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

5 Stress-Free Ways To Deal With Dog Separation Anxiety

Dog separation anxiety is a common condition in canines. It affects dogs of all ages and breeds and can cause serious distress and injury to your pooch.

Top 5 Reasons To Go For An Autumn Hike With Your Dog

Avid outdoorsman Kevin Roberts doesn’t like to be shut indoors… especially at this time of the year. He and his pack take advantage of the milde…

Poogle

The Poogle is a hybrid breed that is increasing in popularity. These little dogs are known for their loving temperaments and affectionate personalities.

FDA Approves Mirataz, A New Weight Loss Control Medicine For Cats

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Mirataz, a new drug for managing unintentional weight loss in cats.

Best Dog Hoodies

Dog hoodies are not just a fashion statement for trendy canines: they keep your pet warm and snug when it''s cold outside.

Milan’s Runways Are All About Doing It in High Doggie Style

Haute couture for dogs? From cashmere knits to custom-tailored coats, Italy''s canine fashion is all about style and comfort.

Best Flea Spray for Dogs

Flea spray for dogs will help you keep your pet parasite-free without much hassle - they work immediately and are easy to apply.

5 Cool Ways To Keep Your Pet Safe This Summer

From grape poisoning to insect bites, here are some need-to-know tips to keep your four-legged best friend''s tail wagging this summer.

What Factors Go Into Determining Monthly Premium for Dog Insurance?

Simple Homemade Beef Stew Recipe For Dogs

Your dog needs a break from dry kibble now and then - so boring! And that''s when this super simple homemade beef stew recipe for dogs comes in handy.

FDA Sends Warning Letter To Purina, Citing Significant Violations At F

Nestle Purina starts 2015 off on the wrong foot – with a warning letter from the FDA What a way to start off the year! Nestle Purina PetCare recently l…

Purple Crowned Lorikeet

Thanks to their small size and relatively quiet behavior, Purple Crowned Lorikeet is a great choice for an apartment pet.

Australian Kelpie

The Australian Kelpie is a highly intelligent breed of herding dog that likes to work hard. It is friendly and playful, always eager to please its owner.

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…

Top 10 Super Fly Pet Products From Skymall

Have you heard the news that Skymall, the in-flight catalog that offered a vast array of wacky, never-been-seen items for purchase, is seeking bankruptcy…