Why Do Dogs Stink When Wet?

Published A Few Days Ago
ADVERTISEMENT

There’s always a distinctive smell coming from your pooch after he gets wet. Have you ever wondered why dogs stink when they get wet?

You’ve just come in from the rain after having walked your now sopping-wet pooch. You enter the house, remove your boots, and stand back as he rigorously shakes all that wet away, and begins to wag his tail. While he’s a happy boy, you’re thinking “whoa, what on earth is that funky smell?” Well, that’s the smell of wet dog and until he has been thoroughly dried, he’s going to spread that dank scent throughout the house and onto any soft surfaces he cares to rub himself against.

Related:Best Dog Wipes

So, what causes that distinctive “wet dog” odor? It’s actually as bad as you’d think. It’s a stinky combo of microorganisms such as yeasts and bacteria that naturally occur deep down, on your dog’s skin and just settle in for the long haul. And, like most natural organism, they excrete volatile compounds (AKA poop). Just add a little water and what you have is the answer to why wet dogs stink. Yes, that odor is in fact a cocktail of reconstituted feces from those millions of microorganisms.

Now that you know what causes the smell, how do you prevent it from infiltrating your home, your car, and clothes? I mean, dogs will continue to jump in lakes, pools, get caught in rainstorms, run under hoses, and have baths, right?

There are a few tricks you can use to banish doggy smell, such as:

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

You May Like

What You Need To Know About Heat Stroke In Dogs

Don''t risk your dog''s well being and do everything you can to prevent this from happening by reading the facts and tips about heat stroke in dogs.

The Basics About Dog Body Language

Your pooch doesn''t need to say a word for you to understand what he''s feeling. Understanding dog body language tells you everything you need to know.

7 Questions To Ask When Boarding A Dog

You''re leaving town for a couple of days and can''t bring your dog along for the trip. We''ve prepared a list of questions to ask before boarding a dog.

Get Me Outta Here! Jasper Is This Week’s Wet Wednesday Contest Winne

Not everyone likes to smell sweet. Take Jasper from St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada. This little guy looks like there should be a country song written about him.…

Dublin’s First Ever Cat Lounge Lets The Kittens Out Of The Bag

Luck of the Irish Cat! Irish kitty lovers are about to get their cat lounge fix, as the country''s first ever cat lounge is now open in Dublin!

Adoptable Dog of the Week-Candy

If you are looking for a small-sized pooch that has a lovely, adaptable personality, then this Dachshund and Terrier mix is ideal pet for you.

American Chinchilla Rabbit

The American Chinchilla Rabbit has a soft, short, rollback coat which does not need much maintenance. They do well in indoors or outdoor enclosures.

Planing Your Pet’s Future: What All Pet Parents Should Do First

A non-profit animal welfare organization helps you ensure your pet gets continued lifetime care in case they outlive you.

Spectacled Parrotlet

If you''re looking for a pet that doesn''t need much space to be happy- the goofy Spectacled Parrotlet is the ideal choice for you.

10 Best Dog Monitor Cameras

Dog monitor cameras help keep your pet safe when you''re away and give you much-needed peace of mind. Check out which of them offer best value for money!

Akhal-Teke Horse

The Akhal-Teke Horse is one of the oldest of all of the modern domesticated horse breeds. This horse will form a strong bond with a single person.

Best Toys for Small Dogs

If you want your pint-sized pupper to truly enjoy playtime, you can''t go wrong with either of the items from our list of 15 best toys for small dogs.

Labrador Husky

Though the name of this breed suggests it is a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Siberian Husky, the Labrador Husky is actually a separate breed.

Orlov Trotter

The quiet temperament of the Orlov Trotter makes it a wonderful companion, whether you need a work horse, a sport horse, or a riding horse.

How To Use Treats For Positive Reinforcement Dog Training

Come! Sit! Stay! Good dog - here''s why using treats for positive reinforcement dog training will get your dog motivated to learn good behaviors and tricks.