Best Smelling Dog Shampoo

Annabelle Evans

By Annabelle Evans

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • Keeping dogs clean is an essential part of their care, as regular baths help remove dirt, control odors, and maintain healthy skin and coats. A quality dog shampoo not only cleans but also leaves your furry friend smelling fresh and pleasant. Choosing the right shampoo can make bath time more enjoyable for both you and your dog, and a great-smelling formula can extend the time between baths while keeping your home smelling nice. When selecting a dog shampoo, consider your pet’s skin type and any allergies they may have—some dogs need gentle, hypoallergenic formulas, while others may benefit from medicated shampoos for specific skin conditions. The scent should be pleasant but not overwhelming, as dogs have a much stronger sense of smell than humans. We tested numerous dog shampoos to find the ones that clean effectively and leave behind the most appealing scents.

  • Pawfume Royal Lavender Shampoo

    10

    We think this shampoo is a great choice for dog owners who want a long-lasting, pleasant scent and a soft coat for their pups.

    10

    We think this shampoo is a great choice for dog owners who want a long-lasting, pleasant scent and a soft coat for their pups.

    Pros

    • Long-lasting lavender scent
    • Moisturizing and detangling
    • Hypoallergenic formula

    Cons

    • Strong scent may be too much for some
    • Pricier than some other options
    • May require more product for larger dogs

    We tried Pawfume’s Royal Lavender shampoo on our dogs and were impressed by its performance. The scent is strong but not overpowering, and it lasted for over a week after the bath. This is great for keeping our pups smelling fresh between washes.

    The shampoo lathered well and rinsed out easily. We noticed our dogs’ coats felt softer and looked shinier after using it. The detangling effect was helpful for our long-haired breeds, making brushing easier.

    One thing to note is that you might need to use more product for larger dogs or those with thick coats. While it’s pricier than some basic dog shampoos, we think the quality and long-lasting effects make it worth the cost for many pet owners.

  • TropiClean Berry & Coconut Shampoo

    9.7

    We recommend this shampoo for pet owners who want a good-smelling, natural option that leaves coats soft and clean.

    9.7

    We recommend this shampoo for pet owners who want a good-smelling, natural option that leaves coats soft and clean.

    Pros

    • Nice berry and coconut scent
    • Made with natural ingredients
    • Leaves coat soft and shiny

    Cons

    • May not help much with shedding
    • Bottle can leak during shipping
    • Scent may be too strong for some

    When we tried this shampoo on our dogs, we were happy with how well it lathered and cleaned. The berry and coconut smell is pleasant without being too strong. Our pups’ coats felt soft and looked shiny after use.

    We like that it’s made with natural stuff like berries, coconut, and aloe. It didn’t seem to bother our dogs with sensitive skin. The shampoo is also free of harsh chemicals, which is a big plus in our book.

    One thing to note – we didn’t see much change in shedding after using this product. While it works great as a basic shampoo, don’t expect miracles for heavy shedders. We also had a small issue with leaking during shipping, so check your package when it arrives.

  • Fresh ‘n Clean Classic Dog Shampoo

    9.5

    We think this shampoo is a great choice for dog owners who want a long-lasting fresh scent and soft coat for their pets.

    9.5

    We think this shampoo is a great choice for dog owners who want a long-lasting fresh scent and soft coat for their pets.

    Pros

    • Long-lasting fresh scent
    • Leaves coat soft and shiny
    • Gentle, soap-free formula

    Cons

    • Scent may be too strong for some
    • Can be a bit pricey
    • Might not work for all skin types

    We tried this shampoo on our dogs and were impressed by how well it cleaned and how long the scent lasted. The classic fresh fragrance clung to our pups’ coats for days after washing. It’s not overpowering, but you’ll definitely notice a nice smell when petting your dog.

    The soap-free formula felt gentle on our dogs’ skin. We liked that it contains aloe vera and vitamin E, which seemed to help keep their coats soft and shiny. Even our dog with slightly dry skin didn’t have any bad reactions.

    One thing to note is that a little goes a long way. We only needed a small amount to work up a good lather, even on our larger dogs. This helps the bottle last longer, which is good since it’s not the cheapest option out there. While we loved the results, some people might find the price a bit high for dog shampoo.

  • Wahl Calming Dog Shampoo

    9.4

    We think this lavender-scented shampoo is a top choice for dog owners who want a gentle, effective clean.

    9.4

    We think this lavender-scented shampoo is a top choice for dog owners who want a gentle, effective clean.

    Pros

    • Cleans and conditions in one step
    • Pleasant lavender scent
    • Concentrated formula lasts longer

    Cons

    • Scent may be too strong for some
    • Requires thorough rinsing
    • Pricier than basic shampoos

    We tested the Wahl Calming Dog Shampoo on several dogs with different coat types. The lavender chamomile scent left our pups smelling fresh for days. We liked that a small amount lathered up well, making the bottle last longer than other brands we’ve tried.

