My curious mind always wanted to know why a small breed Border Collie is always blamed to make an entire room smelly despite looking so gorgeous. I kept looking for an answer but my luck hardly favored me. Afterward, I thought to do some research to find a valid answer for me as well as for you.
So, why does your Border Collie smell so bad? Collies are often found smelling bad after they had a regular bath or when they feel some serious health problems. Though smelling bad is not harmful always, it can be a sign of internal infection too. You need to be careful because they may get some allergic problems which may lead to a quick visit to your vet.
You will be glad to know that I have come up with 7 interesting facts about your Border Collie’s unwanted bad smelling issue. Some of them are really interesting and some are quite alarming for your little furbaby.
As per my research, there are few solutions to your problem and those are quite easy to try at home. I believe if you read my entire article then you will get a way to overcome your problem and it will save your time too.
Please read this article for the betterment of your canine who might be suffering from pain which it can not say verbally but gives you an indication through its stinky odor.
Related Topic: Why Does Your Cairn Terrier Stink?
Are Border Collies Smelly Dogs? Do They Stink Naturally?
One evening, if you find an unusual smell in your room and see your Border Collie hanging around then do not blame your little fellow. Your little Border collie does not stink naturally rather it is well known for its hygienic lifestyle.
If you find your border collie stinks then you might consider every other possible reason like physical illness or improper grooming. The more you ignore your fur baby’s odor problem thinking it is natural the more it will turn into something worse.
However, if you over-bathe your dog and don’t clean its hair well enough, it can get the typical doggy odor you’re trying to prevent.
7 Common Possible Reasons: Why Does Your Border Collie Stink?
Stinky Border Collie is not what you want to call your little buddy but if it stinks a lot then you need to consider any of the seven reasons mentioned below. Your little fur baby might be facing internal illness which you need to figure out to get rid of this smell.
#1 Does Your Border Collie Smells Bad Because Of Having An Unusual Bath Routine?
Bathing is the best way to keep anything clean yet this is completely different for your Border Collie. If you give your little dog more baths then this will make it dirtier and stinkier. Rather, Border collies only require bathing three or four times a year. Their natural oils clean her coat and keep it solid, lustrous, healthy, and odor-free.
However, if you wash your buddy too much, these oils will be stripped away. Its body will immediately panic and release an abnormally large volume of natural oil. And, as we all know, “too much of a good thing is a bad thing” this is exactly what happened here. If it has so many of these oils in her coat, it can get greasy, irritate her skin, and finally stink.
#2 Does Your Border Collie Roll In Something Smelly Or Decaying?
Your collie can run through bushes, roll in rotten stuff while you’re not watching. When it goes out to play it rubs up against dirty walls, or swims in dirty water nearby. The list is rather lengthy. Any filthy foreign items or substances on your furbaby’s body can produce a foul odor.
You may smell that foul odor all over your dog’s body as Collie’s fur can trap smell quickly. So when you get inside, you’ll probably have to wipe your collie down with only water. After that, if your little buddy is cleaned then give it a proper brushing to scrub out her coat.
#3 Is Your Border Collie Suffering From Microorganisms In Her Coat?
Yeast bugs, ringworm, and folliculitis are only a few of the skin infections that can irritate your Collie’s skin a lot. While some of these bacteria do not cause a bad odor directly, they do cause dry skin, which may lead to a bad odor.
A wet, moist climate ideal for surface microbes including bacteria and yeast to overgrow on your little buddy’s skin. Later, toxins produced by these species cause irritation and inflammation, causing the skin barrier to break down and infection to occur.
Your Border Collie will scratch excessively and it may lick a lot that will cause irritation which will lead to a secondary bacterial infection. A secondary bacterial contamination worsened the odor. Every unusual odor on your dog’s skin should be reported to your veterinarian before it becomes something more serious.
Symptoms Of Microbiological Infection In Your Border Collie
- If your dog is sick with a bacterial infection then it usually has digestive upset (diarrhea or vomiting), a fever and is cranky since it does not feel well.
- High body temperature can be a better predictor for your dog’s health problem.
- Sores and abscesses on the dog’s skin is visible if microbes infect internally
- Your little furbaby may refuse to eat food
- You may find your dog coughing often with nasal discharge
- Obviously infected areas of skin, ears, and eyes become red
- Your Collie may have urinary tract or respiratory system infection which can be painful
- You may witness difficulty walking of your furball and it may refuse to play or exercise
- Your little buddy may feel excessive sleepiness and isolate itself.
