5 Best Smelling Dog Shampoos: Expert Picks Now

Ever brought your beloved dog home after a bath, only to be met with a scent that’s… well, not exactly “fresh”? You scrubbed and rinsed, but that lingering dog smell just won’t quit. It’s frustrating when the promise of a sweet-smelling pup after a bath doesn’t match reality. You want your furry friend to smell clean and inviting, not like a damp towel left in the corner.

Choosing the perfect smelling dog shampoo feels like a guessing game. Do you pick the one with the flowery scent or the one that promises odor elimination? Marketing claims can be confusing, and you worry about harsh chemicals irritating your dog’s sensitive skin. Finding that sweet spot—effective cleaning that leaves behind a pleasant, long-lasting fragrance without causing any irritation—is the real challenge.

This post cuts through the confusion. We’ll break down what truly makes a dog shampoo smell great and last long. You will learn how to read labels, understand different scent profiles, and choose products that keep your dog smelling wonderful, bath after bath. Get ready to transform your dog’s post-bath aroma from “just okay” to absolutely delightful!

Top Smelling Dog Shampoo Recommendations

Bestseller No. 1

Arm & Hammer Deodorizing Dog Shampoo for Smelly Dogs & Puppies with Baking Soda, Moisturizing Dog Shampoo for Sensitive Skin - Dog Odor Shampoo - Kiwi Blossom Scent, 20 Fl Oz

Did You Know Dog Skin Differs from Human's? - Dogs' skin is less acidic, making human shampoos harm their skin and lead to a number of problems. This tearless dog shampoo provides soothing, moisturizing care, protecting your dog's coat and skin.
Odor Control with Baking Soda - This dog deodorizing shampoo features Arm & Hammer baking soda, offering natural odor control that eliminates dog odors. Ideal as a deodorizing dog shampoo for smelly dogs. This pet shampoo is perfect for regular use.
Natural Dog Shampoo - Infused with cucumber mint and baking soda, this dog deodorizing shampoo effectively tackles odors while moisturizing your pet's coat. It's the perfect deodorizing dog shampoo for maintaining a clean, fresh-smelling coat.
Kiwi Blossom Scented Dog Deodorant Shampoo - This naturally derived dog deodorizing shampoo leaves a refreshing kiwi blossom scent. A great addition to your routine, this deodorizing dog shampoo keeps your dog fresh. Perfect pet shampoo for dogs or puppy.
Use Regularly for Best Dog Deodorizing Results - For strong odor control, use this dog deodorizing shampoo regularly. Safe with topical products, this tearless deodorizing dog shampoo keeps your dog’s coat fresh and odor-free.

Bestseller No. 2

Wahl USA 4-in-1 Calming Dog Shampoo with Lavender Chamomile Scent – Cleans, Conditions, Detangles, & Moisturizes - Pet Friendly Formula - 24 Oz - Model 820000A

Made in the USA - Our lavender chamomile scented pet shampoo is pH balanced, alcohol free, paraben free, PEG-80 free and is highly recommended for cleaning, conditioning, detangling, & moisturizing coats
Calming Formula – This lavender scented pet shampoo is great for cleaning dirty coats, coat conditioning & detangling, & skin moisturizing short to long coats. The thick lather rinses off clean & keeps your pet looking and smelling clean
Less is More - Wahl has a higher concentrate of coconut derived sodding agent, which means you don’t have to use as much as other dog shampoos. A little bit of shampoo goes a long way and provides a rich lather that’s easy to rinse off
Allergy Friendly - Our dog icon, Rocket, was designed in the image of our family dog, Cooper — a goldendoodle who has severe allergies. We've found this shampoo to be safe and effective for him. We love the smell too!
The Brand Used By Professionals - Wahl has been serving professional vets and groomers for over 50 years. As a company of animal lovers, we believe your pet deserves the very best.

