review of the best smelling dog shampoo

10 Best Smelling Dog Shampoo in 2023 for a Fresh-Smelling and Good-Looking Pupper!

Keep your dog smelling fresh and clean with the best smelling dog shampoo in the market today! An unpleasant dog smell can be tricky and tedious to get rid of, but with the right grooming products in your hand, your dog can have healthy-looking, soft, and shiny fur to boast.

dog with healthy-looking, soft, and shiny fur
Image by PublicDomainPictures on Pixabay

For you and your doggo’s service, we listed the top 10 recommended dog shampoos to get rid of bad odors. Rest assured that all products here are completely pet-friendly and are chosen based on your and your fur baby’s best interest.

Notes from our DVM, Sara Ochoa:
“It is best to give your dog a bath about once every two weeks. In between that time if your dog needs a bath using a waterless shampoo will really help with the smell and not cause their skin to get dry and flaky.”

View The Best Smelling Dog Shampoos Below

1. Rocco & Roxie Dog SOOTHE Oatmeal Shampoo

Rocco & Roxie Dog SOOTHE Oatmeal Shampoo

Product Specifications

  • Brand: Rocco & Roxie Supply Co.
  • Scent: Soothe
  • Features: Alcohol-Free, Praben-Free
  • Liquid Volume: 16 ounces

Our Review

This deliciously scented dog shampoo for itchy skin restores luster, washes away dirt, repairs hair follicles, and smoothens the coat all in one go. Choose between the varieties Calm, Shine, and Soothe. Discover how the deep-conditioning Moroccan Argon Oil penetrates every hair on your dog’s body – softening, strengthening, and making your dog’s coat shiny.

Rocco & Roxie Dog Soothe Oatmeal Shampoo smells good for a long time. It will give your pup that professional groomed look and scent that will have people think you just got back from the doggy salon. The aloe vera can help prevent irritated skin, along with the oatmeal extract, which makes this shampoo suitable for your dog’s sensitive skin.

Ingredients

Purified Water, Gentle Surfactant Blend (with Coconut-Based Cleanser), Opacifier, Glycerin, Shea Butter, Chamomile, Rosemary, Oat Extract, Aloe Vera Extract, Almond Butter, Olive Oil, Stabilizer, Mango Fragrance.

Pros:

+ With oat extract, olive oil, and shea butter
+ No alcohol, dyes, or parabens
+ Cleanses calms and soothes
+ Subtle scent that lasts for several days
+ For irritated, dry, and itchy skin

Cons:

– Some pet parents reported that the product had a negative reaction on their dog’s skin
– Poor packaging

Why We Like It – Maintain your pupper’s soft and shiny coat with Rocco & Roxie Dog Soothe Oatmeal Shampoo. It’s a pH-balanced shampoo suitable for dogs and can relieve itchy sensitive skin. This shampoo has soothing natural ingredients to soothe skin irritations, allergies, or itchiness.


2. HONEYDEW Colloidal Oatmeal Dog Shampoo with Pure Lavender Essential Oils

Colloidal Oatmeal Dog Shampoo with Pure Lavender Essential Oils

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Product Specifications

  • Brand: HONEYDEW
  • Scent: Lavender
  • Features: Paraben-Free, Sulfate-Free, Cruelty-Free
  • Liquid Volume: 8 ounces

Our Review

HONEYDEW Colloidal Oatmeal Dog Shampoo is a hypoallergenic product that soothes dry and flaky skin restoring it to its former glory, leaving your dog feeling clean while also smelling fantastic. It uses lavender essential oil as a natural odor remover and a combination of other essential oils. Jojoba oil and oatmeal nourish the coat from the roots enabling your dog’s skin and coat to stay clean and fresh for a lot longer.

Ingredients

Water, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Lauroamphoacetate, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Sodium Lauryl Glucoside Carboxylate, Lauryl Glucoside, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Acrylates Copolymer, Coco-Glucoside, Glyceryl Oleate, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Glyceryl Caprylate, Glycerin, Glycol Distearate, Laureth-4, Fragrance, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour, Sodium PCA, D-Panthenol, Hydrolyzed Corn Protein, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Lavandula Officinalis (Lavender) Flower Oil.

Pros:

+ Deeply cleansing formula
+ Natural odor control with lavender
+ Combats skin irritants
+ With jojoba and oatmeal
+ Cleanses and moisturizes dry fur

Cons:

– The essential oils may cause a reaction on some dogs
– May not be recommended to be used with topical flea treatments

Why We Like It – Pet owners particularly love this product as it leaves their dogs smelling fresh and soften skin and coat. We highly recommend it for puppies and adult dogs, and even dogs with dry or sensitive skin!


