Wet dog smell is often caused by the build up of bacteria on the dog’s fur. This can result if the dogs fur is not thoroughly dried.
Dogs are naturally active creatures. Some dogs would hate to be bathed but they would not pass the chance to wallow in muddy and smelly puddles! The stinking smell of the water will cling to the dogs fur, and the foul odor will worsen if the dog has decided to unearth its rotten “treasures”. The musty smell of the dog can be due to bad breath or due to the over production of sebum on the surface of the skin that would arise if the dog had an allergic reaction that inflamed the skin.
Obviously, the best solution to remove the stinking odor is to bathe the dog. Warm water and a nice smelling dog shampoo would eliminate the wet dog smell. This is important: make sure to dry the fur thoroughly. Some experts believe that a towel should not be used as the odor will stay on the fur and after a day or two the wet dog smell will again permeate the home. A hair dryer is recommended as will thoroughly dry the coat all the way to the skin and eliminate the bad odor causing bacteria.
Not into bathing and drying your own dog?? We groom 6 days a week at Canine To Five – give us a call to make your appointment!
I never really knew that it was bacteria that caused the smell. I knew that it was most likely from the dog not being thoroughly dry but not that. I guess it makes sense since the same thing will happen if you forget to take clothes out of the washer for a while and they eventually start to smell. I usually use a towel to clean my dog off because it is easier and after the bath he is usually agitated and wanting to get out of the bathroom. I hate it though when right after you let the dog outside they automatically go and roll around in the grass and mud.