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Let’s face it, dogs are truly our best friends. We live with them, cuddle with them, and spend a lot of time around them, so it is very important to properly take care of them.
Over time, they can get a little bit smelly, and then it is time to bathe your dog. When choosing a dog shampoo, the scent is important because we all want our pups to smell good. However, the ingredients and the benefits of the shampoo should be even more important than a nice smell.
There are various shampoos on the market, good and bad ones, and choosing the right one is not always an easy task.
So, this is why we have scanned the market and chosen the ones that are the best smelling dog shampoos as well as long-lasting and without harsh chemicals.
Stay with us to find out what our top picks are, and how to choose the best shampoo on your own!
Let’s get started!
Top 3 Best Smelling Dog Shampoos
1. Premium Pick: Skout’s Honor Probiotic Set Shampoo + Conditioner
- Hydrating and nourishing
- Anti-dandruff and anti-itch
- pH balanced
- A small-business brand
2. Budget Pick: Arm & Hammer Super Deodorizing Shampoo For Dogs
- Made with the highest quality ingredients
- Eliminates pet odor
- pH balanced
- Great for dogs with sensitive skin
- Long-lasting scent
- Affordable pricing
3. Best Value For The Price: Wahl 4-In-1 Calming Pet Shampoo
- Allergy friendly
- Paraben free
- Alcohol-free
- Calming formula
22 Best Smelling Dog Shampoos: Pawfect Choices For Your Pooch
1. John Paul Pet Wild Ginger Shampoo For Dogs And Cats
- Made from all-natural botanical extracts
- Rich shampoo formula infused with wild ginger extract gently cleanses while adding moisture and shine
- The concentrated luxurious formula requires less product
- A portion of the proceeds goes to animal and wildlife organizations
Rich and luxurious John Paul dog and cat shampoo gently cleanses, while at the same time, wild ginger extract adds moisture and shine to your dog’s fur.
The light and refreshing botanical fragrance (which is paraben and EDTA-free) will soothe both your and your pup’s senses and leave your dog smelling great for days. The formula is highly concentrated and economical, which means that you will have to use less product for great results.
However, while the formula is very economical, some users have found the packaging to be a little bit faulty and leaking. Not everyone will experience this problem, but you should be careful if you are traveling somewhere and want to bring your dog’s shampoo with you.
2. 4-Legger Organic Shampoo
- Contains essential oils
- Hypoallergenic
- Risk-free guarantee
- Cruelty-free product
4-Legger is the USDA-certified, 100% natural and organic dog shampoo that is specifically designed for soothing dry, itchy, and irritated skin.
Soothing aloe vera and antibacterial lemongrass essential oils will make sure that your dog’s fur is completely clean while at the same time making it healthier. No harsh chemicals are used in the production, so this shampoo is perfectly safe for dogs, cats, and even you.
Only 2% of dog shampoos are actually certified organic, so if you are looking for a more sustainable option, this brand is the perfect choice. Check it out and learn more about this wonderful small-business brand that so many people love.
3. Wahl 4-In-1 Calming Pet Shampoo
- Allergy friendly
- Paraben free
- Alcohol-free
- Calming formula
This USA-made lavender and chamomile pet shampoo is a great cleanser, conditioner, detangling and moisturizing shampoo perfect for all coat types, from short to long.
A highly concentrated formula allows you to use only a small amount of shampoo, yet it will provide a rich lather that is easy to wash off and keep your dog smelling and looking great. For over 50 years the Wahl brand has been the first choice for many groomers and professionals.
Make sure to always first test the product, especially if your pooch suffers from skin allergies as it can always happen that some of the ingredients do not suit your pup.
4. Great Coat Oatmeal Dog Shampoo
- No harsh or irritating chemicals
- Great for pets with sensitive skin and allergies
- Colloidal oatmeal and vitamins relieve dry, itchy skin
- Deeply conditioning and nourishing
- Not too cheap, but it smells and works great
Great Coat is a hypoallergenic shampoo for sensitive skin and allergies that will not strip your dog’s coat. Its soap-free formulation infused with vitamins and colloidal oatmeal will relieve dryness and itchiness, and restore natural moisture and emollients.
The Pina Colada scent will make bath time a wonderful experience, and leave your pup smelling great. Many pet parents have reported that this shampoo was great even for pups with different skin conditions as it doesn’t interfere with any treatments.
