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Best Shampoo For Smelly Dogs (2025 Updated)

If you're looking for a solution to your dog's smelly coat, you may want to consider a specialized shampoo for smelly dogs. While there are several options available in the market, not all shampoos are created equal. Before buying a shampoo, consider the ingredients used, scent, and effectiveness in eliminating odors.

Ingredients play a vital role in determining the efficacy of a smelly dog shampoo. Look for products that are free from harsh chemicals like parabens, sulfates, and artificial fragrances. Natural ingredients like lavender, tea tree oil, and aloe vera are known for their deodorizing properties and are safe for use on dogs.

The scent of the shampoo is another factor to consider. While strong perfumes may mask the odor, they can irritate a dog's sensitive nose. Consider a shampoo with a mild, pleasant scent that won't overpower your dog's natural fragrance.

Questions to ask yourself before choosing a shampoo for your smelly dog include: Does the shampoo contain natural ingredients? Will it be gentle on my dog's skin? How effective is it in eliminating odors? By answering these questions, you can choose a shampoo that's effective, safe, and enjoyable for both you and your furry friend.

10 Best Shampoo For Smelly Dogs

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
This product is ideal for grooming dogs and improving their coat's softness and shine, with a classic fresh scent.
2
This product is ideal for eliminating odors in dogs and puppies with the power of baking soda.
3
This product is ideal for controlling odor and refreshing the coat of smelly dogs, using natural ingredients.
4
This product is ideal for deodorizing, cleansing, hydrating, and healing skin on dogs with a long-lasting fragrance.
5
This product is ideal for deodorizing and cleaning dogs without the need for water or rinsing.
6
This product is ideal for cleaning and deodorizing dogs with a refreshing melon scent in 16 ounce bottles.
7
This product is ideal for pet owners looking for a deodorizing shampoo to remove odors and keep their dogs smelling fresh.
8
The product is ideal for cleaning and deodorizing extra dirty and smelly dogs, and contains beneficial ingredients like wheat protein and shea butter.
9
Ideal for cleaning and maintaining the hygiene of dogs' fur and skin, leaving them smelling good and fresh.
10
This product is ideal for eliminating odors and freshening pets' coats during baths.
This product is ideal for grooming dogs and improving their coat's softness and shine, with a classic fresh scent.
This product is ideal for eliminating odors in dogs and puppies with the power of baking soda.
This product is ideal for controlling odor and refreshing the coat of smelly dogs, using natural ingredients.
This product is ideal for deodorizing, cleansing, hydrating, and healing skin on dogs with a long-lasting fragrance.
This product is ideal for deodorizing and cleaning dogs without the need for water or rinsing.
This product is ideal for cleaning and deodorizing dogs with a refreshing melon scent in 16 ounce bottles.
This product is ideal for pet owners looking for a deodorizing shampoo to remove odors and keep their dogs smelling fresh.
The product is ideal for cleaning and deodorizing extra dirty and smelly dogs, and contains beneficial ingredients like wheat protein and shea butter.
Ideal for cleaning and maintaining the hygiene of dogs' fur and skin, leaving them smelling good and fresh.
This product is ideal for eliminating odors and freshening pets' coats during baths.

1. Fresh & Clean Dog Shampoo – Classic Scent

This cleansing shampoo for dogs is a perfect solution to maintain the hygiene and cleanliness of your furry friend's coat. It is formulated with soothing agents like aloe vera leaf juice and vitamin E, which gently clean the hair and lock in moisture, giving a fresh, soft, and shiny coat. The shampoo also helps in strengthening and repairing hair, making it an excellent care solution for your pet.

Doggie odor control is another added advantage of this shampoo. It has a long-lasting classic fresh scent that clings to hair for up to 2 weeks, keeping your pet smelling fresh and clean between baths or trips to the groomer. The ready-to-use formula makes it easy to apply and use, saving time and effort in bathing your pet.

PetAg is a trusted company that delivers top-quality products for owners and animal professionals. This shampoo is no exception and guarantees to provide the best care for your pet's coat.