3. TropiClean Luxury 2-in-1 Papaya & Coconut Pet Shampoo and Conditioner

Taste of the Wild High Prairie Pitbull Dog Food

Product Specifications

  • Brand: TropiClean
  • Scent: Pappaya and Coconut
  • Features: Soap-Free, Paraben-Free, Dye-Free
  • Liquid Volume: 20 ounces

Our Review

Made with naturally-derived ingredients designed to cleanse, moisturize, and condition your dog’s coat, this TropiClean Luxury 2-in-1 Papaya & Coconut Pet Shampoo and Conditioner is sure to impress you! It’s one of Amazon’s bestsellers of the best smelling dog shampoos, and it’s guaranteed to satisfy all your pet’s needs to achieve a healthier-looking coat. Its balanced pH, dye-free, paraben-free, and soap-free formula is suitable for dogs, cats, and other pets.

Ingredients


Purified Water, Mild Coconut Cleanser, Avena Sativa Oatmeal, Natural Conditioners, Organic Blend of (Papaya Extract, Kiwi Extract, Mango Extract, Pomegranate Extract, Yucca Extract, Chamomile Extract), Hydrolyzed Plant Protein, Vitamin E, Fragrance, Aloe Extract.

Pros:

+ Promotes soft and healthy coat
+ With coconut oil for deep cleansing of dirt
+ Sweet papaya and coconut scent
+ Nourishes dry skin and coat
+ Gentle shampoo for dogs, cats, and other household pets

Cons:

– Many fur parents report that the items they receive leaked
– Poor packaging

Why We Like It – One review states that this pet shampoo from TropiClean is “one of the best pet shampoos on the market” and we can confidently say that we agree. What makes it even better is it’s a shampoo AND conditioner, 2-in-1 for the price of one!


4. Buddy Wash Original Lavender and Mint Dog Shampoo and Conditioner

Buddy Wash Original Lavender and Mint Dog Shampoo and Conditioner

Product Specifications

  • Brand: Buddy Wash
  • Scent: Lavender and Mint
  • Features: Soap-Free, Alcohol-Free
  • Liquid Volume: 16 ounces

Our Review

Introducing this 2-in-1 Buddy Wash Original Lavender and Mint Dog Shampoo and Conditioner with hydrating oils and botanical extracts, including lavender, mint, sage, chamomile, and tea tree oil. This buddy wash dog shampoo has all the ingredients to moisturize, clean, and deodorize your dog’s fur.

Starting from wheat protein to reduce any foul odor from your pooch, lavender and mint for rejuvenation, and aloe vera for calming skin irritations and soothing skin redness. It also has green tea, a source of vitamins C and E, which helps soften the skin.

Ingredients

Coconut Shampoo Base, Aloe Vera Gel, Essence Of Lavender, Essence Of Mint, Chamomile Extract, Sage Extract, Nettle Extract, Rosemary Extract, Wheat Protein Extract (Natural Deodorizing Agent), Tea Tree Oil, Vitamin E, Vitamin C.

Pros:

+ Nourishes and moisturizes skin
+ With botanical extracts and natural conditioners
+ Natural scent of lavender and mint
+ Wheat protein as a natural deodorizer
+ Soothing and gentle formula

Cons:

– Faint scent of lavender and mint
– Some fur parents reported that their dog experienced dry skin after using

Why We Like It – Buddy Wash Original Lavender and Mint Dog Shampoo and Conditioner is the ultimate product for your dog’s hair grooming needs. We like that it uses herbs and botanical extracts to promote skin and coat health.


5. Pro Pet Works Natural Oatmeal Dog Shampoo and Conditioner

Pro Pet Works Natural Oatmeal Dog Shampoo and Conditioner

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Product Specifications

  • Brand: Pro Pet Works
  • Scent: Fruity
  • Features: Paraben-Free, Cruelty-Free, Sulphate-Free
  • Liquid Volume: 17 ounces

Our Review

This shampoo and conditioner combo for dogs has Aloe Vera and vitamins A, D, E, and B12. It is formulated to soothe your pet’s skin suffering from skin infections or irritations such as flea or tick bites. The mild formula of Pro Pet Works Natural Oatmeal Dog Shampoo + Conditioner goes easy on sensitive skin without compromising the deep cleaning effect. Using organic ingredients like almond oil, oatmeal, and vitamins conditions your dog’s coat and makes it easy to brush with a grooming comb.

