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

Best Dog Sunglasses

Dog sunglasses are not just a fad accessory- they help keep your pet''s vision 20/20 both in the long run and in the glaring sunlight.

Miniature Bull Terrier

The Miniature Bull Terrier is an exact version of the traditional Bull Terrier, except it is downsized. A fun-loving clown is as playful as he is tough.

Oriental Bicolor

Oriental Bicolor kitties are known for their outgoing, social, and affectionate personality. They are active cats that need to have plenty of interaction.

Proper Canine Camping Etiquette For Well-Mannered Mutts

Pitching a pup tent with your pooch this summer? Here are some tips on how to ensure you and your pet will be welcomed back to your favorite campground.

Dartfish

Dartfish are a family of small, colorful saltwater fish. They are similar in appearance to gobies and are characterized by their long, eel-like bodies.

Non-Alcoholic Wine For Cats Is Officially A Thing

Ever wanted to sit down and enjoy a nice glass of red with your BFF (Best Furry Friend)? Thanks to Apollo Peak, now you can.

How Long Should It Take to Train Your Dog the 5 Basic Commands?

Does your dog know the five basic commands? We''re going to go over how long it should take to train your dog.

Up The Creek: Adventures In Canine Canoeing Part 2

In Part 2 of his canine canoeing expedition, Kevin Roberts and his crew run into some problems finding the right campsite and take part in a stare-off contes…

Pugshire

As a designer dog breed, the Pugshire comes from two purebred parents- in his case, it''s the Yorkshire Terrier and the Pug.

Proof Of Why You Need To Fall In Puppy Love This Valentine’s Day

Nothing says love like a colorful infographic about the affection we have for our four-legged friends The hallmark holiday of the year is this weekend, and w…

Keeping Your Dog Safe During A Thunderstorm

If thunder and lightning have your dog running for cover, we’ve got some tips to keep them safe Personally, I love thunderstorms – as long as I&r…

Golden Shepherd

The devoted Golden Shepherd brings the gentle nature of the Golden Retriever and the loyalty of the German Shepherd Dog together for a great family pet.

Adoptable Dog Of The Week – Broyles

Can you keep up with Broyles, our Adoptable Dog of the Week? Broyles is an adult male Weimaraner mix from Des Moines, IA (currently being fostered in Pawnee,…

Upside Down Dog Of The Week – Bailey

Meet Bailey, our Upside Down Dog of the Week. This Doga (That’s Yoga for dogs) fanatic is a 1-year-old Maltipoo from Honolulu, Hawaii! Here’s wha…

Akbash Dog

The Akbash Dog is a large, white-coated breed that was developed in Turkey to protect livestock from predators. Strong, independent, working breed.