18 Best Dog Shampoos For Smelly Dogs

Bathing is an important part of hygiene for dogs, but selecting the right dog shampoo can be tricky. A dog’s skin is sensitive and requires natural, gentle ingredients, but if your dog is particularly smelly, you’re also going to need something that works!

So, let’s take a look at how to choose the best dog shampoo for your pooch, as well as a list of our twelve favorite products, bathing tips, and FAQ!

18 Best Dog Shampoos for Smelly Dogs

These are the best shampoos for smells dogs currently available to buy on Amazon!

Overall Best Pick:

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Our best pick for dog shampoos for smelly dogs is Lillia Ruff Oatmeal Dog Shampoo & Conditioner Set! This product soothes and hydrates your dog’s sensitive skin with natural ingredients like oatmeal and aloe. In addition, its lavender coconut scent allows your dog to smell clean and fresh for days!

1. GERRARD LARRIETT’s Aromatherapy Shampoo & Conditioner for Pets Dog Shampoo

This medicated deodorizing dry shampoo by Gerrard Larriett comes in an 8 fl oz bottle and is made from 100% natural, biodegradable, and eco-friendly materials and ingredients. It’s also paraben and dye-free and 100% safe for both dogs and cats.

It’s a no-rinse, no-water product, and just requires you to towel off the excess from your dog after usage. The shampoo is also made in the USA and contains lavender and chamomile oil to soothe irritated skin, protect sensitive skin, and smell lovely. Reviews really like the product, although some do say that it’s best for dogs with dry coats, as used on dogs with normal fur can make hair greasy.

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2. PetAg Fresh ‘n Clean Scented Dog Shampoo 

PetAg’s dog shampoo comes in an 18 fl oz bottle. It contains Aloe Vera and vitamin E which strengthens sensitive skin and conditions and moisturizes the coat. Vitamin E is also great for protecting bare skin from sun damage. The product promotes long-lasting odor control and a nice scent that lasts for up to two weeks. 

Reviews are overwhelmingly positive and many note a marked improvement in the appearance and smell of their dogs’ coats. 

3. Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Pet Shampoo 

This vanilla and almond-scented PH-balanced dog shampoo by Earthbath helps to relieve dry and itchy skin with colloidal oatmeal and organic aloe vera. It keeps dogs clean and fresh for weeks and uses all-natural ingredients with no harmful stuff. 

It’s also made in the USA, cruelty-free, and comes with happiness or your money-back guarantee. Reviews cannot praise the product highly enough. 

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4. Rocco & Roxie Dog Shampoos for All Dogs

Available in three different recipes; calm for delicate skin, soothe for dry and irritated skin and shine for dull coats, Rocco & Roxie’s dog shampoos come in fl 16 oz and 32 fl oz bottles. 

They’re made with natural ingredients like honey extract, olive oil, shea butter, aloe vera, and chamomile. The shampoos are all hypoallergenic and tackle bad smells effectively. The product is an Amazon best-seller and buyers highly recommend it according to reviews. 

5. 4Legger Organic Oatmeal Dog Shampoo with Aloe and Lavender Essential Oil

It’s super gentle for dogs with allergies and damaged or sensitive skin. It is also recommended by holistic veterinarians, USDA certified, and comes with a money-back guarantee. 

This organic dog shampoo by 4Legger comes in a 16 fl oz bottle. It is 100% biodegradable and doesn’t have any artificial ingredients or synthetic chemicals. The shampoo contains saponified organic oils of coconut, olive, and jojoba, as well as organic aloe vera, organic oatmeal glycerite, organic lavender essential oil, and rosemary extract.

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6. Wahl 4-in-1 Calming Pet Shampoo

Wahl’s 4-in-1 calming shampoo comes in 24 fl oz and 64 fl oz bottles. It claims to clean, condition, detangle, & moisturize coats. The shampoo is lavender-scented, PH balanced, and free from alcohol, parabens, and PEG-80. It’s perfect for dogs with thick hair and really livens up the texture and appearance of dogs’ coats on top of giving them a good clean. 

The product is made in the USA and used by professionals all around the country. Reviews love the product and many buyers state that the nice smell lasts for a long time. 

7. Veterinary Formula Solutions’ Soothing & Deodorizing Oatmeal Shampoo

Veterinary Formula Solutions’ soothing and deodorizing shampoo comes in 17 fl oz and 1-gallon bottles and is available in three different, long-lasting scents; fresh, lavender, and coconut. It’s designed for dogs with dry, irritated skin and smelly coats. 

It uses a naturally derived coconut-oil-based cleanser and is specially formulated with baking soda, zinc, and aloe vera. Reviews note a significant difference in their dog’s skin irritation and praise the lovely scent choices. 

