Why Your Newfoundland Smells Weird In The Winter (And How To Fix It)

If your Newfoundland smells a little stinky in the winter, you’re not imagining it because mine do too.

And no, it’s doesn’t mean that your dog or my dog are dirty or that we’re slacking on grooming.

Winter creates the perfect storm for weird smells for Newfoundlands, especially because of their dense double-coat.

The Real Reason Newfoundlands Smell Weird In Winter

Newfoundlands are built for cold, wet conditions but winter can still do some damage to their skin and coat.

Here are few reasons why:

snow melts into the coat
double-coat traps moisture
the dog spends time indoors with damp fur
moisture + warmth = bacteria/yeast smell

It’s not a dirty dog problem, it’s a wet coat problem and that problem can smell sour or musty.

Baths Won’t Fix a Stinky Winter Dog

While most Newfoundlands still need a bath during the winter months, a bath isn’t the answer to their winter stink.

bathing adds more moisture
if the coat doesn’t fully dry, the smell comes back
winter stink is about drying, not washing

The Most Common Winter Trouble Spots

The most common winter trouble spots are the same as the regular trouble spots on a Newfoundland.

The areas that have the most friction:

behind the ears
armpits/groin
chest/bib
pants/feathers
tail base/tail fringe
paws

If your Newfoundland smells weird, it’s most likely due to one of these areas.

How To Stop the Winter Smell

You don’t need to add extra time to your grooming routine, you just need to tweek it.

What matters most is drying the coat properly.

Gently towel squeeze, don’t rub the snow in.
Lift the coat at the root
Use a dog dryer
Aim for ALMOST dry
Line comb the coat and focus on the problem areas
Stay consistent
Check daily for redness (yeast or bacteria) especially on the paws
Always check for underlying health issues: ear infection, skin infection, dental infection, anal gland infection.

Remember, drying prevents odor, reduces matting, and protects the skin during winter.

What Does Yeast Smell Like On a Dog?

A yeast infection on a dog has a distinct smell. Most dog owners describe yeast as smelling like:

Fritos or corn chips (especially the paws)
Cheese popcorn
Moldy bread

An anal gland infection smells fishy, ear infections usually smell sour, fishy or cheesy.

Dental infections often smell like sulfur, hot garbage or rotten fish.

Where You Might Smell Yeast On a Dog

Paws. Especially between the toes
Skinfolds. Especially on the chest of a Newfoundland
Ears. Accompanied by a brown discharge

What Does Yeast Look Like On a Dog?

red or inflamed skin
skin rash
greasy or flakey skin
thickened skin

How Often Should You Dry a Newfoundland in Winter?

After playing in the snow – YES
After walking in the snow or slush? – YES
After a bath? – 100% YES

Basically, whenever a Newfoundland gets wet in the winter, dry them as best as you can.

Even though Newfoundlands have a waterproof top coat, the snow is going to eventually melt and some of that moisture is going to get trapped and it’s going to stink.

If your Newfoundland smells like a damp forest creature in the winter, congratulations, you’re normal.

Dry the coat, focus on the right spots and give yourself some grace.