Why Wet Dogs Stink — and How to Keep Their Skin Healthy
By Dr. Jessica Bienapfl
It’s that time of year. Summer has officially arrived, and if your dog is anything like mine, she can’t get enough of the lakes and streams. Every year during the warm summer months, we see dogs coming into the clinic with what I lovingly call “smelly wet dog syndrome.”
What Causes That Wet Dog Smell?
Dogs, just like people, carry bacteria and yeast on their skin at all times. When dogs get wet, the skin surface softens, and those barriers start to break down. Because dogs have so much fur, they tend to trap and hold moisture — the underside of the body, the armpits, the groin, and under the ears or collar. When those areas stay wet too long, bacteria are allowed to invade and cause infection.
How to Keep Your Dog Comfortable and Healthy
- Bathe regularly with a mild shampoo, but don’t overdo it — frequent shampooing strips natural oils
- Make sure your dog dries fully after swimming — towel them off and use a fan if they tolerate it
- Remove the collar to let the neck dry out properly
A Note on Ears
Some dogs are more prone to ear infections, and swimming makes it easier for those infections to take hold. Rinse them with a veterinary ear cleaning solution — ear cleaners help remove wax and debris and often contain a drying agent that displaces water.
If you discover signs of infection or discharge, please seek medical care for your dog. If you have questions or concerns, give Baxter Creek Veterinary Clinic a call at (406) 587-5537 — we’re happy to take a look.