SaleBestseller No. 3

Wahl USA Odor Control Shampoo for Dogs & Pets - Eucalyptus & Spearmint Animal Deodorizer for Cleaning & Freshening – 24 Oz - Model 820003A

Made in the USA - Our eucalyptus & spearmint odor control pet shampoo is pH balanced, alcohol free, paraben free, PEG-80 free and is highly recommended for deep cleaning and deodorizing your dog’s coat while conditioning the skin
Odor Control Formula – This eucalyptus & spearmint scented pet shampoo is great for deodorizing and cleaning dirty dull fur from long to short coats. The thick lather rinses off clean, deodorizes, and keeps your pet looking and smelling clean
Less is More - Wahl has a higher concentrate of coconut derived sodding agent, which means you don’t have to use as much as other dog shampoos. A little bit of shampoo goes a long way and provides a rich lather that’s easy to rinse off
Allergy Friendly - Our dog icon, Rocket, was designed in the image of our family dog Cooper – a golden doodle, who has severe allergies. This is the only shampoo we have found safe and effective. He loves the smell too.
The Brand Used by Professionals - Wahl has been serving professional vets and groomers for over 50 years. clean, condition fur & hair for a smooth, soft coat. We are a company of animal lovers that want the best for your family member

Bestseller No. 4

PAWFUME Dog Shampoo and Conditioner, Blue Ribbon, 1-Pack – Nourish & Detangle for a Silky Soft Coat – Probiotic, Deep-Cleaning, pH-Balanced Formula – Puppy Shampoo and Conditioner for All Breeds

NOURISHED COAT – Our veterinarian-approved formula combines moisturizing botanicals, pH-balanced cleansing, probiotic conditioners, and lab-tested care to soften fur while deodorizing deeply. Engineered as a dog shampoo for smelly dogs, it enhances shine, boosts coat resilience, and keeps fur fresh for weeks.
SOOTHED SKIN – Alcohol-free cleansers and creamy conditioner relieve dry, itchy patches, calm sensitive skin, and reduce redness. Formulated as the dog shampoo for allergies and itching, it maintains natural moisture balance, promotes skin recovery, and delivers lasting relief so your pup stays comfortable and active.
PROVEN CLEANING POWER – Our pH-balanced lather harnesses salon-quality botanicals and gentle surfactants to lift dirt, debris, and odors without stripping natural oils. Doubles as a dog wash for full-body purification across all coat types, leaving fur healthy, vibrant, and protected against daily grime and seasonal buildup.
IMMEDIATE COAT RELIEF – This anti itch dog shampoo & conditioner combo delivers fast-acting irritation control and detangling power in one simple step. Enriched with probiotics, oatmeal extracts, and soothing agents, it alleviates hot spots, reduces scratching, improves manageability, and supports your dog’s skin barrier health.
REDUCED SHEDDING – With a shedding shampoo for dogs featuring de-shedding and detangling complexes, our formula loosens undercoat hair, prevents matting, and enhances coat smoothness. Recommended for multi-breed use, it streamlines grooming sessions, diminishes excess shedding, and maintains a cleaner home.

SaleBestseller No. 5

PAWFUME Deshedding Dog Shampoo and Conditioner, Show Dog, 1-Pack – Nourish & Detangle for Silky Soft Coat – Probiotic, Deep-Cleaning, pH-Balanced Formula – Salon-Quality Shampoo for Dogs

NOURISHED COAT – Our veterinarian-approved formula combines moisturizing botanicals, pH-balanced cleansing, probiotic conditioners, and lab-tested care to soften fur while deodorizing deeply. Engineered as a deodorizing dog shampoo, it enhances shine, boosts coat resilience, and keeps fur fresh for weeks.
SOOTHED SKIN – Alcohol-free cleansers and creamy conditioners relieve dry, itchy patches, calm sensitive skin, and reduce redness. Formulated as the dog shedding shampoo for any breed, it maintains natural moisture balance, promotes skin recovery, and delivers lasting relief so your pup stays comfortable and active.
PROVEN CLEANING POWER – Our pH-balanced lather harnesses salon-quality botanicals and gentle surfactants to lift dirt, debris, and odors without stripping natural oils. Doubles as a pet shampoo for full-body purification across all coat types, leaving fur healthy, vibrant, and protected against daily grime and seasonal buildup.
IMMEDIATE COAT RELIEF – This shedding shampoo for dogs delivers fast-acting irritation control and detangling power in one simple step. Enriched with probiotics, oatmeal extracts, and soothing agents, it alleviates hot spots, reduces scratching, improves manageability, and supports your dog’s skin barrier health.
REDUCED SHEDDING – With allergy shampoo for dogs featuring de-shedding and detangling complexes, our formula loosens undercoat hair, prevents matting, and enhances coat smoothness. Recommended for multi-breed use, it streamlines grooming sessions, diminishes excess shedding, and maintains a cleaner home.