Ingredients

Deionized Water, Surfactant Blend Derived from Natural Derivatives (Coconut Shampoo Base), Organic Aloe Vera Extract, Organic Almond Oil, Hydrolyzed Oat Proteins, Vitamins A, D, E & B12, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Wheat Germ Glycerides, Blend of Cherry Botanical Extracts, EGDA (conditioner), EDTA, Proprietary Blend of Coat and Skin Conditioners and Moisturizers.

Pros:

+ Shampoo and conditioner combo
+ With aloe vera and almond oil for a soothing effect
+ Formulated with vitamins A, D, E, and B12
+ Restores natural oils
+ Keeps skin hydrated

Cons:

– Some pet owners don’t like the smell
– Not helpful against itchy skin for some dogs

Why We Like It – We live in a time when it is crucial to think about the environment, and this dog odor eliminator shampoo is made with recycled materials, and it is 100% biodegradable so that you can give your pup the ultimate bath without causing further damage to mother earth.


6. Nature’s Miracle Supreme Odor Control Natural Oatmeal Shampoo

Nature’s Miracle Supreme Odor Control Natural Oatmeal Shampoo

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Product Specifications

  • Brand: Nature’s Miracle
  • Scent: Cotton Breeze
  • Features: Soap-Free, Odor Control, Tearless, Dye-Free, Perfume-Free
  • Liquid Volume: 16 ounces

Our Review

Parabens and dye-free contender for the ‘Best Dog Shampoo for Odor’ title, which will have your pooch smell like sweet honey once the bath routine is done. The odor control complex has the power to neutralize several different and strong odors right upon contact, something that makes the deodorizing effect long-lasting and reliable.

Nature’s Miracle Supreme Odor Control Natural Oatmeal Shampoo does not strip the coat of its natural (and essential oils), and it is safe to use together with spot-on tick and flea shampoo products. It uses plant-derived surfactants to deep-clean both long and short fur coats, and vitamin B, colloidal oatmeal, and chamomile to improve overall coat quality.

Ingredients

Water, Mild Surfactants, Salt, Preservatives, Odor Control System, D-Panthenol (Provitamin B5), Aloe Vera, Keratin, Jojoba Oil, Rinsing Agents, Fragrance, Thickening Agent, Sodium Hydroxide.

Pros:

+ Odor neutralizer for tough odors
+ Low and affordable price
+ Rich in vitamin B
+ Deep clean with surfactants
+ Gentle on your dog’s eyes

Cons:

– Not a long-lasting scent but gets rid of the previous smell
– Odor control only lasts a few days

Why We Like It – This is, without doubt, the best dog shampoo for stinky dogs if you are browsing for an affordable product, where a low price still equals quality and reliability. The odor-neutralizing ingredients in this soap-free shampoo take care of even the smelliest dogs!


7. 4-Legger Certified Organic Dog Shampoo – All Natural and Hypoallergenic with Aloe Vera and Lemongrass

4-Legger Certified Organic Dog Shampoo – All Natural and Hypoallergenic with Aloe Vera and Lemongrass

Product Specifications

  • Brand: 4-Legger
  • Scent: Lemongrass
  • Features: Organic, Hypoallergenic, All-Natural
  • Liquid Volume: 16 ounces

Our Review

Get rid of the stench with this veterinarian and groomer recommended dog shampoo for odor and bad smell and turn your dog into a huggable fella once again! 4-Legger Certified Organic Dog Shampoo is tough on even the strongest and most persistent odors, and it is 100% natural and USDA certified. This natural dog shampoo has organic coconut oil, organic lemongrass essential oil, and soothing aloe vera, great for battling odors, itchy skin, and dandruff.

Ingredients

Saponified Organic Coconut Oil, Saponified Organic Olive Oil, Saponified Organic Jojoba Oil, Organic Lemongrass Essential Oil, Rosemary Essential Oil, Organic Aloe Vera, Rosemary Extract.

Pros:

+ Eco-friendly, vegan, and cruelty-free
+ With lemongrass for antibacterial and antifungal benefits
+ USDA certified and nontoxic
+ Suitable for dry, itchy, or allergy-sensitive skin
+ Cleans, moisturizes, conditions, and softens dog’s skin

Cons:

– Watery and doesn’t lather
– Some dogs got sticky or greasy skin after using the product

Why We Like It – This USDA-approved and all-natural shampoo is one of the best dog shampoos that provides a natural solution for fighting odor and improving your pup’s overall skin condition. It is eco-friendly and cruelty-free and leaves the dog smelling great for days after a bath.