Related Reading: Why Does Your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Stink?
#4 Does Your Border Collie Need To Groom?
This should go without saying, but a stinky dog is a filthy dog. Just like any other dogs, your Border Collie needs perfect grooming every 3-6 weeks. When you take your dog to the dog parlour, they will bathe your fur baby thoroughly and also scrub his ears.
If necessary, they will brush your Collie’s teeth. Brushing the dog will go a long way toward reducing any bad odors in between baths. Brushing the dog’s hair removes soil, dead skin cells, dry saliva, and everything else that has accumulated in his coat.
After a quick but thorough cleaning, you’ll be surprised by how much cleaner your dog smells.
#5 Does Your Border Collie Gets A Leaky Anal Gland?
Anal glands are tiny secretory glands that are found on both sides of your Collie’s rectum. They are an essential and normal part of your dog’s anatomy. Unfortunately, your dog may seem to have issues with them, resulting in discomfort, “mess” and, most importantly, a foul odor.
If your dog’s anal glands stink regularly, then it can be a sign of anal sac infections. This may force your pup to lick its hind end inappropriately or scoot around the floor to ease the pain. If your dog is exhibiting symptoms of anal sac problems, make an appointment with the vet for a manual speech.
If your dog’s anal sacs break and develop an abscess, then immediately visit the vet before its too late.
#6 Is Your Border Collie Suffering From Dental Diseases?
If your collie has poor breath, it may be a symptom of a problem with its diet. Maybe your dog has eaten something bad, or, even worse, that causes gum disease.Your are highly recommended to brush your collie’s teeth on a daily basis. Up to 85% of pets over the age of three have some kind of dental disease.
If your furbaby goes three years without brushing teeth, it will feel the same way. Gingivitis and infections are caused by bacteria found in plaque and tartar that grow on your dog’s teeth.
Although a mild odor is common in dogs, stinky dog breath may signify a dental infection, a diseased tooth, or an oral tumor. Without any delay, you need to visit a vet so that your collie can get cured at an early stage. If you have an AKC Pet Insurance wellness policy, you will be able to get any of the expenses of veterinary dental hygiene reimbursed.
So, if you keep your Border Collie’s oral health up to date then it will save your nose, as well as your dog’s life.
#7 Is Your Border Collie Suffering From Some Sort Of Ear Infections?
There are a variety of explanations for your Border Collie’s smelly ear, including lack of cleanliness, constant damp (possibly from swimming), extra fur on top of or within the ear canal, and so on. The degree to which the ears stink is also important.
A soft, yeasty odor may simply indicate that your dog’s ears need to be washed. Owing to the long hair over their ears, your collie is vulnerable to ear infections caused by bacteria or yeast. Due to infection, a very heavy odor can be found but it becomes difficult to detect.
The wet, moist air in the ears is suitable for yeast and bacteria to grow quickly in the ear canal. So, if you see your collie paying particular attention to her ears, such as shaking its head or rubbing them, you can make an appointment with your nearest veterinarian before it’s too late.
Symptoms Of Ear Infections In Your Border Collie
- Your collie may feel excessive pain and it may fail to express its pain.
- Frequent itching may be observed in your furbaby’s activity
- Suddenly you may notice ear redness and warm to the touch
- Discharge from the ears or sores/scabs on the ear (with or without an odor)
- Rubbing ears on the ground or furniture
- Bacterial infection may show signs include head shaking or tilting and shying away from having their ears touched.
- For severe or chronic cases, the ear canal may become firm and thickened.
Related Reading: Are Border Terriers Smelly Dogs?
Four Things To Learn While Your Border Collie Gets Specific Type Of Stinks
Before you got the information about all the reasons that cause your collie so bad but now I will share with you the types of stinky smell.
Why Does My Border Collie Breath Smell So Bad?
If your dog does not chew and you do not wash or get its teeth brushed on a daily basis then there is a very good chance of plaque build-up. Later these plaques will allow bacteria to grow rapidly and form bad smell.
Border Collie Stinky Breath: Will It Harm A Lot To My Doggy?
Any triggers are relatively harmless, such as your collie eating garbage, whereas others can indicate a significant underlying health problem. Although bad breath is more common in smaller dog breeds and elderly dogs.
There are a variety of illnesses and health problems linked to poor breath, which is why there are studies that use breath to diagnose the early onset of such diseases.
