Have You Ever Wondered Why Your Dog's Coat Stinks?

We, as dog lovers, are all too familiar with the terrible wet dog smell. The stink that lingers in every room our wet canine companion has been into. But, why do they smell so bad after a swim? The answer is in science. The good news is, there are things you can do to make it better and it is not always a cause for concern.

Science shows that are tiny microorganisms living in your dog’s fur, originating from the skin. These yeast and bacteria do not smell when dry, but when they become wet, their odor becomes distinct. Even when our dogs seem dry, we find ourselves wondering why we still smell that stench. This is because the microorganisms attach to water molecules in humidity, and they will linger on until the water evaporates.

What can you do to get rid of it, or make it less pungent? You will, unfortunately, never get rid of the smell completely. Although a nuisance for us, the presence of the smell actually indicates good natural skin health. However, if you dry your dog more quickly and thoroughly, you can somewhat reduce the severity. There are also shampoos and products on the shelves to neutralize the smell a bit more.

When should you be worried about the smell? As previously mentioned, this smell indicated normal functioning skin. However, if you find the smell is getting worse or it is accompanied by bad breath and flatulence, it would probably be a good idea to get your favorite four-legged friend checked out at your vet!

Feature Image Source: Pixabay