How to Get Rid of Dog Smell During Monsoon: 7 Effective Tips for Every Pet Parent
There’s something magical about monsoon season — the smell of rain-soaked earth, piping hot chai, and cozy evenings. But if you’re a dog parent, the romance of the rains can quickly turn into a nose-wrinkling affair. Enter: the wet dog smell — an all-too-familiar monsoon menace.
Humidity, damp fur, and infrequent sun-drying can make even the cleanest dog smell like an old towel. If you’re wondering how to keep your dog (and your home) smelling fresh during the rainy season, this guide is just for you.
Here are 7 practical, vet-approved, and dog-friendly tips to get rid of that musty dog smell during monsoon.
1. 🛁 Bathe, But Not Too Much
It’s tempting to bathe your dog every time they come back wet from a walk, but overbathing can do more harm than good. It strips the coat of natural oils, causing dry skin — which can actually make your dog smell worse over time.
✅ What to do:
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Bathe once every 2–3 weeks during monsoon (unless they get visibly muddy or dirty).
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Use a mild, pH-balanced dog shampoo with natural deodorizing or antibacterial ingredients like neem, oatmeal, or aloe vera.
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Always dry them thoroughly after a bath — towel dry followed by a blow-dryer on a low-heat setting. Leaving the fur damp is a guaranteed recipe for that wet dog smell.
🛑 Avoid:
2. 🧴 Use Dry Shampoo or Pet Wipes Between Baths
Sometimes, a full bath isn’t necessary. For quick post-walk cleanups or when your dog just smells a bit “off,” dry shampoos or pet wipes are your best friend.
✅ Try this:
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Use alcohol-free, hypoallergenic pet wipes — ideal for wiping paws, face, and underbelly.
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For a DIY dry shampoo, mix equal parts cornstarch and baking soda. Lightly dust over your dog’s coat, let it sit for a few minutes, then brush it out. It helps absorb oil and neutralize odors naturally.
Bonus tip: A sprinkle of vet-approved dog cologne or deodorizing spray can give your pup that fresh-from-the-groomer feel.
3. 🌬️ Keep Their Fur Dry and Well-Brushed
Even with a raincoat, your dog’s legs, belly, and face are likely to get wet during walks. Trapped moisture = bacteria = smell. The solution? Make brushing and drying a daily ritual.
✅ What to do:
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Dry your dog after every walk using a microfiber towel. Focus on the paws, underbelly, and ears.
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Brush your dog daily. This removes loose hair, dirt, and moisture — and also keeps the coat healthy and less smelly.
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For long-haired breeds, consider a monsoon grooming trim to keep things more manageable.
4. 🛏️ Wash Their Bedding (and Soft Toys!)
Your dog may be clean, but if their bedding smells, the odor will cling to their fur again. Beds, blankets, and soft toys often trap dampness — and become breeding grounds for odor-causing bacteria.
✅ How to fix it:
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Wash their bedding once a week during monsoon.
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Use a mild detergent with a splash of white vinegar (a natural deodorizer).
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Dry thoroughly — preferably in the sun, but if that’s not possible, use a dryer or indoor drying rack.
Don’t forget to wash fabric collars and harnesses too!
5. 🧼 Clean Their Ears and Paws
Your dog’s ears and paws are moisture magnets during monsoon, and if not cleaned regularly, they can harbor yeast or bacterial infections — which smell worse than you think.
✅ Here’s what to do:
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Wipe your dog’s paws after every walk, especially between the toes.
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Use paw balms to prevent cracks that can trap dirt and bacteria.
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Clean ears once a week using a vet-approved ear cleaning solution. Never use earbuds or go too deep.
If you notice a strong, sour, or fishy smell — it could be a sign of infection. Talk to your vet immediately.
6. 🍋 Use Natural Deodorizers at Home
Sometimes the smell isn’t just on your dog — it lingers in your home too. If your house has started smelling like a kennel, it’s time for some natural, pet-safe deodorizers.
✅ Try these simple tricks:
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Lemon peels or cloves simmered in water work as a great natural air freshener.
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Place bowls of baking soda or activated charcoal in corners of the room — they absorb odor without adding artificial fragrances.
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Use essential oil diffusers with pet-safe oils like lavender or chamomile. (Avoid tea tree, eucalyptus, and peppermint unless diluted and vet-approved.)
Remember, dogs have sensitive noses — always opt for mild and natural scents over strong synthetic ones.
7. 💨 Control Indoor Humidity
Damp homes lead to damp dogs. And during monsoon, indoor spaces can get stuffy and humid — making it hard for moisture to evaporate from your dog’s coat.
✅ Here’s how to stay dry indoors:
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Use a dehumidifier, especially in rooms where your dog spends the most time.
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If that’s not an option, keep windows slightly open during dry hours for ventilation.
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Avoid heavy carpeting or rugs during the season — they trap odor fast.
Also, mop floors with a mild disinfectant (pet-safe) to keep the surroundings clean and fresh.
Bonus Tip: Invest in a Good Dog Raincoat
Raincoats aren’t just cute — they’re practical. A good raincoat keeps your dog dry, clean, and less smelly.
What to look for:
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Waterproof, lightweight, and breathable fabric
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Easy to wear and remove
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Coverage for chest and belly
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Reflective strips for visibility during gloomy walks
Raincoats drastically reduce post-walk cleanup, helping you win half the battle against that musty smell.
Final Thoughts
Let’s face it — dogs will be dogs. They’ll roll in puddles, chase wet leaves, and bring half the monsoon home with them. But with a few small changes in your grooming and cleaning routine, you can keep both your pup and your home smelling fresh and fabulous throughout the rainy season.
Remember: the goal isn’t to make your dog smell like roses — it’s to keep them healthy, hygienic, and comfortable. A clean dog is a happy dog (and a happier pet parent too).
Got a dog who turns into a mud monster during walks? Or one that sulks until you towel-dry them to perfection?
We’d love to hear your monsoon adventures! Share them in the comments below or tag us on Instagram [@thelanapaws] — and don’t forget to check out our dog raincoats designed just for Indian dogs.