Why Do Dogs Smell Bad but Cats Don't ?

As pet owners we give dogs multiple baths and bathe cats rarely but still your dogs come out smelly compared to cats at the end of the day. This could be infuriating for everyone and also make them question their parenting style. But before you do that, know that it is not just hygiene but there are other biological reasons behind your dog smelling bad and your cats not.

Dogs and cats both are two very different animals with distinct biological systems. Cats have different skin and glands that produce oil which impacts their body odour.

• Cats have fewer odour producing glands like Apocrine and Sebaceous glands compared to dogs.
• Cats also have a unique self grooming habit as they can be seen licking their fur more than half of the day. Their tongue acts like a comb for them and their saliva helps in breaking down the scent molecules keeping their fur fresh.
• Dogs on the other hand have oilier skin which traps dirt easily. They have more production of sebum oil in their body which when mixed with dirt, gives off a bad smell.

As dogs are known to be active creatures who like running around most of the time. They end up carrying dirt on their fur which makes them smell. And because they do not come with the gift of self grooming, their body ends up smelling bad if not given baths for long.

Dogs have different body oils and glands which do affect their odour but there are other factors too. A dogs behaviour is also a reason behind them smelling bad. Dogs are always seen rolling around in mud or enjoying outdoor adventures like fetch with their owners. And a lot of times they also have fights with other dogs. These behavioural factors end up making dirt and dust cling on their fur coat.

Changing weather and climate could also become a reason behind your dog stinking. High humid temperatures mean water mixing with the dirt and oils on the dog’s fur. After bathing, if dogs go outside, they end up attracting pollutants, pollens. In warmer climates dogs shed more and because of that the loose fur traps oils and debris which contribute to the bad smell.

Cats can be seen sun bathing in warm dry places which helps evaporate the moisture from their fur, preventing bacteria from growing. And unlike dogs, cats do not roll around in dirt or grass which means fewer pollutants cling to their coat. Cats have the instinct to avoid any dirty areas as they prefer clean bedding, litter boxes which reduces odour transfer.

Cats have clean habits that make them choose clean places to rest and they also clean themselves after eating by licking. A little bit of regular grooming by the owner helps keep their fur healthy and shiny.

• Grooming should become a part of their daily routine. If the owner is busy and cannot bathe their dog every week, then make sure to bathe them once every 3 to 4 weeks.
• Brushing your dog daily or on a weekly basis in certain dog breeds is important so as to remove all loose fur and dirt from their coat. For example, Pomeranians have double coats and they shed a lot which is why they require regular brushing.
• Keeping the dog’s ear and teeth clean is just as important as their fur because most of the germs and bacteria enter their body through these areas. Cleaning a dog’s ear every 3 to 4 weeks becomes necessary due to the wax buildup which makes the odour bad.
• And always remember to consult your vet to rule out any kind of infections or dental concerns.

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1. Can one use baby wipes to clean their dogs?
   It is best to not use baby wipes for cleaning dogs as they contain artificial chemicals and fragrances which can irritate their skin.
2. Do pets need to be air dried right after the bath?
   Pets need to be towel dried the minute they come out the shower otherwise they start smelling.
3. Is cats' saliva anti- bacterial ?
   Cats saliva has anti-bacterial properties like enzymes and proteins that help in breaking down any dirt.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)