You spend a good chunk of time scrubbing your Boston Terrier, making sure every inch of them is soaped up and rinsed off. They come out of the bath all fresh, soft, and adorable. But then—just a few hours later—that smell is back.
If this has ever happened to you, you’re not alone. Boston Terriers are notorious for developing strange odors, and it can be incredibly frustrating when a bath doesn’t fix the problem. The good news? There’s always a reason, and there’s always a way to keep that stink under control.
1. The “Corn Chip” Smell: Wrinkles, Bacteria & Yeast
Let’s start with one of the most common Boston Terrier odors: the corn chip smell.
If your pup smells like a bag of Fritos, it’s likely due to yeast overgrowth. Yeast thrives in warm, damp environments, and Boston Terriers have plenty of little skin folds where moisture loves to hide. Once the yeast starts growing, it gives off that distinctive musty, slightly sweet smell.
Keeping those adorable face wrinkles clean is key. It’s not just about the smell—it’s also about preventing infections. If left untreated, yeast can turn into an itchy, red mess that makes your dog miserable.
After every bath (and honestly, every few days), take a gentle, pet-safe wipe and clean between your dog’s skin folds. Make sure to dry them thoroughly, because if moisture lingers, the yeast will just come back. If the smell doesn’t go away or you notice redness, you may need an antifungal wipe or a vet-prescribed treatment.
2. The “Fishy” Smell: Anal Glands Need Attention
Now, let’s talk about a much worse smell—the dreaded fishy butt odor.
Boston Terriers, like all dogs, have anal glands that release a strong-smelling fluid. Normally, these glands express themselves naturally when your dog poops. But sometimes, they get blocked or overfilled, causing the secretions to leak onto your dog’s fur (and possibly your couch—sorry).
If you’re getting a strong fishy scent, especially from their backside, this is likely the cause. Some dogs will also scoot across the floor to relieve the discomfort, which is funny until you realize why they’re doing it.
How to Handle It:
- Take them to a groomer or vet to have their glands expressed. (It’s messy—trust me, this is a job best left to the pros.)
- Add fiber to their diet (pumpkin, green beans, or fiber supplements can help them express their glands naturally).
- If the smell is constant or there’s swelling, see your vet—impacted anal glands can lead to infections.
3. The Wet Dog Smell: It’s Worse Than You Think
Everyone knows what a wet dog smells like. But if your Boston Terrier smells particularly bad after getting wet, something else might be going on.
The reason wet dogs smell isn’t just about them being wet—it’s about what’s hiding on their skin. Even the cleanest dog has natural bacteria on their fur. When they get wet, the water releases odor-causing compounds from these bacteria, which is why they suddenly smell stronger than before.
But if the odor is really bad, even when they’re dry, you might be dealing with a bacterial or fungal infection. This can happen if their skin is too oily, irritated, or not properly rinsed after a bath.
Make sure you’re using a gentle, antibacterial dog shampoo that cleans without stripping their natural skin oils. Rinse them thoroughly—leftover shampoo residue can make them itchier and smell worse. And of course, dry them completely, because damp fur is a perfect place for bacteria to multiply.
4. Ear Infections: A Smell You Can’t Ignore
If your Boston Terrier’s head smells bad, but the rest of them are clean, check their ears.
Floppy ears can trap moisture and reduce airflow, making them the perfect place for bacteria and yeast to grow. The result? A strong, sour, cheesy smell.
What to Watch For:
- Scratching or pawing at their ears
- Head shaking or tilting
- Dark waxy buildup or discharge
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s time to clean their ears.
How to Keep Their Ears Clean:
5. Food & Digestive Issues: The Smell Starts From the Inside
Here’s something that might surprise you—what your dog eats affects how they smell.
Cheap, low-quality dog food can cause excess oil production, leading to a greasy, smelly coat. Some Boston Terriers also have food allergies, which can cause itchiness, excessive licking, and yeast buildup—all of which contribute to bad odors.
And let’s not forget the gas. Boston Terriers are known for their toxic farts, and if your pup’s diet isn’t right, their body will let you know.
Diet Fixes for a Fresher-Smelling Dog:
- Switch to high-quality dog food with real meat and no fillers.
- Avoid grains, soy, and artificial additives, which can trigger allergies.
- Add Omega-3s (like fish oil) to support healthy skin and reduce that greasy smell.
When It’s Time to Call the Vet
If you’ve tried everything, but your Boston Terrier still smells awful, it might be time to dig deeper.
Some medical conditions, like chronic skin infections, allergies, or internal health problems, can cause persistent odors that don’t go away with regular grooming. If you notice red, irritated skin, hair loss, or constant itching, schedule a vet visit.
FAQ: Boston Terrier Odor & Behavior When Wet
What does a Boston Terrier bacterial infection smell like?
A bacterial infection on a Boston Terrier’s skin often gives off a strong, musty, or sour odor. Some infections, especially yeast infections, can smell like corn chips or mildew. If your dog has an unusually strong smell along with redness, itching, or irritation, it could be a bacterial or yeast infection that needs veterinary attention.
