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

Bolo-Chi

The Bolo-Chi brings together the petite Chihuahua and the small but robust Bolognese. A great little family dog that is playful, loyal and curious.

Lakeland Terrier

The Lakeland Terrier is a lively, feisty little dog that are affectionate, friendly, and confident.This breed fits well into a variety of living situations.

Zebra Finch

The Zebra Finch has all the traits of a perfect pet bird - they''re ease to care for, have a lovely personality and can be found almost anywhere.

A Shared Congenital Disorder Brings Together a Boy and a Kitten

The reasons why people choose their pets are diverse, but, in Waylon''s case, it was his rare medical condition that led him to his furrever family.

Party-Down Dog Birthday Cake Recipe

This uber-easy dog birthday cake recipe is simple to make, contains all-natural and healthy ingredients and is totally delish (according to Oscar).

How Does a Dog Microchip Protect Your Pooch?

1 in 3 pets will get lost at some point in their lives. For identification that will stick with your pooch , you should think about a dog microchip.

Dog Scooting: The Sad, Scratchy Story Of Oscar’s Ichy Butt

Sure, it''s the butt of many jokes, but dog scooting can be a pain in the ass... just ask Oscar! I''ve discovered a few common and itchy reasons why dogs scoot:

Himalayan Rabbit

The Himalayan rabbit is gentle and patient, making them the perfect pet for families with young children or seniors. Perfect size for little hands.

Ask The Hairy Dogfathers: 2016 New Year’s Resolutions

The Hairy Dogfathers are all about starting the New Year off on the right paw. Here are a few resolutions that are easy to keep and involve your dog.

What You Should Know About Canine Hydrotherapy

Did you know that a dip in the pool can be used to rehabilitate your injured dog? Find out if canine hydrotherapy is right for your dog.

Frogfish

The species known as frogfish are all members of the family Antennariidae which is sometimes known as the anglerfish family, especially in Australia.

Best Bowls For Morkies

Finding a bowl for food and water for your petite pooch may be tough so we''ve compiled a list of the 10 best bowls for Morkies.

Pugalier

The friendly Pugalier brings together the bold little Pug and the gentle Cavalier King Charles Spaniel for a affectionate, playful companion dog.

Southern Painted Turtle

The Southern Painted Turtle is commonly kept as a pet.These semi-aquatic turtles are low maintenance and a good beginner option.

Gerberian Shepsky

The Gerberian Shepsky (a hybrid breed) is often employed as a service/police dog, thanks to his alert nature, high intelligence and working dog background