If your dog loves to run in the rain or swim in every body of water they encounter, you’re familiar with the odor of a wet pup. Even a post-bath dog who should be at their cleanest can’t escape the odor, but have you ever wondered why wet dogs smell? This distinctive smell actually comes from the bacteria, yeast, and other microorganisms on their skin, rather than the dogs themselves.
Keep reading to learn how water brings out your dog’s bad smells and whether you can do anything about it. We’ll also answer some frequently asked questions about smelly dogs. Hold your nose and dive in!
Why Do Wet Dogs Smell?
No matter how clean they seem, every dog carries a certain number of microscopic organisms on their skin. These bacteria and yeast that live naturally on your dog’s skin produce volatile organic compounds (VOC), but when they’re dry, they emit little to no odor.
However, when your dog’s skin and fur gets wet, these pungent volatile compounds are released into the air as the water evaporates, making them easier to smell and causing the wet dog odor that we all know and love (hate).
As the moisture continues to evaporate, the smell of a wet dog hangs heavy in the air. No dog can completely escape this odor, but there are ways to minimize it, which we’ll cover in the next section.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How Can I Minimize the Wet Dog Smell?
Keeping your dog groomed and bathed regularly will reduce the wet dog smell. Choose a shampoo formulated for dogs. For dogs with skin folds and wrinkles, like French Bulldogs and Pugs, pay particular attention to keeping these flaps clean as they can retain moisture and contribute to the smell and are prone to infections. Collars and harnesses should be washed regularly as they can also retain odors.
Try not to let your dog roll in mud, manure, or dead animals since this can significantly exacerbate the stinky wet dog smell. If they do, bathe them as soon as you can.
Brushing your dog regularly helps remove dead hair and may help them dry out faster when they get wet.
Thoroughly dry your dog as soon as possible after they’ve got wet, to prevent dirt and odors from becoming trapped.
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My Dog Is Dry and Still Smells…Why?
The classic wet dog smell only occurs when your pup is wet. If your dog is dry and still smells, several medical causes could be responsible:
- Ear infection
- Skin infection
- Full anal glands
- Dental disease
- Bladder infection
- Gas
Your dog could also have rolled in something smelly or been sprayed by a skunk. You’ll need to look for other signs to figure out what’s going on. For example, if your dog has an ear infection, you might see them scratching their ears or shaking their head. If their anal glands are full, you might spot them scooting their rear on the ground.
If your dog smells and you notice other unusual signs or behavior, make an appointment with your veterinarian.
Conclusion
As you learned in this article, the wet dog smell is unavoidable no matter how clean you keep your pet. You can’t, nor should you, remove all the microorganisms on your dog’s skin that cause the odor when they get wet.
The wet dog smell is likely not causing your dog any problems, however, you can reduce it with regular grooming, bathing, and thorough drying. If your dog carries a consistent abnormal odor even when they’re dry, there could be something more serious going on, and you should have your pet evaluated by a veterinarian.
Featured Image Credit: Morlet ophelie, Shutterstock
