What is that smell?!?

Sometimes, Nola just can’t resist the call of the wild. I can’t blame her—I'm drawn to it too!

Last year, while hiking to Clegg Lake in the high Uintas, I noticed a terrible smell following us on the trail. It was awful. A local hunter had once told me that black bears have a strong odor, but I hadn't been close enough to verify it. Nola, however, seemed unaffected, so I continued on.

A short while later, I stopped to check the bottoms of my boots and my pack, thinking I had picked up something. Nola quickly joined me to investigate, and that’s when I realized: the stench was coming from her! Rotten fish was stuck all over her prong collar, her bandana, and her fur. Nola had been rolling in dead lake trout, and she seemed to think it smelled great.

Luckily, we were still near the lake, so I was able to rinse off her collar and clean my hands. Once we got back to the car, Nola hopped in the back and fell asleep. I climbed in, trying not to gag from the smell. It was an hour and a half drive from Bald Mountain to Salt Lake City with all the windows down and the air on high.

When we got home, we were both windblown and still smelly. Thankfully, Nola doesn’t mind baths; in fact, I think she enjoys the warm water and the rubdown. Bathing her is a process, though—at 140 lbs, her shakes are both messy and adorable. This also means I end up needing a bath myself!

It took a few days to completely get rid of the odor. I had to bathe Nola again, and her poor bandana was beyond saving. Fortunately, I have a stash of bath supplies and a backup bandana. Here are a few tips for bathing your dog at home:

1. Check the Water Temperature: Unlike my personal preference for scalding showers, pets need water that's comfortably warm but not hot. Hot water can burn their sensitive skin, while cold water can lower their body temperature, especially in smaller dogs.

2. Use Pet-Safe Shampoo and Conditioner: Choose products specifically designed for pets. I like Earthbath Oatmeal and Aloe Shampoo and Conditioner—they smell great, make Nola’s coat soft, and are available locally and on Amazon.

   For more specialized care, I recommend Duoxo S3 products. Their Calm line is great for itchy skin, while the PYO line addresses fungal issues. They also offer a foam shampoo for use between baths. Remember to follow the instructions: some shampoos need to sit on the skin before rinsing for the best results.

3. Drying Off: To manage Nola’s big shake, I use plenty of towels, especially microfiber ones that absorb water well. I line the floor with towels and set some aside for wiping her down. For those who have dogs that tolerate blow dryers, use it on the lowest heat setting and keep it moving to avoid burns.

If you’re interested in any of the products I mentioned, I’ve linked them below. You can also check out our Pinterest page for more grooming links and other fun finds.

Until next time, happy adventuring!

Love,

Nola and Meg

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