SaleBestseller No. 6

Wahl USA Dry Skin & Itch Relief Pet Shampoo for Dogs – Oatmeal Formula with Coconut Lime Verbena Scent & Pet Friendly Formula, 24 Oz - Model 820004A

Made in the USA - Our oatmeal formula pet shampoo is pH balanced, alcohol free, paraben free, PEG-80 free and is highly recommended for moisturizing dry skin & providing itch relief
Oatmeal Formula – This coconut lime verbena scented pet shampoo is great for moisturizing dry skin, cleaning dirty coats, & itch relief. The thick lather rinses off clean & keeps your pet looking and smelling clean
Less is More - Wahl has a higher concentrate of a coconut-derived sodding agent, which means you don’t have to use as much product as other dog shampoos. A little shampoo goes a long way and provides a rich lather that’s easy to rinse off
Allergy Friendly - Our dog icon, Rocket, was designed in the image of our family dog, Cooper — a goldendoodle who has severe allergies. We've found this shampoo to be safe and effective for him. We love the smell too!
The Brand Used By Professionals - Wahl has been serving professional vets and groomers for over 50 years. As a company of animal lovers, we believe your pet deserves the very best.

SaleBestseller No. 7

MRS. MEYER'S Clean Day 3 in 1 Dog Shampoo, White Peach Scent, 14oz

GENTLE BUT EFFECTIVE: A 3-in-1 shampoo that cleanses, conditions, and deodorizes dog's skin and coat while adding shine
MADE WITH FUNCTIONAL INGREDIENTS: Crafted with glycerin, oat extract, aloe, and chamomile to cleanse, moisturize and add shine all while deodorizing smells
JUST FOR DOGS: Veterinarian tested and pH balanced formula
SCENTS DESIGNED WITH PEOPLE AND PETS IN MIND: White Peach scent smells like a ripe and juicy peach, a refreshing burst of sweetness that leaves your pup smelling as delightful as they are
A CLEAN YOU CAN TRUST: Made of USDA Biobased formulas and recyclable bottles. Always Leaping Bunny Cruelty-Free and made without sulfates, parabens, phthalates, and artificial colors

SaleBestseller No. 8

Hempz New Pet Shampoo, Deodorizing wash for Smelly Dogs or Cats, Tropical Coconut Scent, Dog & Cat Shampoo 17 oz.

SCENT: Juicy Pineapple & Creamy Coconut with notes of pineapple,coconut cream and whipped vanilla
SOFT COAT: Helps condition, soften, and hydrate your pups coat with pineapple extract
HYDRATE: Helps soothe skin with the naturally anti inflammatory properties of sunflower seed extract
ENRICHED: Natural Hemp Seed Oil, Shea Butter and Hempz signature Miracle Oil Blend
VEGAN: 100% vegan, and free of paraben, and gluten, made in the USA

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Smelling Dog Shampoo

Finding the right shampoo for your dog is important. A good shampoo cleans well and leaves your dog smelling fresh. This guide helps you pick the best “smelling” dog shampoo. We look at what makes a shampoo great.

Key Features to Look For

When you shop, look closely at the bottle. Certain features matter most for a great smelling and effective wash.

