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Best Smelling Dog Shampoo: Make Your Pet Smell Fresh and Clean
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With so many dog shampoo products on the market, it’s hard to choose the best one. The first thing you need to do is look at all the factors, and all the needs. Do you need a dog shampoo for dry skin? Do you need a dog shampoo for allergies? Or do you need to find the best-smelling dog shampoo?
What is the thing with the dog-smelling shampoo? Well, dogs smell, and few owners can tolerate that smell. There’s nothing wrong in that. It doesn’t mean you don’t love your puppy. You want him to smell as fresh and as clean as possible, and our top overall product, Colloidal Oatmeal Dog Shampoo, does that. But you can use other products, and we have several ideas.
Our Reviews
Best Overall
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1. Colloidal Oatmeal Dog Shampoo
If you ever wondered what dog shampoo groomers use, this is it. Designed to be hypoallergenic and soothing, this clinical strength shampoo will protect your dog’s fur. Forget about irritation, flaky skin, dry skin, or similar conditions that can cause doggy smell.
Recommended by veterinarians, the clinical formula contains the highest-quality ingredients, and it’s safe and effective for all pets. The shampoo contains lavender essential oil, an extra calming homeopathic ingredient for your dog.
Same as the best budget option, the Colloidal Oatmeal shampoo is made in the USA, meeting all GMP standards.
Why do we like it?
- Recommended by veterinarians and groomers
- Lavender essential oil soothes and calms your dog’s irritated skin
- Homeopathic treatment for your dog
Best Premium
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2. Natural Oatmeal Dog-Shampoo and Conditioner
Paws and Pals says the shampoo “turns bath time into playtime.” Now, we know that bath time is rarely playtime for dogs. But this shampoo is quite good at what it does: cleanse, deodorize, and soften your pet’s fur.
Available in an extra-large size, one gallon bottle, you can use it for a long time. The shampoo is one of the best and most effective natural pet shampoos on the market. It delivers premium skin treatment, and with a balance of essential oils recommended by a veterinarian, the shampoo provides nourishment for your dog’s coat as well.
The tear-free formula is the result of vitamins, extracts, and natural oils. Some owners might notice that the shampoo doesn’t foam well, but that’s because it is a soap-less formula.
Why do we like it?
- Tear-free and soap-less formula that will not irritate your dog’s skin
- Recommended by veterinarians
Best Budget
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3. Nature’s Miracle Supreme Odor Control Natural Oatmeal
You might have hard time finding a cheaper option than Nature’s Miracle. And, at the same time, one that works. Formulated with an odor neutralizer and deodorizer, this best-smelling dog shampoo for odor is safe for spot-on treatment as well.
It works to keep your dog fresh and clean. There are no dyes or parabens in the formula. Instead, the main ingredient is oatmeal, which soothes and hydrates the skin. The 4-in-1 formula helps clean, condition, deodorize, and neutralize odors. And with a honey sage scent, the shampoo freshens your pet.
Most importantly, the shampoo is made in the USA and is safe to use with topical products.
Why do we like it?
- Great for soothing irritated and itchy skin
- Lathers and smells great
- Leaves a natural and fresh smell, not too perfume-y
- Made in the USA
- Works as a spot-on treatment for flea and ticks
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4. Furbliss Refreshing Oatmeal, Aloe, Chamomile & Rosemary
Now here is a best-smelling dog shampoo with luxurious ingredients. The formula includes oatmeal, rosemary essential oil, chamomile essential oil, and aloe vera, all of which will pamper your dog with at-home treatment.
The cleaning solution is made in the USA using botanical extracts, and is designed to deodorize and moisturize your dog’s coat and skin.
Use the shampoo to cut pet stink and leave an invigorating scent behind. It’s gentle enough for both dogs and cats of all breeds and sizes.
Why do we like it?
- Works for dogs with long or short fur
- Help removes unpleasant pet smell
- Encourages a shiny coat
- Made with luxurious ingredients
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5. MiconaHex+Triz Shampoo
Dechra, the company behind this product, is an international specialist veterinary pharmaceutical business. They specialize in the development and manufacturing of high-quality products for veterinarians worldwide. For example, besides this shampoo, they also have a spray and wipes for doggy odor.
Now, speaking of this best-smelling dog shampoo that lasts, it is formulated for conditions like fungal and bacterial infection.
Be careful when using the shampoo. Avoid contact with the eyes, and if you notice skin irritation, stop using it and contact a veterinarian.
Why do we like it?
- Antimicrobial and moisturizing shampoo
- Treats fungal and bacterial infection
- Formulated against conditions like dandruff, yeast, fungus, and ringworms
No products found.
6. Buddy Wash Original Lavender & Mint Dog Shampoo & Conditioner
Buddy Wash is one of the most popular best-smelling dog shampoo products on the market. Almost everyone has come into contact with the product at least once. It’s made in the USA with ingredients from your garden—not from the laboratory—including green tea, lavender essential oil, rosemary, and mint essential oil.
It soothes itchy skin, provides anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and it can help with dry scalp and stimulate hair growth in dogs.
And the best part is, you can use it every two weeks.
Why do we like it?
- Soap-free shampoo and conditioner
- Completely alcohol-free
- Made with wheat protein, a natural deodorizer
- Safe for frequent use
- Made with pure botanical extracts
Understanding a Dog’s Smell
Dogs smell—there’s no way around it. But smell is a personal judgment. Some owners will tell you the doggy smell is nothing, while others would do anything to reduce that smell.
