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

British Giant Rabbit

The British Giant Rabbit is a good choice for families with children. It makes a wonderful family pet and house rabbit, and grows to 15 lb.

Adoptable Dog of the Week – Maverick

We''d like you to meet Maverick, our Adoptable Dog of the Week. He''s a 9-month-old Border Collie mix living in Northville, Michigan.

Angelfish

Angelfish are one of the most popular species of freshwater fish in the aquarium hobby. They are characterized by their vertically compressed bodies.

Golden Shepherd

The devoted Golden Shepherd brings the gentle nature of the Golden Retriever and the loyalty of the German Shepherd Dog together for a great family pet.

Basset Artesien Normand

It''s easy to tell that the Basset Artesien Normand is a relative of the Basset Hound. Known for his obedience and gentle temperament.

Molly

The Molly is one of the most popular species of livebearers in aquarium culture. It is a hardy and adaptable species and are great for beginner aquarists.

Best New Year’s Eve Pet Outfits

It''s time to get all dressed up and find someplace to go! These designer duds are way too good for the dog park, so find a shindig worthy of these outfits.

Best Cat Window Perches

Your cat wants to know what''s going on outside. Give her the perfect place to window watch. Check out our list of the best cat window perches.

Spider Dog Costume Will Scare the Squee Out of You This Halloween

Oh, what a perfect web you''ll weave... with this Spider Dog Costume! We can''t decide if this furry arachnid is scary or scary cute - you decide!

Italian Greyhound

The Italian Greyhound is gentle, reserved, sensitive, and are often timid with strangers. A devoted and loyal companion, it is wonderful with children.

Dog Daycare or Dog Walker: Which One Should You Choose?

Does it make more sense to hire a dog walker or put your pup in doggy day? Ask yourself a few questions to figure out which option suits you best.

Argentine Snake-Necked Turtle

The Argentine Snake-Necked Turtle, one of the two South American Snake-Necked Turtle breeds, is a unique breed of aquatic turtle named for its long neck.

Adoptable Dog Of The Week – Garrett

What a happy fellow! Please meet Garrett, our Adoptable Dog of the Week from Adoptapet.com. Garrett is a young male Labrador Retriever Mix from Westport, Con…

Unicornfish

Species belonging to the genus Naso are typically referred to as unicornfish because they have a long pointed protuberance in the middle of their heads.

What Is Feline Leukemia?

Are you worried about feline leukemia and how it can affect your cat? Here''s what pet parents need to know about the deadly virus and what to expect.