Pros

  • Soothing agents like aloe vera leaf juice and vitamin E gently clean the hair and lock in moisture
  • Helps in strengthening and repairing hair
  • Long-lasting classic fresh scent that clings to hair for up to 2 weeks
  • Ready-to-use formula makes it easy to apply and saves time and effort
  • Excellent care solution for pets

2. Super Deodorizing Dog Shampoo With Baking Soda & Kiwi

Dogs have a different skin pH level compared to humans, making it crucial to use a shampoo designed for them. The Arm and Hammer baking soda dog deodorizer shampoo is an excellent choice for your pet's hygiene routine. It is formulated to protect your dog's skin from irritation and flaking by using natural ingredients that cleanse and moisturize their skin. This shampoo includes baking soda, which is effective in controlling and eliminating unpleasant dog odors. The cucumber mint scent provides a refreshing aroma that leaves your dog smelling fresh and clean after every wash. This pet odor remover shampoo is also safe to use with other topical products, making it a versatile option for your dog's grooming needs. Regular use of this dog shampoo will result in a clean, odor-free, and healthy coat for your furry friend.

Pros

  • Formulated with natural ingredients that effectively cleanse and moisturize dog's skin.
  • Contains baking soda to control and eliminate unpleasant dog odors.
  • Features a refreshing cucumber mint scent that leaves your pet smelling fresh and clean.
  • Safe to use with other topical products, making it versatile for your dog's grooming needs.
  • Regular use of this shampoo will result in a clean, odor-free, and healthy coat for your furry friend.

3. Island Fresh Deodorizing Pet Shampoo

Say goodbye to unpleasant pet odors with this cat and dog deodorizing shampoo. This specially formulated wash is designed to eliminate even the toughest smells, leaving your furry friend smelling fresh and clean for days. With a long-lasting scent of aloe and coconut, this shampoo not only eliminates odor, but also leaves your pet's coat feeling silky soft.

Made with feel-good ingredients, this coconut dog shampoo is derived from natural sources such as moisturizing aloe and oatmeal. These gentle yet effective ingredients work together to provide a deep cleanse that softens your pet's coat without causing any irritation or discomfort.

This pet-parent approved shampoo is free of harsh chemicals such as parabens, dyes and soap, making it a safe and effective option for dogs and cats 12 weeks or older. Plus, it's cruelty-free, so you can feel good about using it on your furry friend.

For a truly tropical experience, pair this moisturizing shampoo with our matching conditioner and deodorizing spray. Your pet will be left smelling and feeling great from head to paw.

Pros

  • Effectively eliminates pet odors, leaving your furry friend smelling fresh and clean for days
  • Moisturizing formula softens your pet's coat for a silky smooth finish
  • Made with natural, feel-good ingredients such as aloe and oatmeal
  • Free of harsh chemicals such as parabens, dyes and soap
  • Cruelty-free, so you can feel good about using it on your furry friend
  • Long-lasting scent of aloe and coconut creates a tropical experience

4. Soothing Oatmeal Shampoo For Odor-Free Dogs

The Veterinary Formula Solutions Soothing and Deodorizing Oatmeal Shampoo for Dogs is a gentle and effective solution for dogs with dry, irritated, or smelly skin and coat. This specially formulated deodorizing shampoo contains baking soda, zinc, and aloe vera to clean and deodorize your dog's coat without irritating their sensitive skin. The shampoo provides a long-lasting fragrance of water lily and lavender, which has patented fragrance extenders to ensure your dog smells amazing for a long time after their bath. The shampoo is pH-balanced and will not wash away topical spot-on flea and tick treatments. It is affordable and made with premium ingredients to ensure your dog gets the best care possible.

The shampoo is perfect for dirty, smelly dogs who need gentle cleansing and effective healing. The oatmeal shampoo provides a soothing effect on the dog's skin and coat, leaving it soft and shiny. The shampoo is specially formulated for dogs and is gentle enough not to irritate their sensitive skin. The shampoo's long-lasting fragrance is a bonus that pet parents will love.

Veterinary Formula Solutions understands the importance of pets in our lives, and that's why they have created this effective and affordable shampoo to help pet parents take good care of their dogs. The shampoo is perfect for all dogs, and pet parents can rest assured that their dogs are getting the best care possible with this shampoo.

Pros

  • Gentle and effective solution for dogs with dry, irritated, or smelly skin and coat
  • Specially formulated with baking soda, zinc, and aloe vera to clean and deodorize your dog's coat without irritating their sensitive skin
  • Provides a long-lasting fragrance of water lily and lavender, which has patented fragrance extenders to ensure your dog smells amazing for a long time after their bath
  • pH-balanced and will not wash away topical spot-on flea and tick treatments
  • Affordable and made with premium ingredients to ensure your dog gets the best care possible

Cons

  • – None

5. Freshscent Waterless Dog Foam With Baking Soda

Keep your furry friend clean and smelling great with the Arm & Hammer Ultra Fresh No-Rinse Deodorizing Waterless Dog Shampoo. This easy-to-use shampoo is perfect for in-between baths and helps your dog look, feel, and smell their best. The deodorizing formula is designed to combat dog odors and leave your pet with a light and refreshing juniper mist fragrance.

