How To Eliminate the Musty Smell From Your Wet Dog
You want to let your dog enjoy a romp in the water, but the musty smell of wet fur is overwhelming. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to rid your dog of the stench.
What Causes Wet Dog Smell?
A dog’s fur is very absorbent, and when they go swimming that fur absorbs water. It also absorbs anything that’s in the water. This isn’t a problem if they’re running under a sprinkler. However, if they swim in a lake, river or the ocean, the bacteria, microorganisms, algae, and fish or animal waste sticks to their fur. Unsurprisingly, this doesn't smell great and the bad odor can creep into your car or house. Dogs also have yeast and bacteria on their skin. These aren’t very noticeable on dry dogs, but getting wet can release them and accentuate any bad odor. This is why some dogs still smell musty, even if they’ve been in clean water.
Preventing Musty Dog Odors
There are steps you can take to prevent or quickly dispel that wet dog smell. First, if your dog just climbed out of the lake, rinse it down as soon as possible. A hose with a shower-like nozzle can get clean water through all the fur and rinse out any smelly debris that was picked up in the water. Next, dry your dog thoroughly rather than waiting for the coat to air dry. Odor-causing bacteria and fungus thrive in damp conditions, which worsens the bad smells. You should also wash your dog regularly to get rid of any leftover microorganisms. If you have a long-haired dog that loves the water, consider clipping its coat so that it absorbs less debris. Finally, use odor-repellent sprays around the home to freshen up the scent.
What To Do If Your Dog Still Smells
If your dog still smells, despite being rinsed and having regular baths, it may be a sign of a skin infection. Dogs with long coats that take some time to dry completely can be prone to skin infections as their skin stays wet. Similarly, dogs such as Shar Peis, that have skin folds, often experience infections as water is trapped against their skin. Often the smell of infection is worse than a normal wet dog smell, and you may also notice your dog scratching or see rashes on their skin. Your vet can diagnose the issue and will normally provide you with a prescription skin cream to help clear up any infection. You can also ask about a change in diet; this can often help to relieve underlying skin allergies.
