Picture this: your dog comes in from outside wanting to snuggle with you. It’s not long before your nose gets a whiff of a foul odor. You lean in, take a sniff, and bam, you realize your dog stinks and needs a bath! The smell hits you hard, so much so that you think you’ve been hit with a shovel. Let’s face it; every dog owner on the planet has had to deal with a stinky dog at some point, and luckily, there are plenty of dog shampoos on the market today that will get your dog smelling lovely again in no time. But how do you go about finding the perfect one?
In this guide, we’ll look at the top reviews of the best smelling dog shampoo available so that your doggo will be smelling great lickety-split. Read on to discover the best ones.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Hepper Colloid Oatmeal Pet Shampoo
Contains no soaps, dyes, or sulfates
Gluten and DEA free
pH-balanced and safe for pets
Check Price
Buddy Wash Original Lavender
2-in-1 conditioning shampoo
Lathers well
Made in the U.S.A.
Check Price
Skout’s Honor Probiotic
Paraben, sulfate, and soap-free
Contains omega 3s for a shiny coat
Has a pleasant scent
Check Price
Rocco & Roxie Dog Shampoo
Contains no alcohol, parabens, or dyes
Mild, fresh scent
Formulated with natural, gentle ingredients
Check Price
Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe
Moisturizing formula
Soap and cruelty-free
Safe for cats
Check Price
The 11 Best Smelling Dog Shampoos
- Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo – Best Overall
Check Price on Hepper
Scent: Cucumber & aloe
Suitable for: Dogs and cats
Any pet parent knows bathing a dog can be challenging, especially if your dog isn’t a water lover. Also, the last thing you want is for your dog to smell worse when they come out of the bath than when they went in. That’s why our best overall pick for the best-smelling dog shampoo goes to Hepper’s Colloid Oatmeal Pet Shampoo.
Check Price on Hepper
Scent: Cucumber & aloe
Suitable for: Dogs and cats
This shampoo contains no soaps, dyes, or sulfates, and it’s also gluten- and DEA-free. The ingredients are pH-balanced and proven to be safe for pets.
If you’re looking for a shampoo that nourishes and soothes a dog’s skin, this is it. Not only is it a healthy way to bathe your dog, but it also leaves a scent behind that smells like cool aloe and fresh cucumbers. Some pet owners reported not liking the smell of the shampoo, while others said it didn’t lather quite the way they expected it to. All in all, this is a great-smelling shampoo that will work to clean the worst-smelling, filthy dog in your home.
At PetKeen.com we’ve admired Hepper for many years, and decided to take a controlling ownership interest, so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!
Pros
Contains no soaps, dyes, or sulfates
Gluten and DEA free
Smells great
pH-balanced and safe for pets
Soothes and nourishes dry skin
Cons
Some pet owners didn’t like the smell
Does not produce enough lather
Buddy Wash Original Lavender & Mint Dog Shampoo & Conditioner uses natural ingredients, such as green tea, chamomile, sage, and essential oils to make your dog’s coat shiny, smooth, and smelling great. It’s made in the U.S.A., safe to use every 2 weeks, and soap-free. It lathers well, which means the 16-ounce bottle will last a long time. It comes in a 1-gallon jug or a bundle of 2-16-ounce bottles. The added wheat protein is a natural deodorizer, and it will naturally eliminate any odors.
Contains no soaps, dyes, or sulfates
Gluten and DEA free
Smells great
pH-balanced and safe for pets
Soothes and nourishes dry skin
- Contains no soaps, dyes, or sulfates
- Gluten and DEA free
- Smells great
- pH-balanced and safe for pets
- Soothes and nourishes dry skin
Some pet owners didn’t like the smell
Does not produce enough lather
- Some pet owners didn’t like the smell
- Does not produce enough lather
Scent: Lavender and mint
Suitable for: Dogs and puppies
Check Price on Chewy
The lavender and mint smell could be stronger, but overall, this product offers a two-in-one formula that will leave your dog smelling great with a shiny coat. With the affordable price, pleasant scent, and long-lasting formula, this product is the best smelling dog shampoo for the money.
Pros
2-in-1 conditioning shampoo
Lathers well
Pleasant scent
Affordable
Comes in a 16-ounce bottle, a bundle of two 16-ounce bottles, or a 1-gallon jug
Made in the U.S.A.