Infused with premium Arm & Hammer baking soda, this waterless dog shampoo is a natural solution to pet odors. Simply apply 2-3 pumps into your hand and massage evenly from the back of the ears to the tail, carefully avoiding the eyes. Towel dry to speed up the drying process and repeat as necessary. This product is for external use only.

The Arm & Hammer Ultra Fresh No-Rinse Deodorizing Waterless Dog Shampoo is the best dry dog shampoo for smelly dogs. With its easy-to-use formula, you can keep your dog clean and fresh without a full bath.

Pros

  • Easy-to-use formula for in-between baths
  • Infused with premium Arm & Hammer baking soda to naturally combat pet odors
  • Light and refreshing juniper mist fragrance
  • No-rinse formula for quick and easy cleaning

Cons

  • – May not be as effective as a full bath for heavily soiled dogs
  • – May not be suitable for dogs with sensitive skin

6. Nature's Miracle Odor Control Shampoo For Dogs, 16 Ounces, Melon Burst Scent

This specially formulated shampoo is designed for dogs and cleanses your furry friend's coat without causing any irritation. The shampoo has a pH-balanced formula that is gentle on your dog's skin and helps maintain its natural oils. The Melon Burst scent of the shampoo gives a fresh and clean fragrance to your dog's coat, leaving it smelling great. The odor-neutralizing formula of the shampoo helps to eliminate unpleasant odors, and there is no wet dog smell after a wash.

This shampoo is enriched with Aloe and Vitamin B5, which provide moisture and promote healthy skin and coat. The keratin present in the shampoo helps to strengthen and nourish the coat, making it look shiny and healthy. This shampoo is safe for pets when used and stored as directed, making it an excellent choice for your furry friend's bath time.

Pros

  • The shampoo is specially formulated for dogs and is gentle on their skin.
  • The Melon Burst scent of the shampoo leaves your dog smelling nice and clean.
  • The odor-neutralizing formula of the shampoo helps to eliminate unpleasant odors.
  • The shampoo is enriched with Aloe and Vitamin B5, which provide moisture and promote healthy skin and coat.
  • The keratin present in the shampoo helps to strengthen and nourish the coat, making it look shiny and healthy.
  • The shampoo is safe for pets when used and stored as directed.

7. Fresh Pooch Shampoo – Enriched With Herbs

Say goodbye to unpleasant doggy odors with this odor eliminating shampoo from Arava. It features a formula that contains 12 essential oils, such as basil, cinnamon, ginger, spearmint, ylang ylang, and Dead Sea minerals. These oils cleanse and exfoliate your pet's skin and coat, leaving it healthy and moisturized. Unlike other shampoos, this one is specially formulated to neutralize smells and odors without stripping the natural protective oils from your dog's skin and fur. This shampoo is free of harmful chemicals and only uses 100% natural and safe active ingredients. With every purchase, Arava donates to animal rights organizations to help secure a better reality for our 4-pawed friends around the world.

This odor eliminating shampoo is perfect for all dog owners who want their pets to smell good and have a healthy, lustrous coat. The shampoo's secret lies in its formula, which is enriched with essential oils and minerals. The oils cleanse and exfoliate your pet's skin and coat, while the minerals help to neutralize smells and odors. The shampoo is free of harmful chemicals and only uses natural and safe ingredients. It does not strip the natural protective oils from your dog's skin and fur, leaving it healthy and moisturized. By purchasing this product, you are also helping to support animal rights organizations around the world.

Tired of dealing with unpleasant doggy odors? Look no further than this odor eliminating shampoo from Arava. Its formula contains 12 essential oils and Dead Sea minerals that cleanse and exfoliate your pet's skin and coat, leaving it healthy and moisturized. The shampoo is specially formulated to neutralize smells and odors without stripping the natural protective oils from your dog's skin and fur. It is free of harmful chemicals and only uses natural and safe ingredients. When you purchase this product, you are also supporting animal rights organizations around the world.

