Every dog owner encounters it sooner or later: the dreaded wet dog smell. Although it comes naturally with being a dog parent, it’s not the most fun part of having a four-legged best friend. With a few suggestions on how to eliminate or even avoid the wet dog smell, you can improve how your dog smells.
Do not assume that one towel will be sufficient when taking a bath. Because your dog’s coat might be very resistant to drying out, you’ll need to try your best to absorb as much moisture as you can. Start with your dog’s head, then move on to its torso, legs, paws, and tail.
Avoid rubbing too vigorously, but do apply pressure to the fur as necessary. Make sure you have enough thirsty towels on hand because your objective should be to hand-dry using as many as necessary.
Yes, but you must exercise extreme caution when using a hand blow dryer on your pet. Keep it on low and hold it far enough away to avoid burning your skin. Of course, you should consider how your dog perceives the situation. Many are scared of blow dryers.
If so, you might want to visit a place where you can DIY dog washing and grooming. Since they are designed for dogs, they may seem less intimidating and more pampering.
If it’s a nice day outside, why not go for a walk after your pet has had a bath? You’ll both benefit from getting some exercise while reducing the likelihood of the clingy, wet dog smell.
Play indoors, but don’t let your pet just sink into the couch or his kennel until he’s dry if it’s too cold to consider taking him for a stroll around the neighborhood.
No, this won’t help your pet dry more quickly, but it can help eliminate unpleasant odors that come from a dog that is drying. Always use dog-specific sprays, which can be purchased from a reputable pet store, your veterinarian, or online.
Before using this technique, be sure to read the reviews. You should also be on the lookout for any allergic reactions in your dog when using any new topical products.
Do you rush through your dog’s bath because you both find it tedious? If so, you’re probably leaving a ton of debris and bacteria behind. In fact, the unpleasant wet dog odor may simply be the result of improper grooming.
When you wash your dog again, make sure to thoroughly bathe all the areas that are most likely to accumulate odor, such as the hindquarters and the space in between the toes of the paws. That way, you shouldn’t detect the same level of offensive odors as he dries out.
Take these tips to heart and you’ll have a better bathing experience with your dog while also trying to keep the wet dog smell out of your home, which may seem like a far-off dream but is actually closer than you think.
Stop The Stink
The simple fix is to cut down on dog baths. The majority of dogs only require a few baths per year. You might want to try a different dog shampoo, too. Look for softer, more natural dog shampoos; something less abrasive that won’t strip the skin of its natural oils. Some pet owners favor oatmeal dog shampoos. You can always ask a groomer for their expert advice, and you’ll get a great recommendation for how to get your puppy dog’s odor under control.
Locate Where the Smell Is Coming From
Put on a pair of exam gloves and look at your dog’s body to determine what is causing the odor. Examine their skin, the region inside and around their ears, their mouth, their groin, and other parts of their body. Trust your instincts, follow your nose, and scan the animal’s skin and coat for obvious signs of infection or strange changes.
Knowing the type of smell emanating from your dog can help you identify the problem that is causing the smell. Each issue has a distinct odor, and the strength of any dog’s odor can help assess how serious any problems are.
The majority of the time, these distinct smells are caused by odor-producing bacteria. For instance, having extremely foul breath may indicate dental disease Your dog most likely has a UTI if their urine smells strongly foul. Issues with your dog’s anal sacs produce a fishy smell. A common ear infection smell is one that is either pleasant, like caramel or grapes, or unpleasant, like rotten chicken or bad breath.
Smelly Dog — Things To Look For
A responsible dog owner should routinely check their dogs for any obvious signs that could be the source of any odor problems. Inspection is crucial, especially if your dog’s bad odor persists for a while with little to no improvement. We’ve compiled a list of the most frequent indicators that might be the cause of your dog’s foul odor to help you narrow down the signs and symptoms of what to look for when examining your stinky pup.
Your dog may be more prone to bacterial skin infections if there are patches of thinning hair or complete hair loss. These infections eventually spread throughout their coat, giving off a foul odor. Watch for any changes in your dog’s skin tone, which could range from bright red to patchy black. These discolored skin patches are particularly prevalent in dogs with existing skin conditions. They frequently appear in people who repeatedly lick, rub, or gnaw at their skin.
Your dog may attempt to communicate with you by showing you clear signs of discomfort, such as by emitting an unpleasant odor. Some discomfort signals to look out for include:
Always keep your nose trained on how bad your dog smells. If you notice the stench from your dog progressively becoming more pungent, it may be a telling sign that the underlying cause of their smell is worsening. You should immediately take your dog to the veterinarian, as the intensifying smell may signify a growing bacterial infection. The most common type of skin issue and odor-causing bacteria affecting dogs are Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and Malassezia yeast.
FAQ
How can I make my dog smell better after a bath?
- Plan to Use Plenty of Towels. …
- Use a Blow Dryer on Low Heat. …
- Promote Natural Air Drying. …
- Add a Scent Neutralizer to Your Pet’s Coat. …
- Make Sure Your Dog Baths Are Thorough.
How do I get rid of the dog smell on my dog?
- Bathe your dog regularly. …
- Brush your dog, 2-5 times a week. …
- For a quick, dry bath, pat your dog’s fur with baking soda or corn starch.
- Feed your dog high-quality dog food because a dog with healthy internal organs will smell better.
- Wash your dog’s bedding regularly.