If there’s one thing everyone knows about dogs, it’s that they’re active and enjoy playing outside. After playing and running around, your dog isn’t going to have a pleasant smell. In fact, there are even some dog owners that find after a regular bath, their pet still has a pungent odor. It can be terrible to share a bed or even be in the same room as a smelly pet, which is why you need to find the best smelling dog shampoo.
Best Dog Shampoo Review
Now that you’re ready to begin the journey of finding the best smelling dog shampoos, below is a list of the top 5 brands. Each has their benefits as well as their scents that will keep your dog’s coat and skin healthy and clean.
Well, now without wasting any further time, let’s jump on to our top 5 best smelling dog shampoo.
1. Two-in-One Product for Dry Itchy Skin, Best Smelling Dog Shampoo
Natural Oatmeal Dog Shampoo and Conditioner - Medicated Clinical Vet Formula Wash for All Pets Puppy - by Paws & Pals
I’ve always loved the idea of a 2-in-1 product for my dogs, especially if it helped to make bath time easier for them to handle. With the help of Paws & Pals Natural Dog Shampoo And Conditioner my pets felt clean, refreshed, and conditioned. All of the ingredients in Paws & Pals’s formula are natural and organic, and they are also cultivated by protecting the environment. The main ingredients include oatmeal, shea butter, and rosemary. With a single use, you’ll begin to notice the advantages to using this phenomenal skin and coat treatment.
What helps to make the Paws & Pals Natural Dog Shampoo And Conditioner different from others is that it is both tear-free and soap-free. Instead of having to worry about protecting your dog’s eyes and skin, the natural oils and extracts do not cause any type of inflammation. This really helped to make bath time more comfortable for my pets.
Dog owners who have incredibly active pets will adore this formula, especially if their dogs tend to get stinky in a few days. You will no longer have to deal with a stench in your home, as one wash will offer a lasting scent for up to 2 weeks.
2. Affordable and Natural Dog Shampoo
If you’re looking for natural pet care that doesn’t include any harmful artificial fragrances or dyes, Earthbath All Natural Pet Shampoo is a reputable product to have in your grooming kit. Not only does it smell fresh, but it is also safe to use on any breed of dog. The two main ingredients of Earthbath All Natural Pet Shampoo are aloe and oatmeal, making the formula perfect for pets that have issues with sensitive and dry skin. These two components are essential for promoting the healing of skin irritation and remoisturizing.
There are several different scents that you can choose from including: oatmeal and aloe, eucalyptus and peppermint, orange peel, tea tree oil and aloe vera, wild cherry, and green tea and awapuhi. The fragrances aren’t too strong to where they’re overpowering, but they’re strong enough to where odors are eliminated and your dog smells fresh.
Another interesting feature of the Earthbath All Natural Pet Shampoo is that it is soap-free. You won’t have to worry about the shampoo causing irritation to your dog’s eyes or nose with regular use.
One of the main reasons as to why dog owners loved the Earthbath range is because it’s a great formula for dogs with different types of coats. Whether your pet has a thick coat and is a heavy shedder or if they have short hair, the shampoo helps to add softness and shine. Earthbath All Natural Pet Shampoo is easy to lather, adds a lasting fresh scent, and is quick to apply and rinse out.
3. Keep Smelling Fresh and Clean for a Long Time
If you’re the owner of a dog that loves to get dirty, even after having a bath, you’re going to enjoy using the Fresh‘n Clean Scented Shampoo. As a great way to get rid of dirt and grime as well as refresh your dog’s coat, its benefits are endless. One of the biggest joys of this product’s formula is that it offers a long-lasting scent that is easily refreshed. All you have to do is wipe your dog’s coat with a moist towel, and the wonderful fragrance is released for days at a time.
Fresh‘n Clean Scented Shampoo is a great product for pets that are prone to dealing with mats and tangles because its formula gives you the ability to easily comb through your dog’s coat at any time. Also, it contains antistatic agents that are necessary to control the manageability of their coat.
Dog owners enjoyed using the Fresh‘n Clean Scented Shampoo mostly because it lathered almost immediately and its scent was subtle enough to where my pets smelled fresh for several days in a row. They also noticed the formula was quite easy to rinse off, which helped them to save time when it came to baths.
4. Shampoo for Itchy and Sensitive Skin
Pet Oatmeal Anti-Itch Shampoo & Conditioner In One - Natural Ingredients & Hypoallergenic - Relief For Allergies, Itchy, Dry, Irritated Skin - by Pets Are Kids Too
If you’re worried about allergies or sensitive skin, Pet Oatmeal Anti-Itch Shampoo & Conditioner is a great purchase. Not only has it won awards for offering a luxurious and high-quality bathing experience, but it also offers additional help with sensitive skin. All of the ingredients within its formula are natural and organic, so there’s no need to worry about artificial ones. With the help of oatmeal, your dog won’t have to worry about itching or hot spots as a result of irritated and dry skin.