    The 4-in-1 formula cleaned, conditioned, detangled, and moisturized in one step. This saved us time during bath time, which our more squirmy testers appreciated. After towel drying, we noticed the dogs’ coats felt softer and looked shinier.

    One drawback we found was that the scent, while pleasant, might be too strong for sensitive noses. We also had to rinse very thoroughly to avoid leftover residue. While pricier than basic dog shampoos, we think the Wahl Calming Shampoo’s performance and long-lasting bottle make it worth the cost for most dog owners.

  • Wahl Oatmeal Dog Shampoo

    9.3

    We think this shampoo is a top choice for dog owners looking for a great-smelling, gentle cleanser that soothes dry, itchy skin.

    9.3

    We think this shampoo is a top choice for dog owners looking for a great-smelling, gentle cleanser that soothes dry, itchy skin.

    Pros

    • Pleasant coconut lime verbena scent
    • Concentrated formula lasts longer
    • Moisturizes and soothes dry, itchy skin

    Cons

    • May not work for all dogs with allergies
    • Scent might be too strong for some
    • Higher price point than some brands

    We tried this Wahl oatmeal shampoo on our own pups and were impressed by its performance. The coconut lime verbena scent is really nice – not too strong, but leaves dogs smelling fresh for days. We found a little goes a long way, so the bottle should last quite a while.

    The lather felt rich and creamy as we worked it into our dogs’ coats. It rinsed out easily, which we appreciated. After drying, their fur felt noticeably softer and looked shinier. For dogs with dry, flaky skin, we saw an improvement after just one wash.

    We like that this shampoo uses plant-based ingredients and skips harsh chemicals. It’s pH balanced and free of parabens, which is great for dogs with sensitive skin. While it worked well for most pups we tried it on, those with severe allergies may need to patch test first or consult a vet.

  • Arm & Hammer Dog Deodorizer

    9.1

    We recommend this shampoo for its effective odor control and gentle, moisturizing formula.

    9.1

    We recommend this shampoo for its effective odor control and gentle, moisturizing formula.

    Pros

    • Powerful odor-fighting with baking soda
    • Pleasant kiwi blossom scent
    • Gentle on sensitive skin

    Cons

    • Scent may be too faint for some
    • Requires regular use for best results
    • May not lather as much as other shampoos

    We tried this Arm & Hammer dog shampoo on our smelliest pups, and we were impressed with the results. The baking soda really does work wonders in neutralizing those stubborn dog odors. After a good scrub, our dogs smelled fresh and clean without any overpowering fragrances.

    The kiwi blossom scent is light and pleasant. It’s not too strong, which is great for dogs with sensitive noses. Some pet owners might prefer a stronger scent, but we found it just right for keeping our furry friends smelling nice without being overwhelming.

    One thing we really liked was how gentle this shampoo is on dog skin. It’s tearless and safe for puppies over 8 weeks old. Our dogs with itchy skin seemed more comfortable after baths with this shampoo. The formula left their coats soft and shiny too.

    We did notice that it doesn’t lather up as much as some other dog shampoos we’ve used. But don’t let that fool you – it still cleans really well. Just make sure to rinse thoroughly for the best results.

  • OUAI Fur Bébé Pet Shampoo

    9

    We think this luxurious dog shampoo is worth the splurge for its amazing scent and coat-enhancing benefits.

    9

    We think this luxurious dog shampoo is worth the splurge for its amazing scent and coat-enhancing benefits.

    Pros

    • Long-lasting pleasant fragrance
    • Leaves fur soft and shiny
    • Gentle on sensitive skin

    Cons

    • Pricey compared to other options
    • Scent may be too strong for some
    • Packaging could be improved

    When we tried OUAI Fur Bébé Pet Shampoo on our furry friends, we were blown away by its Mercer Street scent. The mix of Italian lemon, Turkish rose, and jasmine smells amazing. Our dogs smelled fresh for days after their baths.

    We love how this shampoo made our dogs’ coats look and feel. The aloe vera and other natural ingredients left their fur soft, shiny, and easy to brush. Even our pups with sensitive skin had no issues. The formula lathered up nicely and rinsed out easily.

    While it’s more expensive than regular dog shampoos, we think it’s worth it for the quality and results. A little goes a long way, so the bottle lasts quite a while. Our only gripe is that the pump can be tricky to use with wet hands. But overall, this shampoo turned bath time into a spa-like experience for our four-legged pals.

  • Hempz Citrus Berry Dog Shampoo

    8.7

    We recommend this shampoo for dog owners who want a great-smelling, gentle cleanser that leaves coats soft and shiny.

