There is a Scientific Reason Dogs Stink When Wet

There is a Scientific Reason Dogs Stink When Wet

Wait, what that’s bad odor I smell? No, it can’t be you, Bella! I just showered you. Except it’s her. And you know what? It’s not your fault. So, don’t go on giving her too many showers. That will only wash away her protective skin oils.

It’s not her fault too. Don’t refuse to take her for a swim in the lake again next weekend. What you are smelling is science. Here is what happens, according to Andy Brunning, a British chemistry teacher invested in investigating and providing scientific explanations for odors we experience every day. Like a new car, coffee, toilet, or a wet dog.

Bella is not dirty. She just has a cast of yeast and bacteria on her fur. They are micro-organisms, so don’t bother looking. They also leave behind micro excretions in the form of volatile organic compounds. Now, when the moisture on your dog’s fur begins evaporating, it integrates with some of these compounds. The result is that bad smell that could as well be feces or rotten mushrooms.

Unfortunately, at the time of writing this, there are not enough financial resources to facilitate the researchers to come up with a fix for the smell. But, they are some steps you can take to prevent or treat the bad smell. They include brushing the dog’s fur regularly, cleaning them at healthy frequencies, and investing in an odor product.

Feature Image Source: Pixabay

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