8. Arm & Hammer Super Deodorizing Shampoo for Dogs

Arm & Hammer Super Deodorizing Shampoo for Dogs

Product Specifications

  • Brand: Arm & Hammer
  • Scent: Kiwi
  • Features: Gentle, Parabens-Free, Phtalates-Free
  • Liquid Volume: 20 ounces

Our Review

Want your dog smelling fresh and clean? Arm & Hammer Super Deodorizing Shampoo will take care of your pup’s skin and leave them with a fresh scent of kiwi blossoms. This natural pet shampoo uses natural ingredients to eliminate your dog’s foul odor. Plus, the power of baking soda particles gives your dog a gentle but deep clean and long-lasting fresh smell. It’s also specifically formulated for dogs as it’s a pH-balanced product.

Ingredients

Water, Coconut Based Surfactants, Sodium Bicarbonate, Actinidia Chinensis (Kiwi) Fruit Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Extract, Honey, Rosmarinus Officinal (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Verbena Officinalis Flower Extract, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Peel Oil, Yogurt Extract, Glycerin, Disodium Edta, Fragrance, Dmdm Hydantoin.

Pros:

+ Gentle formula
+ pH-balanced suitable for all dogs
+ Free from harsh chemicals
+ Enhanced with baking soda
+ Made with natural ingredients

Cons:

– Smell doesn’t last long
– Poor packaging

Why We Like It – It’s no doubt that it’s one of the best smelling dog shampoos that are free from harsh chemicals and completely safe for your dog’s fur. Many fur parents are highly satisfied with this natural pet shampoo and its ability to effectively remove odors. Your dog’s fur will not only look good but also smell good!


9. Pets Are Kids Too Oatmeal Anti-Itch Shampoo

Pets Are Kids Too Oatmeal Anti-Itch Shampoo

Product Specifications

  • Brand: Pets Are Kids Too
  • Scent: Coconut
  • Features: Anti-Dandruff, Tear-Free, Allergy-Friendly
  • Liquid Volume: 17 ounces

Our Review

Pets Are Kids Too Oatmeal Anti-Itch Shampoo has a light and pleasant oatmeal cookie scent that you won’t be able to get enough of. This pet shampoo ensures your dog’s skin and coat is in optimal health, especially with its all-natural ingredients such as organic oatmeal, baking soda, aloe vera, and coconut.

What is special about this product is the manufacturer’s Pay-It-Forward policy. Once you receive your bottle, you have the option of sending in a photo of your own pet, and you will then get a picture of another dog in return. This is a dog with cancer who received help thanks to your purchase. A percentage of the profits is donated to the treatment of dogs with this disease.

Ingredients

Oat Proteins, Baking Soda, Coconut Based Cleanser (plant-derived), Deionized Water, Glycerin, DMDH Hydantoin (natural preservative) & Vitamins A, D, & E.

Pros:

+ All-natural ingredients that soothe and relieves
+ Mild oatmeal cookie scent
+ Prevents dandruff and allergies
+ Donates money to dogs with cancer
+ No harmful chemicals

Cons:

– Not itch-control
– Smell is not long-lasting

Why We Like It – It feels nice to do something for animals in need of help, and this company donates a percentage from the sale of every product to dogs with cancer. This shampoo features deodorizing, moisturizing, and cleaning the dog’s coat that every paw parent likes.


10. Bodhi Dog Waterless Lemongrass Dog and Cat Shampoo

Bodhi Dog Waterless Lemongrass Dog and Cat Shampoo

Product Specifications

  • Brand: Bodhi Dog
  • Scent: Lemongrass
  • Features: Hypoallergenic
  • Liquid Volume: 8 ounces

Our Review

Spoil your pet with oat proteins, coconut, Aloe Vera, vitamins, fruit extract, and more, by giving them a bath with this mild and soothing odor eliminating dog shampoo! Bodhi Dog Waterless Lemongras Pet Shampoo is one of the best smelling dog shampoos for sensitive skin. It nourishes, moisturizes, and revives, while still being gentle on dogs that are prone to itchiness, redness, and rashes.

Ingredients

Deionized Water, Lemongrass Extract, Detergent-Free Coconut Surfactant Blend.

Pros:

+ Aloe Vera and coconut extract
+ With anti-inflammatory baking soda
+ Treats and soothes rashes and redness
+ Naturally deodorizing ingredients
+ 100% non-toxic, detergent and alcohol-free

Cons:

– Spray pump is faulty sometimes
– Bad packaging

Why We Like It – Get rid of unpleasant odors without harmful chemicals and enjoy the benefits of a nontoxic, fast-working, and easy-to-rinse waterless shampoo. It contains no perfume, detergent, or other harmful chemicals, so it’s really designed for a dog’s skin.


