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

Papi-Poo

The Papi-Poo is a cross between a purebred Papillon and Poodle.This little dogs is devoted, loving, smart, and even a little mischievous.

Coton De Tulear

Sweet-natured and sporting a cottony-soft coat, the Coton de Tulear is a delightful companion that will happily become your shadow.

Ask the Animal Communicator: Why Does My Dog Bark So Much?

Barking. Even if you are a lifelong dog lover, the sound of your pup barking nonstop can seriously get to you after a while. Why do some dogs bark so much? Is y…

Funboy Offers Matching Pool Floats For Pups And Their Humans

Summer''s coming and there''s no better way to spend a day at the pool with your pup than lounging around in matching pool floats from Fanboy!

Best Wall Perches for Cats

You’ve heard of window perches for cats, but have you thought about wall perches? These will mount securely to a wall in your home, giving your furry friend another place to call her own.

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.

Quinoa Grain-Free Dog Treat Recipes

I love quinoa - it''s grain and gluten free and it''s high in protein. It really was a no-brainer to use it in my Quinoa Grain-Free Dog Treat Recipe.

Poof is the Smallest Way To Keep Track of Your Pet

It may be tiny, but Poof gets a lot done! This gadget tracks your pet''s health and helps find him if he gets lost, but it''s the size of a pea (or a bean).

Gluten-Free Dog Treat Recipe

Dogs can be sensitive to wheat and grains, and gluten free treats can stop the obsessive licking. I love this all-natural grain free dog treat recipe.

Bad To The Bonezz: Oscar Rocks Out With LazyBonezz Style

Oscar is born to be wild - he was just waiting until he could find the right accessories to pull it off. Thanks to LazyBonezz, he''s got swagger to spare!

Pomerat

Also known as the Pomerat Terrier, this hybrid dog was developed by crossing the feisty Pomeranian and the playful Rat Terrier.

Cogol

The outgoing Cogol brings together the sweet nature of the Golden Retriever and the sensitive personality of the Cocker Spaniel for a sweet family dog

Dusky Lory

The Dusky Lory, or Duskies, as they are affectionately called, are a pet parrot you don''t see so often - but when you do, you''ll never forget it!

European Pond Turtle

The European Pond Turtle is unique and attractive, and is highly sought after as a pet. There are actually 14 regional subspecies of European Pond Turtles.

Cairn Terrier

Eager to please and surprisingly sensitive, the Cairn Terrier makes an excellent house pet as its great with children and enjoy playing with other dogs.