8. Pro Pet Works’ Oatmeal Pet Wash Shampoo & Conditioner

Pro Pet Works’ shampoo and conditioner comes in 17 fl oz bottles and is suitable for both cats and dogs. It contains vitamin E, aloe vera gel, almond oil, and oatmeal. It is hypo-allergenic and soap-free, plus it smells nice, too. 

Their shampoo is made in the USA and reviews rave about the product, claiming that it leaves their dogs’ coats super soft, shiny, and beautiful. In addition, this Pro Pet Work product does not have any harsh ingredients like alcohol, sulfates, added color, and other unnecessary chemicals.

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9. Honeydew PetPleasant’s Lavender Oatmeal Dog Shampoo

Honeydew’s dog shampoo comes in an 8 fl oz bottle. It contains oatmeal and lavender oil that cleanses, moisturizes, and deodorizes dry skin and fur. This dog shampoo is a balanced blend of essential oils including aloe vera keratin lavender essential oil and jojoba oil to help keep your pet clean and smelling fresh without sulfates or parabens

Reviews are very positive, but they may not be best for allergy-prone skin as some buyers remind owners to always do patch tests on their dogs before trying something new.

10. Lillian Ruff Oatmeal Dog Shampoo & Conditioner Set

With natural oatmeal and aloe ingredients, this Lilian Ruff Dog Shampoo & Conditioner Set moisturizes your dog’s delicate skin and provides them with additional relief. Since this product is extremely gentle due to lavender and coconut oils, it is applicable even to dogs with the most sensitive skin types. In addition to that, you can also count on this product when it comes to calming your dog’s irritated skin. 

Furthermore, Lilian Ruff’s natural ingredients guarantee your dog’s coat looks healthy, soft, and shiny. And of course, aside from achieving a beautiful and healthy coat, this product’s lavender coconut scent formula will leave your dog smelling good and fresh for days. 

Lastly,  Lillian Ruff Oatmeal Dog Shampoo & Conditioner Set is 100& made in the USA with no animal testing involved. It is also gluten, paraben, and sulfate free. 

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11. VERMONT SOAP Organics Pet Shampoo

Vermont Soap dog shampoo fits dogs with sensitive skin because its formula is made of organic coconut, rosemary extract, olive and jojoba oils, organic aloe vera, and other natural and organic essential oils. Those ingredients guarantee to keep your dog’s skin healthy, smelling good, and moisturized. 

Furthermore, this pet shampoo is free of harsh chemicals like sulfates, paraben, and enzymes or phosphate. Their plant-based formula free from petroleum and other animal by-products provides your dog’s coat a rich supple finish. 

And last but not the least, you don’t have to worry about this product’s organic claims because it is USDA Certified! With that, Vermont Soap adheres to the organic standards set by the USDA National Organic Program. 

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12. Fluppets Certified Organic Pet Shampoo

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USDA certified and purely made in the USA, Fluppets Certified Organic Pet Shampoo is formulated with natural ingredients like coconut saponified organic oils, olive and jojoba oils, aloe vera, and lemongrass and rosemary essential oils. Moreover, this product is 100% safe, synthetic-free, non-toxic, and gentle; thus, it is best for sensitive dogs of all ages. 

Furthermore, this product is perfect for relieving itch and irritations. Pet owners should not also worry about developing sensitivities while using this product because it does not have any parabens, phosphates, sulfates, phthalates, and other harsh chemicals. And lastly, this Fluppets pet shampoo is also hypoallergenic. Thus, it does not contain any animal by-products or petroleum. 

13. Richard’s Organics Deodorizing Shampoo for Dogs

Richard’s Organics Deodorizing Shampoo for Dogs has rosemary extract, baking soda, zinc, and lavender oil that help naturally abolish your dog’s bad odor. Aside from removing unwanted odor, it also aids in maintaining a shiny and healthy coat! The product’s natural extracts and oils also soothe the coat and leave it clean and moisturized. 

Moving forward, this dye, paraben, and soap-free product is recommended by veterinarians for pets with sensitive skin. To effectively use this shampoo, apply and leave on your dog’s coat for several minutes then rinse thoroughly and dry with a towel. 

Another plus point for this product is its affordability! SynergyLabs’ Richard’s Organics products are made with high-quality and premium ingredients that are available at a price pet owners can afford. 

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14. Pet Oatmeal Anti-Itch Shampoo & Conditioner

Oatmeal, baking soda, and aloe vera are the main ingredients of Pets Are Kids Too’s Pet Anti-Itch Shampoo & Conditioner, a pet shampoo that instantly relieves itching. This unique pet wash was specially formulated for pets with sensitive skin and coats in mind. This product also uses a light oatmeal cookie scent as a way to eliminate unwanted dog odor. 

