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

African Tiger Fish

African Tiger Fish are a large and predatory species of fish. Their bodies are powerful and streamlined, enabling them to move with fast bursts of speed.

Can Dogs Get Dandruff?

Dogs can''t use Head & Shoulders, so what do you when your dog has dandruff? Let''s talk about what can be done about this itchy problem.

Blue Throated Conure

While they''re a rare sight in captivity, the Blue Throated Conure has a wonderful personality and an affectionate nature, which makes them great pets.

SmartPetLove Brings An End To Puppy Boredom With New Toy Line

Superzoo is full of things I never knew I needed, but with a puppy (or any bored dog), SmartPetLove''s new Bounderz line may be my new best friend!

A Jet Setters Guide To Dog Travel Insurance

Whether you''re a jet setter or a road-trip warrior, if you''re bringing Fido along for the ride, you need to look into Dog Travel Insurance.

Cats and Coffee: The CatWise Cat Café Tour

Have a seat, grab a coffee and get ready to talk cats with cat behaviorist Pam Johnson-Bennett. The CatWise Cat Cafe Tour is coming to a city near you!

Easy-Peasy Peanut Butter Dog Treats Recipe

Dogs love peanut butter. When we can across the Easy-Peasy Peanut Butter Dog Treats Recipe, I knew it was right up our alley (in regards to skill level).

BIXBI: Damn Near Perfect Dog Food For A Lot Of Reasons

We’re always looking to find dog foods that our dogs love, are good for them and are affordably priced. Our dogs’ health is important to us, and…

Gang Gang Cockatoo

These lively, smart, and goofy parrots are incredible charmers and bring a lot of fun wherever they are. Meet the unique-looking Gang Gang Cockatoo!

Great-Billed Parrot

Although quite large, the unique-looking Great-billed Parrot is calm and laid-back, with a docile and sociable temperament.

Global Pet Expo: The Lazy Dog Supports Dogs On Deployment

We love to find companies that support great causes. There are no shortage of those, and one company we found especially touching is the Lazy Dog Cookie Co.

Black Wood Turtle

The Black Wood Turtle is one of many species of Wood Turtle, but it is the biggest of all of the Wood Turtle breeds and have a shell that is black in color.

Devastating Statistics Show an Increase in Euthanasia of Cats and Dogs

The data collected by Best Friends Animal Society indicates that there is an animal shelter crisis in America, with more and more pets being abandoned and less of them getting adopted, but it’s not all bleak – even though shelters have seen better day

Halfbeak

Halfbeak fish are a type of marine and brackish water fish belonging to the family Hemiramphidae. They are a little less colorful than some marine species.

Spanador

The Spanador is a cross between a purebred Labrador Retriever and the Cocker Spaniel. They''re loyal, affectionate, intelligent, and playful.