Can You Avoid The Smell Of A Wet Dog?
A dog that has just spent an entire afternoon running through a quagmire may come home emitting a stench that few can bear. The famous and hated wet dog smell is largely natural in origin and can be prevented.
Why do our pets smell bad?
In the epidermis of all mammals there are a series of bacteria and yeasts that, in the case of dogs, go through a ‘latency period’ while their fur is dry.
However, once our animals get wet, the water molecules cause small volatile compounds to move, giving rise to the smell of a wet dog. These microorganisms are totally harmless and will accompany our dog throughout his life .
The natural sebum that coats the hair of dogs also participates in the formation of the stench. This substance must be maintained and cared for, as it waterproofs our pet and provides the characteristic softness and shine of its coat.
Other areas in which we can also notice this smell more intensely are the ears, the pads and the anus, where a series of secretory glands are located.
Habits and tips that can minimize wet dog odor
Since the smell that our pets give off depends on the bacteria and yeasts naturally present on their skin that we have already mentioned, it is very difficult for the dog smell to disappear completely. A series of cleaning habits, however, can help our house or our clothes not suffer so much.
- Clean your dog’s paws. This way, you will minimize the smell of wet dog and keep your house dry and free of mud and germs. Use a cloth or towel that you have near the entrance of your house to prevent the dog from dirtying everything.
- Put your pet directly in the shower. In the case that it is a small breed, it will be enough to carry the animal in your arms to the bathroom. If it’s larger, be sure to clean the legs first. It is recommended to use a specialized shampoo to prevent you from developing skin problems.
- Brush it frequently. This is another way to maintain the hygiene of the animal’s skin and coat. We should not bathe our dog excessively, so this is a good way to eliminate the remains of dirt and germs.
You can use a diluted form of apple cider vinegar as an all-natural disinfectant. A cup of vinegar mixed with our pet’s usual shampoo will minimize the smell more than you think.
Diseases that give off a particular odor
There are a series of odors that may not arise naturally and that are indicators that our animal is going through some type of infection. If we also notice a more elusive or withdrawn behavior than usual, we should take our pet to the vet.
Among the most common cases of infections, we can find:
- Otitis. As we have said, around the ears, dogs have a series of glands that are responsible for part of their natural smell. An ear infection can lead to new secretions that intensify that odor, so keep your ears clean and controlled.
- Mouth infection caused by tartar or spoiled food. The canine mouth also produces a strong and characteristic odor. An odor of acetone or ammonia can be an indicator, however, of an oral infection that requires veterinary treatment.
- Any unusual secretion in the glands near the eyes, mouth, nose or reproductive organs has direct consequences on the smell of our animal. A follow-up by the owner can prevent diseases and infections and keep our dog clean and healthy.
