The smell of dogs in a home is a problem for many people. The bigger the dog, the more it stinks. If we were to add the smell of pee, the atmosphere in the house changes completely. If in the past, the dog used to sit only in the yard, in recent years man’s best friend is kept in the house in increasing numbers.
A dog is man’s best friend. He loves us unconditionally and is always with us, for better or for worse. But in addition to the countless benefits that it can bring to our mental and physical health, the dog requires special care because the unpleasant smell it sometimes gives off is very disturbing.
This smell depends on two factors: Skin sebum and fur. When it’s wet outside, the skin sebum oxidizes, bacteria multiply, and therefore our loyal friend disperses a not-so-pleasant smell.
As toxins from the liver are known to pass through the fur, and if your dog has an unbalanced diet, it will certainly emit an unpleasant smell, and its fur will not shine. This factor also depends on the breed of the dog.
Ways to get rid of the “wet dog” smell from your home
Periodic bath
Dogs don’t sweat like humans, but they still emit a smell when their fur gets soaked. The longer the fur is not washed, the more it will smell.
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Some recommend a weekly bath, but in some dogs, it may not be a good idea. You do not need to wash the dog because it “should” be washed according to the breed and needs. Not all dogs are equally active, they tolerate heat differently and the length of their fur is different as well.
Dog hygiene
Apart from the dog’s bath, you should also consider:
- Cleaning the ears
- Oral hygiene
- Removal of dead hair
The dog’s body hygiene is just as important as the human’s. An ungroomed dog will have a low immune system and over time will eliminate unpleasant odors.
To avoid visits to the veterinarian, it is good to periodically check the dog’s ears and teeth. To remove dead hair, a brush corresponding to the dog’s fur is used.
If you see that they scratch their ears often, it is good to have a routine check. The dog’s ear canal is not straight as in humans, it has a curved side that cannot be seen with the naked eye. It is cleaned with a special solution for dogs.
Fragrances and lavender oil
To eliminate the “wet dog” smell or other smells related to animals from the house, after the pet’s hygiene, different ambient perfumes with different flavors can be used.
Be careful what type of perfume and oils you use. There are some contain substances to which animals are allergic.
Air purifiers and air fresheners
For a momentary solution, you can use air purifiers and air fresheners with various fragrance flavors.
It is good to know that this solution is temporary and if you do not look for the underlying cause, the smell will continue to appear.
Check the dog’s ears
Sometimes the smell can come right from the ear. Like humans, dogs can develop eczemas or get sick in their ears.
Purifiers or perfumes may reduce the temporary odor but may not eliminate the problem.
Check your dog’s ears and see if they need cleaning or, if one of them smells bad, take your dog to the veterinarian.
Don’t try to clean its ears yourself without medical guidance because it can have unpleasant effects on your dog’s health. Animals, most often dogs and cats, have a delicate internal canal in addition to the visible part on the outside. A doctor knows the substances to use and in what amounts to loosen the ears of dogs. If you do it yourself, the liquid from its ears may disturb it and soil your walls, when the dog shakes its head.
The dog’s bed
A great way to keep the “wet dog” smell as unnoticeable as possible is to start with his bed. Buy a bed with a removable cover, which you should wash once a week. Vacuum the place where the dog’s bed is located every two days. Don’t forget to constantly vacuum also the other places your dog frequents.
Clean the dog’s leash
Your dog’s collar may be the unknown source of the bad smell. If you have never washed or replaced your dog’s collar, now is your chance. Since most collars do not withstand washing in the washing machine, they can be washed by hand with special dog shampoo or using baby shampoo. Rub the collar thoroughly with shampoo, then leave it in warm water for 10-15 minutes, then rinse it and put it to dry.
Final words on how to prevent the” wet dog” smell around your house
There are several methods that will help you get rid of the unpleasant smell and here I’ve resumed them:
Ensure a balanced diet.
Avoid frequent washing, once a month is more than enough.
Do not use the shampoo or soap that you use on yourself, it may dry his skin.
Opt for organic substances based on vegetable proteins that will leave the fur clean and shiny.
Brush your dog weekly to remove dead hair.