It does cost a little bit more than most shampoos, but it gives a wonderful smell that definitely lasts for days that even your pup will notice.
P.S. This shampoo gives you the perfect opportunity to sing the “Pina Colada song” while bathing your dog to make the experience more fun!
RELATED: Pug Skin Problems: 8 Reasons Why Your Pet Feels Irritated
5. Buddy’s Best Dog Shampoo For Smelly Dogs
- Great for dry and sensitive skin
- Silky, soft fur that lasts for days
- Pet-loving and vegan ingredients
- Removes dirt and bad smell
If you are looking for a puppy shampoo that is made of natural, pet-loving ingredients and is going to leave your dog’s coat silky soft and smelling great for days, Buddy’s Best dog shampoo for smelly dogs is definitely something that you need to try.
The oat and aloe ingredients promote a well-nourished, shiny, and healthy coat, as well as help strengthen the dog’s nails and foot pads.
It effectively removes any dirt, keeping your doggo clean and smelling great without a need for daily baths. If you are not satisfied with the product, there is a possibility of returning the product for a full refund.
READ ALSO: How Often Should You Bathe A Husky?
6. Earthbath Oatmeal And Aloe Shampoo + Conditioner
- Natural and organic ingredients
- Paraben, dye, sulfate, phthalate, and alcohol free
- pH balanced
- Non-toxic, gentle, and naturally effective
- Cruelty-free
- Soothes dry, itchy skin
This gentle pet shampoo (+ conditioner) is a cruelty-free product specifically formulated for dogs with dry, itchy skin. It does not contain any harsh chemicals as it is blended with some of the finest natural and organic ingredients.
Earthbath shampoo is pH-balanced and completely safe for all dog breeds, puppies, cats, and kittens. You don’t have to worry about this shampoo damaging your dog’s health as it is as non-toxic and gentle as possible.
This shampoo is solely intended for the dog’s coat and skin, so please avoid eye contact. Rinse immediately with water if contact happens.
7. Skout’s Honor Probiotic Set Shampoo + Conditioner
- Hydrating and nourishing
- Anti-dandruff and anti-itch
- pH balanced
- A small-business brand
A portion of the proceeds is donated to providing daily means for rescue animals
Skout’s Honor is a pH-balanced probiotic set of shampoo and conditioner that helps clean, and at the same time protect your dog’s coat and skin. It naturally fights shedding, dryness, itching, dandruff, and of course, odor.
Formulated with avocado oil and omega 3, it gives your dog’s fur a visible, healthy shine. At Skout’s Honor, they are specifically dedicated to pets and making environmentally and sustainable pet products that are going to be safe for the whole family and home.
Although it is a little bit spendy, it definitely lives up to the fuss. They are partnered with Greater Good Charities’ GOODS® Program, and with every purchase of their products, they donate a portion of the proceeds that will provide one day’s worth of meals for a rescue animal.
Over 10 million meals have been donated, and they are still making a positive impact every day!
8. PetAg Fresh ‘N Clean Scented Dog Shampoo
- Contains Aloe Vera
- Hydrating
- Floral scent
- Odor-control
Fresh ‘n Clean Scented Shampoo provides a long-lasting, classic fresh scent that lasts up to two weeks. It contains Aloe Vera, Vitamin E, and extra conditioners for shiny and manageable fur, free of mats and tangles.
This high-quality product has been a favorite for many pet owners and professionalists as well. Plant-based cleansing agents gently wash the grime and dirt while locking in moisture.
Simply wet the dog’s coat with wet water, and work the shampoo into a lather. Rinse afterward. Enjoy the clean and fresh-smelling pooch for weeks.
9. TropiClean PerfectFur Curly & Wavy Coat Shampoo For Dogs
- Excellent for dogs with a wavy and curly coat
- Removes tangles and mats from dog’s fur
- Absorbs water and helps dog’s fur dry quickly
- Gives dog’s fur additional volume
TropiClean PerfectFur dog shampoo is the perfect shampoo for your dog’s unique coat. This formula is specifically designed for the combination of curly and wavy, long-haired, short double, smooth, and thick double coat types.
Made with high-quality and natural ingredients, this shampoo helps smooth the hair follicles and removes mats and tangles with ease. Perfect for dogs with a high volume of fur such as Labradoodles, Goldendoodles, Poodles, Maltipoos, and other dogs with a unique, fluffy coat.
