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

Product Review: Petprojekt Squeeki Tiki Moai Dog Toy

This time around, Oscar turned over his dog testing duties to Watson, an adorable Cockapoo that couldn’t wait to prove his testing chops. His mom Stacy…

Global Pet Expo 2018: Top 10 Products For Crunchy Pet Parents

Global Pet Expo is full of products for the pet parent who wants the best natural and organic products for their furry family members.

Gee, Your Fur Smells Terrific Dog Shampoo Recipe

We found a wonders dog shampoo recipe that will have your pooch smelling her best and will leave her fur touchable soft. Easy and cheap to make!

Product Review: Gen7Pets Monaco Stroller

Hey doggy... need a ride? Lola is a dog who''s always on the move - that''s why she was so excited to try out the Gen7Pets Monaco Stroller for herself.

10 Dashing Doberman Doodads

When you can''t stop gushing about your rambunctious Doberman, the only thing left to do is to buy all the Doberman-related things!

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.

Talking About Tartar Buildup On Dog’s Teeth

Ick! It’s gross, but you can’t hide from it – tartar buildup on your dog’s teeth can be a serious issue It’s not pretty but we&…

10 Pawesome Stocking Stuffers

More often than not, a gift doesn''t have to be expensive to impress- these stocking stuffers will put a smile on any pet lover''s face.

Pekingese

The Pekingese is a toy dog that was bred to be good company and comfortable on your lap. These dogs were dogs were a favorite of Chinese imperial nobility.

Blue Crowned Hanging Parrot

The cute looks, unique traits and their rarity on the bird market all make the Blue Crowned Hanging Parrot a very sought-after pet.

Vote Now For Your Favorite True Love Contest Picture

PHOTO SUBMISSION IS OVER – VOTING BEGINS! We wanted to make sure that everyone had the same chance to get as many “Likes” (which count as v…

Reykjavik’s First Cat Cafe Is Coming This Christmas

For Icelanders who love felines, Christmas can''t come soon enough! Just in time for the holiday season, Reykjavik is getting its first cat café.

Kathiawari Horse

The Kathiawari Horse is an equine breed from India. Known for being affectionate and faithful, this horse are also extremely brave.

English Lop

The English Lop is popular for two main characteristics: its large, floppy ears and its wonderful personality. This rabbit loves to play and cuddle.

Adoptable Dog Of The Week – Tanner

Well, hello handsome! How can we resist such charm? This irresistible gentleman is Tanner, our Adoptable Dog of the Week from Adoptapet.com. A dashing young…