What customers love about Pet Oatmeal Anti-Itch Shampoo & Conditioner is that the main ingredients are simple: water, glycerin, oat extract, and aloe extract. Even after the first use, they noticed a big change in my dog’s behavior. There wasn’t any more itching, and their flaking dry skin had begun to soothe itself.
5. The Exotic Scent of Japanese Cherry Blossom
With the exhilarating ingredients and the freshening scent of the Nootie Japanese Cherry Blossom Pet Shampoo dog odors will be washed away. This formula is specially designed for active dogs and can work well together with other skin and coat treatments. You’ll love the feel of their coat when you begin to regularly use this shampoo; it is not only designed to stimulate the senses but to also promote a softer coat. The nourishing ingredients (including rosemary) help to protect the integrity of your dog’s skin after every wash.
It’s also convenient that you can use the Nootie Japanese Cherry Blossom Pet Shampoo along with other topical treatments such as tick and flea products.
The fragrance of this shampoo isn’t the only thing that customers love; they also enjoy that it’s both paraben and sulfate free. This helps to make coats shiny without having to worry about drying of the skin. It has helped to clear out a variety of hard to get rid of smells, which has been quite useful for keeping my house smelling fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dog Shampoo
1. Can I Use Human Shampoo for Dog Odor?
We all love the idea of our dogs being as clean and smelling as fresh as we do after a shower, and at times it can be tempting to wash our dogs with our own shampoo. The important thing to remember is that although human shampoo is great for us, it’s not great for our pets.
In skin, there is a delicate layer known as the acid mantle. This is an acidic layer that provides a protective coating to the body and prevents bacteria from creating skin conditions. The acid mantle is also necessary to prevent too much water from leaving our bodies meanwhile making sure enough water is absorbed.
In order to protect the acid mantle, both humans and dogs need to use detergents that fall within the perfect pH balance. The average pH level of human skin ranges from 5.2 to 6.2, and the average pH level of dog skin is between 5.5 and 7.5. This means any type of shampoo designed for humans will be too acidic for dogs.
Another important thing to know is that human shampoo can contain a variety of chemicals to help improve lathering, scent, and cleanliness. Since dogs have the tendency to lick themselves, imagine how bad it would be for them to ingest these chemicals on a regular basis.
2. The Benefits of Using Odor Controlling Dog Shampoo
There are a variety of benefits that you’ll experience once you start using the right dog shampoo for odor control. Not only will your dog feel and look cleaner, but it will also help to nourish their coat.
- Dog-Friendly pH: As The most important benefit of using an odor controlling dog shampoo is the product will be specifically designed for your dog’s skin. You won’t have to worry about searching for products that fall within the right pH balance, as companies take that into account when developing the products.
- Odor Control: Although it can be nice to have a clean dog, it’s even better to have a great smelling dog! With the use of the right dog shampoo, you’ll start to enjoy the smell of your pet rather than wishing that their scent would just go away. Depending on the type of shampoo you buy, some brands can help to get rid of everyday odors and more difficult ones such as skunk spray.
- Safe and Non-Toxic Ingredients: Since dog shampoo is designed for an animal that loves to lick itself, you can rest assured that it will be safe and have non-toxic ingredients. You can find a variety of companies that create specialty shampoos that do not have artificial ingredients.
- Dirt Removal: Cleanliness is the first step to getting rid of a dog’s odor and by using dog shampoo, you’ll be able to get rid of debris that could be hidden in both the top and undercoat of your pet. Whether it’s caked on dirt or matted hair, debris can easily be removed without harming your dog.
- Easy to Apply: We all know how difficult it can be to get a dog to sit still when they’re taking a bath, especially if your dog hates them. Dog shampoo is easier to apply than human shampoo as it is designed to lather quickly and wash out easily so you can get the job done in a matter of minutes.
3. Should I Bathe My Dog Every Day to Remove Odors?
It can be tempting to give your dog a few baths per day, especially if you have a pet with an active personality. It’s important to remember that much like humans; dogs don’t benefit from over-washing.
There are some dangers for your dogs if you bathe them too much, such as:
- Dry Skin and Hair: Imagine if you were to wash your hair a few times a day every day for a month. Your skin and your hair would be incredibly dry and brittle, leading to rashes, itchiness, and even hair loss. The same rules apply to dogs, and since they don’t have as much self-control as humans, an itchy rash could lead to lesions and infection.
