Best Smelling Dog Shampoo (Update 2018) – Buyer’s Guide!!!
While having a dog is fun, it becomes less interesting when they start reeking of their pet smell. What is worse is that they stink easily!
Thankfully, we can keep them clean and fresh with the right products. Choosing the best smelling dog shampoo is a crucial task, so let us begin digging in!
Determining When Your Dog Needs a Bath
Unlike us humans, dogs do not really need to take a bath every-day. We can bathe them whenever we are free to do so. However, there are signs when it is finally time to give them a refreshing bath. Here are they:
Bad Odor
Sometimes, this is the only sign you will ever need to realize that your dog needs a bath. Once you start smelling that stinky odor, it is very telling that you need to attend to him or her immediately. Otherwise, he or she may develop yeast infections or other skin problems.
Before proceeding, observe your dog’s body for possible skin infections and/or issues. By doing so, you can guarantee that you will be using the right dog shampoo.
Scratching
If you notice your dog scratching his or her body more than he or she would normally do, it is a sign that he or she has accumulated way too much dirt. Of course, the best way to get rid of this dirt is to give your dog a bath.
Another reason he or she is scratching might be due to fleas, mites, and ticks. To resolve this issue, you need to use the best smelling dog shampoo that combats fleas, mites, and ticks; and/or relieves irritation and itching.
Rubbing Back on Ground
If your dog begins rubbing his or her back on the ground— especially after he or she poops, it is usually his or her way of telling you that he or she needs some cleansing.
Choosing The Best Smelling Dog Shampoo
When finding and choosing the best smelling dog shampoo, here are the general features and characteristics you would likely want to look for:
All-Natural
When we say all-natural, it means that the dog shampoo does not contain any artificial ingredients and harmful chemicals. Allergens may also fall under these categories; so, make sure that you make it a habit to check the labels.
Cruelty-Free
There are some manufacturers that test their products on animals. This is not an ethical manufacturing practice as it puts animals at risk. Remember, animals are not just some experimental creatures. So, a cruelty-free guarantee is an important characteristic of the best smelling dog shampoo.
Fresh Scent
Of course, the reason we are bathing our dogs is as simple as we want them to smell fresh. Consequently, it is just right to pick a dog shampoo that offers a fresh but not too strong scent.
The 10 Best Smelling Dog Shampoo Update 2018
Dog Shampoo Name | Unique Feature | Size | Our Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Earthbath All Natural Pet Shampoo (Editor's Choice) | Best for dry and sensitive skin | 16 fl oz (472ml) | ||
SynergyLabs Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiparasitic & Antiseborrheic Medicated Shampoo | Best for greasy skin, inflamed scalp, scaly skin, skin rashes | 16 fl oz (473ml) | ||
Douxo Chlorhexidine PS Shampoo | Best for dry and sensitive skin | 16.9 fl oz (500ml) | ||
FURminator deShedding Ultra Premium Shampoo | Works to reduce shedding | 16 fl oz (473ml) | ||
Fresh 'n Clean Scented Shampoo | For Anti-static gel coating | 18 fl oz (533ml) | ||
EQyss Micro-Tek Pet Shampoo | Best for biting licking and scratching | 16 fl oz (473ml) | ||
4-Legger Certified Organic Dog Shampoo | 100% NATURAL USDA | 16 fl oz (473ml) | ||
Wahl Natural Pet Shampoo | Rich Lather | 24 fl oz (710ml) | ||
Dry Dog Shampoo, Waterless | Best for sensitive skin. | 16 fl oz (237ml) | ||
Zymox Enzymatic Shampoo | Best for dry, itchy skin | 16 fl oz (355ml) |
#10. Zymox Enzymatic Shampoo Itch Relief for Animals 12 fl. oz.
Made primarily to counter mild-to-severe skin conditions among animals, this best smelling dog shampoo has rich anti-inflammatory and itch-relieving properties. It also acts as an effective moisturizer for dry skin.
How is this shampoo capable of all these? Well, it combines the LP3 Enzyme System and Vitamin D3 to deliver all of these benefits for our pets. With mild ingredients, it is safe for puppies as well.
The suggested usage for this product is to leave it on your dog’s coat and/or skin for about five minutes at least once a week. If your dog suffers from chronic skin condition(s), you can use it as often as deemed necessary until you notice improvements. Otherwise, consult the vet for alternative treatment options.
Best smelling dog shampoo: Dogs with acute and chronic skin conditions
Good for puppies: YES
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Cons
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#9. Dry Dog Shampoo, Waterless, No Rinse Foam Mousse- 8 fl. oz.
If you are looking for a dry dog shampoo that you can use when traveling, for dogs that do not want to get wet, for active dogs, for dogs that have just undergone surgery, among others… then you might want to consider this product.