It features papaya, peach, coconut, and rice extract, which makes it smell incredible. However, it is only suitable for dogs twelve weeks and older, so if you have a smaller pup, you should try to find other puppy shampoos.
10. Arm & Hammer Super Deodorizing Shampoo For Dogs
- Made with the highest quality ingredients
- Eliminates pet odor
- pH balanced
- Great for dogs with sensitive skin
- Long-lasting scent
- Affordable pricing
Arm & Hammer is one of those trusted pet companies that has been delivering simple, yet effective products for more than 100 years. They provide a wide variety of shampoos, conditioners, tearless puppy shampoos, sprays, and waterless shampoos.
Everything that you might need… they have it. Since it is made with natural, high-quality ingredients, and is pH-balanced, it is safe even for dogs with sensitive skin.
This shampoo uses the power of baking soda to eliminate odor, deodorize, and keep a fresh-smelling dog. Although this one is not tearless, it is gentle enough to use on sensitive areas. However, it is not recommended to use for fleas and ticks.
11. Burt’s Bees For Dogs Natural Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoo
- Gently cleanses the dog’s coat without drying the skin
- Free of fragrances, sulfates, colorants, and harsh chemicals
- pH balanced
- Skin-moisturizing shea butter and shine-boosting honey
- Perfect for sensitive skin and dogs with allergies
One of the very famous names on the market — Burt’s Bees, has been around since 1984, creating cruelty-free products with natural ingredients. Although they have several equally good products, we chose this because it is hypoallergenic and safe for dogs with sensitive skin.
It gently cleans and freshens the dog’s coat without drying it out. With the help of moisturizing ingredients, such as shea butter and honey, your dog’s fur will be hydrated and shinier than ever.
No fragrances, sulfates, colorants, or harsh chemicals are used in the formula, making this shampoo perfect for dogs with itchy and sensitive skin, which has also been confirmed by many satisfied users.
If you are, by any chance, wondering if you can use human shampoo on your pup, please read “Can You Use Head And Shoulders On Dogs?” and see why it is not a good idea.
12. Pro Pet Works Organic 5 In One Oatmeal Pet Shampoo + Conditioner
- Features ingredients like Aloe Vera gel, Organic Almond Oil, Oatmeal, and Vitamins A, D, E, and B12
- Premium quality
- Safe for pets with sensitive skin
- Five-in-one formula conditions and moisturizes
- Great for grooming
The ultimate formula of premium quality offers a five-in-one shampoo and conditioner that is safe for all kinds of dogs as well as cats, kittens, rabbits, guinea pigs, and ferrets.
The ingredients like Aloe Vera Gel, Organic Almond Oil, Oatmeal, and Vitamins A, D, E, and B12 provide nourishing care even for pets with sensitive skin. Additionally, it is soap-free, paraben-free, cruelty-free, sulfate-free, and alcohol-free.
It has a nice, fruity smell that is strong while lathering, but very light and pleasant afterward. This shampoo will provide you with a nice amount of lather, which usually only professional shampoos do. A little bit goes a long way, which makes it economical and affordable in the end.
13. Richard’s Organics Deodorizing Dog Shampoo
- Vet recommended
- Baking soda, zink, aloe vera, rosemary extract, and lavender oil effectively remove the odor
- Leaves a shiny, healthy coat
- Effective and affordable
- Made in the USA
Richard’s Organics provides you with an affordable and effective pet shampoo that successfully combats dog odor, leaving your pets smelling fresh and healthy.
The baking soda, zinc, aloe vera, rosemary extract, and lavender oil cleans the coat and soothes the skin. Since it is paraben, dye, and soap free, it is completely safe for dogs with sensitive skin or skin conditions.
It will not wash off topical flea or any other topical treatment, which is why many professional veterinarians recommend it. It has a nice, subtle smell that is not overpowering, but it may not be suitable for large dogs.
14. Lillian Ruff Berry Blue Brightening Face & Body Wash
- Pleasant blueberry scent
- Hydrates dry, itchy skin
- Highest quality ingredients
- Tear-free formula
- Cleans deeply and brightens white or lighter colored fur
Let’s introduce you to the whitening and brightening shampoo that actually works at brightening your dog’s fur and providing him with relief for dry, itchy skin. It is specifically good for white dog breeds as it helps keep their angelic fur fresh and clean.
