Why Your Dog Smells Even After a Bath And What to Do About It

You’ve just given your dog a bath. They’re clean, towel-dried, maybe even looking smug about the whole process. And yet… they still stink. What gives?

If your pup still smells funky after a wash, you're not alone. It’s one of the most common complaints from Gold Coast dog owners, especially in our hot, humid, beach-loving climate. Here’s why that lingering odour might be hanging around and what you can do to fix it.

Common Reasons Dogs Still Smell After a Bath

1. You’re Not Getting to the Source

Sometimes, the issue isn’t the coat at all. Odours can come from:

• Ears (especially in floppy-eared breeds)
• Teeth and gums
• Skin folds or underarms
• Paws and between the toes
• Anal glands (yep, that fishy smell)
  • If these areas aren’t cleaned properly, the stink will persist no matter how nice your shampoo smells.

2. Not Drying Properly

Damp dog smells bad. But a dog that’s not dried properly after a bath? Even worse. Moisture trapped close to the skin can create a warm, bacteria-friendly environment that leads to mildew smells or even skin infections.

3. Yeast or Bacterial Infections

If your dog smells musty, sour, or "off," it might be more than just dirt. Yeast infections give off a pungent, bread-like smell. Bacterial infections can smell metallic or sickly sweet. In both cases, a vet check is essential.

4. Diet and Digestion

Yep, what goes in can affect what comes out—through the skin. Poor diets can lead to skin issues, excessive oil production, or bad breath. It’s worth reviewing what your dog is eating if the stink seems chronic.

5. The Wrong Shampoo

Some shampoos mask odour without addressing the root cause. Others strip natural oils, which can make your dog’s skin overcompensate—leading to oiliness and more smell.

At Pets Juicy, we only use vegan, gentle, skin-nourishing products designed to cleanse thoroughly without irritation. No heavy perfumes, no fake cover-ups—just effective cleaning.

Common Culprits on the Gold Coast

The Gold Coast climate and lifestyle are heaven for dogs—and a challenge for staying fresh.

Salt, Sand, and Sea

Beach-loving pups often have residue in their coats from salt and sand. If not rinsed properly, it can cause lingering smells and dry, irritated skin.

Humidity

Moisture in the air means dogs stay damp longer after swimming or even after a bath. That creates the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and odour.

Skin Allergies

We see a lot of dogs with grass allergies, food sensitivities, or seasonal skin reactions. These often lead to inflammation, itching, and a musty, yeasty smell.

How We Fix That Smell at Pets Juicy

When you bring your dog to us, we go beyond a basic bath. Our full-service grooming and dog wash sessions target the real sources of odour:

1. Targeted Cleaning

We gently clean inside ears, between toes, around folds, and near the tail—where many smells hide.

2. Vegan Formulas for Healthy Skin

Our plant-based products cleanse thoroughly while calming the skin. No irritation. No synthetic fragrances. Just fresh, clean fur that lasts.

3. Full Drying

We dry thoroughly using low-stress blow dryers to prevent moisture from hiding in thick coats or under dense fur. This keeps that post-bath mildew smell away.

4. Deodorising Mists (Optional)

• We offer finishing sprays made from botanical blends that neutralise odours naturally—no cover-ups, just lasting freshness.

5. Trained Eyes on Skin & Coat

Our groomers know what’s normal and what’s not. If we notice signs of infection, inflammation, or excessive oiliness, we’ll flag it for you before it gets worse.

DIY Tips to Keep Your Dog Smelling Fresh Between Grooms

• Dry thoroughly after baths or swims
• Brush regularly to remove trapped dirt and debris
• Use a damp cloth to wipe paws and underarms after walks
• Clean ears once a week (ask us how if you’re unsure)
• Visit us for regular deshed and hygiene trims

Some Breeds Just Need More Help

Gold Coast favourites like Cavoodles, Labradors, Staffies, and Spaniels are all prone to odour in different ways:

• Labradors love water and mud, but their oily coat holds smells
• Spaniels have long ears that trap moisture
• Staffies have sensitive skin that can get stinky with allergies
• Cavoodles can develop yeasty smells in their curls if not brushed and dried properly

We know these breeds well—and how to keep them fresh.

Ready to Say Goodbye to That Smelly Pup?

Don’t let stink steal your cuddles. Book a freshen-up or full dog groom at Pets Juicy, and we’ll sort it out with love, care, and a whole lot of know-how.

Your dog deserves to feel as good as they smell and you deserve a stink-free sofa.