Under normal conditions, a healthy Bichon Frise usually has little doggy odor. If your Bichon develops an unpleasant, sour or fishy smell, it can point to a hygiene or health problem worth checking with your vet.
Quick Answer: A clean, well-groomed Bichon usually has little odor. If yours smells, possible causes include skin or ear infections, anal gland problems, dental disease, or damp, stained facial hair. Your vet can find out which.
5 Common Sources of Odor in a Bichon Frise
1. Malassezia Yeast and Bacterial Skin Dermatitis
Damp skin under a thick coat can encourage skin infections, and wet mats are a common trouble spot. Dry your Bichon fully after a bath. We found no primary source on the smell of yeast infections, so if the skin is red, greasy or smelly, talk to your vet.
2. Chronic Ear Infections (Otitis Externa)
The American Kennel Club lists head shaking, scratching or rubbing the ear, dark discharge, odor, redness and pain among the signs of an ear infection, and says dogs with floppy ears are among those more prone to them. See your vet, and do not clean deep inside the ear yourself.
3. Impacted or Infected Anal Glands
Dogs have two small scent glands near the anus. A full or infected gland can smell strongly fishy, and dogs may scoot or lick the area. We found no primary source we could verify on this, so ask your vet to check the glands.
4. Periodontal Disease and Halitosis
Bad breath can be a sign of dental disease. We found no primary source we could verify for this page, so ask your vet to check your dog’s teeth.
5. Tear Staining and Facial Fold Pyoderma
Tears and saliva can stain white facial hair, and hair that stays damp can smell sour. Wipe the face dry and trim hair around the eyes. If the eyes look sore, talk to your vet.
Sanitary Maintenance and Blade Safety
Keeping the anal and sanitary regions clipped short is essential for odor control. Check our hair length dog grooming blade chart to verify that a safe #10 blade is used around delicate perianal tissues to prevent feces accumulation and clipper rash.
Age-Related Health Tracking
Older dogs can develop dental and other health problems that change how they smell. Use our Bichon Frise age in human years calculator to see roughly when your dog becomes a senior, and ask your vet how often it needs check-ups.
Veterinary Disclaimer: This is general information, not veterinary advice (see the American Kennel Club (AKC) breed page). If your Bichon has an offensive odor with inflamed skin, a head tilt, painful swelling near the anus or foul breath, talk to your vet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Bichon smell like fish?
A fishy smell can come from the anal glands, but it has other possible causes. If the smell persists, have your vet check.
How often should I bathe a smelly Bichon?
Ask your groomer or vet how often to bathe your Bichon, and use a shampoo made for dogs. If a skin infection is behind the smell, your vet will tell you which treatment to use.
Why do my Bichon’s paws smell like corn chips?
We found no primary source on the corn-chip smell of paws. Drying the paws well after walks and keeping the hair between the pads short is sensible. If the paws are red, itchy or very smelly, talk to your vet.
