The Real Reason Your Dog Smells Even After a Bath

You’ve just bathed your dog, they look clean, their coat feels soft… but somehow, the smell comes back faster than expected. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many pet parents are surprised to learn that lingering odour is rarely about “not bathing enough.”

Here are the real reasons your dog may still smell even after a bath.

It’s Coming From the Skin, Not the Fur

A dog’s coat can look clean while the skin underneath tells a different story. Oil buildup, dead skin cells, and environmental dirt can cling close to the skin, especially in Dubai’s dusty climate. If the bath doesn’t properly cleanse the skin layer, smells can return quickly.

Moisture Gets Trapped

If a dog isn’t fully dried after a bath, trapped moisture can cause a musty smell. This is common in areas like under the ears, between folds, under the legs, and around the paws. Proper drying is just as important as the wash itself.

Ears Are Often the Culprit

Many dog smells actually come from the ears. Wax buildup, trapped moisture, or mild irritation can create an odour that spreads, even if the rest of the coat is clean. Regular ear checks and gentle cleaning make a big difference.

Diet and Skin Health Matter

What your dog eats affects how their skin behaves. Food sensitivities, poor-quality diets, or dehydration can cause excess oil production or skin imbalance, leading to recurring smells that baths alone won’t fix.

The Wrong Products Can Make It Worse

Using shampoos that are too harsh or heavily scented can strip the skin’s natural balance. This may cause the skin to overproduce oils, leading to stronger smells over time. Gentle, natural products help maintain healthy skin rather than masking odour.

Irregular Grooming Schedules

Waiting too long between grooms allows buildup to form gradually. Regular grooming helps manage oil levels, removes dead skin, and keeps your dog feeling fresher for longer.

Grooming Is About Comfort, Not Just Cleanliness

A proper grooming session focuses on skin health, ears, paws, and drying — not just making your dog smell nice for a day. When done correctly, grooming supports long-term comfort and freshness.

If your dog seems to smell again shortly after a bath, it’s usually a sign they need a more thorough, skin-focused groom rather than more frequent washing. Book an appointment with us for professional grooming and say goodbye to those mystery smells!

Lots of love,

Bath and Bubbles x