Why Does My Yorkie Smell Like Poop? (Solved & Explained!)

Despite how adorable these dogs are, Yorkshire Terriers can sometimes smell like poop due to a poor diet, lack of proper grooming, or a medical problem. If you are feeding your Yorkie a nutritious meal and grooming them frequently, but their stink still persists, consider visiting a veterinarian to rule out any medical conditions.

This article will explore the various reasons why your Yorkie constantly smells like poop, how to groom them properly to reduce the stench, and other strategies to help keep your pet smelling as cute as they look.

Why do Yorkies stink? 

In most cases, your Yorkshire Terrier’s unpleasant scent is a result of poor hygiene or an unhealthy diet. However, in some instances, a stinky Yorkie indicates a more serious medical issue such as an infection, allergy, or underlying condition. 

If your dog is leaving a trail of foul odour everywhere they go, it’s important to investigate the root cause to determine the best course of action for your pet’s health.  

Do Yorkshire Terriers naturally smell bad? 

While some owners mistakenly believe that Yorkies are just a naturally smelly breed, there is no evidence to suggest this is true. The Yorkshire Terrier breed is not particularly known for being smelly. 

However, Yorkies are genetically predisposed to certain conditions like Cushing’s Disease and allergies which could result in a stinky dog. Moreover, their naturally long coat traps bad smells more than other dogs. 

Can an unhealthy diet cause my Yorkie to stink? 

It’s possible that the smelly odour produced by your Yorkie is a sign of an unhealthy or unsuitable diet. If you recently changed something in your Yorkie’s diet, eliminate it to see if it solves your stinky problem. 

While it’s perfectly normal for your Yorkie to fart, an unhealthy diet generates excessive and extra funky flatulence. If your dog’s farts are unbearably foul, ask your vet to rule out any possible medical issues. 

How do I determine if my Yorkie’s bad smell is due to a food allergen? 

According to Prestige Animal Hospital, Yorkshire Terriers often have a skin allergy called “atopy” which can be triggered by certain foods. It’s best to avoid common dog food allergens such as chicken, additives, and grains in your Yorkie’s diet.

To determine potential allergies, consult your vet and follow a process of food elimination. In general, feed your Yorkie a balanced diet rich in protein and low in carbohydrates as well as processed ingredients. 

Does my Yorkie stink due to poor hygiene?

Insufficient grooming is typically the culprit of your dog’s foul odour. No matter how busy your schedule might be, it’s important to groom your Yorkie regularly. 

If you don’t have the time to groom your pet yourself, book an appointment at the groomers. Frequent pamper sessions will definitely prevent your Yorkie from smelling like poop. 

How often do I need to brush my Yorkie to prevent bad smells?

Yorkies have beautifully long hair that tend to get greasy quickly and trap odours unless brushed regularly. Frequent brushing will not only make your Yorkie happy, but it can also remove any dirt, allergens, and lingering smells in their coat. 

Brushing your Yorkie regularly allows for more air to circulate to their skin. This helps to reduce grease buildup, skin conditions, and bad smells. 

How often should I bathe my Yorkie to prevent bad smells? 

A buildup of grease and perspiration might be causing your Yorkie’s smelly odour. To prevent this, bathe your fur baby at least once every three weeks in order to eliminate smelly oils and sweat in their long hair.

When bathing your Yorkshire Terrier, ensure to use products specifically intended for dogs. These products should contain the right pH balance, a natural scent or no scent at all, oil control and moisturizing properties. 

What are some medical reasons for a stinky Yorkie? 

In the event that proper grooming and a nutritious diet does not solve your Yorkie’s poop-like smell, consult your vet. It’s highly likely that your Yorkie has an undiagnosed medical condition that is causing their stench. 

Your adorable, pet might stink due to the following medical problems: 

• Infected or ruptured anal glands 
• Hormonal diseases 
• Yeast or bacterial infections 
• Obesity 
• Skin conditions 
• Digestive issues

What is an anal gland?  

If your Yorkie smells like poop or pee, there could potentially be a problem with their anal glands. These glands are located around your Yorkie’s anus, and need to be emptied regularly. 

When these glands function properly, they allow your Yorkie to mark their territory through defecation. However, when they malfunction, these glands give off a strong and unpleasant scent. 

What are the signs of a ruptured or infected anal gland? 

The stench of poop or pee is a telltale sign of a ruptured or infected anal gland. Similarly, dragging their butts across the floor is a behaviour that indicates an anal gland issue. 

If you suspect that your Yorkie has a ruptured or infected anal gland, take them to the vet immediately.   

What hormonal disease causes your Yorkie to smell bad? 

Hormonal diseases such as Cushing’s disease could be the reason for your Yorkie’s foul smell. 

According to the Small Animal Clinic, this disease typically manifests itself through the following symptoms: 

• Smelly odour 
• Frequent hunger 
• Frequent thirst 
• Frequent urination 
• Excessive hair loss 
• Increased panting 
• Reduced activity 

Cushing’s disease tends to affect older Yorkies more than younger ones. If your pet shows symptoms of Cushing’s disease, consult your vet for a diagnosis as soon as possible. 

Is my Yorkie’s bad odour caused by a yeast infection? 

Another possible reason for your dog’s stinky smell is a yeast infection. This bacterial infection can spread all over your dog’s skin. 

Although a Yorkie with a yeast infection usually smells like mould, it’s possible to mistake the awful stench as poop. If you believe your pet might have a yeast infection, take them to the vet for treatment immediately. 

What are some other tips to eliminate your Yorkie’s stinky odour? 

In addition to grooming your Yorkie regularly, wash their beds frequently as well. Your Yorkie’s bed and blankets absorb their smell and vice versa so it’s essential to wash them as often as you wash your fur baby. 

Since Yorkies have long hair, it’s a good idea to trim the hair around their butt regularly. This reduces the chances of stinky feces getting caught in their hair.