumulating dirt and debris.
 
By spot cleaning your corgi daily, you can help prevent bad smells and keep their coat clean and healthy.

​Does corgi urine smell?

Corgi urine has a strong, distinctive odour. However, the exact smell can vary depending on factors such as the dog's diet and health.
 
For example, a corgi that is not eating a balanced diet or has a urinary tract infection may have urine with a stronger or more unpleasant odour.
 
In some cases, dog's urine may even have a sweet or fruity smell, which can be a sign of diabetes.
 
It is important to monitor your corgi's urine regularly for any changes in odour that may indicate a health concern. By keeping an eye on your dog's urine, you can help ensure that they are healthy and free from any underlying issues that may cause unpleasant smells.

Does corgi poo smell?

Corgi poo has a strong, unpleasant odour. The exact smell of your corgi's poo can vary depending on factors such as their diet and health. Typically, the worse your corgi's diet, the worse the smell.

The smell of your corgi's poo is very much influenced by the types of food you feed them. To illustrate, if your corgi is eating a lot of fatty foods, their poop may have a more pungent odour.

Similarly, if your dog is not eating a balanced diet or has a digestive disorder, their poop may have a stronger or more unpleasant odour.

Much like issues with their urine, if you notice any changes, you should monitor for other symptoms. If you notice them, a trip to the veterinarian may be in order.

Final thoughts on whether corgis smell

In conclusion, it is important to note that, like all dogs, corgis have a natural dog-scented smell and can develop unpleasant smells from time to time.

However, with regular grooming, bathing, and attention to their diet and health, you can help prevent bad smells and keep your corgi looking and smelling their best.

Overall, with proper care, corgis do not typically have an overly unpleasant smell, and can make wonderful companions for those who love dogs.

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