Long-Lasting Scent: The best shampoos keep the fresh smell for days, not just hours. Check reviews to see how long the scent lasts.
Odor Neutralizing Power: Good shampoos do more than cover up bad smells. They break down the odor-causing particles. This means a deeper clean.
Gentle Formula: Even the best-smelling shampoos must be safe. Look for tear-free formulas. They should not irritate your dog’s skin or eyes.
Coat Type Specificity: Some shampoos work better for thick, double coats. Others suit short-haired dogs. Match the shampoo to your dog’s fur type.

Important Materials and Ingredients

The materials inside the bottle decide how well the shampoo cleans and smells.

Natural Oils and Extracts: Ingredients like oatmeal, aloe vera, or lavender extract often provide a pleasant, natural scent. These also soothe the skin.
pH Balance: Dog skin has a different pH level than human skin. Choose shampoos specifically balanced for dogs (usually between 6.5 and 7.5). This keeps their skin healthy.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Steer clear of shampoos with sulfates (which can dry out skin) and parabens (preservatives that some owners worry about). These can reduce the overall quality.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Quality is a mix of cleaning power and gentleness. What makes a shampoo better or worse?

Improved Quality: High-quality shampoos use concentrated formulas. You need less product per wash. Ingredients that moisturize (like glycerin) also improve quality because they prevent dryness after rinsing.
Reduced Quality: Shampoos that rely only on strong perfumes mask issues. If the shampoo smells great but leaves your dog itchy, the quality is low. Thin, watery shampoos also suggest lower quality ingredients.

User Experience and Use Cases

Think about how you will use the shampoo. This affects your experience.

Easy Rinsing: A nightmare is shampoo that stays stuck in your dog’s thick fur. Look for formulas that rinse out quickly and completely. This saves time and prevents residue buildup.
Lather Production: A good shampoo should create a nice lather easily. This lets you spread the product evenly across your dog’s body.
Use Cases: If your dog swims in lakes often, you need a strong odor neutralizer. If your dog has sensitive skin, focus on hypoallergenic, lightly scented options.

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Smelling Dog Shampoo

Q: How often should I bathe my dog with this shampoo?

A: Most dogs do well with a bath every 4 to 6 weeks. Over-bathing removes natural skin oils. If your dog gets very dirty, use the special smelling shampoo then.

Q: Will the nice smell irritate my dog’s nose?

A: If you choose a shampoo with natural essential oils, irritation is rare. If your dog shows signs of sneezing or rubbing its face, switch to an unscented or very lightly scented formula immediately.

Q: Can I use human shampoo on my dog if it smells good?

A: No. Human shampoo has the wrong pH balance. It dries out your dog’s skin and can cause itching and flaking over time.

Q: What is the best scent for masking “wet dog” smell?

A: Citrus scents (like lemon or grapefruit) and mint blends are usually best at cutting through that specific odor after a rainy walk.

Q: Does a higher price always mean a better smell?

A: Not always. A higher price often means better quality base ingredients. However, you must read reviews to confirm that the *scent* itself lasts long enough to justify the cost.

Q: What if my dog has allergies? Which ingredients should I avoid?

A: Avoid artificial dyes and strong synthetic fragrances. Look for shampoos labeled “hypoallergenic” that use simple, limited ingredients lists.

Q: How do I make the smell last longer after the bath?

A: Make sure you rinse thoroughly. Leftover soap residue attracts dirt faster. After drying, a dog-safe scented spray can boost the scent for a day or two.

Q: Are “deodorizing” and “smelling” shampoos the same thing?

A: They are very similar. Deodorizing focuses on removing bad smells first. Smelling shampoos focus on adding a pleasant fragrance back in. The best products do both.

Q: Can puppies use strong smelling shampoos?

A: Puppies need very mild formulas. Only use shampoos specifically labeled safe for puppies. Their skin is more sensitive than adult dogs.

Q: What if the shampoo cleans well but the smell fades too fast?

A: The shampoo might be a great cleaner but a poor fragrance carrier. Look for a different brand that specifically markets itself on “long-lasting fragrance.”