Cons
Smell could be a bit stronger
If you’re looking for a product that you can use anytime, no matter when the last bath was, then Skout’s Honor Probiotic Honeysuckle Pet Shampoo & Conditioner could be a suitable option. This two-in-one formula covers all the bases: from dry, itchy skin, prevents infection, calms hot spots, repairs and prevents hair loss, and prevents matting and excessive shedding. Your dog’s coat will shine due to the added avocado oil, coconut oil, and omega-3s. It’s paraben and sulfate-free, soap-free, and the subtle honeysuckle scent will leave the smelliest of dogs free from odor. Be sure to shake the bottle well before applying.
2-in-1 conditioning shampoo
Lathers well
Pleasant scent
Affordable
Comes in a 16-ounce bottle, a bundle of two 16-ounce bottles, or a 1-gallon jug
Made in the U.S.A.
- 2-in-1 conditioning shampoo
- Lathers well
- Pleasant scent
- Affordable
- Comes in a 16-ounce bottle, a bundle of two 16-ounce bottles, or a 1-gallon jug
- Made in the U.S.A.
Smell could be a bit stronger
- Smell could be a bit stronger
Scent: Honeysuckle
Suitable for: Puppies 8 weeks or older, adult dogs, senior dogs, and cats
This 16-ounce bottle is a little expensive, but it lathers well, and the scent will last quite a while. In addition, each product is sold with Skout’s Paw Pledge, which means they will donate a day’s worth of meals to an animal in an animal shelter with every bottle sold. That alone makes purchasing this product a win-win!
Pros
Paraben, sulfate, and soap-free
Contains omega 3s for a shiny coat
Has a pleasant scent
Manufacturer donates food to an animal shelter with each bottle sold
Cons
Expensive
- Rocco & Roxie Dog Shampoo for All Dogs & Puppies – Best for Puppies
Check Latest Price
Scent: Mild, calm scent
Suitable for: Puppies, adult dogs
Rocco & Roxie Dog Shampoo for All Dogs & Puppies is perfect for a puppy’s new, sensitive skin. Made with nature’s best ingredients, this shampoo is gentle and ideal for puppies. It contains aloe vera that soothes the skin’s surface and seals in moisture, rosemary extract for promoting follicle growth, and chamomile for a soothing bath. A puppy’s new skin is sensitive, and this shampoo is specially formulated to be gentle. It has no dyes, parabens, or alcohol, and it comes with a 100% money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied.
Paraben, sulfate, and soap-free
Contains omega 3s for a shiny coat
Has a pleasant scent
Manufacturer donates food to an animal shelter with each bottle sold
- Paraben, sulfate, and soap-free
- Contains omega 3s for a shiny coat
- Has a pleasant scent
- Manufacturer donates food to an animal shelter with each bottle sold
Expensive
- Expensive
Check Latest Price
Scent: Mild, calm scent
Suitable for: Puppies, adult dogs
We should note that some consumers state this product irritated their pup’s skin, so be sure to monitor afterward for any allergic reactions. However, most people say this shampoo soothes their dog’s skin allergies.
The product is made in the U.S.A., and the scent is fresh and natural with no perfume smell, making this product the best smelling dog shampoo for puppies.
Pros
Contains no alcohol, parabens, or dyes
Mild, fresh scent
Formulated with natural, gentle ingredients
Made in the U.S.A.
Cons
Not for cats
May irritate some puppies’ skin
Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Dog & Cat Shampoo is a cruelty-free and soap-free dog shampoo with a pleasant vanilla and almond scent. If your dog has dry, itchy skin, the organic aloe vera will moisturize and soothe the skin so your dog won’t feel the need to scratch. It won’t wash away topical flea meds, and it’s safe for both dogs and cats over 6 weeks of age. The safe formula of this shampoo is paraben and phosphate-free, and it lathers and rinses well. It comes in a 16-ounce bottle or 1-gallon jug.
Contains no alcohol, parabens, or dyes
Mild, fresh scent
Formulated with natural, gentle ingredients
Made in the U.S.A.
- Contains no alcohol, parabens, or dyes
- Mild, fresh scent
- Formulated with natural, gentle ingredients
- Made in the U.S.A.
