Best Way to Get Rid of Wet Dog Smell

By Jenny Nolan, CleanerPaws.com

We’re all familiar with it. Whether you’re a dog owner yourself or simply grew up around dogs at one time or another you will have experienced the brute force of wet dog smell.

There is just something about the scent that a wet dog gives off that manages to polarize dog lovers. Of course, there’s nothing your lovable pooch can do about the smell they give off when wet, but are there steps you can be taking to prevent the smell from offending your sense of smell?

In this article we intend to look at exactly what causes wet dog smell and how you can combat it once and for all.

What causes wet dog smell?

You may or may not have noticed that “wet dog smell” is more prevalent in certain breeds of dogs. This is because it is caused by the oils contained in their coats. This means breeds who have oilier coats than other types of dog, such as the hound family, give off more of a smell when soaking wet.

The actual oil causing the stink is sebum, which actually protects a dog’s skin from dehydration. However, when this oil comes into contact with water, such as after a bath or when your pup gets caught in the rain, it creates a bacteria that causes the unpleasant odor.

How to prevent It?

OK, so now you have some insight into the science that causes wet dog smell, and now it’s time to see how you can go about preventing this odor in the first place.

When it comes to tackling wet dog smell then you need to start by drying your dog properly, either after they have got wet on a long walk or after you have bathed them.

This may sound straightforward enough but there are actually a number of steps to carry out in order to dry your pup effectively.

First, start by hand drying your pet from head to paw. Use enough pressure to dry up as much moisture from your dog’s coat as possible. Your dog may not enjoy being rubbed in this way, but if possible keep them still for as long as possible and reward them afterward with their favorite treat.

Once you feel like you have dried your dog’s coat as much as you can by hand, it is time to use a dog hair dryer to finish the job. Drying your dog’s coat with a hair dryer will allow you to use cool air to completely remove any excess moisture from your pet’s fur. As laid out above, this will prevent the oils in your dog’s coat from producing the bacteria that gives off that unpleasant smell when wet, so carrying out this step is hugely important.

Last but not least, it is time to brush your dog. This can actually be carried out while you’re drying your pet and will leave your dog’s coat in the best health possible. Focus on damp areas of your dog to effectively fluff them up, leaving your dog looking and smelling great. (This stage of the grooming process is also a great time to clip your dog’s nails… go here to check out the best dog nail clippers reviews.)

So there you have a real quick guide on what causes wet dog smell and how to prevent it. Just remember your pet isn’t to blame that they give off an unpleasant odor when wet, so show patience when grooming them and you will reap the rewards.