Your dog’s skin health can tell you plenty about his overall health and well-being. If you look at the condition of your dog’s skin and coat, you may be able to see whether it’s greasy or dry, features hot spots or pigment changes, or any other skin abnormalities. These may be an early warning to health issues that are hidden and not apparent.
There are numerous dog shampoos for every need, many with wonderful scents that might tempt you to bathe your dog more often than needed. However, the issue with some of these great-smelling dog shampoos is that they may be crafted with fragrances and other chemical ingredients that could harm your dog’s sensitive skin. In this review, we’re going to give you the seven best smelling dog shampoos in 2021.
We tested all of these dog shampoos and also verified that they were long-lasting. The main criteria we used to evaluate the shampoos were: there are no harmful chemicals to hurt your dog’s skin and the smell lasts a long time. No one wants a smelly dog right after they bathed them.
In a rush? Here are our top picks!
- Pros
- Light lavender and chamomile scent that smells amazing
- 4-in-1 dog shampoo, conditioner, detangler, and moisturizer
- USDA certified organic ingredients
- Made in the USA
- No harsh chemicals. Free of all synthetic dyes, parabens, formaldehyde, and alcohol.
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
- The scent is not overpowering
- Cons
- Only one smell type
- Was only used by professional groomers until April 2022 when they started selling on Amazon.
If you’ve never smelt the We Love Doodles lavender and chamomile shampoo, prepare to be amazed. The scent isn’t overpowering and it lasts long enough to make sure to get rid of the “dog smell”. Additionally, the shampoo smell is derived from 98.25% natural ingredients which are USDA certified organic. Thus, you can be sure that the smell is natural and not from chemicals or synthetic flavors. There are no harsh chemicals in this dog shampoo.
It’s also a 4-in-1 dog shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer, and detangler. It’s proudly manufactured and tested in one of the largest factories in the United States. You can be sure that you are getting a quality dog shampoo that not only smells good but is great for your dog.
There is also a 100% satisfaction guarantee if you or your dog isn’t happy. We Love Doodles just started selling their shampoo on Amazon in April 2022. It was recently only sold to professional grooming shops around the United States. We highly suggest you get one of these affordably priced dog shampoos that smells amazing.
Features
- Lavender and chamomile scent that isn’t overpowering
- Produced and tested in the United States
- USDA certified organic ingredients
- Keep your dog looking and smelling good
- Affordably priced
- No harsh chemicals used
- Keeps your dog’s coat healthy
- Pros
- The product line features a PH-balanced shampoo and conditioner that works to naturally support against shedding, itching, dryness, hot spots, and odor
- Features avocado oil and Omega-3's work to condition your dog's fur
- 2-in-1 protection: This shampoo and conditioner combo.
- Contains no sulfates, parabens, triclosan, or petrolatum
- Soap and tear-free
- Easy refund if not satisfied with any products
- Supports against itching, drying, foul odor, excessive shedding, and infection.
- Cons
- More expensive, but higher quality shampoo
Skout’s Honor is an award-winning pet specialty brand that uses probiotic technology. Released results from a third-party study confirm the efficacy of its ground-breaking topical probiotic technology — the active ingredient in the brand’s widespread Grooming & Wellness product lines.
This shampoo works by combating typical dog and cat yeast and fungal skin infections. Skout’s Honor is well known for its environmentally and socially conscious everyday pet essentials. We like this brand because it provides a preventative measure for dogs’ most common pet skin conditions. This is one of the best smelling dog shampoos that gets rid of the dog smell.
Features
- Contains live, colony-forming probiotic kefir culture
- Crafted with probiotics to form a protective barrier to push out and protect against harmful yeast
- The formulation allows the skin’s natural biome to flourish while strengthening the animal’s natural defenses
- Affordable
- Paw Pledge to help rescues
- Available in honeysuckle, lavender, and Dog of the Woods (Sandalwood Vanilla)
- Pros
- Made in small batches (U.S.A.) handcrafted
- Locally sourced ingredients
- Soap and detergent free
- Priced well.
- Crafted with vitamins A, D, E.
- Cons
- Some people don't like the smells. We personally loved them!
Barking Blends from Glo-Marr, Kentucky, for dogs means bath time is Happy Hour for you and your puppy. Dogs smell good with this shampoo and it’s long lasting. The line includes Daquiri Dog, Pina Colada Pooch, Margarita Mutt, and Cosmopolitan Canine mouthwatering scents in shampoos and spritzers.
You’ll have plenty of fun shopping this line. This company has been around for over 50 years and is family-owned and operated. They carry an extensive line of pet shampoos, conditioners, and spritzers. Barking lineup adds a bit of fun at bath time.
