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

Gambling With Pet Insurance: The Sick Hits The Fan

Pet insurance may seem complicated, until two of your dogs need expensive medical treatment. Maggie Marton shares her gamble with pet insurance.

Top 10 Howlarious Dog Halloween Costumes

This year, I went looking for the coolest, rib-tickling dog Halloween costumes you can buy (online to boot!) and have delivered right to your door.

Biden Rescue Pooch Gets V(I)P Treatment On Air Force Two

Talk about a new leash on life! From the streets of Mississippi to the chambers of Air Force Two, this rescue dog is definitely living the high life with the…

Gosh! Launches EasyPlay Indiegogo Campaign for The Smartest Pet Toy Ev

With this awesome new smart toy, you don''t have to worry about your pet getting bored while you''re out of the house - easyPlay is here to help!

Paso Fino Horse

The Paso Fino horse is known for its friendly, docile, and social personality. They are gentle horses that are easy to handle and train

Chinese Stripe Necked Turtle

The Chinese Stripe Necked Turtle is one of the most beautiful turtles that are kept as pets. Great choice for community tanks.

Red Carpet Worthy: 2015 Oscar Gift Bags Include Halo Donation For Home

Lucky A-list Celebrities will receive Halo Donation Certificates in their famous Oscar Swag Bags. It’s a night filled with glitz, glam and wardrobe mal…

Pekingese

The Pekingese is a toy dog that was bred to be good company and comfortable on your lap. These dogs were dogs were a favorite of Chinese imperial nobility.

Pomeranian

The Pomeranian is a wonderful addition to the family, thanks to its docile temperament, intelligence and devotion. Expect this do to be easily trainable.

Orange Fronted Conure

Thanks to the friendly personality and happy-go-lucky attitude of the Orange Fronted Conure, it became one of the more popular pet bird breeds.

Sunset Lorikeet

The Sunset Lorikeet is the real clown of the parrot world, just like most of their Lory relatives. Find out all about these adorable pet birds!

Why Spaying and Neutering Your Dog Is Necessary

Everybody loves puppies, but there are just not enough homes for all of them. A responsible dog owner knows that spaying and neutering a dog is necessary.

Labrahuahua

The Labrahuahua shares the gentle Labrador Retriever nature and the spunky Chihuahua attitude. A friendly dog who loves to find a cozy place to snooze.

Upside Down Dog Of The Week – Layla

Meet Layla, the winner of our Upside Down Dog of the Week from Upsidedowndogs.com. Layla is a a 5 year-old female Boxer from Kansas City, MO. Here’s wh…

Look What The Curious Cat Dragged In – a Bag Full Of Drugs!

They say a dog’s nose knows, but one curious kitty in England helped the local police with a major suspected cocaine drug bust. Forensic experts in Avo…