Wet dog smell: why it happens and how to get rid of it

Why do wet dogs smell?

Every dog carries yeast and bacteria on its skin and coat. They're normal, and most of the time you don't notice them. But they leave compounds behind on the coat, and when the coat gets wet and then starts to dry, those smells are released into the air. That's the familiar wet-dog smell, and it's usually strongest in the hour after a rainy walk, while your dog is drying off indoors.

Whatever your dog has picked up adds to it. Mud, fox poo, pond water, bits of food round the muzzle and a dirty collar all "come back to life" when they get wet.

The fastest fix: dry your dog properly, straight away

The quicker your dog dries, the sooner the smell fades. A soggy dog left to drip-dry on a rug will smell for hours.

• Towel off at the door, before your dog reaches the sofa. Squeeze and pat rather than rub, especially on long or curly coats.
• Use two towels: one for the worst of the wet, one to finish off.
• Get into the hard-to-reach bits: legs, paws, armpits, under the collar and the tummy, where water and mud collect.
• Give them a warm place to finish drying, away from your soft furnishings.

Our guide on how to dry a wet dog fast has the full routine. Our Large Microfibre Dog Towels (Pack of 2) are 140 × 70 cm each, big enough to wrap round most dogs and thin enough to work into legs and paws.

Brush out the mud once they're dry

Dried mud brushes out far more easily than it washes out, and a coat full of old mud smells worse every time it gets wet again. Once your dog is dry, brush out the leftover mud and loose hair. Dogs with longer coats need regular grooming, because tangles trap dirt and smell.

Our Self-Cleaning Dog Grooming Brush has stainless steel bristles with rounded tips. Press the button on the back and the hair slides off in one piece.

Wash what your dog lies on

Often the smell isn't just your dog. It's everything your damp dog has lain on. Beds, blankets, sofa throws, collars and harnesses all soak up the wet-dog smell and give it back.

• Dog bed: shake or vacuum off the hair, wash it, and let it dry fully before your dog uses it again. Our Washable Fleece Dog Bed goes in the washing machine. Follow the care label.
• Sofa: a washable cover takes the hair and damp instead of the upholstery. Shake off hair and dried mud outside, wash it, and let it dry fully before you put it back. See our Washable Plush Sofa Cover for Dogs.
• Collar and harness: wash them now and then. They sit against wet fur on every walk.
• Car: wet dogs make wet car boots. Our guide on how to clean a dog car seat cover, boot liner and hammock covers the car, and keeping your car clean after muddy dog walks covers keeping the mud out in the first place.

Never put anything away damp. Fabric that's folded or stored while still wet starts to smell on its own.

Baths: when they help

A bath now and then with a shampoo made for dogs helps if your dog has rolled in something or the coat is properly dirty. You don't need to bath them after every rainy walk: rinsing off the mud and drying them well does most of the work. Your vet can recommend a shampoo if your dog has sensitive skin.

When the smell is a reason to see your vet

A wet-dog smell that fades once your dog is dry is normal. If your dog smells even when the coat is dry, speak to your vet. A strong or unusual smell can be a sign of skin or ear infections, anal gland problems, dental disease or digestive problems.

A quick after-walk routine

1. Rinse or wipe the worst of the mud off the legs and paws at the door.
2. Towel off: squeeze and pat, legs and tummy first.
3. Give your dog a warm spot to finish drying, off the sofa.
4. Brush out the dried mud and loose hair later.
5. Wash towels, bedding and covers regularly, and dry them fully.

Delivery

Sent from UK stock by tracked delivery (Evri or Royal Mail) to England, Scotland and Wales. Delivery is £3.99, or free over £40. Orders leave us in 1–2 working days and arrive in 3–7. Shop drying & cleaning