With a gentle formulation free from harmful chemicals, you can use it to bathe your dog whether or not he or she has a sensitive skin. It also does not matter what fur type he or she has. Also, thanks to this natural formula, it can be used for puppies safely, too.
Another feature of this shampoo is that it can be used with topical flea treatments. Wherever you are, whatever your dog has been through or is doing, you can maintain his or her hygiene with this product. Thanks to its mango and pomegranate scent, your dog will always be fresh regardless of his or her activities.
Surely, no rinsing is required! You simply need to apply the shampoo directly on your dog’s coat and/or skin, and massage the foam throughout his or her body without getting any of it into his or her eyes. Then, you can let it dry and do its work.
Best smelling dog shampoo: Smelly dogs; and waterless bath anytime, anywhere
Good for puppies: YES
Pros |
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Cons
- Does not solve flea issues directly
#8. Wahl Natural Pet Shampoo (Natural with Oatmeal Formula) 24 oz.
As a best smelling dog shampoo, this product has a gentle, oatmeal formula that effectively relieves a dog’s dry, irritated, and/or itchy skin. It promotes a healthier skin and coat and minimizes shedding.
More importantly, this shampoo takes pride in a rich lather and an easy rinse, making your dog’s bathing hassle-free. It only contains plant-derived ingredients as well, making it a great, non-toxic choice.
When using this shampoo, remember to dilute a small amount of it with warm water.
Best smelling dog shampoo: Dogs with dry, irritated, and itchy skin; and with heavy coats.
Good for puppies: YES
Pros |
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Cons
- Contains surfactants
- Does not solve fleas and ticks issues
#7. 4-Legger Dog Shampoo with Aloe Vera & Lemongrass
This product takes pride in its all-natural ingredients, which includes the following:
- Natural essential oil blend of lemongrass and rosemary;
- Organic aloe vera;
- Rosemary extract; and
- Saponified organic Rosemary extract; and oils of coconut, jojoba, and olive.
4-Legger aims to provide gentle cleaning, conditioning, and moisturizing for the coat and skin of our four-legged friends without using any harmful artificial ingredients.
This is a highly recommended dog shampoo for daily use, thanks to its gentle formulation. It helps maintain your dog’s freshness regardless of his or her skin type.
Moreover, because it has no artificial thickeners— meaning it is 100% concentrated, you can maximize its use. When lathering, you simply need mix a small amount of shampoo and water. Instead of having to add more shampoo, you just need to add more water.
Best smelling dog shampoo: Everyday use
Good for puppies: YES
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Cons
#6. EQyss Micro-Tek Shampoo Maximum Strength for Dogs, Cats, & Puppies
If your dog is struggling with bites, cuts, hot spots, and scrapes, this might be the solution for him or her. Aside from providing healing, this product also relieves dry, itchy skin and bad odor without irritating open wounds.
Even one bath with this shampoo can resolve all these issues. However, of course, maintenance is still important. Also, note that it helps prevent itching but it does not necessarily deal with flea problems.
For maximum relief, it is highly recommended to use this best smelling dog shampoo together with Micro-Tek Spray for Dogs, Cats, & Puppies.
Best smelling dog shampoo: Dogs with biting, licking, and scratching issues; and suffering from bad odor
Good for puppies: YES
Pros |
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Cons
- Contains DEA and sodium laureth sulfate
- No antifungal properties
- Does not solve flea issues directly
#5. Fresh ‘n Clean Scented Shampoo Classic Fresh 18 fl. oz.
The Classic Fresh scent of this shampoo can last up to two weeks, making it a great option if you are not fond of bathing your dog often. It contains aloe vera and vitamin E, nourishing your dog’s coat and/or skin and making them more manageable.
If you are having troubles with mats and tangles, it might be a great idea to give this a try. Never mistake it as a flea shampoo.
When using this product, wet your dog’s coat and/or skin with warm water first. Then, you can apply the shampoo on his or her coat and/or skin. Make sure that it lathers perfectly.
Best smelling dog shampoo: active and/or smelly dogs; and removing mats and tangles
Good for puppies: N/A
Pros |
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Cons
- May not lather easily
- Does not solve flea issues directly
#4. FURminator deShedding Ultra Premium Dog Shampoo 16 fl. oz.
This best smelling dog shampoo might be the ultimate answer to your problems if your dog sheds an awful lot. It has been developed to support healthier coat and skin, thanks to its superior formulation. With it, you will potentially worry less about your dog’s loose hair around the house.
Made with a proprietary blend of calendula extract, six fatty acids, Omega 3, and papaya leaf extract, you can use this product once a month as part of your dog’s regular deshedding. Also, it is best used in conjunction with other FURminator products. Specifically, for better results, it is recommended that you follow it with FURminator deShedding Ultra Premium Conditioner.