    8.7

    We recommend this shampoo for dog owners who want a great-smelling, gentle cleanser that leaves coats soft and shiny.

    Pros

    • Amazing citrus and raspberry scent
    • Leaves coat soft and shiny
    • Made with natural ingredients

    Cons

    • Scent may not last long after bathing
    • Pricier than some basic dog shampoos
    • May not be strong enough for very smelly dogs

    We just gave our pup a bath with this Hempz shampoo, and we’re impressed. The creamy citrus and raspberry scent is lovely without being too strong. It filled the bathroom with a pleasant aroma during bath time.

    The shampoo lathered up nicely, making it easy to work through our dog’s coat. We didn’t need to use a lot to get a good clean. After rinsing, our dog’s fur felt soft and looked shiny. The hemp seed oil and other natural ingredients seem to do a good job moisturizing.

    While our dog smelled great right after the bath, we noticed the scent faded pretty quickly. It’s not a deal-breaker, but we wished it lasted longer. The shampoo did a good job cleaning, but very smelly dogs might need something stronger. Still, for regular baths, we think this Hempz shampoo is a great pick that leaves dogs looking and smelling fresh.

  • Wahl Odor Control Dog Shampoo

    8.7

    We recommend this shampoo for its effective odor control and gentle cleaning formula.

    8.7

    We recommend this shampoo for its effective odor control and gentle cleaning formula.

    Pros

    • Pleasant eucalyptus and spearmint scent
    • Concentrated formula lasts longer
    • Safe for dogs with allergies

    Cons

    • Squeeze bottle can be hard to use
    • Scent may not last as long as hoped
    • May not work for all dog coat types

    We tried Wahl’s Odor Control Dog Shampoo on several dogs with different coat types. The eucalyptus and spearmint scent was refreshing without being overpowering. It left the dogs smelling clean for a few days after bathing.

    The shampoo lathered well and rinsed out easily. We noticed the dogs’ coats felt soft and looked shiny after drying. The concentrated formula meant we didn’t need to use as much product compared to other shampoos we’ve tried.

    One downside was the squeeze bottle design. It was tricky to handle while washing a wiggly dog. We think a pump top would work better. While the shampoo did a good job cleaning and deodorizing, some very smelly dogs needed a second wash for best results. Still, we found this shampoo to be a solid choice for most dogs, especially those with sensitive skin or allergies.

  • We Love Doodles Organic Shampoo

    8.6

    We think this shampoo is a great choice for dog owners looking for a natural, effective cleaning solution.

    8.6

    We think this shampoo is a great choice for dog owners looking for a natural, effective cleaning solution.

    Pros

    • 4-in-1 formula cleans, conditions, detangles, and moisturizes
    • Made with certified organic ingredients
    • Pleasant lavender scent

    Cons

    • Pricier than some other dog shampoos
    • May not be strong enough for very dirty dogs
    • Some dogs might not like the lavender smell

    We tried this We Love Doodles shampoo on our own pups, and we were impressed with how well it worked. The 4-in-1 formula made bathtime much easier. We didn’t need separate products for cleaning and conditioning. Our dogs’ coats felt soft and looked shiny after use.

    The lavender scent was nice and not too strong. It left our dogs smelling fresh without being overpowering. We liked that the shampoo is made with organic ingredients. It gave us peace of mind knowing we weren’t using harsh chemicals on our furry friends.

    One thing to note is that this shampoo might not be the best choice for very dirty dogs. It’s gentle, which is great for regular baths. But if your pup likes to roll in mud, you might need something stronger. The price is also higher than some other options. But we think the quality ingredients make it worth the extra cost for many dog owners.

Buying Guide

When shopping for dog shampoo, we recommend considering a few key factors:

Ingredients

Look for natural, gentle ingredients like oatmeal, aloe vera, or coconut oil. Avoid harsh chemicals or artificial fragrances that may irritate your dog’s skin.

Scent

Choose a pleasant but not overpowering scent. Some popular options include:

  • Lavender
  • Vanilla
  • Coconut
  • Fresh linen

Skin and Coat Type

Pick a formula suited to your dog’s needs:

Coat/Skin TypeRecommended Ingredients
Dry/ItchyOatmeal, aloe vera
OilyCitrus, tea tree oil
SensitiveHypoallergenic, fragrance-free

Ease of Use

We suggest looking for shampoos that lather well and rinse out easily. This makes bath time quicker and more enjoyable for both you and your pup.

Size and Value

Consider the bottle size and price. Larger bottles often offer better value for frequent bathers or multi-dog households.

pH Balance

Dogs have different skin pH than humans. Choose a shampoo formulated specifically for canines to maintain proper skin health.

By keeping these factors in mind, we can help you find a dog shampoo that leaves your furry friend clean, fresh-smelling, and comfortable.