If your dog still smells after a bath, it is probably due to the infamous wet dog smell. Why is it we smell better after taking a shower while dogs smell worse? Dogs produce a great deal of oil on their skin, which becomes a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. When their skin is wet, the bacterial particles evaporate off their skin and into your nose, making the smell much stronger. Some dogs produce more oil than others, specifically breeds that swim often. Other dogs are just more active than most and enjoy jumping into smelly places. Here is a list of tips and things to watch out for in order to solve your smelly dog problem.
Preventing the Wet Dog Smell
First, make sure the shampoo is actually reaching the dog’s skin. If your pet has long fur, the shampoo and water may have a hard time penetrating through tangles of thick fur. Make sure to always blow dry your dog after a bath, otherwise bacteria will grow in the dog’s wet fur and make it smell worse later. Choose a shampoo that has antimicrobial properties to kill the bacteria hiding in the dog’s fur. However, you should not have to wash your dog more than once a month, otherwise you will disrupt the natural oils on your dog’s skin, which may be counterproductive and actually increase the amount of oil.
Exceptions (Atopy) and Solutions
The above tricks will only work if your dog isn’t suffering from atopy. Atopy is a skin condition in which the skin of your dog becomes incredibly itchy and inflamed due to either a food or seasonal allergic reaction. This causes your dog’s skin to produce more and more oil, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and bad odors. In this case, washing your dog may actually irritate it further. Contact a veterinarian immediately to obtain the correct medication to counteract the skin reaction. If you’re having trouble finding a veterinarian who fits into your schedule, use TalkLocal to immediately find a veterinarian to fix your smelly dog problem for good. TalkLocal will connect you with up to three veterinarians in your area who will be able to help you.