Not for cats
May irritate some puppies’ skin
- Not for cats
- May irritate some puppies’ skin
Scent: Vanilla and almond
Suitable for: Dogs and cats
Some consumers claim the smell is unpleasant, and the formula in the 1-gallon jug may be too thin. However, most people love the scent, and it helps their dogs or cats with dry skin.
Pros
Moisturizing formula
Soap and cruelty-free
Paraben and phosphate-free
Doesn’t wash away topical flea meds
Lathers and rinses well
Safe for cats
Cons
Fragrance may be unpleasant for some
1-gallon jug formula may be too thin
TrueBlue Pet Products Natural Balance Conditioning Dog Shampoo doesn’t have an exceptional amount of reviews just yet, but we felt it was worthy of making our top 10-reviews due to its praise. Veterinarians designed this two-in-one formula to preserve your dog’s coat without stripping the natural oils, and the scent is described as “heaven in a bottle.” The citrus scent is long-lasting, and the natural ingredients of green tea and chamomile will leave your dog’s coat shiny and smooth. Made in the U.S.A, this shampoo and conditioner is a hit among consumers. It only comes in a 12-ounce bottle as opposed to a 16-ounce bottle, but you don’t need much for a good lather, and the smell is long-lasting.
Moisturizing formula
Soap and cruelty-free
Paraben and phosphate-free
Doesn’t wash away topical flea meds
Lathers and rinses well
Safe for cats
- Moisturizing formula
- Soap and cruelty-free
- Paraben and phosphate-free
- Doesn’t wash away topical flea meds
- Lathers and rinses well
- Safe for cats
Fragrance may be unpleasant for some
1-gallon jug formula may be too thin
- Fragrance may be unpleasant for some
- 1-gallon jug formula may be too thin
Scent: Citrus
Suitable for: Adult dogs, seniors
The formula has a gel-like consistency that might seem strange at first, but it lathers and rinses very well. Be warned not to use this product right after applying topical flea meds, as it may wash the med off if you apply the product too soon after treatment. Always follow the directions from the topical flea meds to ensure it’s safe to use this product.
Pros
Pleasant, long-lasting citrus scent
All-natural ingredients
Made in the U.S.A.
Veterinarian formulated
Cons
Formula has a gel-like consistency
May wash off topical flea meds if applied too soon
Only available in a 12-ounce bottle
TropiClean Spa Renew Shampoo for Dogs & Cats has a light, long-lasting fruity and floral scent with wheat protein that nourishes your dog’s coat. It also has oatmeal that soothes dry, itchy skin. The coconut-based cleanser removes dirt, and the white plum and ginger will leave the coat silky and shiny. It’s soap-free and won’t wash away flea meds. The formula is gentle enough for dogs and cats, and it’s made in the U.S.A.
Pleasant, long-lasting citrus scent
All-natural ingredients
Made in the U.S.A.
Veterinarian formulated
- Pleasant, long-lasting citrus scent
- All-natural ingredients
- Made in the U.S.A.
- Veterinarian formulated
Formula has a gel-like consistency
May wash off topical flea meds if applied too soon
Only available in a 12-ounce bottle
- Formula has a gel-like consistency
- May wash off topical flea meds if applied too soon
- Only available in a 12-ounce bottle
Scent: Fruity, floral scent
Suitable for: Adults 12 weeks and older, senior dogs, cats
TropiClean is a family-owned brand dedicated to providing safe and natural pet products for fur babies, and the scent lasts a long time. If your dog has hot spots, it has been proven to help heal those, too! It comes in a 16-ounce bottle, a 1-gallon jug, or a bundle of two 16-ounce bottles.
Pros
Long-lasting, fruity and floral scent
Soothes dry, itchy skin
Made in the U.S.A.
Soap-free
Safe for cats
Won’t wash away topical flea meds
Cons
None that we can see
If your dog has any bacterial infections, such as mange or ringworm, Richard’s Organics Anti-Bacterial Shampoo is an excellent option for your doggie. Not only does it help with yeast, fungus, and bacterial infections, but it also leaves your pet with a clean, refreshing scent. The veterinarian-recommended formula contains all-natural ingredients, such as coconut oil, tea tree oil, and neem oil. Made in the U.S.A., this product is a safe and natural treatment for your dog’s skin infections, all while providing a pleasant scent. It’s also safe to use with topical flea medication, as it won’t wash it off when applying.
