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

Sheepadoodle

The beautiful Sheepadoodle is a fun-loving cross between a Standard Poodle and Old English Sheepdog that brings the best traits of both dogs to the mix.

Kickstarter Squatting Dog Figurine a Modern “Objet D’fart”

Is it wrong that I’m going to fund the creation of a Squatting Dog figurine? Looking for that conversation piece that’ll tie your décor to…

Best Dog Beds

Dog beds give your pet a place of their own where they can nap and snooze to their heart''s content. Here are the 10 best dog beds on the market!

Adoptable Dog of the Week – Mia

With a big heart and a playful attitude, this happy-go-lucky gal will brighten your every day! Our Adoptable Dog of the Week is Mia, a little over a year old Labrador Retriever mix from Conway, Arkansas.

Best Pig Ears for Dogs

Pig ears for dogs are a popular chew treat among our four-legged besties: they are tasty and fun to gnaw on. Learn more about the benefits and the risks!

Grouper

Grouper are a large family of saltwater fish characterized by their stout bodies and over-sized mouths. They are hardy, colorful and fascinating species.

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…

Best Dog Ball Launchers and Throwers for a Perfect Game of Fetch

Dog ball launchers make sure your pet has all the fun in the world and plenty of exercise- without you having to strain your arms to ensure it.

Chipoo

A mix of Poodle and Chihuahua, the Chipoo is an energetic, friendly pup, who makes a great companion dog and loves to be part of a family environment.

Should You Get a Kitten for Your Senior Cat?

If you have a senior cat who seems bored or lonely, you might be thinking about adopting a kitten to give them a feline companion. But is this a good idea?

Sweetlips

Sweetlips are a species of fish belonging to the grunt family. They are characterized by their big, luscious lips and come in a variety of colorations.

Boarding Your Dog For The First Time

You''re going away and you''re worried about boarding your dog for the first time. Here are a few stress-free tips to make the process go smoother.

How To Prevent Boredom While Your Cat Is Home Alone

While the human is away, the cat will play - what kind of trouble will your kitty get into? Here''s how to keep him busy while you''re out of the house.

Schipperke

Well-suited for closed environments, the Schipperke is energetic and playful. The Schipperke is versatile and can make a great addition to your household.

Upside Down Of The Week – Bim

What a mug! Meet Bim, our Upside Down Dog of the Week from Upsidedowndogs.com. He is a 6-year-old Pointer from Latvia. Here’s what his mom, Laura, has…