Lillian Ruff face and body wash not only cleans the body, but it is perfectly safe even for the face, so you don’t need to panic if a little bit of shampoo goes into your dog’s eyes – he will be fine.
Made from natural fruit extracts, it gives a nice blueberry scent that you will be able to smell for days. This shampoo is a USA-made product, 100% cruelty-free, tear-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, gluten-free, and vegan.
15. Pet Oatmeal Anti-Itch Shampoo and Conditioner In One
- Main ingredients: coconut, oatmeal, baking soda, and aloe vera
- Stops itching immediately
- Light, but effective scent that eliminates odor
- Safe for puppies and kittens
- Tear-free and cruelty-free formula
Pets Are Kids Too is not just a company of pet products, but a way of life. They always make sure to put in only high-quality ingredients as they want only the best for all pets. A portion of the sales of every product is donated to dogs suffering from cancer.
The shampoo provides a fresh-baked oatmeal cookie scent that is long-lasting and leaves fur soft to the touch and easy to brush. It is pet allergy-friendly and formulated for small and large dogs and cats.
The tear-free, dandruff-free, and anti-itch formula provides instant relief and helps protect your dogs and kitties from itching, shedding, and allergies. Although some customers have found bottles to be faulty and leaking, the company has great customer service and will happily provide you with a refund.
16. Paws & Pals 6-In-1 Dog Shampoo And Conditioner For Itchy Skin
- Vegan
- Can be used as a conditioner
- Tear-free
- Contains essential oils
Paws & Pals 6-in-1 dog shampoo and conditioner for itchy skin is proudly formulated and made in California, USA. The tear-free formula made with natural oils, vitamins, oatmeal, aloe vera, turmeric and sweet basil extracts will not irritate your dog, and it is safe to use even around the eyes and nose.
The 6-in-1 product helps reduce shedding, itchiness, dryness, and smelly odor, as well as to condition and detangle. Its highly concentrated formula also allows you to use very little product for great results.
This shampoo naturally deodorizes, leaving your dog’s coat smelling fresh and clean for a long time. If your dog suffers from dry, flaky skin, irritation, or hot spots, this oatmeal shampoo really does wonders.
17. Vermont Soap Organics Pet Shampoo
- Infused with organic olive oil and coconut
- Gentle, yet effective formula suitable for sensitive skin
- Keeps the dog’s skin moisturized and well-nourished
- No harsh chemicals
- USDA certified
Vermont Soap dog shampoo is a USDA-certified organic olive oil and coconut shampoo that is formulated for sensitive skin, and made without any harsh chemicals.
Besides the olive oil and coconut, it contains jojoba oils, organic aloe vera, a combination of natural and organic essential oils, and rosemary extract that keeps your dog’s skin moisturized and well-nourished.
It smells incredible, and lathers amazingly, even though it has a runny consistency. One bottle of this shampoo will last you for a long time, and what also matters is that dogs absolutely love it.
READ ALSO: How Often Should You Bathe A Golden Retriever: All You Need To Know
18. WashBar Natural Dog Shampoo Bar
The only bar of soap on our list, but definitely a great one. Not only is it eco-friendly, but it also helps you save money, and it is easier to use compared to liquid shampoo. With this bar, washing the underside of your dog will be much more manageable.
The natural formula gently cleans the coat and helps soothe dry skin. It is safe and gentle to use, even on puppies, as well as other different kinds of animals such as rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, etc.
It works on both long and short fur, and it smells wonderful – not too strong. If you have any doubts about WashBar, we encourage you to try it as you might be surprised as to how convenient and economical it actually is.
19. Cloudstar Buddy Wash Lavender & Mint Shampoo
- Leaves hair soft and smelling great for days
- A delicious smell of lavender and mint
- Completely natural
- Soothing and conditioning
- Appropriate for all breeds and ages
Cloudstar Buddy Wash is a completely natural shampoo that is appropriate for all dog breeds and ages. It is also safe for cats. It is formulated with lavender and mint, leaving a fresh, delicious smell that stays on for days.
The shampoo has a nice liquid consistency, and it is not too difficult to use as some other watered-down shampoos are. It makes your dog’s hair very soft and hydrated, and you just want to cuddle him.
Many pet owners swear on this product, and use it religiously because it keeps their pets looking shiny, healthy, and smelling great while not causing any irritations or allergies.