Pros

  • Contains 12 essential oils and Dead Sea minerals
  • Cleanses and exfoliates pet's skin and coat
  • Neutralizes smells and odors without stripping natural oils
  • Leaves pet's coat healthy and moisturized
  • Free of harmful chemicals
  • Supports animal rights organizations

8. Dirty Dog? Clean Solution. Veterinarian-Approved.

For dogs that are dirty and smelly, Veterinary Formula Solutions Triple Strength Dirty Dog Concentrated Shampoo is the perfect solution. This dog shampoo contains three times more active cleansing ingredients than other dog shampoos to clean and deodorize even the smelliest and dirtiest dogs. The shampoo's exclusive DirtRepel formula utilizes ionic technology to repel dirt, keeping your dog's coat cleaner for a longer period. The formula is enriched with wheat protein, shea butter, aloe vera, and Vitamin E to moisturize your dog's skin and condition its coat.

This dog shampoo has a long-lasting green apple and white tea fragrance that is exceptional. The fragrance is patented and has extenders that will keep your clean and soft dog smelling amazing long after bath time is over. The shampoo is pH balanced, making it perfect for your dog's sensitive skin. It will not strip natural coat and skin oils, and it will not wash away topical spot-on flea and tick treatments.

Veterinary Formula Solutions products are created with premium ingredients but are available at a price that pet parents can afford. As pet parents too, they know that dogs and cats are more than just pets.

Pros

  • Contains three times more active cleansing ingredients than other dog shampoos
  • DirtRepel formula utilizes ionic technology to repel dirt
  • Enriched with wheat protein, shea butter, aloe vera, and Vitamin E to moisturize your dog's skin and condition its coat
  • Long-lasting green apple and white tea fragrance that is exceptional and patented
  • pH balanced, making it perfect for your dog's sensitive skin
  • Will not strip natural coat and skin oils and will not wash away topical spot-on flea and tick treatments
  • Affordable for pet parents

9. Gorgeous Dog Shampoo 10oz

This Gorgeous Shampoo is specially designed for dogs and comes in a 10 oz. bottle. It is made with the highest grade materials to ensure your pet's safety and satisfaction. The shampoo is easy to apply and produces a rich lather that effectively cleans your dog's coat, leaving it shiny and healthy-looking.

The Gorgeous Shampoo has a pleasant scent that will keep your furry friend smelling fresh and clean for days. It is gentle on the skin and can be used on all types of dog coats, including those with sensitive skin. This shampoo contains natural ingredients that help to soothe and moisturize your dog's skin, leaving it soft and supple.

Overall, this Gorgeous Shampoo is a great choice for dog owners who want to keep their pets clean and healthy. It is easy to use, produces great results, and is made with high-quality ingredients that are safe for your dog's delicate skin.

Pros

  • Made with the highest grade materials
  • Easy to apply and produces a rich lather
  • Leaves coat shiny and healthy-looking
  • Has a pleasant scent that lasts for days
  • Gentle on the skin and can be used on all types of dog coats
  • Contains natural ingredients that help to soothe and moisturize the skin

10. Fresh Paws: Eucalyptus & Spearmint Deodorizing Shampoo

Introducing the pH balanced, alcohol-free, and paraben-free eucalyptus & spearmint odor control pet shampoo made in the USA. Wahl's pet shampoo is highly recommended for deep cleaning, deodorizing, and conditioning your dog's coat and skin. It is specially formulated to clean dirty and dull fur from long to short coats, leaving a great eucalyptus & spearmint scent that will keep your pet smelling fresh and clean.

Wahl's eucalyptus & spearmint pet shampoo is made with a high concentration of coconut-derived sodding agents, which means that a little bit of shampoo goes a long way. You don't have to use as much as other dog shampoos, and the thick lather rinses off clean, deodorizes, and keeps your pet looking and smelling great.

This shampoo is allergy-friendly and safe for pets with sensitive skin. Wahl's dog icon, Rocket, was designed in the image of the family dog Cooper, a golden doodle with severe allergies. This is the only shampoo that has been found safe and effective for him. He loves the smell too!

For over 50 years, Wahl has been serving professional vets and groomers, providing them with quality products. The company is made up of animal lovers who want the best for your family members. Try Wahl's eucalyptus & spearmint pet shampoo today and enjoy a smooth, soft coat for your furry friend.

Pros

  • pH balanced, alcohol-free, and paraben-free pet shampoo
  • Great for deep cleaning, deodorizing, and conditioning your dog's coat and skin
  • Made with a high concentration of coconut-derived sodding agents, which means you don't have to use as much as other dog shampoos
  • Allergy-friendly and safe for pets with sensitive skin
  • Eucalyptus & spearmint scent that will keep your pet smelling fresh and clean
  • Used by professional vets and groomers for over 50 years

Best Shampoo For Smelly Dogs FAQs

Are there any natural or DIY alternatives to shampoo for smelly dogs?