Diabetes, liver disease, and kidney disease are some of the most well-known diseases linked to poor breath of your dog.
Why Does My Border Collie Smell Like A Fish?
Your border collie is not fond of fish yet sometimes you may find a fishy odor from your little buddy which is actually the result of secretions from the anal glands. Anal glands, which are also called anal sacs, are small sacs located on either side of your dog’s anus.
These sacs are full of specialized sweat glands that produce an unpleasant smelling secretion that acts as a scent marker for your dog. The fishy odor appears as the anal glands get overworked and begin to leak at times other than when the dog is toileting.
The stench of rotting fish comes from the anal gland oil. When your dog is at home, resting, or being picked up, full anal glands will leak and spread a fishy smell.
Related Reading: Why Does Your Bullmastiff Smell So Bad?
Why Does My Border Collie Smell Like Food?
When your Collie has seasonal or food allergies then it may induce skin inflammation. Due to inflammation, unnecessary oil produces from specific glands in the skin that result in a musty odor and your dog smells like food.
Moreover, poor diet can contribute to this disorder and can also lead to other issues, such as yeast infections, which emit a foul odor. A high-carbohydrate, processed-food diet is frequently to blame for an unusual smell found all around your furbaby.
Why Does My Border Collie’s Ears Smell Terrible?
Owing to the long hair over their ears, Border Collies are vulnerable to ear infections. This is a problem that many breeds face. Ear bacteria can cause a very heavy odor that can be difficult to locate.
Border Collie Stinky Ears: Does It Harm A Lot?
To relieve itching, dogs with bacterial infections in their ears can rub their ears on the ground or on sharp furniture which can harm your dog’s soft skin. Even if you touch its ear it may run away in pain.
Related Reading: Does Boston Terrier Smell Naturally?
11 Easy Ways To Keep Your Border Collie Dog Smelling Great!
If your Border Collie is smelling bad then do not just give up on your little buddy. Rather you can go through all the 11 ways mentioned below to keep your Collie fresh as daisy.
#1 Create A Routine Bath Schedule
Your collie can be washed no more than twice a year on average, and dry shampoo is often recommended to use. Because the more your dog will remain wet the more its body surface will allow bacteria to grow and form bad smell.
To bathe your furry friend, use warm water and dog-specific shampoo and conditioner. Never use human hair products on your little dog because this can cause severe skin problems.
#2 Avoid Foods Those Fuel Yeasts
Diet will have a significant impact on your collie’s physical health and well-being, and this will undoubtedly have an impact on how she smells, whether from her breath or her skin and coat. It’s also crucial to make sure your dog is comfortable with the diet.
You may be feeding your furbaby a high-quality kibble, but it won’t help if it’s stomach can’t handle it. Since feeding quality food, look for vomiting, diarrhea, food refusal, or lack of energy.
#3 Use Coconut Oil On Your Border Collie’s Skin
Coconut oil will keep your dog’s skin moisturized and avoid falling off of skin. When applied lightly, it can also serve to freshen up a dog’s hair. Simply brush a little amount onto your palms, softly pat the coat, run your fingertips through the fur, and smooth a little down onto the skin to use it topically.
When it comes to choosing a brand, virgin coconut oil is the better option, as it has been seen to have the majority of the benefits of coconut oil. Coconut oil for dog allergies is an excellent treatment for skin allergies and parasites in dogs.
#4 Get A Washable Dog Bed For Your Border Collie
Washing your dog’s bedding every couple of weeks or so is highly recommended. Sometimes wash the bed more often if your dog is dirtier than normal. It’s important to brush both the dog and their bedding on a regular basis, and the two can preferably be done at the same time.
It’s a pain to keep all of its beds tidy, but this makes a big difference in the way he smells, as well as the way the rest of the house smells. Some of the washable dog beds that you can prefer are:
- Kuranda Dog Bed
- BRINDLE Memory Foam Bed
- BarksBar Orthopedic Dog Bed
- Milliard Orthopedic Dog Bed.
#5 Bathe Your Border Collie Dog’s Bed In Baking Soda
Baking soda is excellent for eliminating foul odors and neutralizing heavy fragrances found in your dog’s bed.
First, you need to fill a basin halfway with warm water and add 1/4 cup baking soda. Then gradually stir the bath and soak the removable cover for 15 minutes in the solution. Remove the dog bed from the basin and clean every inch of it with a wet scrub brush dipped in baking soda.
