Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My new puppy's face smells like sweat. What causes it? How to clean?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | unneutered | 2 months and 5 days old | 5 lbs

My Maltese Pomeranian puppy has an issue where no where else on his body has odor except for his face. It is not a foul odor but it kind of smells like sweat. I try to wipe it with a pet wipe and the odor is still there. Different from his breath. I have only had him for 5 days now.

This question includes photos that may contain sensitive content. Click to view.

View more to consider that the photos may include sensitive content.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Steve Popish, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 7th, 2017

Hello there, what a cute puppy. Odor from the face can be due to a number of things, but based on the history and age of the dog, i suspect it may be coming from the discharge from the eyes or from remnants of pet food around the lips or whiskers. Try using warm water and cotton balls to wipe the eyes and face daily while monitoring the odor. If the odor is still present and the puppy is acting completely normal, mention it to your veterinarian during your next routine visit. It could be normal and something that you will have to get used to. Obviously, if you see any health issues of any kind, please schedule a veterinary visit sooner. Happy to visit with you further during a consultation. Thank you, Dr Steve Popish

Vote icon

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Kevin Sanada, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    This type of smell is common for these little fluffy breeds. They have a really difficult time keeping their furry faces clean and often have them soaked with water, drool, dirt and tear stains. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but this smell is really difficult to make go awa. It will probably always be there to some degree, but I'll give you a couple of tips that may help. These tips are mainly focused on washing away the things that start to fester and stink on the face: 1) Try to wipe away any tear stains that form near his eyes with the pet wipe. 2) Wash the face weekly with a gentle dog shampoo. 3) Rinse away any visible dirt or drool with water and pat dry anytime you see it. 4) Rinse face with water and pat dry after he eats. As you can see, it will take a great deal of work to keep that furry face from stinking. If you have the face regularly groomed (fur trimmed) it will definitely help you prevent the face from getting dirty and stinky. Also, you should check the ears regularly. An infected ear can have a similar smell as what you described. Look inside each ear to make sure there is not a great deal of dirt and the inside of the ear doesn't look red. If there is blackish looking wax, a red ear, and a smell, then he has an infection and will need to go to the vet for treatment. I hope this helps and Papi smells better soon.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet is breathing hard, not eating, and lethargic. What's wrong?
Is your rat breathing heavily, won't eat, and has no energy? A Licensed Vet Tech explains potential causes like infection and age, urging a vet visit for diagnosis.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My degu has trouble breathing, coughing, and nose discharge. Help?
Is your degu struggling to breathe, coughing, or have nasal discharge? A trusted vet offers vital guidance on respiratory issues like pneumonia and how to help.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My rat is losing weight and has breathing issues. What should I do?
Dambo's weight loss, rough breathing, and mucus worry you? A Petco veterinarian addresses these concerning symptoms and recommends urgent professional care.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My sick small pet is breathing mouth open. Did I drown her feeding?
Is your pet ill, struggling to breathe, or showing stroke signs? A certified vet addresses syringe feeding worries, discusses causes, and outlines treatment options.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Dog licking paws, fur loss, and jaw wound: Could it be allergies?
Is your Shih-Tzu crossbreed biting his feet, losing fur, or has a wound? A trusted vet explains these classic allergy signs and advises on treatments like Apoquel or medicated shampoo.
Updated on September 23, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored