If your dog smells “doggy” again a few days after a bath, the usual culprit is a coat that never fully dried, or one that keeps getting damp. Gold Coast humidity slows drying right down, and a coat that stays damp close to the skin is where that stale smell starts. Getting your dog properly dry, keeping the coat brushed out and booking regular baths fixes most summer smells. A smell that comes back fast, or comes from the ears, mouth or skin, is one for your vet.
I’m Emily Myatt, owner and International Master Groomer at Animal Magic in Broadbeach Waters. Every year, once the humidity arrives, I hear the same thing at drop-off: “We only bathed them last weekend and they already smell.” Here’s what is usually going on, and what helps.
Why do dogs smell more in humid weather?
Your dog’s skin and coat naturally carry bacteria and other microorganisms. When the coat gets wet, those microbes give off the familiar “wet dog” smell. That’s normal, and on a dry day it fades as the coat dries.
The trouble with a Gold Coast summer is that coats don’t dry quickly. Muggy air, afternoon storms, wet grass, sprinklers, pools and beach swims mean many dogs are damp for a good part of the day. Thick, double and curly coats are the slowest to dry, because the undercoat holds moisture right against the skin where you can’t see it. The top of the coat feels dry, the bottom layer stays damp, and the smell builds.
The most common cause: a coat that never fully dries
After a home bath, most dogs get a quick towel rub and a shake, then head off to lie on their bed or the couch. The outer coat dries; the undercoat often doesn’t. A day or two later, the “doggy” smell is back, and it has moved into the bedding too, so every nap tops it up again.
That’s why I always say the drying matters as much as the washing. A clean coat that stays damp can smell worse than a coat that wasn’t washed at all.
Five things that help at home
- Dry right down to the skin. Squeeze the water out with your hands, then press a towel into the coat rather than rubbing in circles (rubbing a wet coat is how knots start). If you use a hair dryer, keep it on a cool or low setting, keep it moving and hold it well away from the skin. Part the coat with your fingers to check the layer underneath is dry too.
- Brush often. Loose undercoat and small knots trap moisture and smell. A good brush-out a few times a week lets air reach the skin. Our guide to preventing matting between salon visits shows you how.
- Wash the bedding, collar and harness. Smell hides in fabric. If the bed, a padded harness or a well-loved toy smells, your freshly bathed dog will soon smell the same.
- Use a dog shampoo, and don’t overdo it. RSPCA Australia recommends a dog shampoo that suits your dog’s skin and coat type, and notes that how often to bathe depends on the individual dog. Washing too often can dry the skin out. Our post on keeping your dog’s fur from drying out has more on this.
- Dry ears and paws after every swim or wet walk. Gently wipe the outer ear flap and the skin between the toes with a soft, dry cloth. Floppy ears and hairy feet trap moisture, and humid weather keeps it there. Never poke anything down into the ear canal.
When the smell isn’t the coat: see your vet
I’m a groomer, not a vet, and some smells don’t come from a damp coat at all. Vet advice from Australian pet-care sources points to a few common sources of odour that need a vet to look at them:
- Ears: a strong or yeasty smell, head shaking, scratching at the ears or redness.
- Mouth: bad breath that doesn’t go away.
- Skin and feet: greasy, red or itchy skin, a musty smell, or constant licking or chewing at the paws.
- Rear end: a strong fishy smell or scooting along the floor.
If the smell comes back within a day or two even when your dog is clean and fully dry, book in with your vet to find out why. We’ll happily keep your dog’s coat in good shape once they’ve been checked.
How a salon bath helps in summer
Our Bath and Blow Dry includes a wash, a blow-dry, nails and ears, so your dog goes home clean and dry, with the coat brushed through. For dogs that also need a tidy of the face, feet and hygiene areas, our Tidy Groom adds a brush out and those trims.
Bath and Blow Dry starts from $60 for a small dog and Tidy Groom from $85. The final price depends on your dog’s size and coat condition on the day. Regular bookings every 2 to 4 weeks may also qualify for a discount, so ask us when you book. And because grooming is unregulated in Australia, it’s worth knowing that every stylist at Animal Magic is qualified.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I bathe my dog in summer?
It depends on your dog’s coat, skin and lifestyle. A dog that swims every day needs more rinsing than a couch-loving lapdog. Ask us at pick-up and we’ll suggest a routine for your dog’s coat, or ask your vet if your dog has any skin issues.
Can I just use a deodorising spray between baths?
A spray made for dogs can freshen things up, but it only covers the smell. If the coat underneath is damp or dirty, the smell comes back. Dry and brush first, and stop using any product that seems to irritate the skin.
Is “wet dog smell” normal?
Yes. A mild smell when your dog is wet is normal and should fade once they’re fully dry. If your dog still smells when they’re clean and dry, check the drying routine and the bedding first, then see your vet.
Book a summer refresh
If your dog is smelling “doggy” sooner than you’d like this summer, we’d love to help. Book a Bath and Blow Dry or Tidy Groom at our Broadbeach Waters salon through our online booking page, or see all our dog grooming services. We’re open Monday to Friday, 7:00am to 6:00pm.