20. Pawtitas Organic Aromatherapy Pet Care Shampoo and Conditioner
- Odor eliminator formula
- Made for dry, itchy, and sensitive skin
- Cleans, detangles, moisturizes
- Alcohol, paraben, and cruelty-free
- USDA certified
Pawtitas Organic Aromatherapy shampoo and conditioner is a natural dog shampoo that is approved by vets, and is the perfect product to say bye to smelly dogs. Its natural ingredients work amazingly at cleaning the coat, eliminating odor, and deodorizing.
It is proudly manufactured in the USA, non-toxic, alcohol-free, paraben-free, and cruelty-free. Not only does it help your furry friend smell amazing, but it also moisturizes, provides shine, and soothes, making your pooch look better than ever.
The customized formula protects and helps combat skin irritations that your pup might be suffering from. Although it is a bit pricier, it does the job amazingly, so in the end, it is worth it because it truly helps your dog.
21. Fluppets Certified Organic Pet Shampoo
- Made from organic oils
- Highly concentrated and hypoallergenic
- Eco-friendly and natural
- Perfect for itchy, sensitive skin
- Proceeds of sales go to charity
Fluppets pet shampoo is a certified USDA product made from organic oils and 100% natural ingredients.
Organic oils of coconut, olive, and jojoba, with a natural essential oil blend of lemongrass, rosemary, and organic aloe vera make a conditioning shampoo perfect for itchy and sensitive skin.
It is an eco-friendly and hypoallergenic blend of ingredients that help promote healthy, hydrated skin and coat. It is perfect for sensitive pets of all ages, with a pleasant combination of rosemary, coconut, and lemongrass scents.
22. Kin+Kind Natural Dog Shampoo Deep Clean Almond + Vanilla
- Deeply cleans and eliminates odor
- Vegan, and GMO-Free
- Aloe vera, organic olive oil, and organic coconut oil for sensitive skin
- Sweet, nutty fragrance
- Vet approved
The sweet, nutty fragrance of this wonderful shampoo will leave your pup smelling fresh for days, so the cuddles will be more enjoyable. Thanks to the natural ingredients, it provides a deep clean, and effectively eliminates dog odor, even skunk!
Each ingredient is tested and vet-approved in order to ensure that the product is completely safe for your dog. This shampoo is, therefore, safe for irritated skin and dogs with allergies.
Their extra-gentle formula is tear-free and fragrance-free, and with the power of argan oil, aloe vera, olive, and coconut oils, it helps lock in the moisture, soothe the pup immediately, and smooth the skin and hair fibers.
RELATED: How Often Should You Bathe A Shih Tzu? Tips And Tricks!
Tips For Choosing The Best Dog Shampoo
When choosing a dog shampoo, there are some things that need to be taken into consideration. There are a lot of products on the market (like Amazon and Chewy), but unfortunately, not all of them are of the same quality, so you should pay attention to some things and be careful which one you actually choose.
Let’s see some tips that will help you choose the best dog shampoo:
• Check the ingredient list
• Look for naturally-derived ingredients
• Look for cruelty-free and USDA-certified brands
• Choose soap-free, alcohol-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, and tear-free products
• Look for hypoallergenic and antibacterial properties
• Choose soothing and hydrating options rather than the ones that dry out the dog’s coat
On the other hand, there are some things that you shouldn’t do, like:
• Use human shampoos because they may cause allergic reactions, and strip your dog’s coat from natural oils that keep it healthy
• Use dog shampoos that contain parabens and artificial dyes, which may cause different skin conditions
• Use dog shampoos that contain artificial fragrances as these can cause skin allergies and irritations
READ NEXT: What Are The Worst Dog Food Brands On the Market?
Final Thoughts
Some dogs love taking a bath, while others simply despise it. It may be out of fear or pure dislike; however, choosing a good shampoo that does not cause discomfort or irritations may help a lot.
Try to always choose those shampoos that are made of natural ingredients and without harsh chemicals since there is less chance of harming your pup.
Nice smell is important, but of course, not the most important thing because what is the point of a good-smelling product if it does not do the thing it was originally intended to do — which is clean! This should be your priority, and scent should be a nice bonus.
However, naturally, no one wants a bad-smelling pet, so this is the reason why we have made this list of 22 best smelling dog shampoos. Now, you have good products that smell wonderful and clean even better.
Try them, and let us know which one is your favorite!
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