It's summertime and traveling with dogs in cars is likely happening more frequently; so is that smell of wet dog. The wet dog smell isn't one that most people enjoy, so rather than avoid car travel with your dog, try these ideas and techniques for preventing and treating wet dog smell.
Get to the Root of the Problem
That wet dog smell is caused by bacteria that thrives in moisture. Drying your dog with a dryer is the most effective way to get the fur dry down to the skin and reduce bacteria growth. Towel dry before getting in the car and then use a dryer as soon as you get home.
Start Smart
Brush your dog before he jumps in the water. Brushing will reduce the hair that accumulates when traveling with dogs in the car. Additionally, those few strokes will prepare your dog's skin and coat to react better to getting wet and drying quickly. PetMD advises to use a brush that works best with your breed and is gentle on your dog's skin.
Super Seat Cover
One way to easily get rid of the wet dog smell in your car is to use a giant old sheet to cover the back seat of your car. You can tie the ends to the backs of the front seats and keep all the wetness and odor contained on the sheet. When you get home, just pull out the sheet and place it in the laundry!
Must Haves for Traveling with Dogs in Car
It's a good idea to keep a small container in your car trunk for unexpected wet dog incidents. Place these items in a container with a lid: two towels, baking soda, and white vinegar. Dry your dog with one of the towels and then put a mixture of 50:50 vinegar and water on his coat and dry some more, working the vinegar (note that vinegar may be slightly irritating to some dog's skin, so testing a small patch on your dog's skin to assess for reaction before use on his entire coat/skin is important) into his skin. This will help kill bacteria and the smell of vinegar will fade in a few minutes. Drive with the windows down to dry your dog and your seats. Finally, when you get home, sprinkle some baking soda on your seats and carpets to absorb moisture and odor, and vacuum as soon as possible. OR, you can leave a small box of baking soda open in your car overnight to absorb odor.
Tasty Tips
Pamper and Prevent
By bathing your dog every ten to fourteen days you can actually help prevent natural oil buildup that can make a wet dog smell worse. If you notice your pup's skin gets irritated by bathing or from irritants outside, use an all-natural dog shampoo and consider switching to a dog food that is formulated for skin health.
When All Else Fails, Try Charcoal
Crumbled charcoal works well at absorbing odors. If you have a dark interior, let the crumbled charcoal sit in the car overnight and then vacuum up with a wet/dry vacuum in the morning. You can also put a few pieces of charcoal in an empty coffee canister, and poke a few holes in the lid to allow the moisture to make its way to the charcoal. This will help reduce the mess of having charcoal in your car.
Wet dog smell doesn't have to take over your car if you try these easy methods to prevent and treat the odor. So, get out there and have a blast with your pal!
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Large Breed Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Adult 6+ Large Breed Chicken Meal, Barley & Rice Recipe Dog Food
Supports energy level, joint health, and beautiful coat in large breed mature dogs
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Beef & Barley Entrée Dog Food
Beef & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to support mobility and muscle mass for older dogs.
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Vegetable Stew
Gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & supporting development in growing puppies
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small & Mini Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health, tailored for unique needs of Small and Mini puppies
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Adult Chicken & Barley Recipe Dog Food
Supports lean muscle and beautiful coat for adult dogs
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small & Mini Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health, tailored for unique needs of Small and Mini puppies
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Savory Stew with Chicken & Vegetables
Chicken & Vegetables recipe with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to help your puppy build immunity and strong bones
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small & Mini Beef & Barley Entrée
Beef & Barley Entrée with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Chicken & Barley Entrée Dog Food
Chicken & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to support mobility and muscle mass for older dogs
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe
Gentle on stomachs while nourishing skin & supporting development in growing puppies
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Chicken & Barley Entrée
Chicken & barley entree with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Chicken & Rice Stew
Chicken & Rice Stew with great taste and precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Chicken Meal, Barley & Rice Recipe Dog Food
Supports energy level and beautiful coat in mature dogs
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small & Mini Savory Stew with Chicken & Vegetables
A delicious complement to the nutrition of Science Diet Small & Mini dog food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Small & Mini Chicken & Barley Entrée Dog Food
Chicken & Barley recipe with precisely balanced nutrition to keep adult dogs active and healthy.
Related articles
5 Signs You Have a Spoiled Dog
Discover whether you might have a spoiled dog on your hands and learn alternative ways to show your pup that you love them.
Assessing the Proper Nutrition Your Adult Dog Needs
Different dogs at different ages and life stages have different nutritional needs. Learn about the unique nutritional and health needs of your dog.
Managing Your Male Puppy Around In-Season Females
Learn how to manage your male puppy around female dogs in season, as you will begin to notice changes in your puppy.
Helpful Ways to Keep Your Dog Safe Around the Holidays
Holidays can be a busy, frantic time of year that most dogs are accustomed to. Ensure your dog stays safe by following our quick tips.
Why Your Puppy Won't Stop Whining
Learn some common reasons why your puppy is whining, crying, and whimpering, as well as helpful ways to change his behavior through training.
Cataracts in Dogs: Symptoms, Appearance & Treatments
Learn everything you need to know about cataracts in dogs, including common symptoms of the condition, breeds most at risk, and how they can be treated.
Caring for Your Deaf Dog: Communication and Safety Tips
A deaf dog may now live a quieter life, but he's still the active, loving pup you once knew! Discover how to care for and communicate with your dog.
Caring for Your Dog: Common Myths & Realities
With all the misinformation available online about dogs, it's time you got the true canine facts. Learn about some common dog myths you may have heard.
Dog Eye Boogers, Goop & Gunk: When Should You Be Concerned?
Learn about dog eye boogers, goop, gunk & crustiness: when it's normal vs. when it could be a health concern and which breeds & sizes are most susceptible.
All About Prey Drive in Dogs
Learn what a dog's prey drive is, how it relates to dog aggression, and how this drive can impact his ability to be trained.
How to Make Your Garden Safe for Your Dog
If you have a garden, find out how you can protect your dog from potential hazards such as plants, garden tools, and water features.
Knowing the Life Stages of Your Large Dog
Determine the human year equivalent of your large or giant breed dog as their size plays a much larger role in their aging than smaller dogs.
Luxating Patella in Dogs: Diagnosis, Treatment & More
Luxating patella in dogs, or kneecap displacement, is a common orthopedic disease. Learn the different stages of this condition & how it's usually treated.
How to Manage IBD in Dogs
Learn if your dog may be experiencing symptoms of IBD, why it's different from IBS in people, and how your vet can help manage and treat this condition.
Five Tips to Help Train Your Puppy
Learn some effective ways to train your puppy, including home, group, and professional training, with these five helpful tips.
Cherry Eye in Dogs: Which Breeds Get It, Causes & Treatment Options
Learn about cherry eye in dogs, including causes, breeds that are predisposed to developing the condition, treatement options & prevention tips.
Preventing Growth Disorders in Dogs
Reduce the chances of your puppy developing a growth disorder by discovering the issues that cause this dog disease and taking steps to combat it.
A Dog's Nutritional Needs From Puppy to Senior Years
Discover the different nutrient requirements for your dog through each of his lifestages and how you can keep him happy, healthy and fit to play.
Health Hazards of Excessive Salt for Your Dog
Understand the importance of salt in your dog's diet, as well as the risks associated with excessive salt intake.
Choosing the Best Toys for Your Dog
Play is an essential part of every dog's life. Find out what types of dog toys help them exercise and strengthen their bond with you.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.