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

DIY Doughnut Sock Toy for Dogs

Tore a hole in one of your socks? Don’t throw them away–make this super quick, super simple dog doughnut toy instead. As most pawrents already kn…

Lionfish

Lionfish are a species of fish belonging to the scorpionfish family. They are known for their bright colorations, flowing fins and venomous tentacles.

Gen Y Dogma: 4 Ways Getting A Dog Changes Your Friendships

When you get a dog, you may notice how other relationships in your life change. Christina Peden talks about how her friendships changed when she brought her…

Snoop Dogg Releases Own Pet Accessory Line on Amazon

Looking fly won’t be difficult for your pet – at least not now when Snoop Dogg himself released a line of pet clothes, accessories, and other pet goodies for canines of all shapes and sizes.

English Foxhound

Originally bred as a hunting dog, the English Foxhound is an iconic symbol of the British Hunt. It is a strongly built breed and has muscular legs.

American English Coonhound

A true Southern U.S. dog, the American English Coonhound loves to hunt. Loud-voiced and hard-working, this dog is one of six official Coonhound breeds.

Adoptable Dog Of The Week – Shanghai

You’ve got to love Shanghai, an adorable mop of fur who happens to be our Adoptable Dog of the Week. Shanghai is a 1.5-year-old male Shih Tzu and Bruss…

Watch Hero Dogs of 9/11 Tonight On Animal Planet

On September 11, 2001, 300 of the 10,000 emergency rescue workers were dogs. Their job was not only to help rescue efforts when the towers fell; they were al…

The Holidays Are Here… And So Are Puppy Scams

Did you know that the holidays are a time for puppy scams? In fact, according to a report from Veterinarians.org, California is the state with the most repor…

Anglerfish

Anglerfish are a family of predatory fish consisting of over 200 separate species. They are characterized by their rod-like growths called illicium.

Pets’ Bad Eating Habits Cost $4.2 Million at the Vet in 2015

Dogs and cats often eat things they''re not supposed to - and we pay for it. Trupanion''s report explains how foreign body ingestion in pets is on the rise.

Daug

The Daug was developed by crossing the short-legged Dachshund with the wrinkly-faced Pug. Needless to say, the Daug is one cute and charming pooch!

Bolo Tzu

The affectionate Bolo Tzu is the result of crossing the loving and spirited little Shih Tzu with the quintessential lapdog; the Bolognese.

6 Advantages Of Living In A Multi Dog Household

Two dogs are better than one – Let’s look at the pros of a multi dog household The more, the merrier – that’s the motto of many famil…

Dalmadoodle

Mixing the looks and personality traits of the Dalmatian and the Poodle, the Dalmadoodle is an intelligent, loyal, and wonderful companion.