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

Homeless Youth Serve Up Gourmet Pet Treats at Lindy & Company

Homeless teens bake up fresh dog treats and learn vital employment skills thanks to Lindy & Company, a bakery cooked up by Daybreak emergency shelter.

Czechoslovakian Vlcak

The Czechoslovakian Vlcak or Czech Wolf Dog is a new breed of dog first bred as a military attack dog. It looks more like a wolf than it does a dog.

Red Sided Parrot

One of the most popular among the colorful Eclectus breeds is the so-called Red Sided Parrot, also known as the New Guinea Eclectus.

Top 5 Peanut Butter Dog Treat Recipes Part 1

Here are my Top 5 Peanut Butter Dog Treat Recipes. Dogs love PB, it''s packed with health benefits (the natural kind) and it helps bind the mixture together.

Things To Consider Before Feeding Your Cat Fish

Something smells fishy! A few reasons to think twice before feeding your cat fish Even though your cat may go crazy at the mere smell of fish and beg you to…

Foodle

The spirited little Foodle brings the smarts of the fun-loving Miniature Poodle together with the alert and feisty nature of the Toy Fox Terrier.

Dog Insurance Dos and Don’ts

Are you confused about dog insurance? We''ve put together a handy list of dos and don''ts you need to know about before you sign on the dotted line.

Keeping Your Cat Stress-Free This New Year’s Eve

Even though New Year’s Eve is a fun-filled night for you, your cat might feel differently about it.

Here is Why Pet Insurance Costs Are at an All-Time High

According to the latest insights by Consumer Reports, the average monthly cost of pet insurance is roughly $47 per pet, which can be a hit on some pet parents’ budgets.

Ask The Hairy Dogfathers: Can You Return A Surprise Puppy Present?

One reason why you should NEVER give a puppy as a surprise present - the receiver may not want it! Advice on dealing with a gift that can''t be returned.

3 Veterinary Tests That Every New Cat Should Get

When your new cat comes home, you need to take her to the vet for a health check. Here are the tests you need to ask your veterinarian to run on your kitty.

Britain Passes New Dog Microchipping Law

Britain has decided to make microchipping mandatory for all pets by April 2016 in the hopes of returning lost dogs to its owners.

10 Pawsitively Magnificent Maltese Trinkets

Falling in love with these trinkets is easy when they''re adorned with an adorable Maltese. Which ones are on your must have list?

The Best In Show Facts About The Westminster Dog Show

The 139th Annual Westminster Dog Show (presented by the Westminster Kennel Club) is coming and we are at the edge of our seats already!

‘Tis The Season For Giving – Daffy’s Pet Soup Kitchen Helps Pets

Daffy’s Pet Soup Kitchen keeps pets and families together – with some help from you! The holiday season is here, and it is important to remember…