Why do dogs smell? Well, for starters, dogs secrete oils that condition their skin. They rely on their natural scents to convey and receive information. Shampooing your dog will disturb that balance. You also have to understand that not all dogs smell the same.
It depends on the breed. For example, water dogs have oilier coats and smell more than other breeds. Non-water dogs, on the other hand, have less of a natural odor. The second group includes dogs with short hair and no undercoat, like the pit bull.
Another aspect to consider is the dog’s fur, which is home to a lot of microorganisms, including bacteria and yeast. When the fur is dry, they are harmless. But when the fur is wet, they release smelly compounds. And the result is that wet doggy smell.
Dog breath is next on the list. In healthy dogs, their breath does not smell fishy or strange. Plaque buildup can cause bad breath.
Last, but not least, some breeds have a unique body type. Take bulldogs, for example. They have folds in their skin, and you have to clean them to prevent bacteria buildup. It’s not just bacteria that can cause a bad odor—infections can too. Ears in dogs like bassets and other long-eared puppies, for example, tend to get yeast infections.
And, of course, farts. They happen due to stomach issues, which in most cases, is because your dog eats too fast. He swallows the food without chewing.
How to keep your dog smelling fresh between baths?
Ideally, you should wash your dog once every few months. Some breeds can go without a bath for six months. We use the best-smelling dog shampoo for baths, but what can you use between baths?
Here are some ideas how to keep your dog smelling fresh until his next bath session.
Regular Brushing
Brushing removes dirt, debris, dead skin cells, and allergens. All these can build up in the fur, resulting in a bad odor. Brushing also reduces shedding and distributes natural oils.
Wash His Bedding
How often do you change your sheets? Once per week? Once per month? Or less? We leave debris on our bedding, and we change it often. Use the same routine for your puppy. Your dog transfers his odor to his bedding. Wash the bed and blankets, and clean the inside cushion at least once per month. Your dog will thank you.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
How is food related to odor? Well, an unhealthy diet can contribute to flatulence and odor. Make sure to feed your dog natural dog food that is high in probiotics and protein, and low in carbs. Make sure to exercise your dog as well.
Add Fruits and Veggies to His Diet
Fruits and vegetables are a perfect source of vitamins and minerals. If your dog’s food does not contain a healthy dose, add wholesome foods. Look at the table of fruits and vegetables that are safe for dogs. Even veterinarians approve it as a way to improve doggy breath.
Good Oral Care
You can’t clean your dog’s teeth every day—at least not with a toothbrush. What you can do is provide clean water and dental sticks. Tartar, plaque buildup, and gum disease can happen to your dog as well. Preventing oral diseases can prevent bad breath.
Try Dry Shampoos
Between baths, when your dog gets dirty, you can try a waterless shampoo. You can use a best dog shampoo for odor once per month. Or you can even use baby powder.
Use Pet Wipes
Pet wipes are great for keeping your dog smelling fresh and clean. A quick alternative to bathing, you can use them at home or on the go. Pet wipes remove dirt and odor, and you can use them every day.
Is Baking Soda Dry Bath Any Good?
Baking soda is a great alternative for an antibacterial and antifungal dog shampoo. Baking soda can neutralize doggy odor and reduce the bacteria causing it. There are two ways you can give your dog a baking soda bath.
The first option is a dry bath. Sprinkle your dog with baking soda, avoiding the face. Rub the powder down to his skin and massage with your fingertips. Let the baking soda sit for a few minutes. Brush your dog and enjoy the fresh smell.
Or, you can do a traditional bath. Mix 3 tablespoons of baking soda and 1l of warm water. Wet your dog with the solution, and then massage it into his coat. Make sure you dog is thoroughly wet. Apply dog shampoo, massage it into the skin, and rinse with clean water.
How Often Should You Wash Your Dog?
Every dog is different. Some need regular baths, others can go without a bath for several months. Generally speaking, once a month works for most dogs.
Dogs with oily coats, like Basset Hounds, need bathing once per week. Short-haired breeds with smooth coats, like a Beagle, can do fine with less frequent baths. Breeds with water-repellent coats, like a Golden Retriever, are also fine with less frequent baths. Bathing more often will harm his natural oils.
And last, dogs with thick and double coats do best with fewer baths and a lot of brushing. Those include the Samoyed, Malamute, and similar breeds.
That being said, if your dog loves going into mud puddles, or rolls in everything, you can bathe him more frequently. But avoid bathing unless it is necessary.
Conclusion
The most important aspect of keeping your dog smelling fresh and clean is personal hygiene. That includes brushing, dental hygiene, a healthy diet, and regular exercise.
But every now and then, you have to bathe your dog. Follow the guidelines for bathing, and use a product that helps. For those looking for a budget option, try Nature’s Miracle or Frisco, two low-cost options that perform well. But if you want the best of the best, we recommend Colloidal Oatmeal Dog Shampoo with Pure Lavender Essential Oils, a shampoo even groomers use.
Aleksandar
My name is Aleksandar, and I am a storyteller by professional. I’ve got a BA in journalism in 2009. I write ever since. Now, I am here to help you find the best grooming products for your furry friend.
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