‘Wet Dog’ smell isn’t just annoying, it’s a warning sign.

With rain forecast for the coming weeks, pet owners across the UK are bracing themselves for the return of a familiar nuisance: the classic ‘wet dog’ smell. Most dog owners know it all too well—the damp, musty odour that clings to fur after a rainy walk, a splash in the pond, or even just a roll in the morning dew. While it’s easy to dismiss the smell as a harmless side effect of the weather, what if that lingering pong is actually a sign of something more serious?

To shed light on what your dog’s smell might be a warning sign of, Dog Nutritionist, Bianca Major:

“We’ve all experienced that unmistakable ‘wet dog’ smell that appears after a downpour,” says Bianca. “While a bit of that smell here and there is totally normal, a strong, persistent or increasingly pungent odour can be more than just unpleasant; it can actually be your dog’s way of communicating that something isn’t quite right with their health.”

According to Bianca, one of the most common but overlooked causes of a ‘wet dog’ smell is an imbalanced skin microbiome or even a yeast overgrowth. “Just like in humans, a dog’s skin is home to a complex ecosystem of bacteria and yeast that play an essential role in maintaining healthy skin and fur. When that balance is thrown off, whether by external factors like harsh grooming products or internal factors like poor diet, odour can often be the first warning sign.”

This imbalance may be caused by a range of seemingly minor issues. “Over bathing, especially with shampoos that are too strong or not designed for dogs, can strip the skin of its natural oils,” Bianca explains. “Using household cleaning products with strong chemicals that your dog comes into contact with, or feeding a diet that lacks fresh, nourishing ingredients, can all contribute to this imbalance. When the microbiome is out of sync, your dog’s skin may become a breeding ground for excess yeast or bacteria.”

But the good news is that this is something that can be addressed with a few simple changes. “One of the best things owners can do is reduce their dog’s exposure to unnecessary chemicals. That means opting for natural, dog-friendly grooming products and being mindful of the cleaning products used around the home,” says Bianca.

She also highlights the importance of nutrition. “Diet plays a massive role in your dog’s overall well-being, including the health of their skin. Feeding fresh, whole foods with high-quality protein, healthy fats, and ingredients that support gut health can make a real difference. When your dog’s digestion is functioning well, it often shows up in their skin, coat and yes, even their smell.

“By paying closer attention to your dog’s scent and making a few thoughtful adjustments, you can help support their skin health and overall comfort so they not only smell better, but feel better too.”

Bianca Major, Dog Nutritionist at Different Dog. Bianca  is a certified specialist with titles of BSc (hons), PGDip Nutrition & Canine Nutrition, MSFTR, CPN.