- Loss of Natural Shine: Along with the hair becoming brittle and broken, washing your dog too often to get rid of odors will force your pet’s coat to look dull and damaged. If you’ve begun to notice that their coat is rough to the touch, it could be as a result of over-washing.
4. How Often Should I Bathe My Dog?
Now that you have an idea of how damaging it can be to bathe your dog too often, it’s important to plan the right time for grooming. There are a few important guidelines to take into consideration based on the type of coat your dog has.
On average, the majority of dogs only need to be bathed once a month, though there are a few exceptions.
- Oily Coats: If you have a breed with an oily coat, such as a Basset Hound, be prepared for far more frequent washes. It’s recommended that you wash your dog at least once a week.
- Short-haired and Smooth Coats: Dogs with smooth coats or that are shorthaired require baths less often than once a month, such as Beagles and Weimaraners. Basenjis even have a great personal hygiene schedule and rarely need baths.
- Water-Repellent Coats: Natural oils are important for breeds such as Golden Retrievers because it helps to keep their coats water-repellent. The less often you bathe them, the stronger their fur is.
- Thick and Double Coats: The majority of Northern breeds such as Malamutes require a lot of brushing to help get rid of dead hair but don’t require monthly baths. By regularly brushing through their coats with the suitable dog brush, it helps to distribute natural oils.
5. Dog Shampoo Ingredients
When it comes to choosing the right shampoo for your dog, it’s important to find the perfect formula. Some dog shampoos will contain ingredients that you might not want your dog to be exposed to based on previous skin conditions, allergies, and your personal preference.
It’s important that you nourish your dog’s skin, much like you would nourish your own. If you’ve noticed that your dog is particularly itchy during the day, it could be as a result of dry skin. Try to find dog shampoos that have natural moisturizing properties specifically designed for canines.
How to Give Your Dog a Bath
Giving your dog a bath at home might not be the most enjoyable experience, but it does give you the opportunity to save money when compared to taking your dog to the groomer. Below are the steps you can use to easily give your dog a bath at home.
- Fill the Bath with 3-4” of Warm Water
When you’re filling the bath, don’t use too much water because your dog should feel comfortable. Between 3 and 4 inches of warm water is the perfect height to help give their paws a rest and it gives you enough water to get them clean. - Test Water Temperature
Before picking up your dog and placing them in the water, it’s important to test it. Dip your elbow into the water, and it should feel a little warmer than room temperature, but not hot. - Remove Collars
If you find that your dog enjoys taking baths, you can remove their collar and place it in the water with them to be washed. If not, keep the collar on so you can have better control of their movements. - Wet Your Dog
If you have a detachable showerhead, you need to put it on the softest setting and make sure the water is lukewarm or cool. Use the showerhead to soak the majority of their body, aside from their head. Dogs will get incredibly uncomfortable when their head is soaked, which is why you will wash it separately. - Shampoo the Fur
To help eliminate odors and to remove dirt, it’s now time to shampoo your dog’s fur. You can either pour the shampoo directly onto their body, or you can pour it into your hands and run it through their hair. It’s important that you take the time to make this process as enjoyable as possible, to help your dog feel more comfortable. You can give them a lot of attention by offering a great massage and talk to them in a praising voice. The more you massage, the more comfortable they’ll feel and the more odors you can release from their fur. - Rinse Out the Shampoo
The next step is to make sure that you turn your showerhead on the gentle setting again and rinse out all of the shampoo. If you find your dog is uncomfortable with the showerhead, use a cup instead. It is important to wash all of the shampoo off; otherwise, any remaining residue will lead to the itchy and dry skin. - Wash Your Dog’s Head
You’ll need to pay special attention to washing your dog’s head, as it is instinctual for dogs to feel anxious when water touches their face. You can gently run water on the back of their head and use your hands to gently wipe the water around their face and muzzle. The next step is to add a small dollop of shampoo into your hands and gently apply it to their head, but avoid their eyes. If their eyes are dirty, you can clean them separately with a damp cotton ball. - Rinse Out the Rest of the Shampoo
By using either the showerhead or a cup, you will need to rinse the rest of the shampoo off of their head. - Dry the Fur
Grab your dog’s favorite towel and gently rub them dry while they are still in the bathtub. Pay special attention to their legs and their paws, so they don’t track water through your house. Depending on if it’s cold in your home or not, you can also use a hair dryer on the lowest setting.
Conclusion
Shampooing your dog’s coat is incredibly important not only for how they look after a bath but also for their health. With the hundreds of products on the market, it can be difficult to find the right one that not only tackles smell, but that also nourishes their fur and skin. This guide will help you to find the best products for the sake of your pet and their overall happiness.
Thank you for that very resourceful information. Now I had the best idea I think.
Thanks for this. We’v gotten the best result when using a separate conditioner rather than two in one.