How to get rid of that "wet dog smell"

When dogs get wet, they give off a very unpleasant odor.

It happened again: you went for a walk, you got caught in the rain, and your dog got soaked. The smell is unbearable and spreads throughout your whole house. Now you wonder, how can I get rid of that wet dog smell?

Why does a wet dog smell so bad?

You’ve probably wondered this! It doesn’t matter if he got wet from the rain or from a bath. Instead of smelling good, he smells horrible. Well, the smell has to do with a natural, protective oil that his skin generates. Certain breeds, like hunting dogs, create more of it, but all dogs have it. It is commonly called ‘sebum‘.

When the natural oil comes in contact with water, regardless of whether it is rain, fresh water or salt water, it results in bacteria that gives off an unpleasant odor. That’s why as soon as a dog gets wet, he must be dried to in order to get rid of the bacteria and therefore the terrible smell it gives off.

How to get rid of that wet dog smell

If you want to get rid of the wet dog smell: you’ll have to dry your dog immediately after he gets wet. What happens if you don’t? It is very likely that your dog, your things and your house will smell like it. Then what can you do?

Ventilate the house

First of all, open the windows and doors to let the odor dissipate. You’re giving the space a chance to air out and clean air to enter.

Bathe and dry your dog

Bathe your dog again, or if he was clean and wet from the rain, just dry him. Don’t let him go around the house wet, because this will spread the wet dog smell.

After drying you can apply a mild perfume that will help the bath to last longer. It will pleasant scent around the house — although your dog will probably not like it.

Clean the house

The best thing to do is once your dog is clean and dry is to leave him in a room and clean the house. Once this is done, he’ll be able to walk around comfortably again and everything will be back to normal.

Wash your things

His bed and any blankets will also have absorbed the smell of wet dog. Therefore, to the washing machine with them! The same should be done with other fabrics your dog may have been in contact with, like your bed or the sofa,  whether you didn’t notice or weren’t able to stop him in time.

What else can I do?

Here’s another tip we can give you to prevent that wet dog smell. Get a raincoat and waterproof boots for your dog. To those who do not like to dress pets up, this may seem ridiculous, but it is practical.

Then, when you get home you may have to dry his legs, but that’s it. It will save you time and keep that wet dog smell away, no need for another bath.