Rainy Season Dog Care: Coat, Paws, and That Wet Dog Smell

Quick answer: Pacific Northwest rain is hard on dogs' coats, skin, ears, and paws. The basics: towel and dry your dog thoroughly after wet walks, keep the hair between paw pads trimmed, check ears after outings, brush more often so damp coats do not mat, and stick to a regular grooming schedule through fall and winter. A lingering wet dog smell usually means moisture is staying trapped near the skin.

On Bainbridge Island, rainy season is less a season and more a lifestyle. Your dog still needs walks, beach runs, and trail time, which means a lot of soggy fur coming back through the door from October through spring. A few simple habits keep your pup comfortable, healthy, and a lot better smelling until the sun returns.

Why wet weather is tough on dogs

• Trapped moisture. Thick, curly, and double coats hold water close to the skin, which can lead to irritation, hot spots, and yeast.

• Faster matting. Damp hair tangles easily, and curly or wavy coats tighten into mats as they dry.

• Mud and grime. Wet trails and roadsides leave dirt and debris on legs, bellies, and between toes.

• Less brushing. Shorter, darker days mean grooming at home often slips.

What causes wet dog smell?

That famous wet dog smell comes from the natural oils and microorganisms that live on your dog's skin and coat. When the coat gets wet, odor compounds are released into the air as the water evaporates. A little smell after a rainy walk is normal. Smell that lingers once your dog is dry usually means moisture or buildup is staying trapped near the skin.

To reduce it:

• Dry your dog all the way to the skin after walks, not just the top layer

• Bathe on a regular schedule with a dog-specific shampoo

• Wash dog beds, blankets, and car seat covers often

• Check ears and skin folds, which trap moisture

If a strong odor persists even when your dog is clean and dry, see your veterinarian. Ear infections, skin infections, and dental problems can all cause smells that bathing will not fix.

Set up a rainy-day drying station

Make drying easy and it will actually happen every time. By the door, keep:

• Two or three absorbent microfiber towels, or a dog drying robe

• A washable, absorbent mat to catch drips

• A soft cloth for wiping paws and legs

• Treats, so drying becomes a reward instead of a wrestling match

Towel firmly, then pay special attention to the belly, armpits, legs, ears, and between the toes. For long, curly, or double coats, a blow dryer on a cool or low setting gets moisture out of the undercoat that towels cannot reach. Never use a hot setting close to the skin.

Paw care in the rain

• Trim the fur between pads. Long paw fur collects mud, stays wet, and can reduce traction on slick floors. A trim keeps paws cleaner and drier. Our Pawdicure add-on includes nail trimming, filing, and paw pad moisturizing.

• Dry between the toes. Damp skin between the toes is a common spot for irritation and yeast.

• Check for debris and cuts. Small stones, thorns, and shell fragments from beach walks can hide in wet fur.

• Keep nails trimmed. Soft, muddy ground does not wear nails down the way dry pavement does, so nails can grow long faster in winter. See our guide to dog nail trimming.

• Consider booties or balm for dogs with sensitive or cracked pads.

Coat care for wet months

• Brush more often, not less. Damp coats tangle quickly. Brush once your dog is fully dry, focusing on friction areas like the armpits, collar, and harness line.

• Choose a practical cut for curly coats. A slightly shorter style for doodles, Poodles, and other curly breeds makes drying faster and matting less likely. Our doodle grooming guide covers low-maintenance cuts.

• Do not shave double-coated dogs. A double coat helps insulate and repel water. Shaving can affect how it grows back. Read why you should not shave a double-coated dog. A deshedding service is a better way to manage the undercoat.

• Try a raincoat. A well-fitted dog raincoat keeps the back and chest drier, which means less drying time and less smell.

Keep an eye on ears

Floppy-eared dogs, including many doodles, spaniels, and retrievers, are prone to ear trouble in wet weather because moisture gets trapped inside. After walks and baths, gently dry the outer ear with a soft cloth. Watch for head shaking, scratching, redness, discharge, or odor, and see your veterinarian if you notice them.

Rainy season health reminders

• Standing water: Puddles and slow water can carry bacteria and parasites, including leptospirosis and giardia. Offer fresh water on walks, discourage puddle drinking, and ask your veterinarian about leptospirosis vaccination.

• Slug and snail bait: Wet weather brings out slugs and the baits used to control them, some of which are toxic to dogs. Keep an eye on what your dog sniffs and eats in gardens and along paths.

• Visibility: Dark, rainy evenings make reflective gear or a light-up collar a smart addition.

Your fall and winter grooming schedule

Rainy season is not the time to stretch out appointments. Regular professional grooming keeps coats manageable, nails short, and skin healthy when conditions are working against you. Many owners alternate full grooms with a Bath & Tidy in between to stay ahead of the mud. Not sure which your dog needs? Read bath and brush vs. full groom, or find your dog's ideal rhythm in how often to take your dog to the groomer.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get rid of wet dog smell?

Dry your dog thoroughly to the skin after every wet outing, bathe regularly with dog shampoo, and wash bedding often. If the smell lingers when your dog is clean and dry, check with your veterinarian for ear, skin, or dental issues.

Should I blow dry my dog after a rainy walk?

For long, curly, or double-coated dogs, a blow dryer on a cool or low setting helps remove moisture that towels miss. Short-coated dogs are usually fine with a good towel dry.

How often should I bathe my dog in winter?

Many dogs do well with a bath every four to eight weeks, plus quick rinses of muddy legs and paws as needed. Over-bathing can dry out the skin, so use a gentle dog shampoo.

Should I shave my dog for winter?

Not if your dog has a double coat, since it helps with insulation and water resistance. For curly-coated breeds, a moderately shorter cut can make winter maintenance easier without leaving them chilly.

Are dog raincoats worth it?

For many Pacific Northwest dogs, yes. A good raincoat keeps the back and chest drier, which shortens drying time and helps prevent matting and smell.

Beat the rainy season blues

GRŪM is a boutique dog grooming salon and spa on Bainbridge Island, open Tuesday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Book your dog's next groom and send them home clean, dry, and fluffy, at least until the next walk.