How to properly wash a dog to prevent it from smelling like a dog: tips and life hacks.

Table of Contents

Recommendations for caring for your pet.

Often, after bathing, dogs can start to smell unpleasant, spreading the scent of wet fur on furniture and clothing. Some owners get used to this specific aroma, but many, especially those with allergies, cannot tolerate it. We explain why your pet may smell like a “dog” after water procedures and how to address this issue.

Why does a dog smell bad?

The smell from a dog is not generated by itself—it is caused by the so-called microbiome, which includes bacteria and yeast that have found favorable conditions for living and reproducing in the dog’s dense fur. As we mentioned in one of our articles, these microorganisms settle in the skin’s sebum, which is formed near the hair roots. While the sebum protects the skin from the entry of microbes by moisturizing it, it also serves as a habitat for bacteria.

The bacteria feed on lipids and produce waste products that contain volatile chemical compounds. When these compounds come into contact with water, they generate an odor that repels. The more sebum the dog’s skin secretes, the stronger the odor will be. This is particularly noticeable in breeds with dense fur, such as German Shepherds and Labradors.

Completely depriving your pet of microorganisms in its fur is dangerous for its health as it will lose its natural protective barrier and moisture. On the other hand, an excessive amount of fungi and bacteria can destabilize the animal’s immune system, leading to the development of infectious skin diseases.

To maintain your pet’s hygiene and keep its fur fresh, follow simple rules recommended by veterinarians.

Do not let the dog bathe in dirty bodies of water.

It is not advisable to let the dog bathe in urban ponds or lakes. Puppy enthusiasm can result in visits to veterinary clinics if the animal picks up an infection from cuts in contaminated water. Additionally, as moisture evaporates from the fur, the stale odor will only intensify.

Take care of your dog’s fur daily.

After a walk, inspect your dog for any stuck dirt. Wipe your dog’s paws with a damp towel, brush their fur, clean dirt from their ears and around their eyes. Pay close attention to the area under their tail: if there are feces stuck to the fur, treat it with a moist sponge dipped in warm water.

Don’t forget to regularly bathe your pet.

Don’t forget to bathe your dog every month, using special shampoos and conditioners designed for their coat with the appropriate pH level (using human grooming products is prohibited). For dogs with a dense undercoat, veterinarians recommend additionally rinsing with a weak solution of vinegar – 2 tablespoons of 9% vinegar per 3 liters of water.

Thoroughly rinse the dense fur to remove any residue of the cleaning product. Otherwise, it may cause irritation and a lingering odor. Also, after bathing, make sure to dry your dog’s coat with a towel or a hairdryer.

Use a deodorant for the coat.

The molecules of unpleasant odor instantly break down under the influence of an animal deodorant. Shake the spray-perfume bottle, spray it onto clean, dry fur, and comb through.

Brush and trim regularly.

Dogs with long or thick coats need to be regularly groomed. Firstly, this will help remove a large amount of shedding hair from your home, and secondly, it will prevent the fur from matting and emitting odor. It is not necessary to groom and trim your pet yourself; if needed, you can seek assistance from a professional groomer.

Keep your home clean and tidy.

Wash bedding, carpets, soft toys, and other interior items that come into contact with your pet. Regular cleaning in the house will prevent the spread of bacteria and prevent them from recontaminating your pet’s fur.

One proven method of deodorizing and disinfecting furniture and bedding is to spray them with a solution of water and vinegar. Baking soda is also highly effective in preventing fungal growth. To eliminate embedded odors, sprinkle sodium bicarbonate on the carpet or sofa, and vacuum it up after a few minutes.

If you have noticed that the odor from your dog’s fur is intensifying and none of the remedies are helping, make an appointment for a veterinary examination. It is possible that the cause of the odor lies in parasites, skin infections, endocrine or metabolic disorders.