Great Smelling Pet Shampoo Buyers Guide

pet using great smelling shampoo while bathing
Image by oritslama on Pixabay

Everything that you buy for your pupper’s health needs a lot of thinking process and researching so you can get the best products for your pooch. Luckily, we’re here to make things easier for you.

Here’s your elaborate guide in getting the best dog shampoo for your most-loved for your dog.

What to Look For When Buying Shampoos for Smelly Dogs

smelly dog uses a balanced pH
Image by alektas on Pixabay

Balanced pH

Buying a dog shampoo with a balanced pH that is compatible with your dog’s pH level is the number one thing you need to consider. The pH level of a product determines the acidity of a substance. If the shampoo you bought doesn’t match your dog’s pH level there’s a big chance that it may cause skin irritation, causing great discomfort to your dog.

Dogs, depending don’t their breed, have a pH level ranging from 6.2 to 8.62 and a neutral pH level of 7.0. Any grooming product with a pH level between 6.0 to 7.0 is good for dogs. While anything lower or higher is not recommended.

Natural Ingredients

dog uses a shampoo with natural ingredients
Image by alektas on Pixabay

Look for ingredients you know and recognize. Some natural ingredients are oatmeal for sensitive skin, lavender for natural anti-bug repellent and scent, and aloe vera to help with rashes.
Natural products are better for your dog, better for your family to be around, and better for the environment.

There are also shampoo products made from natural and organic ingredients. Those are the best ones to buy because you’re ensured it’s high-quality and free from chemicals or artificial substances.

Odor Control

A regular pet shampoo does not work for all dogs, as it might not remove a bad odor or strong dog smell. For these dogs, you need a special shampoo that promises improved odor control, and that has a formula tough enough on odors to make them go away, rather than to mask them.

A regular pet perfume will only hide odor temporarily, while a quality anti-smell shampoo has the power to get rid of bacteria that cause a bad smell.

Sensitive Skin

dog with sensitive skin
Image by alektas on Pixabay

Some dogs have sensitive skin, which can make it a bit more difficult to find the right shampoo, but it is far from impossible. Oatmeal is an ingredient known to soothe rashes and flaky dog skin, so look for a product that promises to go gentle on a dog with skin issues, rashes or general sensitivity to harsh ingredients.

What is the best smelling hypoallergenic dog shampoo?

If you have a fur buddy with skin allergies (environmental or food-related), you might want to try the ‘Colloidal Oatmeal Dog Shampoo with Pure Lavender Essential Oils’. It soothes and nourishes dry and flaky skin, and adds moisture to relieve rashes similar, without causing further harm.

Colloidal Oatmeal Dog Shampoo with Pure Lavender Essential Oils

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It gently removes bacteria causing bad odor and replaces it with a scent that will have you want to bury your face in all that fur! It is the best long-lasting dog shampoo for those dogs that have skin allergies, but that still want to head to the dog park smelling great.

What nice smelling dog shampoo for sensitive skin?

Finding the best shampoo for smelly dog friends with sensitive skin can be tricky, but we recommend the ‘Rocco & Roxie Dog SOOTHIE Oatmeal Shampoo’ – a product that uses Aloe Vera and Argan Oil to soothe dog skin that tends to get dry, crack and develop rashes.

Rocco & Roxie Dog SOOTHE Oatmeal Shampoo

What is the best scent for dog shampoo?

It is hard, if not impossible, to say what the best scent and best smelling pet shampoo is since this is very individual.

Dog’s don’t generally care what they smell like, and it becomes more a question of what the owner prefers to smell when snuggling with their pooch! If you’re asking us; we love the oatmeal smell!

Conclusion

Pick the product you like best, in terms of scent and ingredients, but make sure you choose one without harsh chemicals and with as many natural ingredients as possible. You wouldn’t want to bathe your best fur friend with a product that you wouldn’t use on yourself, so have a look at the above-listed quality shampoos, to see if one might be right for you.

Expert Tip

Combine regular baths with an anti-odor shampoo, with a good diet and brushing, and you will quickly start noticing a change in how your pup smells.

Did You Know?

Many have heard that you shouldn’t shower your dog too often since it strips their coats of essential oils.

This was the case in the past when pet shampoos contained chemicals and harsh ingredients, and now that there are so many natural products on the market – a bath will no longer cause harm or irritation, as long as you choose a quality shampoo.

Amazon Recommends:

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