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

Lambkin

The Lambkin, which is also referred to as the Nanus Rex, is considered one of the world''s rarest cat breeds, thanks to the fact that it is such a new breed.

Breton Horse

The Breton Horse is a breed of draft horse from Brittany. These horses are talented and can be used for a variety of tasks.

Schipperke

Well-suited for closed environments, the Schipperke is energetic and playful. The Schipperke is versatile and can make a great addition to your household.

Pale Headed Rosella

With its diverse and balanced personality traits, Pale Headed Rosella makes an excellent pet and companion. Find out everything about this unique breed!

12 Pieces of Functional and Fabulous Pet Furniture

Who said that practical and drab go hand in hand? Magazine-worthy and functional, this pet furniture that is all about breaking stereotypes.

Best Toys For Your Miniature Husky

The toys this breed plays with have to challenge their mind and be durable, so we''ve put together a list of the 10 Best toys for Miniature Huskies.

You Can’t Unsee This Crazy Wall-to-Wall Cat-Decor House [Video]

Some people want to buy a fixer-upper; others want a house that''s perfect. This house is neither... unless you are the ultimate crazy cat person!

How To Groom A Dog

Here are the basics you''ll need to know on how to groom a dog. Feel free to print it out and keep it on the fridge for quick reference.

BarkCode Helps Lost Dogs Get Home Quicker

Lost dogs can find their way home with BarkCode’s range of loss prevention products With our loss prevention month coming to a close, we wanted to high…

Best Bark Collars for Small Dogs

To help you stop your dog from barking, we handpicked the best bark collars for small dogs on the market. From vibration and sound-only bark collars to shock, and spray anti-bark collars, here are 10 bark collars that will help you get some peace and quiet – finally!

Let Your Pooch Strut Their Stuff in These Adorable Dog Leggings

Walkee Paws are dog booties reinvented in a way that ensures comfort and ease of use- all while making your pet look adorable as heck.

Griffon Vauve De Bretagne

Primarily kept as a hunting dog, the medium-sized Griffon Fauve de Bretagne is actually one of three Brittany hound breeds.

Gen Y Dogma: Top 5 Christmas Etsy Picks For The Urban Pet

She’s made a list and has checked it twice – here’s what Christina is getting her mostly nice (but a little naughty) pets this Christmas. I…

Ori-Pei

The Ori-Pei is a laid-back pooch who can be quite the trickster with their favorite humans. Also known as the Pugpei, Sharpug or Pug-a-Pei.

5 Zen Ways To Manage Dog Stress

It may not seem like it, but a dog''s life can be stressful. Your dog may not be able to take a ""Mental Health Day,"" but there are ways to manage dog stress.