Moreover, it has a veterinarian’s endorsement and is designed for both large and small dogs. Also, the Pet Oatmeal Anti-Itch Shampoo & Conditioner helps shield your pet from allergies, shedding, and irritation. There are no hazardous ingredients in this product, therefore pet owners shouldn’t worry about that either. As a last bonus, it is dandruff and tear-free! And the plant-based components are kind to paws and noses and offer better hydration.

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15. Cleansing Dog Shampoo for Smelly Dogs

Honeydew’s Cleansing Dog Shampoo for Smelly Dogs is handcrafted to cleanse and moisturize dogs’ dry skin and fur. In addition, this pet deodorizer also eliminates smells and filth thanks to its strong lavender oil. All breeds of dogs, including those who are huge, aging, or have sensitive skin, can use it.

Furthermore, Honeydew ensures that its product has the highest quality by using premium and natural ingredients. They are also cruelty-free and do not incorporate any icky additives into their products. 

16. Cloud Star Buddy Wash Lavender and Mint

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This CloudStar Buddy Wash Lavender and Mint is a shampoo and conditioner made in the USA. With its botanical extracts like lavender, mint, tea tree oil, and sage, this product cleans and moisturizes your dog’s skin and coat – making it healthier and smelling better. In addition, its gentle and safe formula is perfect for dogs who have sensitive skin. 

Furthermore, its coconut base, aloe vera, and vitamin E ingredients help nourish skin and make its coat soft and fluffy. And lastly, because this  Cloud Star Buddy Wash is gentle and non-toxic, pet owners can frequently use it and it is also applicable for puppies.

17. Burt’s Bees for Dogs Natural Tearless 2 In 1 Dog Shampoo & Conditioner

Burt’s Bees’ 2 in 1 tearless shampoo & conditioner for pups is formulated with soothing Buttermilk to calm skin and smooth hair and linseed oil to thoroughly condition your tiny pup’s coat. Furthermore, this Burt’s Bees mild shampoo and conditioner has a balanced pH level that makes it suitable for all dogs and puppies. Free from fragrances, colorants, sulfates, and other harsh chemicals, this product is 100% safe and is a veterinarian-recommended formula. 

Now, to effectively use the product, apply it liberally to your dog’s wet coat. Ensure to apply and on it from head to tail. After that, rinse the shampoo thoroughly and towel dry. Moreover, do not forget to apply the product carefully and avoid the eye area. 

18. WashBar Natural Dog Soap Bar

Using natural ingredients, WashBar Natural Dog Soap Bar is a natural anti-itch canine shampoo that helps to calm down dry dog skin. This item is appropriate for use as a gentle dog wash to treat allergies and itching. Additionally, it is mild enough to be applied as a shampoo and conditioner for puppies!

Moving forward, this WashBar product is also a great value wash since the two3.50z bar gives the same wash as a 40.4fl.oz of liquid pet shampoo. Aside from that, this soap is all natural and has no plastic bottle waste. 

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Dog Bathing Basics

All dogs have oils in their skin and coat that protect them, nourish them, and keep it clean. However, some dogs’ fur is more high maintenance than others and needs a helping hand from us owners. It’s important to bathe your dog correctly to maintain a healthy balance of oils, as overbathing can strip the oils from their coats and cause a dull coat and dry, irritated skin. 

On the flip side, not bathing your dog enough can cause a build-up of oils, dirt, and debris, which can lead to bad hygiene, bad smells, irritation, discomfort, and in extreme cases, infection. 

How often your dog requires a bath depends on its coat type. Most short-medium length coats don’t require regular baths and shouldn’t be bathed more than once every other month, especially if their fur is soft, straight, or wavy. They do need the occasional bath though, especially when they are dirty from particularly muddy walks. 

Longer coats, coarser coats, and those with curls or cords should be bathed more routinely, but not more than once a month. This is because thicker, longer coats tend to trap dirt and debris more easily. Bathing can be done at home, but you can also pay a professional dog groomer to do it.

What To Look For in Dog Shampoo

Whatever your dog’s coat type, owners should use a shampoo with healthy, natural, gentle ingredients so as to not upset the chemical balance of your dog’s skin and hair, especially with breeds prone to sensitive skin, such as Dalmatians. You can even buy shampoos that cater to specific needs. For example, deodorizing shampoos for smelly dogs and shampoos that are medicated for specific skin issues or to remove parasites. 

