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

Dogs Get A Kick Out Of Kicksledding

Uur resident expert on all sports that include dog pulling wants to introduce you to another cold weather activity you can do with your dogs - kicksledding.

Soft Coated Golden

The friendly, playful Soft Coated Golden brings the sweet-natured Golden Retriever together with the fun-loving Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.

German Wirehaired Pointer

Loving, easily trainable, independent, amiable, and responsive - all of these things describe the German Wirehaired Pointer. Read on to find out more.

Boglen Terrier

The Boglen Terrier is a cross between a purebred Beagle and Boston Terrier. They are intelligent, gentle, and tolerant dogs that are loyal and faithful.

Upside Down Dog Of The Week – Buddy

We want you to look forward to Tuesdays and that’s why we always feature our Upside Down Dog of the Week from Upsidedowndogs.com on this day. This week…

The Cat Daddy Partners With GreaterGood.Org to Help At-Risk Animals

Partnering with GreaterGood.org, The Jackson Galaxy Project will work to better the lives of at-risk animals and the people who take care of them.

New “Pig Perfume” Spray Stops Barking Bad Dog Behavior

No, it doesn’t smell like bacon, but “Stop That” spray may stop your dog from acting like a ham Sick and tired of your dog’s endless…

Adoptable Dog of the Week – Bella

We’d like you to meet Bella, our Adoptable Dog of the Week from Adoptapet.com. She’s an adult English Setter mix that lives in Portland, ME. Bell…

Gosh! Launches EasyPlay Indiegogo Campaign for The Smartest Pet Toy Ev

With this awesome new smart toy, you don''t have to worry about your pet getting bored while you''re out of the house - easyPlay is here to help!

Longdog

The Longdog is s cross between a Greyhound, plus another sightseeing hound such as a Whippet, Scottish Deerhound and Saluki.

Top 10 Stocking Stuffers For Pets

‘Tis the season and you know Santa Paws is stuffing those stockings with the good stuff. Well, you hope he is, that is, so take a look at our Top Ten Stocking Stuffers sure to be a hit this holiday season!

5 Ways Probiotics Can Help Your Dog

You take probiotics to help your digestion - but did you know that your pooch could take them, too? Here are a few reasons to give your dog probiotics.

Global Pet Expo 2017: Walkin’ Wheels WheelChair Now Offered In Mini

Does your little pooch have issues walking? The new Mini Walkin'' Wheels Pet Wheelchair is made just for mini-breeds under 10 pounds.

Asian Cichlids

There are nine species of Asian cichlids which can be found in Lebanon, Israel, Syria, Iran, India, and Sri Lanka. These cichlids are mouth brooders.

Best Swim Gear For Your Dog

The weather is warming up, so that means it''ll be time to bare the bods at the beach. Here are the top 10 swim gear for your dog that will do the trick!