What should I do if my dog has a bad smell after swimming?
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Overview
If your dog smells bad after swimming, the most common reason is moisture sitting in the coat, skin folds, ears or under the collar, especially if the water was muddy, salty or stagnant. A stronger smell can also happen if swimming has brought an existing skin or ear issue to your attention.
In many cases, a proper rinse and thorough drying are enough to improve it. If the smell keeps coming back, or you notice sore skin, ear changes or discharge, it’s worth getting it checked.
Things To Check
1. Check whether the smell starts as soon as your dog gets wet, or only after they’ve dried off for a while.
2. Look closely around the ears, armpits, belly, groin and between the toes for dampness, redness or irritation.
3. Smell the coat near the head and neck, especially under the collar or harness, where moisture can linger.
4. Check for any discharge from the ears, stuck debris in the coat, or a greasy feeling to the fur.
5. Notice whether the smell is fishy, musty, sour or like dirty water, as the type of smell can sometimes give you a clue about where it’s coming from.
6. See if your dog is scratching, shaking their head, licking their paws or rubbing against furniture after swimming.
7. Think about the water source. Muddy ponds, canals, lakes and stagnant water are more likely to leave a lingering smell than clean, fresh water.
Common Causes
The most common cause is trapped moisture in the coat or skin, which can quickly create a damp, musty smell if your dog isn’t dried well.
Dirty water, algae, mud or organic material in the water can also cling to the coat and cause a stronger odour even after your dog looks dry.
Ear canals can hold moisture too, and some dogs are more prone to smelly ears after swimming, especially if water gets trapped inside.
Sometimes swimming simply makes an existing skin condition more noticeable. Mild skin irritation, yeast overgrowth or a dirty, greasy coat can all smell worse when wet.
Less commonly, a persistent smell can come from an underlying ear or skin problem that needs veterinary treatment.
What To Do
Rinse your dog with clean lukewarm water after swimming, especially if they’ve been in muddy, salty or stagnant water.
Dry them thoroughly with a towel, paying attention to the ears, paws, belly, groin and any skin folds. If your dog tolerates it, a cool or low-heat dryer can help, but keep it moving and don’t overdo it.
Brush through the coat if needed, because a damp undercoat can hold on to smell and moisture longer than the top layer of fur.
Take off wet collars, harnesses and coats as soon as you can and let them dry separately.
If the smell keeps returning, keep a note of when it happens and whether it follows a certain type of water, a specific swim spot or a particular grooming routine. That can make patterns easier to spot.
If your dog swims often, a regular wash and dry routine may help keep their coat fresher and make it easier to notice if something changes.
Products That May Help
For dogs that swim regularly, the right grooming routine can help with coat hygiene and make post-swim drying a bit easier to manage.
Related Questions
Why does my dog smell fishy after swimming?
Should I wash my dog after every swim?
Why does my dog smell worse when wet?
Atlas is here to support owners with practical, easy-to-understand guidance. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you're concerned about your animal's health, symptoms worsen, or something doesn't feel right, contact your vet.