When bathing your dog with this shampoo, wet his or her coat and/or skin and lather it all over his or her body. Leave it for five to 10 minutes before rinsing.
Best smelling dog shampoo: Dogs aged at least six weeks old that shed a lot
Good for puppies: YES (six weeks old and above)
Pros |
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Cons
- Can not be used for dogs aged below 6 weeks old
- Contains mild surfactants
#3. Douxo Chlorhexidine PS Shampoo for Dogs and Cats 16.9 fl. oz.
This dog shampoo boasts with chlorhexidine digluconate, LIPACIDE C8G, and phytosphingosine salicyloyl (PS) in its formula. Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic that has antibacterial and antifungal properties; LIPACIDE C8G has antibacterial properties; and phytosphingosine salicyloyl has antiseborrheic properties. Aside from these, it also contains climbazole and green tea fragrance.
This product is ideal for keeping your dog’s skin moisturized. It can also protect him or her from skin infections and irritations. Moreover, it maintains the dermal microflora balance of our pets.
If your dog is dealing with certain skin problems, you can use this shampoo twice a week when bathing him or her. Remember to dilute it with warm water only and leave the foam on your dog’s coat and/or skin for 10 minutes. Once his or her skin condition improves, a once-a-week application will do.
Best smelling dog shampoo: Dogs with dry and sensitive skin
Good for puppies: NO
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Cons
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#2. SynergyLabs Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiparasitic & Antiseborrheic Medicated Shampoo for Dogs 16 fl. oz
This best smelling dog shampoo contains coal tar, micronized sulfur, and salicylic acid, fighting against bacterial, fungal, parasitic, and yeast infections efficiently. These infections can cause diseases such as Mange Mites, Seborrheic Dermatitis, among others. If you observe your dog exhibit symptoms such as greasy skin, inflamed scalp, scaly skin, and/or skin rashes, it would be ideal to try this medicated shampoo.
When using this product on your infected and/or irritated dog, it is recommended that you shampoo him or her two to three times a week. Remember to leave the foam on his or her coat and/or skin for 10 to 15 minutes to maximize absorption.
Continue bathing your pet as frequently as possible until his or her skin condition improves. Remember to consult the vet if your dog’s condition worsens or no improvements occur after a couple of weeks.
Best smelling dog shampoo: Dogs aged over 12 weeks that are suffering from bacterial, fungal, parasitic, and/or yeast infections, and/or Seborrheic Dermatitis.
Good for puppies: NO
Pros |
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Cons |
- No analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties,
- Not an ideal choice for puppies
#1. Best Smelling Dog Shampoo: Earthbath All Natural Pet Shampoo for Cats & Dogs 16 fl. oz.
This is the most popular choice among dog owners today because it caters to almost every skin conditions and types among our beloved pets. Thanks to its all-natural formulation that is rich in essential nutrients such as vitamins A, B, D, and E, even puppies as young as six weeks old can enjoy its benefits for the coat and skin.
With this product, you do not have to worry about harsh chemicals posing threats to your dog’s wellbeing. With oatmeal and aloe vera combined, it can help you deal with your dog’s sensitive skin, keeping it clean and moisturized.
this shampoo does not wash off topical flea treatments. The Vanilla & Almond scent gives off a fresh but not-too-strong smell.
Best smelling dog shampoo: Dogs with dry, irritated, itchy, and sensitive skin.
Good for puppies: yes (six weeks old and above).
Pros |
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Cons
- May not give off long-lasting scent
Summary
The Editor's Choice: Earthbath All Natural Pet Shampoo
When your dog starts exhibiting signs such as:
- A stinky smell;
- Frequent scratching; and
- Rubbing back on the ground.
You need to pay attention and give him or her what he or she needs— a refreshing bath. Observing his or her body prior to bathing him or her is also important. This will allow you to determine if your dog has skin problems, leading you to decide on the best smelling dog shampoo to use.
There are different dog shampoos in the market, boasting with different features that cater to different needs. Choosing the right shampoo is a vital decision for it can make or break your dog’s coat and/or skin health.
How to Bathe Your Dog : Dog Grooming
As for this list, my top pick is Earthbath All Natural Pet Shampoo for Cats & Dogs 16 fl. oz. It is free from all kinds of harsh ingredients that can damage our dogs. Moreover, it benefits all kinds of skin— be it dry, irritated, itchy, or sensitive.
More importantly, it has not been tested on any animals. As a pet lover, this feature truly matters for me. In fact, this is the most important feature I consider when buying dog shampoos.Have you tried using any of these products? Can you tell us your experience with any of them? Also, what is the most important dog shampoo feature for you? We would love to hear from you!
Have a great day!
Thank you!
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