Why Do Wet Dogs Smell So Bad?

We all love our canine companions, but one thing we could live without is that distinctive wet dog smell. You know the one - that musty, almost sour odor that arises when a dog gets wet. So why do wet dogs smell so bad? What can dog owners do to combat that noxious wet dog stench? Read on to learn more.

What Causes a Wet Dog Smell?

Dogs naturally produce oils in their skin and coat to keep their skin and fur conditioned and protected. This oil, called sebum, has no real discernible odor to our human noses. However, when a dog becomes wet, either through exposure to rain, swimming, baths, or playing in puddles, that protective oil layer gets disturbed.

As the oil mixes with water, it creates favorable conditions for bacteria and yeasts living on the dog’s skin to flourish and multiply rapidly. The overgrowth of bacteria and yeast causes an increased production of pungent metabolic waste products. It’s these metabolic byproducts, like short chain fatty acids, that give wet fur its very distinct smell.

Do Certain Breeds Smell Worse Than Others?

Now you have a basic idea of why do wet dogs smell so bad. All wet dogs are prone to developing smelly odors caused by overgrown microbes on their skin and coats. However, some breeds and types of dogs seem more inclined to having increased “doggy odor” when wet. Breeds with very thick double coats like Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, and Chow Chows tend to have more pronounced wet dog smells.

Their dense fur is adapted to repel water to keep their skin dry. But once water penetrates their weather-resistant topcoat, it takes a very long time to fully dry out. These waterlogged double coats therefore provide ideal conditions for microbial overgrowth and increased odor.

Long-eared dog breeds like Basset Hounds and Spaniels can also develop more bothersome wet dog smells if their floppy ears are not properly dried after swimming or bathing. Moist, folded skin provides the perfect habitat for normal skin microbes to proliferate and produce smelly waste products. 

How to Get Rid of Wet Dog Smell?

If your pooch has ever brought that characteristic wet dog smell into your home or even your car, you know how difficult it can be to eliminate. Here are some tips for effective wet dog odor removal and prevention:

• Dry your dog thoroughly after baths, playing in water or being out in the rain. Use high velocity dog dryers to penetrate their double coat and fully dry down to their skin. Pay special attention to damp fur in areas like behind the ears, armpits and skin folds
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• Brush your dog’s coat before and during drying to help lift trapped moisture from their undercoat. Slicker brushes work especially well for helping break up clumps of wet fur.
  
  
• Use moisturizing dog shampoos and conditioners when bathing your pooch to help maintain healthy skin microbiomes. Over-bathing and harsh shampoos strip away protective skin oils.
  
  
• Spritz your freshly bathed or damp dog lightly with deodorizing products containing natural ingredients like essential oils, aloe vera, witch hazel or tea tree oil. These can help discourage microbial overgrowth.
  
  
• Invest in an air purifier with activated charcoal filter to remove ambient wet dogs smell from your home after baths or rainstorms. Charcoal effectively absorbs and neutralizes odors without chemicals.
  
  
• Use enzyme-based odor eliminators on damp spots where your dog sleeps or shakes off water. Enzyme cleaners work to fully digest odor molecules rather than just masking smells.
  
  
• Feed your dog a high quality diet and provide omega fatty acid supplements if your pup seems prone to overly stinky wet dog smells. Omega oils help support skin health and microbial balance.
  
  
• Visit your vet if your dog develops recurrent skin issues, infections or overly stinky coat odors when wet. This could signal an underlying skin condition or infection.

Final Words

While that distinctive wet dog smell may never be your favorite scent, understanding what causes it and how to remedy it can go a long way in maintaining harmony in your home. With some diligence on drying, grooming and occasional bathing, you and your pooch can happily coexist - even when they get soaked to the skin!