Do Cavapoos Smell?

There are so many questions you need to ask yourself before you take in any kind of dog. You want to be as sure as you possibly can that you’re going to be happy with that decision years down the line and able to fulfil your promise of taking care of your dog for the rest of their life. It may seem trivial, but one of the questions you might want to consider is whether your dog is likely to leave a nasty smell around the house. So, if you’re considering getting a Cavapoo, then let’s take a look at the answer to “do Cavapoos smell?”

Do Cavapoos Smell?

The simple answer is that yes, Cavapoos do smell. Let’s be honest here, all dogs smell! As an owner of a beautiful female Cavapoo though, I have to say that she definitely doesn’t smell anywhere near as bad as some dogs I’ve encountered. We make sure we take care of our Cavapoo Lola in such as way that unpleasant smells don’t occur too often. And, when they do, we’re always on hand to figure out the cause of the smell and resolve it before it becomes an issue.

Why Do Cavapoos Smell?

As mentioned above, all dogs smell at some point or other. Let’s face it, all humans would smell if they didn’t take care of themselves.

A Cavapoo might smell for lots of different reasons which we’ll break down into more detail in the rest of this article:

• Poor oral hygiene
• Flatulence
• Skin Infections
• Allergies
• Yeast Infections
• Digestive System Issues
• Anal Glands
• Urine Infections
• Kidney Issues
• Parasites
• Dehydration
• Lack of Grooming
• That Wet Dog Smell

Poor Oral Hygiene

In just the same way as a lack of oral hygiene can lead to bad breath in humans, the same is true of our beloved Cavapoos.

Many new dog owners simply don’t realise that they need to take care of their dog’s oral health. This might involve daily brushing with a finger brush and dog toothpaste, or making sure your Cavapoo has access to treats designed specifically to encourage dental health practices. Your vet should also check your Cavapoo’s teeth at their annual health check. The vet will be able to check for signs of Periodontal Disease, Gum Disease or any infections of the mouth.

If you do start to notice that your dog has smelly breath, then start to improve your daily dental hygiene practices and if that doesn’t help, it may be time to visit the vets.

Flatulence in your Cavapoo

One of the most common causes of bad smells from dogs is flatulence. We’ve all heard the jokes about blaming it on the dog, but when dogs have flatulence, you definitely know about it.

There could be a number of reasons why your Cavapoo is experiencing flatulence. It’s normal for them to pass wind from time to time, but if it’s becoming a regular issue, then you might want to take a look at their diet. Are they eating the right kind of food and getting the right nutrients? All About Dog Food is a great website that allows you to look up your dog’s food and see how balanced it is.

Cavapoos have a bit of a reputation for being incredibly fussy when it comes to their food. But try not to switch food too often as they can take a little time for their digestive systems to adjust and this can lead to an upset stomach and flatulence.

Skin Infections or Allergies

Cavapoos can experience bacterial infections and allergic reactions which if left untreated can cause them to smell. Here are a few of the most common:

• Yeast Infections
• Bacterial ear infections
• Staphylococcal Infection (staph infection)
• Impetigo

Many Cavapoos inherit the floppy ears of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and those large, unmovable ears can be prone to infection, so keep a close eye on them and watch for telltale signs of infection:

• Pawing at the ear
• Discharge from the ear
• Foul smell
• Redness

Digestive System Issues

Most of the time, Cavapoos have fairly solid digestive systems. But, if you’re asking the question “do Cavapoos smell”, then digestive system issues could definitely contribute to foul smells.

An upset stomach can lead to both flatulence and bad breath. Dogs use their noses and their mouths to explore their surroundings and Cavapoos in particular are curious dogs. This can lead to them eating things that they really shouldn’t, especially when they’re out on walks when you can’t always monitor what’s around them, even if they are on the lead.

Anal Glands

Before we owned a dog, I didn’t know that anal glands were even a thing. But, all dogs have anal glands. It’s these glands that help them to form their stools properly and they’re also used for marking scents. Dogs will usually greet each other by sniffing each others’ rear ends.

