How to Get Rid of Wet Dog Smell: 7 Vet-Reviewed Steps
Dogs make great companions, but they aren’t always our nose’s best friends. That’s especially true when they get wet. Wetness can release volatile compounds from skin oils and microbes in your dog’s coat, leaving your pooch smelling ripe. And long-term dampness can be a breeding ground for bacteria that only worsen the scent. But the good news is that wet dog smell can usually be minimized and avoided by taking the proper steps.
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Here are seven key steps to getting rid of that wet dog smell:
The 7 Steps to Get Rid of Wet Dog Smells
1. Bathe Thoroughly and When Required
Wet dog smell starts in the coat and skin, so keeping your dog’s coat clean is important. Regular bathing can help reduce the buildup of oils and microbes on the skin and fur. However, bathing should be done appropriately for your dog’s breed, coat type, and lifestyle, as overbathing may dry out the skin. Using a proper dog shampoo is important for effective cleaning, as it helps remove oils and debris more effectively than water alone. Make sure to clean your dog’s coat and skin thoroughly during baths, paying special attention to areas that tend to stay damp.
2. Use a Scent Neutralizer if Needed
It is not always necessary to use special odor-neutralizing products when bathing, but they can help if your dog has a particularly strong smell. Commercial deodorizing shampoos formulated for dogs are available and can be useful for managing unpleasant scent. Some home remedies, such as baking soda, are sometimes used for odor reduction. However, they should be used with caution, as not all dogs tolerate them well, and they may cause skin irritation in sensitive pets.
3. Bring Extra Towels
Once your dog gets wet, the faster it dries, the less likely it is to bring strong smells. Most dogs hold a lot of water in their fur, so spending some time toweling off—and using more than one towel—can help you get your dog from sopping wet to barely damp in minutes, making it less likely that your dog will smell.
4. Consider a Hair Dryer
Another option is to use a hair dryer to clean your dog. Dryer safety is important—keep the temperature low and don’t get too close to your dog’s skin. Overall, a low-temperature dryer and good monitoring will help your dog dry out faster with no risk to your dog. Keep an eye on your dog’s comfort throughout the process. Many dogs will need time to adjust to the noisy air, but over time, it will be easier for you and your dog.
5. Head Outdoors for Extra Drying
If the weather is good, heading outside is a great way to get your dog dry and keep the smell out of your house in the meantime. Take your dog on a walk somewhere without mud or water that could get them dirty again, and enjoy the fresh air and sun with them. In addition to being a great way to keep your dog dry, it’s great exercise and social time too!
6. Wash Any Stinky Toys and Bedding
Sometimes the smell from your dog leaks into the rest of the house. If that happens, some cleaning will get rid of the smell and make it easier for your dog to stay clean too. Soft toys and bedding are frequent culprits. They should be washed and dried regularly to get rid of bad odors and help your house smell fresh and clean. Most soft toys and bedding can be cleaned in the washing machine, but always check care labels to learn the best way to keep them safe.
7. Clean the Smell Out of Your Home
Once you’ve cleaned your dog and their soft bedding, you might still notice it lingering in your home. That means more thorough cleaning may be needed. Enzymatic cleaners are a great option because they break down bacteria and organic compounds easily without using harsh chemicals or damaging most surfaces. They can usually be used on carpets, hard floors, furniture, and other surfaces to get rid of difficult smells.
Last Thoughts
Wet dog smells are not entirely avoidable, but that does not mean you have to live with stinky dog smells forever. Keeping your dog clean and dry is a big task, but it is important for their health and your sanity. These tips can help you find a way to minimize smells and maximize enjoyment for you and your dog.
Featured Image Credit: Ortrun_Lenz, Pixabay
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Chelsea Flake Mortensen is a writer with a passion for pets . She grew up around everything from cats to chameleons and loves working with all kinds of animals. Chelsea has a BA in English and Creative Writing from Brigham Young University.
Chelsea loves reading, writing, sewing, and board games. She's lived in half a dozen US states and two countries. She is currently living in New England with her husband. Her articles have been featured in various magazines and literary journals for children and adults. Her writing has been translated into over 40 languages.
