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

8 Tips For Boarding a Dog With Separation Anxiety

Ways to make the experience of staying at a kennel easier for your anxious dog Going into a boarding kennel can be stressful for any dog, but even more so fo…

Best Pet Treats for Squeaky Clean Teeth

Improve your pet''s oral health with dental yummies- they''ll have clean teeth and minty breath, and, as a bonus, get to munch on delicious treats!

Cape Parrot

The Cape parrot, or Levaillant''s parrot as it is sometimes called, is an exotic and rare parrot breed which captivates with its looks and personality.

English Springer Spaniel

As a classic hunting and retrieval dog, the English Springer Spaniel is friendly around the home and obedient enough to make a great outdoor dog.

Gato

The Gato is an exotic cat breed that has a combination of traits from a few different felines, including the Siamese, the Himalayan, and the Egyptian Mau.

MyBullySticks: All Treat, No-Stink Bully Sticks For Your Best Friend

%%excerpt%% [...]

Did You Know These Feline Facts?

So, you think you know cats? Prove it! Let''s see how smart you are when it comes to our kitty friends with these feline facts.

Australian Cattle Dog

Let''s take a closer look at this unique-looking breed and find out more about what makes the Australian Cattle Dog such a special type of dog.

TaoTronics UV Blacklight Solves the Case of the Invisible Dog Pee Pudd

Something smells funny, and you''re determined to find the source. A good detective needs the right tools - the TaoTronics UV Blacklight has got your back!

Upside Down Dog Of The Week – Boof

We’d like to introduce you to Boof, our Upside Down Dog of the Week from Upsidedowndogs.com. He’s a 6-year-old American Staffordshire Terrier mix…

Cane Corso

Nobel and brave, the Cane Corso is strong in mind, body and conviction. His intelligence makes him the perfect candidate for obedience training.

Banana Coconut Dog Treat Recipe

It''s not just coconut oil that''s good for dogs - coconut meat packs a healthy punch, too! Did you know that shredded coconut is a great source of fiber?

Pyrenean Mastiff

A fluffy dog with a calm and even temperament, the Pyrenean Mastiff is a super-sized softie. This dog originated in the Aragonese Pyrenees region of Spain.

Spaniel Breeds

To learn more about all of these magnificent dogs, dive with us into the diverse world of spaniel breeds and meet some of the most popular spaniels around!

Strike a Yoga Pose and Help Shelter Cats Find New Homes

The yoga-classic ''cat pose'' is taking on a whole new meaning. As well as stretching, this free yoga class is helping find shelter cats furever homes.