Yes, there are many natural and DIY alternatives to shampoo for smelly dogs. One option is to use apple cider vinegar as a rinse. Simply dilute the vinegar with water and pour it over your dog's coat after a bath. This will help to neutralize any odors and leave your dog smelling fresh.

Another option is to use baking soda as a dry shampoo. Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda onto your dog's coat and brush it through. This will absorb any excess oil and help to remove any odors.

You can also make your own natural dog shampoo using ingredients such as castile soap, coconut oil, and essential oils. There are many recipes available online, and you can customize them to suit your dog's specific needs.

It's important to note that while natural and DIY alternatives can be effective for some dogs, they may not work for all dogs or all types of odors. If your dog has a persistent or strong odor, it's best to consult with a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues.

Can using a shampoo for smelly dogs help prevent future odors?

Yes, using a shampoo specifically designed for smelly dogs can help prevent future odors. Smelly dogs are often caused by bacteria and fungi that thrive in the warm and moist environment of a dog's coat. A good shampoo for smelly dogs will help kill the bacteria and fungi, removing the source of the odor. Additionally, some shampoos contain ingredients that help neutralize odors, leaving your dog smelling fresh and clean.

It's important to note that using any shampoo too often can actually strip your dog's coat of its natural oils, which can lead to dryness and irritation. It's recommended to use a smelly dog shampoo only as needed, and to make sure you're rinsing thoroughly to remove all of the shampoo from your dog's coat.

In addition to using a good shampoo, it's important to keep your dog's coat and skin healthy by regularly brushing them and providing a balanced diet. This can help prevent future odors and keep your dog looking and feeling their best.

How often should you bathe a smelly dog with shampoo?

The frequency of bathing a smelly dog with shampoo depends on several factors. Firstly, the breed of the dog plays a significant role in determining how often they need to be washed. Breeds with oily coats such as Basset Hounds require more frequent bathing than those with dry coats such as Greyhounds.

Secondly, the dog's lifestyle and habits also determine how often they need to be bathed. If your dog loves rolling around in mud or has frequent outdoor adventures, they may need to be bathed more often than a dog that spends most of their time indoors.

Lastly, it's essential to consider the type of shampoo you are using. Using a harsh shampoo too often can dry out your dog's skin and cause irritation. It's best to use a mild, hypoallergenic shampoo specifically designed for dogs.

In general, it's recommended to bathe a smelly dog with shampoo every 4-6 weeks. However, if your dog's odor is particularly strong, you may need to increase the frequency of baths. Always consult with your veterinarian to determine the best bathing schedule for your furry friend.

What are the best types of shampoo for smelly dogs?

As a dog owner, it's a common issue to have a smelly pup. A good shampoo can help tackle the problem, but choosing the right one can be overwhelming. The best types of shampoo for smelly dogs are those that are specifically formulated for odor control and have natural ingredients. One of the most popular ingredients is tea tree oil, which has antibacterial properties and can help eliminate odor-causing bacteria. Another effective ingredient is oatmeal, which can soothe the skin and reduce itching, which can often lead to bad smells. Look for shampoos that are free of harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances, as these can irritate your dog's skin and make the problem worse. It's also important to choose a shampoo that matches your dog's coat type and skin condition, as using the wrong one can cause more harm than good. Always consult with your veterinarian if you're unsure which shampoo to use for your furry friend.

What ingredients should you look for in a shampoo for smelly dogs?

When it comes to finding the right shampoo for smelly dogs, there are several key ingredients to look for. First and foremost, you'll want a shampoo that is specifically formulated for dogs, as human shampoos can be too harsh and strip away essential oils. Look for a shampoo that contains natural ingredients such as tea tree oil, eucalyptus, or lavender, which have natural antibacterial and antifungal properties to help combat odor-causing bacteria. Additionally, a shampoo with oatmeal can help soothe irritated skin and alleviate itching, which can contribute to a smelly dog. It's also important to choose a shampoo that is pH-balanced for dogs, as their skin has a different pH level than humans. Avoid shampoos that contain harsh chemicals or artificial fragrances, as they can irritate your dog's skin and exacerbate the odor problem. Overall, a high-quality dog shampoo with natural, gentle ingredients is the best choice for tackling smelly dogs.

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