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

Do Cats Prefer More Nutritious Foods?

The more nutritious the food, the more satisfied the cat! For a well fed and happy kitty, choose more nutritious meals at mealtime.

Canadian Eskimo Dog

Like many sled dog breeds, the Canadian Eskimo Dog has a powerful build and a thick coat. This is a highly active dog, so he needs more than a daily walk.

Miniature Aussiedoodle

The adorable Miniature Aussiedoodle combines the hypo-allergenic Miniature Poodle with the play Miniature Australian Shepherd.

Russian Harlequin Hound

The Russian Harlequin Hound has excellent hunting skills and also makes a pleasant family pet. This scenthound as a friendly and good-natured breed.

Scorpionfish

Scorpionfish are a family of marine fish comprised of over a 100 different species. They are counted among some of the most poisonous animals in the world.

Napping Grandpa Raised $30,000 for a Cat Sanctuary By Snoozing With Ki

If you were wondering what the term ’power (cat)nap’ means, let this feline-loving senior enlighten you. Earlier this month, a job ad went viral as…

Labollie

The Labollie is a hybrid mix of the Labrador Retriever and the Collie. An ideal family pet learns quickly and loves to be included in all family activities.

Colorpoint Shorthair

The Colorpoint Shorthair is one of the most talkative of all cat breeds. These cats are still much like the Siamese breed in both looks and personality.

Bombay

The Bombay can be a mischievous handful, possessing the combined qualities of a dog, a cat, and a monkey! They love to play fetch and entertain themselves.

Proper Dog Etiquette When Renting a Cottage

If you''re making plans to rent a cottage, or you''re a guest at a friend''s chalet, you need to know the rules before bringing your dog along with you.

Nanny Rats and Orphaned Cats Break Ages-Old Stereotypes

A New York cat rescue is breaking species stereotypes by ''employing'' the most unlikely of nannies for their tiniest kittens.

10 Beguiling Beagle Baubles

Beagles have a way of turning your frown upside down with their sweetness. Keep those happy thoughts with these adorable Beagle baubles.

Karelian Bear Dog

The Karelian Bear Dog is a Finnish dog breed that has many Spitz-like characteristics. Tts background in hunting game gives it an independent streak.

American Singer Canary

Apart from its lovely intricate song, American Singer Canary is best known for its showy looks and vibrant colors of its feathers.

Close Encounters of the Bear Kind: Bringing Bear Bells on Dog Hikes

It''s bear season, which may put a damper on your fall dog hikes. Should you put bear bells on your dog''s collar, or are you ringing up the wrong tree?