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

Beauceroodle

The Beauceroodle is a high-energy combination of the hypoallergenic, family friendly Standard Poodle and the loyal and loving Beauceron.

Tibetan Spaniel

He may be small, but don''t be fooled - the alert Tibetan Spaniel will stand on guard and let you know if a stranger is getting too close to your home.

Orlov Trotter

The quiet temperament of the Orlov Trotter makes it a wonderful companion, whether you need a work horse, a sport horse, or a riding horse.

What Are the Benefits of Kelp for Dogs?

Considered to be a ""superfood,"" kelp is packed with vitamins, minerals and amino acids. It''s not just for humans - here are the benefits of kelp for dogs.

6 Handy Tips When Renovating With Dogs In The House

Kevin Roberts just finished renovating his house, and as a dog dad, that means that extra precautions had to be taken to keep his pooches safe. Here are a fe…

Product Review: Head-Lites LED Collars

At this time of the year, days are shorter and the nights are longer. What’s an uber-active musher, skijoring and all-around outdoorsman and dog lover…

Siberian Rabbit

The Siberian Rabbit has a beautiful, glossy, dense coat. Siberian Rabbits are known for being docile, smart, and easygoing.

Bavarian Mountain Hound

A breed of scent hound, the Bavarian Mountain Hound hails from Germany where he was developed to trail wounded game during the hunt.

Chinese Crested

The Chinese Crested dog is considered one of the best companion breeds for lots of reasons - its appearance, general demeanor and ability to perform tricks.

Adoptable Dog Of The Week – Maury

Get ready to fall in love with Maury, our Adoptable Dog of the Week from Adoptapet.com. Maury is an adult male Basset Hound from Albuquerque, NM. He is neute…

West Highland White Terrier

Easily recognizable with its white mane and dark eyes, the West Highland White Terrier (Westie) will amaze you with its joyful and devoted personality.

Jarkie

The Jarkie is a sweet, sassy pooch with a lot of energy. This designer dog is a cross between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Japanese Chin.

Red Bellied Parrot

Like all the members of the African parrot family, the Red bellied parrot is no exception- this is an intelligent bird that makes a wonderful family pet.

Best Music for Anxious Dogs

Music soothes the savage beast... and also the anxious one. If your dog is anxious, playing music may help calm him down.

5 Ways Food-Dispensing Toys Will Enhance Your Dog’s Life

Does your dog bark when left alone? Eat your furniture to pass the time? Save your sanity by turning your pup''s mealtime into playtime.