Skip to content
i Still Love Dogs
i Still Love Dogs

…Dog news, tips & fun stuff

  • News
  • Awww
  • Heroes
  • Grrr
  • Tips
  • Pittie Party
  • About
i Still Love Dogs

…Dog news, tips & fun stuff

wet dog shaking off water

Why Wet Dogs Are So Smelly [with Helpful Infographic]

Laura Goldman, July 29, 2015August 20, 2019

wet dog shaking off water

There’s nothing quite like the funky, earthy stench of a dog who’s just walked in the rain or gone swimming in a lake. We can’t grab a towel fast enough, am I right, pet parents?

That wet-dog odor is caused by microorganisms that live in dogs’ hair, according to Compound Interest, a website that takes a closer look at the chemical compounds people come across every day. The site and its infographics were created by Andy Brunning, a chemistry teacher in the U.K.

When water is added to the microorganisms in a dog’s hair, the foul-smelling organic compounds they produce are able to break free. As the water evaporates, the compounds increase in the air, as does the odor.

The chemical identities behind the wet-dog smell are complex. “There’s no one molecule that causes man’s best friend to morph into your nose’s worst enemy with the addition of water,” Brunning writes. “Instead there’s a cornucopia of molecules that contribute, which individually can have wildly varying smells, but combined make a soggy dog a smelly dog.”

Brunning notes that, “perhaps unsurprisingly,” few studies have been conducted on the source of wet-dog odor. A study several years ago identified several compounds whose concentrations increased when a dog’s hair was wet.

“These encompassed a whole range of independent odors, from ‘sulfurous,’ to ‘medicinal,’ to ‘fruity’ and ‘earthy,'” Brunning writes. “They also found that the concentration of some compounds increased more drastically than others.”

According to Brunning, additional research is necessary to authoritatively identify the chemicals causing the foul wet-dog odor.

“Until then, we at least know that it’s not the dogs themselves we should be blaming for smelling terrible, but rather the microorganisms they carry,” he concludes.

To help prevent wet-dog odor, pet parents can regularly brush and bathe their dogs to remove some of those microorganisms, advises Dr. Mary Fuller on VetStreet.com. If your dog smells funky even when he’s dry, Dr. Fuller says to take him to a veterinarian. A foul odor can be a symptom of a skin or ear infection, periodontal disease, digestive issues or other health problem.

“Whatever you do, avoid spraying perfumes or scents onto your dog’s coat to cover up the smell,” Dr. Fuller warns. “These products can be irritating and might just make the smell worse.”

Next up, I hope Brunning creates an infographic that explains why dogs’ paw pads smell like corn chips.

wet dog smell infographicInfographic: Compound Interest

Photo credit: Micolo J

Related

Tips infographics

Post navigation

Previous post
Next post

Recent Posts

  • Dogs—Not Cats—May Prevent Babies from Developing Asthma
  • Rest in Paradise, Patrick the Miracle Dog
  • Guide Dog Terrified by Thunder Led Blind Owner to Safety on 9/11
  • Once Again, Adopted Dogs Featured in 2025 Rose Parade
  • 7 Examples That Prove Trump Is Clueless About Dogs

Most “Paw”pular Posts

  • Due to 'Pit Bulls and Parolees' Lawsuit, New Villalobos Sanctuary Planned
  • 5 Reasons Why Jon Stewart Is So Doggone Awesome
  • Frank Sinatra Loved the Ladies...and the Dogs
  • Rape Charges Dropped Against Toney Converse of 'Pit Bulls and Parolees'
  • Leonard Nimoy's L.A. Pet Store Did Not Live Long or Prosper

Like i Still Love Dogs on Facebook

Like i Still Love Dogs on Facebook

Follow @iStillLoveDogs on BlueSky

Follow @iStillLoveDogs on BlueSky

Subscribe to i Still Love Dogs

Enter your email address to receive notifications of new posts. I respect your privacy and will never sell your information.

Privacy Policy

about Laura Goldman
Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy
©2025 i Still Love Dogs | WordPress Theme by SuperbThemes
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. You can opt-out if you wish.Got it! Reject Privacy Policy
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT