Previously we discussed how every dog has a typical smell of their own. These scents are caused by pheromones coming out of their bodies which generally offer them a mild smell. Although in certain conditions, especially after a bath, the ‘Wet Doggy Smell’ is something that may not be liked by all pet parents.
To make your dog not stink after bath, you will need: plenty of clean towels, ensure complete natural air drying, and finally a doggy-special cologne.
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What causes wet dog smell?
Same as humans, dogs also produce many essential oils and sweat molecules naturally through their skin pores. These elements are crucial in maintaining ample moisture of their coats and also for the detoxification of their bodies.
However, when mixed with water, these molecules add up to form a typical doggy smell that could be harder on your nose than the rest of the day. This is an absolutely normal deal with nothing to worry about as it often goes away when the fur baby is completely dry.
How to get rid of the doggy stink after giving them a bath?
Wipe their body with a clean cotton towel
Doggy towels come in many variants, mostly varying in their sizes, colors, and designs, but some also vary in their cloth types. So, while a chiffon or cotton-like towel may seem to be doing the job, nothing pars the quality offered by a cotton towel. These towels are not only highly absorbent, but also are relatively safe on the dog’s body, thereby offering a proper drying.
Moreover, depending on the canine’s size, you may need more than one towel to wipe them dry. Some breeds are known to have a typically long and resistant coat type which goes for both getting wet and drying up. So, naturally you will be needing more cotton towels for them to eradicate the wet doggy smell.
Give them time to dry naturally
While breeds with shorter fur dry out easily, it may take longer for medium to long fur type dogs. And even though many pet owners will consult the usage of dog-specific blow dryers, I personally don’t recommend that unless it’s really necessary. All those hot drying could make their coat lose natural shine over time by sucking in essential oils and leaving their skin extremely dry.
Therefore, a better option is to get your dog outside and let them dry under the natural air. This way their skin and coat will eventually dry out without leaving any weird smell, and even the pooch will be happy to breathe fresh air and if possible play in the open space. But Beware!!! Never make them stand under direct sunlight, as it can have detrimental effects on their health.
Put on a mild dog-specific cologne
To top it off, spray a mild scented doggy-special cologne on your pooch’s coat after every bath to leave them smelling fresh and lovely for a long time. Although this doesn’t lend a hand in their quick-drying, it sure does eliminate any traces of the typical smell that is accompanied with a wet dog.
When looking for these scents, ensure they are specifically made for canines and nothing else. Anything more than that could severely impact their smelling power, leaving them agitated and super uncomfortable. If you are looking for these scents, you can try out, some of the best ones, including the Nature’s Specialties Foo Foo Dog Cologne, PetAg Fresh’n Clean Cologne, Pet Silk Rainforest Cologne, Bodhi Dog Natural Pet Cologne, and the PAWFUME Premium Grooming Spray.
But in case if the pooch is still stinking after a bath, then there may be specific reasons behind this occurrence.
Why does my dog smell even after doing all these things?
From a growing ear infection to possible tick and fleas infestation, there are a wide variety of reasons that could be contributing to the smell. This also depends upon the area the stink might be coming from.
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If their skin smells bad
In case the problem is with your dog’s skin, you can feel an yeasty type smell coming from their little bodies. This mostly happens when there has been a growing yeast infection or the pup is suffering from skin allergies. Such a condition is also accompanied with excessive scratching, licking, biting, swollen red skin, and many other secondary factors, so be on the lookout for the same.
A terrible smelling skin is often the warning sign of something bad going on in the pooch’s body. This will require a vet consultation and proper follow-up of grooming habits for a long time. So, if you ever find an abnormal stink, don’t waste any time, and have the canine checked out.
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If the source seems to be their ears
Dogs, just like other animals, produce ear wax as a natural process of blocking foreign particles’ entrance into the ear tunnel. But, sadly many pet parents often forget to clean their dogs’ ears during regular grooming periods and even when giving them baths. Therefore as days go by, the wax keeps on accumulating that creates a real pungent smell.
Apart from that, ear infections are also another one of the most common causes behind the weird stink. This can be caused by allergies, yeast and bacterial infections, presence of ear mites and even fleas. Usually your vet will carry out a few tests before diagnosing the cause and preparing an efficient treatment plan for the same. So the earlier the treatment starts, the better it is for the pooch.
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In case their breath is stinky
Most often gingivitis, periodontal disease or simply a high build-up of tartar can be the cause behind bad breath in dogs. This happens when their teeth aren’t regularly cared for. Every dog needs regular brushing, at least twice or thrice every week to maintain their sparkly white teeth in the best conditions.
Additionally you may also use a dog-specific dental floss to prevent microbial infestations and plaque formations of any kind, and therefore bid goodbye to stinky breath for a long, long time. However, for more serious issues, a thorough vet check up will be highly needed.
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Their rear smells like a fish
Now, anal gland issues are something that can be very painful and uncomfortable for the pooch as well as weird and hellishly foul-smelling for the pet parents. Often resulting due to unexpressed anal glands or deteriorating prostate and vaginal infections, you will have to consult a vet for this one, as there is no other solution for these.
When left untreated, there can be serious repercussions on the dog’s health as well as your bank savings. Thus without wasting time, you must instantly resort to professional advice and act according to them, if recently your canine’s rear has been smelling like a fish.
Final thoughts
Getting rid of the wet dog stink is no big deal. You just need to be thorough with their drying, put on some cologne and every once in a while have them properly washed and groomed up by a professional groomer.
But if you want to do certain things from your side, here are a few things to think about:
- Introduce the right dietary changes and add a lot of fibers
- Regularize and revamp their grooming schedule
- Keeping their bedding and clothes clean
- Ensuring proper and regular tick and flea removal treatments
- Finding the cause (in case it is due to a medical condition) and taking the necessary steps.
And even though many sites may advise you to rub baking soda and what not on your fur baby’s precious mane, always make it a point to get a green-flag from the vet before getting into these 2-min hacks.
Till next time, Take Care!!!
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