Sooner or later, every pooch owner experiences it: the dreaded wet dog smell. While it’s a natural part of being a doggy parent, it’s not exactly the most exciting aspect of owning a four-legged BFF. Check out the following tips and your precious pup will be smelling fresh in no time!
Plan to Use Plenty of Towels
Think one towel will be enough at bath time? Think again. Your dog’s coat may be highly resistant to drying out, which means you’ll have to do your best to sop up all the moisture you can. Start at your pup’s head and work your way to the torso, legs, paws and tail.
Be sure not to rub too hard, but definitely put allowable amounts of pressure on the fur. Your goal should be to hand-dry using as many towels as you need, so be sure you have some on hand.
The type of towel you use will impact its effectiveness for drying your dog. Consider investing in a microfiber dog towel for maximum moisture absorption. Microfiber towels are lightweight, fast drying, and trap less dog fur than traditional terry cloth towels, which makes them perfect for pet owners.
Use a Blow Dryer on Low Heat
Yes, you can use a hand blow dryer on your pet, but you have to be very careful. Hold it well enough away so you don’t burn the skin, and always keep everything on low. Be sure to judge how your dog feels about the process, of course. Many are scared of blow dryers.
If this is the case, you might want to head to a DIY dog grooming and washing location. The dryers there are meant for pooches and could seem less threatening and more pampering.
Add a Scent Neutralizer to Your Pet’s Coat
No, this doesn’t make your pet dry faster, but it can help neutralize bad odors coming from a drying doggy. Never use sprays intended for anything but dogs, of course! These can be found online, through your veterinarian or at a trusted pet shop.
Be sure to read the reviews before trying this method, and be alert for any allergic reactions on your dog’s part to any new topical products.
Make Sure Your Dog Baths Are Thorough
Do you rush through dog bathing because you and your pet dislike the process? You’re probably leaving behind tons of debris and bacteria. In fact, the wet dog smell that frustrates you might just be the result of poor grooming.
Next time you wash your dog, comprehensively bathe all the areas that are most likely to get stinky, including the hindquarters and between the toes on the paws. That way, when he’s drying out, you shouldn’t notice the same level of foul odors.
Dry Your Dog Every Time They Get Wet
It’s inevitable that your dog will get wet between baths. A walk in the rain, a run through a sprinkler, or a roll in wet grass can all lead to the dreaded wet dog smell, which is why you must be vigilant about drying your pet after each of these encounters. Damp paws can lead to fungus between your dog’s paw pads, and wet fur can lead to skin irritation. This is why it’s necessary to dry your pet every time they get wet, not just after bath time. Keeping your pet dry will help to keep them health and happy, and will help you avoid the wet dog smell!
Trying to keep the wet dog smell out of your household might seem like a faraway dream, but it’s closer than you think! Just take these hints to heart and you’ll have a better bathing result with your pup.
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