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

Mini Satin Rabbit

Like the standard Satin rabbit, the Mini Satin Rabbit has a beautiful coat that is desirable at shows. It is gentle and calm, making it an ideal pet.

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.

Cumberland Slider

The Cumberland Slider is known for being active and fun to watch. If you have more than one Cumberland Slider Turtle, you may see them all basking together.

Kromfohrlander

A friendly and fun-loving breed, the Kromfohrlander is loyal, affectionate and can adapt to a variety of households. And, he''ll sneeze to greet you!

Checkered Giant Rabbit

The Checkered Giant was first known as the Land Kaninchen. It has a muscular build and a long, hare-like body with a semi-arched/mandolin body type.

Ask The Hairy Dogfathers: Expert Advice Leads to Explosive Reaction

When it comes to opinions, your dog''s health is best left in the hands of a vet. The Dogfathers deal with the messy consequences of free medical advice.

5 Fragrant Treatments For Dog Flatulence

Everyone blames toots on the dog, but sometimes you do come across an exceptionally windy pooch. Here''s how to treat stinky dog flatulence problems.

Best No-Chew Sprays for Dogs and Puppies

We''ve rounded up the 10 best-reviewed, most efficient no-chew sprays for dogs to help you narrow down your choice- and protect your valuables!

Russian Tortoise

The Russian Tortoise is one of the most popular pet tortoise breeds. These tortoises are entertaining, friendly, active, and outgoing.

Bassetoodle

The Bassetoodle is a cross between a purebred Basset Hound and Poodle. Intelligent and willing to please, this dog makes a great family pet.

Golden Pei

Learn more about the Golden Pei, a rare designer dog breed developed by crossing the affectionate Golden Retriever and devoted Chinese Shar-Pei.

Havashu

The spirited Havashu brings together the people-loving personality of the Havanese and the feisty nature of the Shih Tzu.

Whippet

Known as sweet and friendly, the athletic Whippet is recognized for having an expression that actually closely resembles a smile.

Australian King Parrot

The Australian King Parrot is a popular pet in its homeland, and its popularity has been steadily rising all over the world.

Mealy Amazon

The Mealy Amazon is a calm and loving, fun parrot. With a long lifespan and lovely traits, they make a great lifelong friend!