Why Does My Dog Smell So Bad? 4 Reasons Why Your Dog Still Stinks After A Bath

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Nothing quite like wet dog smell, ladies and gents. I don’t know what it is, but something about it is so abrasive. It’s stale, stagnant, and stinky. But hey, usually they get dry pretty quickly and go back to their normal, only-a-little-musky dry smell.

…Except when they don’t.

Sometimes, a dog will come along that just can’t seem to get clean, no matter how many baths you force upon it. If you feel that your dog still smells after a bath, or just smells all the time, this blog is for you. Also, I’m sorry.

The good news is that there are easy solutions to this problem, and it may actually be indicative of a skin issue or condition that you were previously unaware of and can treat!

We’re hitting all the big topics in dog grooming this time around - why dogs smell, how much smell is normal, how to keep your dog from smelling after going outside, the 4 reasons why your dog stinks, and what you can do about it.So, if you find yourself constantly asking ‘Why does my dog smell so bad?’ when he or she comes in for a cuddle session, lean in!

Does Dog Smell Ever Go Away?

Let’s get something out of the way right now: all dogs have a smell. Why do dogs smell bad to us? Well, having a bunch of fur doesn’t help. If you’re frustrated by your dog’s natural (mild) musk and are trying to figure out how to make your dog smell better when it’s just their natural scent you’re picking up, you may not be ready for a dog. So, in short, no - there is no odorless dog. BUT, if you find your dog has a lingering, foul, or pungent odor at all times (even after a bath), it’s often indicative of a larger issue that could require medical attention. The sooner you catch it, the better!

dog smells like wet dog smell after going outside

How Do You Mask Wet Dog Smell (or Any Dog Smell)?

Even if you’re constantly thinking ‘Why does my dog smell so bad?’, that’s honestly better than the alternative, which is ‘Why does my house smell so bad?’ (hint: it’s because of your dog.)While you can’t have a totally odorless dog (as far as I know), you can get products to cover up the smell that wet dog smell, or any other smell for that matter, your dog may track around the house after a bath or after going outside. We can’t make our dog smell like lovely, clean citrus, but we can make our house smell that way despite having a dog. Whether it’s just water, or something a little more unsavory than water, the Angry Orange Pet Deodorizer Set is key. Not only does it get rid of tough pet odors (instead of just masking them only for them to show up later), it actually removes pet stains with enzymes. It works on most furniture, turf, wood, and carpet, and best of all, it’s safe for pets! Our deodorizers are safely derived from the oil found in orange peels, making it a natural, non-toxic cleanser.It should be noted that you shouldn’t spray the deodorizer directly on your pet and is not a solution for how to make your dog smell better, you can spray it on places they’ve been (including the couch they jumped on right after the bath).

How Often Should You Wash Your Dog?

If you find your dog has a residual stink, you may come to the conclusion that washing them more frequently is the solution. However, most times this is not true! Most dog breeds only need to be washed on a monthly basis, as their skin and fur don’t need that much attention. Even if you find a constant odor coming from your pooch, you should only be washing your dog every other week at most. Any more and you risk irritating their skin or damaging their fur.

How to Keep Your Dog From Smelling After Going Outside

Why does my dog smell so bad every time he/she goes outside?You’re not alone in wondering about this. There are a few reasons dogs can smell a little rank after going outdoors - maybe they rolled in something, maybe they stepped in something, maybe they ate something - who knows. Here are some of the best ways to get rid of that wet dog smell or gross smell after they’ve been outside, if you don’t have time to wash them or already washed them that week:

Brush their fur 2-5 times a week
Pat them down with corn starch
Wash your dog’s bedding regularly

Why Does My Dog Smell Even After a Bath?

So, you’ve tried all of the above methods, and your dog still smells gross. ‘Why??’ I heard you pleading, ‘Why does my dog smell so bad even still? What am I doing wrong?’ Well, my poor soul, there’s a high chance you’ve done nothing wrong. Your dog may just have an infection or bodily that needs your immediate attention.

The Top 4 Reasons Why Your Dog Still Stinks After A Bath:

Skin Inflammation or Infection There are countless reasons why your dog’s skin may be inflamed. External irritants, allergens, burns, or bacterial/viral/parasitic/fungal infections can all be present. If your dog still smells after a bath, is excessively scratching or licking, has a lot of scaling, or is rubbing his/herself on the carpet, take them to a vet as soon as possible. Do not use any pet shampoo or conditioner on your dog until the vet tells you which products to use!

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