You can also buy waterless dry dog shampoos if your dog hates having baths. They work in the same way as a dry shampoo for humans; by absorbing excess oil from the hair, leaving their coat nice and fresh without the need for rinsing. Whichever method you choose, always avoid products with harsh chemicals that can decrease the health of your dog’s skin over time or cause irritation in dogs with sensitive skin or allergies. 

Ingredients to Avoid:

• Products that have a blend of coat and skin conditioners and moisturizers
• Artificial fragrance
• Phthalates
• Artificial colors
• Formaldehyde
• Isothiazolinone
• Paraben
• Cocamide-MEA
• Triethanolamine
• Mineral oil
• SD Alcohol 40 (A.K.A isopropyl or SD-40)
• Polyethylene Glycol
• PEG-40 Lanolin
• Propylene Glycol

DIY Dog Shampoo

To make your own dog shampoo at home, you can use one of the following simple 3-ingredient homemade recipes:

• 2 cups of warm water
• 1/4 cup of non-toxic dish soap or baby shampoo
• 1/2 cup of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar

Or

• 1 cup of warm water
• 1 cup of uncooked oatmeal
• 1/2 cup of baking soda

Vinegar and baking soda are both effective deodorizers. You can also add a couple of drops of essential oil such as lavender to create a nice smell, aloe vera gel to calm sensitive skin, or coconut oil to moisturize dry skin and hair. 

Monthly regular baths will help keep their skin and coat clean while keeping their natural oils spread out.

How to Bathe Your Dog

If your dog has particularly sensitive skin or is prone to allergies, always perform a patch test with new products. To do a patch test, put a small bit of product on a small patch of their skin and wait 48 hours to see if they have a reaction. If their skin gets irritated, don’t use it. 

To bathe your dog, get them to come to the shower or bathtub, or outdoor space on your property if it’s a warm day. Wet their fur with warm water from a showerhead, or some kind of container filled up from a tap if you’re outside.

Next, thoroughly lather them up with the shampoo and gently use your hands to massage it into their coat and skin, careful to avoid their eyes and ears. Rinse away the shampoo with more warm water, and repeat if you feel it’s necessary. 

Make sure their fur is completely free of suds when you rinse them off, and then dry them as best you can with a clean towel. Allow them to air dry or sit in the sun to dry properly if it’s warm outside, or you can use a hair dryer, and set them to a cool setting if your dog doesn’t mind. 

How to Keep Your Dog Clean and Odorless

So, after discussing the proper way of bathing your dog, let us now proceed with talking about how to keep them clean and smell fresh for a long time. Here are some of the tips we prepared: 

Bathe Your Dog Regularly

Regular bathing is the greatest way to keep your dog clean and smelling good. This will aid in removing any filth, smells, or dirt that may have become lodged in their coat.

Keep Their Mouth Clean

Another fantastic method to keep your dog smelling fresh is to regularly brush their teeth. Any plaque or germs that may create foul breath will be helped to eliminate by doing this.

Use an Appropriate Shampoo

As we just discussed, keeping your dog clean and smelling good requires using an excellent dog shampoo. Consider purchasing a shampoo that includes some of the potent chemicals we mentioned above.

Visit the Vet Regularly

It’s also crucial to take your dog to the vet for frequent checkups. This will assist in ensuring that they are healthy and free from any problems that can result in their having foul breath or body odor.

All dogs have oils in their skin and coat that protect it, nourish it, and keep it clean. However, some dogs’ fur is more high maintenance than others and needs a helping hand from us owners. It’s important to bathe your dog correctly to maintain a healthy balance of oils, as overbathing can strip the oils from their coats and cause a dull coat and dry, irritated skin. On the flip side, not bathing your dog enough can cause a build-up of oils, dirt, and debris, which can lead to bad hygiene, bad smells, irritation, discomfort, and in extreme cases, infection. 

How often your dog requires a bath depends on their coat type. Most short-medium length coats don’t require regular baths and shouldn’t be bathed more than once every other month, especially if their fur is soft, straight, or wavy. They do need the occasional bath though, especially when they are dirty from particularly muddy walks. 

Longer coats, coarser coats, and those with curls or cords should be bathed more routinely, but not more than once a month. This is because thicker, longer coats tend to trap dirt and debris more easily. Bathing can be done at home, but you can also pay a professional dog groomer to do it.

Stinky Dog Shampoo: FAQ

Do you still have queries about stinky dog shampoos? Then, check our answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about this topic below! 

Those are our ten favorite dog shampoos for smelly dogs. Remember to always perform a patch test with new products if your dog is prone to allergies, and take your dog to the vet if you’re concerned about the health of their skin or coat.