Long-lasting, fruity and floral scent
Soothes dry, itchy skin
Made in the U.S.A.
Soap-free
Safe for cats
Won’t wash away topical flea meds
- Long-lasting, fruity and floral scent
- Soothes dry, itchy skin
- Made in the U.S.A.
- Soap-free
- Safe for cats
- Won’t wash away topical flea meds
None that we can see
- None that we can see
Scent: Fresh, clean scent
Suitable for: Puppies over 8 weeks, adult and senior dogs, dogs with sensitive skin
It creates a good lather, but it may not help with every dog’s situation. If your dog is suffering from any skin condition, we advise a trip to your vet for an examination.
This product comes in a 12-ounce bottle at a reasonable price.
Pros
Helps alleviate certain skin conditions
Made with all-natural ingredients
Made in the U.S.A.
Leaves a clean, fresh scent
Veterinarian- recommended
Cons
Not for cats
May not help all dog’s skin conditions
- Zesty Paws Itch Soother Dog Shampoo
Check Latest Price
Scent: Vanilla bean
Suitable for: Dogs of all ages
Zesty Paws Itch Soother Dog Shampoo contains natural aloe, vitamin E, and oatmeal ingredients to soothe dry skin, and the vanilla bean extract will leave your pup smelling great! This shampoo will leave the coat silky smooth and soft whether your dog has short, long, or coarse hair. It will also help reduce shedding and refresh brittle hair. This product is made in the U.S.A., is a trusty brand within the pet industry, and it’s available in a 16-ounce bottle.
Helps alleviate certain skin conditions
Made with all-natural ingredients
Made in the U.S.A.
Leaves a clean, fresh scent
Veterinarian- recommended
- Helps alleviate certain skin conditions
- Made with all-natural ingredients
- Made in the U.S.A.
- Leaves a clean, fresh scent
- Veterinarian- recommended
Not for cats
May not help all dog’s skin conditions
- Not for cats
- May not help all dog’s skin conditions
Scent: Vanilla bean
Suitable for: Dogs of all ages
You should only use this product every 2 weeks for effectiveness. Also, it may not lather as well as you’d like. In addition, make sure you follow any topical flea medication instructions on when is a safe time to use this product after applying.
Pros
Suitable for dogs of all ages
Made in the U.S.A.
Reduces shedding
Suitable for all coat types
Vanilla bean scent
Cons
Not for cats
May wash away topical flea meds
May not lather well
TropiClean has made our list again with their Luxury 2 in 1 Papaya & Coconut Pet Shampoo and Conditioner. It’s suitable for pups 12 weeks and older, and you can use it on your cat, too. We love TropiClean because they are a family-owned, trusted brand and use only natural ingredients that are safe for your beloved pet. The formula is pH balanced, soap-free, and safe for everyday use. If your canine kiddo has long hair that tangles, the coconut and mango in the formula will help to detangle the hair and makes brushing much easier. This two-in-one formula is gentle and will have your pet smelling fresh and clean with its fruit and citrus scent.
Suitable for dogs of all ages
Made in the U.S.A.
Reduces shedding
Suitable for all coat types
Vanilla bean scent
- Suitable for dogs of all ages
- Made in the U.S.A.
- Reduces shedding
- Suitable for all coat types
- Vanilla bean scent
Not for cats
May wash away topical flea meds
May not lather well
- Not for cats
- May wash away topical flea meds
- May not lather well
Scent: Fruit and citrus
Suitable for: Dogs 12 weeks and older, cats
While it’s gentle and safe for everyday use, it is not tear-free, so be careful not to get it in your pet’s eyes. The formula is a little messy when it comes out of the bottle, and it’s slippery, so keep this in mind when you squeeze the bottle with wet hands.
This product is made in the U.S.A. and comes in multiple sizes: a 20-ounce bottle, a 1-gallon bottle, a 2.5-gallon bottle, or a bundle of two, 1-gallon bottles, or a bundle of two, 2.5-gallon bottles.