Baking soda is also used to clean/scrub hard-to-reach spaces where flea larvae may be hidden. Lastly, you need to be sure to rinse the cleaning tool after – use, and keep scrubbing until the dog bed is clean both inside and out.
#6 Clean Your Border Collie’s Lounging Areas
Take 2 minutes any time you return from a stroll to wash your collie’s paws outside. This can help to keep your little buddy’s lounging area clean and tidy. If you find its play zone quite dirty then try to clean it up immediately with baking soda and warm water.
As a result, you can get rid of the filthy mess and your furbaby will get to enjoy its clean play zone.
#7 Dry Your Border Collie All The Way
Yeast and bacteria reside in your dog’s hair, no matter how much you wash and groom it on a daily basis. It’s perfectly natural. There is no bad odor as long as the dog remains dry. Sometimes, fecal matter or “organic chemicals” is left behind by these microorganisms.
The best explanation I can come up with is that when your dog’s hair gets wet, these compounds detach from it, condense, and then scatter into the air, which gives off the yucky odor.
The scent will not go out with just towel drying. He has to be dried thoroughly, either in the sun or with a blower, particularly around the base of the tail and around the ears.
#8 Brush Your Border Collie’s Teeth
The majority of time you may not pay attention to your collie’s teeth but this can be the biggest source of bad smell.
To keep your little buddy fresh purchase a dog teeth-brushing kit and brush it once a week. Take it slowly at first because it may be a strange situation for your dog to deal with.
You can examine its lips and gum while brushing teeth. You can make an appointment with your veterinarian if you see anything odd around her gums and teeth.
#9 Use Dental Products To Avoid Bad Breath
Chlorhexidine is used in a variety of rinses, foaming mouthwashes, and oral sprays on the market which is excellent for washing and maintaining the cleanliness of your dog’s teeth. Plus, it’s the same stuff the vet uses.
If you’re into all-natural treatments, then in the morning, squeeze a little lemon into your collie’s water bowl to help rinse and freshen their breath. Your dog and his chew toy are a match made in heaven.
If you add a few dabs of toothpaste on the chew dog then it can act as a toothbrush. This will help your border collie to adapt with toothpaste.
#10 Use Doggy Wipes When Necessary
Surface mud or dirt lying on top of your dog’s hair is the best place for dog wipes. They’re also useful for washing tiny places like the dog’s muzzle or muddy hands. After a stroll around the street, it’s also a smart thing to wash your dog’s paws down.
Pets Antibacterial Multipurpose Wipes for Dogs remove 99.99 percent of germs and are a convenient way to clean up in baths. These antibacterial dog wipes are made with Aloe Vera to help your collie’s skin stay moisturized and preserve a shiny coat.
#11 Get Suitable Shampoos For Your Border Collie
Before buying a shampoo, make sure to read the ingredients list on the bottle. Artificial fragrances, parabens, sulfates, and dyes will irritate your dog’s eyes and ears, so go for natural scents like chamomile, lavender, eucalyptus, and citrus instead. Be sure to get a shampoo that won’t irritate their skin or sting their eyes.
Choose a natural shampoo formulated for dogs that is appropriate for the length of your collie’s fur. If your dog suffers from asthma, look for a shampoo that has no allergens. As per my research, the best shampoos for your border collies are:
- Earthbath All Natural Pet Shampoo
- Kenic Kalaya Emu Oil Pet Shampoo
- Cloud Star Buddy Wash Original Lavender & Mint
- Pro Pet Works Natural Oatmeal Dog Shampoo + Conditioner
Over To You
I hope you got a lot of useful information from this article that will help you to take proper care of your Border Collie. Yet, I would love to know which part was helpful for you the most. If you knew some of these facts before then let us know what those facts are.
I went through a lot of research yet if I have missed any fact that you are well aware of please do mention that in the comment section. Remember, the comment section is always yours and you can share your feedback there too. Share this article with your friends who own a Border Collie too. The more you share the more you get a chance to help others to take care of their little ones.
Feel free to ask any question and I will try to get back to you with a proper answer as soon as possible.
Further Readings:
Border Collie Dog’s Health Corncerns
Most Common Border Collie’s Health Issues
Health Related Topics:
1. 14 Weird Symptoms Why Puppies Vomit?
2. Dog Dental Cleaning: Ultimate Guide
3. What Are My Dog’s Exercise Needs?