Sometimes, a Cavapoo’s anal glands can become blocked. This can be uncomfortable for the dog and it can lead to a rather nasty smell that is often described as a fishy smell. It is possible to relieve the pressure yourself, but if you’re not comfortable doing it then your dog groomer or vet should be able to sort this out for you.

Urine Infections

If your Cavapoo has a urine infection, then you may notice a few different symptoms and one of them is strong-smelling urine. The smell may linger on the fur around their genitals causing them to smell. Some people say that urine infections give off a sour smell, whilst others liken the smell to rotten fish.

As well as the smell, you may notice a few other symptoms too:

• Needing to urinate more often
• Yelping in pain when urinating
• Having accidents in the house
• Blood in urine

If your Cavapoo shows any signs of a urine infection, then they will probably need a course of antibiotics to clear it up so you must take them to the vets.

Kidney Issues

When asking the question, do Cavapoos smell, it’s important to look at their genetic make-up and the kinds of issues they might inherit from their parents. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can be prone to kidney issues which can be passed on to Cavapoo puppies. Kidney issues in dogs can cause smelly breath so keep an eye out for any changes.

Parasites on skin, hair, and nails

There are lots of different parasites that can cause dogs to smell, the most common are Demodex mites. These mites can cause discomfort and itching which in turn can lead to infection and may cause your Cavapoo to smell.

Dehydration

Dehydration can cause dogs to smell bad as they don’t have enough water in their bodies. This can lead to smelly urine. Encourage your dog to drink regularly and make sure there is always water available.

Try to make sure your Cavapoo doesn’t drink out of puddles when they’re out on walks. These can be full of all kinds of nasties. It’s sometimes impossible to stop them, particularly if they’re off the lead, but take fresh water out with you when you’re going on long walks, particularly in warm weather, and offer that to them instead.

Lack of grooming or bathing

Cavapoos who inherit the curly hair from the Poodle need regular grooming in order for their coats to stay healthy. We take our Cavapoo to a professional grooming salon every two months at the moment, but we may increase this slightly as she gets a bit older, we’ve noticed her curls getting tighter so they’re likely to need more regular maintenance.

Grooming involves bathing and shampooing your dog but it’s also about getting rid of dead skin and making sure there aren’t any mats, both of which can lead to foul smells. You can use a special dog shampoo, but baby shampoo works just as well.

Wet dog smell

Perhaps the most common smell we all know and probably think about when wondering do Cavapoos smell is the wet dog smell. All dogs smell when they get wet. There are a few things you can do to combat this, but it is part and parcel of owning a dog.

• Get a coat for your dog for wet weather
• Use a dog shower when your dog gets particularly wet and muddy
• Use a dog spray to freshen your dog up

Do Cavapoo Puppies Smell?

All puppies smell, and it’s actually a really delicious smell too. Your new furry friend shouldn’t smell bad. During puppyhood, they should have healthy skin, and healthy ears and be eating a nutritious, balanced diet. Smells associated with dogs usually don’t materialise until later on.

If you notice any foul smells coming from your puppy on a regular basis, then try to work out where the smell is coming from on their body and see if you can determine the root cause before paying a visit to your vet. Sometimes, puppies may have food allergies that can lead to foul smells, or if they’re eating a bad diet then that could also contribute to it.

Do Cavapoos Smell and How Can I Stop It?

All dogs will smell from time to time, it’s just nature. But, you can limit the smells by keeping their coat clean and groomed, watching what they eat, and getting to the root cause of any strong smells as soon as you notice them.

Here are some good habits to get into with your Cavapoo which should help to prevent any unpleasant smells:

• Daily toothbrushing
• Daily dental sticks
• A good grooming routine probably involving a professional groomer
• Wipe their ears regularly
• Ensure they eat a healthy diet
• Ensure they always have access to fresh water

Cavapoos are an adorable breed and make wonderful family pets. We wouldn’t be without our Cavapoo now. Don’t let the thought that they might smell put you off. They certainly aren’t smelly dogs in general.