Eau de Wet Dog

Your dog's happiness is inversely proportional to your nostril's happiness.

Wet dog smell is underrated to say the least.  Upon first sniff it can be confused with something revolting, but further consideration should be put into this blatant scent stereotyping. A wet dog smell is a small price to pay for the confusingly happy look on your mutt's face while he festers away on your new and overpriced couch that you swore Fido wouldn't be allowed on.

Let’s dig a little deeper into the science of wet pup whiffs. Dr David Williams from the Veterinary School at the University of Cambridge explained to The Naked Scientists what exactly is going on to cause that post-puddle-jump aroma we all know and [don’t] love.

Wet dog smell molecules are called volatile organic acids, and they are small and easily evaporated. They are produced by the bacteria on the dog's skin that comes from fats that are breaking down the dog's sweat. Your furry friend’s skin harbors a host of bacteria, and some yeast compounds, which can be especially stink-enhancing. The smell grows when the dog is wet because the amount of substance that is evaporated into the air we breathe is related to the concentration on the dog’s skin and the air surrounding the skin. When the dog is wet, evaporation rate increases, and more particles infiltrate our unassuming nostrils!

↑ happy dog = ↑ wet dog = ↑ evaporation = ↓ nostril happiness

Embrace the smell! 

 (Check out a fabulous April Fools joke that likely had the diehard dog people fuming.... Eau de Mutt) 

To read more about this...

The Naked Scientist - Wet Dog Smell

Until next time creature lovers!