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

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!

Sleepypod Pet Carriers Earn Top Honors From the Center for Pet Safety

Is your car outfitted for your dog''s safety? These carriers from Sleepypod are the first carriers to meet critical crash testing guidelines.

5 Basic Tips For Introducing Dogs To Strangers

A stranger is just a friend your dog hasn''t met - make a good first impression with these five basic tips for introducing dogs to strangers.

Tibetan Terrier

The Tibetan Terrier is an intelligent and mischievous dog that will be dedicated to its family. An excellent companion that is happy in most homes.

Adoptable Dog Of The Week – Chipper

Chipper is a chip off the old block – which makes him a perfect pooch to spotlight as our Adoptable Dog of the Week! He is an adult male Silky Terrier…

Top 10 Best Guard Dogs

A dog is more than just a pet - a dog can be a companion, a friend and even a security measure for your home and family. Our picks for best guard dogs.

Cats And Car Rides: How To Get Them To Mix

Cats are skittish creatures of habit who prefer to stay on solid ground rather than a moving car. Is your kitty equipped for your next road trip?

Swiss Fox Rabbit

The Swiss Fox Rabbit is a rare long-haired breed that makes an excellent family pet. Calm and docile, they''ll get on great with older kids

Enter Your Biker Dog In The Tails & Tailpipes Biketoberfest Phot

Does your dog like to ride on a hog? If so, your motorcycle-lovin’ pooch could win you a three-night stay in Daytona Beach. Biketoberfest® Daytona…

DIY Decorative Dog Dish Towels

Here are step-by-step instructions on how to make your own dog dish towels. They do more than just dry dishes - they also make a fashion statement!

Houston, We Have The Best NASA Portrait Ever Taken

What’s more attractive than a man who loves dogs? A really cute ASTRONAUT who loves dogs! That’s right ladies – feast your eyes on eligible…

Best Dog Chew Toys for Teething Puppies

Chew toys designed to meet the needs of teething puppies are durable, enticing, and work to alleviate the pain in sore gums.

Morgan Horse

The Morgan Horse is one of America''s first native equine breeds. This breed is known for its pleasant personality, willing attitude, and cooperative nature.

First Ever DNA Test for Cats Hopes to Prevent Health Issues in Felines

Basepaws, a genetic startup from California, became the first company to offer DNA testing kits for cats. Their goal? Making feline lives better.

Brussels Griffon

Ideal for apartment dwellers, the Brussels Griffon is spunky, playful, yet stubborn and mischievous. This dog is also good with other pets and children.