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

Top 10 Wackiest Dog Names of 2013 Announced

Topping the list of 10 Wackiest Dog Names of 2013 are Sir Knuckles da Dragon, HotRod Whoofington and Captain Underpants. We love these names!

What is Feline Acne?

??Is that a zit on your cat''s face? Can a kitty get pimples? As unbelievable as it sounds, there is such a thing as Feline Acne.

Can De Palleiro

The name Can de Palleiro translates literally to ""haystack dog"" and this breed is extremely rare. This dog is known for his protective instincts.

How To Stop A Dog From Barking

There''s no way to teach a dog to stop barking, but there are way to curb this habit. We''ve got some tips that will teach you how to stop a dog from barking.

Honor Pets That Have Passed Sunday During National Pet Memorial Day

National Pet Memorial Day is a day for pet parents to celebrate the lives of pets that have passed on. In 2013, it falls on Sunday, September 8.

Best Dog Bowls

Dog bowls come in all shapes, sizes, designs, and materials- find out how to choose one that will be the best match for your pet''s needs.?

Boxerdoodle

The Boxerdoodle is a cross between a purebred Boxer and Poodle. Boxerdoodles are smart canines that will generally be easier to train than other breeds.

Carrot And Banana Dog Treat Recipe

Are you having a hard time feeding your dog veggies and fruits? May I suggest putting them cookie form – because everything tastes better when it&rsquo…

5 Spooky Smart Safety Tips For Your Halloween Hound

Keep your dog safe, happy and calm during the spooky festivities this Halloween Halloween will soon be here, and while we know that it’s all in good fu…

The Importance Of Grooming Your Dog Regularly

It’s not all about looks – grooming your dog is so much more. Here’s why you should regularly groom your dog If you’re just grooming…

Goldenapso

The friendly Goldenapso brings together the gentle nature of the Golden Retriever and the mischievous personality of the Lhasa Apso.

Adoptable Dog Of The Week – Tammy

Meet Tammy, our Adoptable Dog of the Week from Adoptapet.com. Tammy is a female Basset Hound Mix from Laton, CA. She’s small, cute and is already spaye…

Wetterhoun

The energetic Wetterhoun is a hunting and retrieving breed that loves the water. The name of this gun dog breed comes from the Dutch term for ""water dog"".

Snake Bites in Dogs: What Every Dog Owner Should Know

When dogs get nosy, it can lead to trouble - especially with snakes! Here''s what you need to know about how to treat snake bites in dogs.

Dog-Powered Running: Get Fit With Canicross

Are you and your dog runners? Hook up a harness and line, and give canicross a try! Kevin Roberts goes over the basics of what you’ll need to set a pan…