There are countless benefits to having a dog in your life, but you do need to accept that your pet is an animal and there are smells and hygiene factors that come along with that. Not all dogs produce the same amount of odor though, so you might be wondering, do Greyhounds smell?
Greyhounds are actually known for their lack of smell and the fact that they do not need to be bathed as frequently as other breeds. A lot of the smells associated with dogs come from the natural oils that their bodies produce and Greyhounds do not produce very much body oil. Many Greyhound owners report little to no “doggy smell” from their dogs.
Of course, there are many other smells that dogs can produce, and supporting their good hygiene and cleanliness is as important for your pet as it is for your nose. This article will go into detail about the type of smells that you can expect if you own a Greyhound, and some important information about grooming and hygiene so that your dog stays as clean and healthy as possible.
Why Do Greyhounds Smell Less Than Other Breeds?
Greyhounds do not produce much doggy smell because of the way that their bodies and coats produce and hold natural oils. You may have heard the term “dander” in the context of an animal’s hair or fur, and this is another key component of the natural smell that dogs have.
Oils
Just like humans, dogs produce natural oils to protect their skin and hair. These oils can help to keep them warm in cold weather, prevent damage to their hair follicles, stop their skin from drying out, and even provide waterproofing. These oils are the main reason why dogs have a “doggy smell”, and some breeds produce much more than others.
Newfoundlands, for example, have thick heavy coats, the outer layer of which is quite oily, to protect them from the cold and keep them warm when they swim through icy water. Greyhounds were not bred to face harsh conditions, and they have short coats that don’t trap in too much heat, so they cool down quickly when they are running at high speeds.
Greyhounds produce a lot less natural body oil than other breeds, which means that they don’t smell as much as most dogs do.
Dander
Another factor that adds to the smell of your dog is the dander that they produce. Dander is small flakes of skin that appear in an animal’s coat. It is one of the main causes of allergic reactions and it can contribute to doggy smells.
Greyhounds don’t produce much dander, and the individual hairs on their coats are too small to hold a lot of it when they are shed. This is another reason why Greyhounds don’t smell very much and don’t need to be bathed as often as other dogs.
Coat
Body oils and dander are both closely linked to the type of coat that a dog has. Longer coats that shed frequently will hold more of those doggy smells and spread them further throughout the house.
One of the most iconic features of the Greyhound breed is their beautiful, sleek coats. They have very short hair and while they do shed, it is not in large amounts. Greyhounds’ coats are low maintenance, they don’t hold onto much odor, and you won’t find big balls of it throughout your house.
Why Do Dogs Smell?
The iconic “doggy smell” is one aspect of the odors that we associate with our pets, but there are many other smells that you can expect when you’re living with a dog. Some smells can’t be avoided, some can be managed with good hygiene and a healthy diet, and others can be a cause for genuine concern. Some of the most common reasons why dogs smell are:
- Natural Odour. Dogs should smell a bit like dogs, and some natural odor is to be expected. If you are noticing a consistently bad smell, even after a bath, there may be something else going on.
- Bad breath. Everybody gets bad breath, and dogs will put all sorts of things in their mouths that don’t smell great. A really bad mouth odor, however, may be caused by a tooth infection, or it can be an indicator of kidney disease or diabetes.
- Gas. It is no secret that dogs will produce gassy smells, but overly frequent and particularly potent emissions may be an indicator that your dog needs a change of diet.
- Rolling. The smell is a really big part of the way your dog interacts with the world. In the view of most dogs, the smellier something is the better, and they will often roll in bad smells and cover themselves in strong scents. This behavior can be discouraged through training, but you will still need to bathe your pet regularly.
- Scent Glands. All dogs have glands that excrete a scent used to mark their territory and communicate with other dogs. If these become impacted or malfunction, they can cause discomfort and produce too much odor.
- Yeast or bacterial infections. If your dog has a consistent musty smell or a bad odor, they may have a yeast infection on their skin or a bacterial infection in their ears. These can be caused by all sorts of things, including poor hygiene or a bad diet, and should be treated medically with the help of a vet.
- Illness. When dogs get sick, they are much more likely to produce bad smells, particularly if they are having digestive problems. Unpleasant bowel movements or vomiting are often signs that you should consult with your vet.
When you’re raising a dog, smells are part of the package, but bad odors can be an indicator that something is wrong or your dog needs some lifestyle adjustments.
If you are ever concerned, get in touch with your vet so that you can figure out whether or not there is a medical issue that needs addressing.
How Do I Stop My Greyhound from Smelling?
Greyhounds don’t generally smell as much as other dogs and some smells can’t be avoided, but with a healthy lifestyle and good grooming, you can reduce the occurrence of unpleasant odors.
Bathing
Greyhounds don’t need to bathe as much as other dogs, but they still need a good wash every now and then. Most Greyhound owners only bathe their dogs “as needed”, but more frequent baths can reduce smells and ensure that their coat remains healthy.
It is important that you use a high-quality dog shampoo so that you don’t upset the natural balance of oils in your Greyhound’s coat. The wrong cleaning products can result in infections and result in your dog smelling worse than when you started.
Brushing
The short coats of a Greyhound don’t require much in the way of maintenance, but a good brush is still important to keep out tangles and remove excess dander or hair. Brushing every couple of days is a very soothing way to bond with your dog and will keep their coat looking shiny and clean.
Ears are a very commonplace for dogs to get infections, so you should be paying close attention to this area when you are grooming. Your vet should check your Greyhound’s ears regularly for mites and infections.
Teeth
Good dental hygiene is really important to prevent bacteria from building up in your dog’s mouth and reduce the risk of infections. You should be brushing your Greyhound’s teeth at least 3 times a week with toothpaste that is specially formulated for dogs. Dental hygiene can also be supported with chewable dental products.
You should get your dog’s teeth and gums checked by your vet at least once a year to look out for infections and tartar build-up.
Nails
It is really important that you don’t let your Greyhound’s toenails get too long as this can become uncomfortable or even painful for them. Long nails can also split the skin and cause infections. Trimming nails isn’t always the most pleasant experience for your dog, but it is essential for the health of their paws.
Diet
There are many reasons why a healthy, balanced, natural diet is really important for your Greyhound. To reduce gassiness, bad breath, and even the likelihood of infections occurring, your dog should be eating the right food in the right quantities.
Greyhounds need high-quality food that is free from additives or fillers, and they should be getting a healthy mix of meat, good vegetables, fish oils, and dry foods.
Are Greyhounds High Maintenance?
There are some things that you will need to do on a regular basis to make sure that your Greyhound is well-groomed and healthy. Fortunately, these are generally enjoyable ways to feel close to your dog, and they have the added benefit of reducing bad smells too.
In comparison to most breeds, Greyhounds are pretty low maintenance when it comes to their grooming needs. Their coats are easy to care for and they don’t need to be bathed too often, but you should still be keeping a close eye on their hygiene and general health.
The Verdict: Do Greyhounds Smell?
So, do Greyhounds smell? They definitely can, but they have much less of a natural doggy odor than most breeds do.
There will always be some smells that come with having a dog in your house, but a balanced diet, a healthy lifestyle, and good grooming habits will keep unpleasant aromas to a minimum. It is important to pay attention to the hygiene of your Greyhound as bad smells can be an indicator of a medical issue that needs to be looked into.
If you’re bringing a dog into your family, some smells come with the territory. Greyhounds, however, are among the least smelly dog breeds out there, making them a great companion for those who are particularly averse to bad odors.