Wet Dog Smell: Why Does It Happen and How To Get Rid Of It
One of the worst things about being a pooch parent is dealing with wet dog smell. While we wouldn’t trade our furry best friends for the world, this is certainly something we could do without.
Luckily, there are ways to help combat wet dog smell. Below, we’ll detail why wet dog smell happens and most importantly, how you can get rid of it.
How Does Wet Dog Smell Happen?
To rid your dog of dreaded wet dog smell, it’s important to understand why it happens. All animals have microorganisms like yeast and bacteria living on our skin. When wet, the waste of these microorganisms is much more aromatic, causing a funky scent.
Certain breeds may be more prone to having more or less of these organisms, along with sebum (a type of oil in skin) that can exacerbate this smell. Generally speaking, hounds and dogs with more natural wrinkles or folds in the skin may be more prone to this foul fragrance.
In some cases, wet dog smell may be indicative of gastrointestinal or metabolic disorders in your dog, though this is much less common. Keeping up with your preventative health visits at the veterinarian should help rule out these more rare causes.
How To Get Rid Of Wet Dog Smell
While eradicating wet dog smell in full isn’t always possible, there are a few things you can do to help reduce Spot’s Stench. Here are a couple of key strategies to combat and mask wet doggy odor.
Drying Thoroughly After Getting Wet
One of the best ways to combat wet dog smell is to keep your dog dry! While this sounds fairly obvious, make sure you’re drying your pooch thoroughly after every bath, swim, or even after a long, muddy walk. Keeping your pup’s paws and body dry won’t just cut back on wet dog smell, it will also keep your home as fresh as ever.
Grooming Regularly
If your dog is prone to wet dog smell, it’s a good idea to commit to regular baths, though no more than once every two weeks so that you don’t dry his skin out. Make sure to use a deep shampoo and conditioner, brush out your dog’s fur, and use a pooch blow dryer if you have one.
Deodorize Your Home
Wet dog smell can live in your dog’s bed, toys, and other belongings so be sure to clean them regularly to help eliminate the odor. Baking soda-based cleaners work great for this purpose. You’ll also want to freshen up any carpets or fabric your furry friend frequents.
Have Grooming Wipes Handy If Your Dog Slobbers
Slobber can also be a source of that pesky wet dog smell. If your dog tends to drool, have some gentle grooming wipes available so that you can easily wipe away the mess whenever necessary.
Use An Odor Neutralizer
When in doubt, use an odor neutralizing spray like this one that’s safe for dogs. This can help you combat odor in between baths and is perfect for whenever your pooch needs a quick refresher. Just be sure to pick out an odor neutralizer made specifically for dogs– Though some owners may use essential oils or other products, these products can be harmful to your pooch. When in doubt, run it by your veterinarian first to make sure it’s a good fit for your floof.
Hopefully, these tips make it easier for you to keep Fido smelling fresh. With consistent grooming and cleaning, you’ll be able to enjoy all the snuggles your pooch has to offer, fragrance-free.