Pros
Safe for dogs 12 weeks and older and cats
Natural ingredients
Works great for tangles
Made in the U.S.A.
Comes in multi-sized options
Safe for everyday use
Cons
It’s not tear-free
Liquid is slippery and messy
If you’re looking for a shampoo that won’t irritate your pet’s eyes, then look no further than Paws & Pals Oatmeal, Sweet Basil & Turmeric Shampoo. It’s made from all-natural, organic, and vegan ingredients, such as oatmeal, turmeric, and sweet basil. It gently cleans your pet’s fur and leaves behind a fresh, clean scent. The aloe and coconut oil will soothe your pet’s skin and relieve any itching caused by fleas, dander, or dryness. It detangles matted fur and is veterinarian-recommended. The best part is that it won’t irritate your pet’s eyes or nose, making bath time much easier for both of you.
Safe for dogs 12 weeks and older and cats
Natural ingredients
Works great for tangles
Made in the U.S.A.
Comes in multi-sized options
Safe for everyday use
- Safe for dogs 12 weeks and older and cats
- Natural ingredients
- Works great for tangles
- Made in the U.S.A.
- Comes in multi-sized options
- Safe for everyday use
It’s not tear-free
Liquid is slippery and messy
- It’s not tear-free
- Liquid is slippery and messy
Scent: Fresh and clean scent
Suitable for: Dogs and cats
The formula may be too watery and not lather well. You should also wait 2 days before using this product after applying a topical flea medication. However, it’s made in the U.S.A. and helps with hot spots, too.
Pros
Fresh, clean scent
Made in the U.S.A.
Detangles fur
Safe for dogs and cats
All-natural ingredients
Tear-free
Cons
Liquid may be too water
May not lather well
Wait 2 days after applying a flea med
Fresh, clean scent
Made in the U.S.A.
Detangles fur
Safe for dogs and cats
All-natural ingredients
Tear-free
- Fresh, clean scent
- Made in the U.S.A.
- Detangles fur
- Safe for dogs and cats
- All-natural ingredients
- Tear-free
Liquid may be too water
May not lather well
Wait 2 days after applying a flea med
- Liquid may be too water
- May not lather well
- Wait 2 days after applying a flea med
Buyer’s Guide – Choosing the Best Smelling Dog Shampoo
As you can see, when it comes to dog shampoo, the options are limitless, which may leave you scratching your head on which product to buy. If so, keep reading to learn what to look for when searching for the best smelling dog shampoo.
Ingredients
The ingredients in the formula are super important. You don’t want to use anything harmful to your pet or its skin. With that said, it’s best to use a shampoo that has natural or organic ingredients, such as aloe, oatmeal, coconut oil, and vitamin E. Be sure to read the labels carefully to ensure there’s no parabens or chemicals.
Your dog’s age
Not all shampoo is designed for puppies. You’ll want to make sure it’s safe for the young ones before using it. Most labels will tell you what age is safe for use.
Scent
After all, this article is about the best smelling dog shampoo, so check to see exactly what type of scent you’ll be dealing with. Some have a fresh, clean scent, but if you want something more potent, look for a shampoo with a more defining scent, such as vanilla, lavender, or a fruity, citrus scent.
How often can you use the product?
Some products are safe for everyday use, and some are only recommended for use every 2 weeks. If you have a dog that likes to roll around in muck daily, you’ll want to look for a shampoo that’s safe to bathe your dirty doggie as often as needed.
Pet parents widely use topical flea meds, but some shampoos may wash the medication away if you use it too soon after applying. Be sure to check the recommendations on when it’s safe to use after flea treatment.
Conclusion
For the best overall best smelling dog shampoo, we recommend Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo. It has a pleasant cucumber, aloe scent and doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals. Buddy Wash Original Lavender & Mint Dog Shampoo & Conditioner uses all-natural ingredients; it’s made in the U.S.A. and has a pleasant lavender and mint smell.
As we’ve mentioned, with the many options available, it can be overwhelming picking the perfect shampoo, but we hope our reviews of the best smelling dog shampoo aids in your search. Good luck!
- Related read: What Dog Shampoos Do Groomers Use? What Do They Recommend?
Featured Image Credit: 135pixels, Shutterstock