We like this brand because its bright and vibrant colors and fragrances make these blends easy to recognize. No shaking or stirring is needed; relax, bathe, and lather for excellent results. If you’re looking for a long-lasting dog shampoo that smells good, we highly recommend this one.
Features
- Crafted with a fruitful recipe of naturally based fruit enzymes, vitamins, and oils.
- It offers a gentle clean, and fun sudsy bathing experience
- Daiquiri Dog Pet Shampoo
- The line features Pina Colada Pooch, Margarita Mutt, Cosmopolitan Canine, Daiquiri Dog scents.
- Pros
- Made with pH-balanced organic aloe vera, argan oil, shea butter, organic oats, and botanicals.
- Crafted with Omega 3, 6 and 9
- Contains Vitamin E to help restore skin to a natural balance.
- Includes Methylene Blue, Organic Neem, Rosemary, and Lemongrass that can also help keep unwanted bugs away
- Natural moisturizers restore skin health & prevent shedding with botanical properties
- Treats dry skin and irritation, reduces redness, scaling & inflammation of the skin.
- It helps detangle long coats.
- Cons
- We suggest buying the 3 pack, but it's more expensive.
Buddha Bubbles dog shampoo features organic ingredients for sensitive skin. This is a biodegradable plant-based dog skin cleanser and works as an antiseptic and antifungal dog shampoo. It is beneficial in itch relief to prevent heavy shedding and reduces redness, scaling, and skin inflammation.
Barking Buddha dog conditioner is helpful as a pest repellent and is naturally antibacterial. It helps combat dry scalp and irritation, helps detangle, prevents shedding, and fights dandruff. Additionally, it’s one of the best dog shampoos for urine smell if your dog has accidents.
Features
- Crafted with certified organic ingredients and botanicals
- Neutralizes odors with featured notes of lemongrass
- Priced well (3 bottles)
- Good for sensitive skin
- 3 Pack deal good for multi-pet homes
- Biodegradable plant-based cleanser
- Crafted with botanical anti-inflammatory properties
- Pros
- Made with naturally derived ingredients
- Specially formulated for Goldendoodles, Poodles, Bichons, and breeds with high-volume fur.
- Quickly coats to the hair follicle to reduce tangling
- Features mild coconut/palm cleanser papaya, beet, peach, and banana extract, as well as rice extract.
- Cons
- Big company, but products are made in the USA
TropiClean PerfectFur shampoos address breed-specific needs for different types of coats. This includes combination coats, curly & wavy coats, long-haired coats, short double coats, smooth coats, and thick double coats that may be difficult to wash properly. We like this brand because PerfectFur is soap-free, paraben-free, and dye-free and made in the U.S.A. with naturally derived ingredients. TropiClean is a big company and they have good smelling dog shampoos.
Features
- Reduces tangling and gives added lift
- Priced well
- Crafted to facilitate quick drying
- Made in the U.S.
- For use in pups 12 weeks and older
- Features an extensive line of grooming products
- Pros
- Crafted with buttermilk & linseed to soothe and soften skin and hair
- pH Balanced
- Formulated without sulfates
- Cruelty-free
- Eco-friendly & sustainable
- Will not wash off topical flea products
- Crafted with linseed oil to deeply condition
- Cons
- The smell isn't super strong, but it does last a long time.
Burt’s Bees has been around since 1984 and creates products that are cruelty-free and formulated without colorants, sulfates, and added fragrances. Burt’s Bees for Dogs 2 in 1 dog shampoo and conditioner is one of our favorites because it’s made with natural ingredients, and this product line uses Bamboo & post-consumer recycled bottles.
This is also one of the best smelling puppy shampoo and conditioners on the market. We originally used this shampoo on our Goldendoodle from a young age. It’s specifically designed as a tearless shampoo for puppies and cleans them well.
Features
- Natural ingredients
- Veterinarian recommended formula
- Good for young pups
- Suitable for dogs with sensitive skin
- No harsh chemicals
- Priced well
- Great smelling
- Pros
- No alcohol or animal by-products
- Provides relief from hot spots and itching
- Approved for ferrets, rabbits, and guinea pigs
- Paraben-free
- Cleans, deodorizes, and detangles
- Contains no animal by-products
- Features no toxins, no chemicals
- It can be used with any treatments
- Safe for frequent use
- Cons
- None
This hypoallergenic dog shampoo and conditioner uses organic ingredients that soothe dry, itchy skin and smells terrific. This product is pet tested and approved and also features over 9,500 positive ratings. ProPet has been around since 2015 and is located in Portland, Oregon. We like this product because you can use it on both cats and dogs. It also features a combination of almond oil and aloe vera.
Features
- Crafted for pets with sensitive skin
- Priced well
- Restores natural oils
- Relieves dry, itchy skin
- Made in the U.S
- Cruelty-free
- Features natural ingredients
- All in one shampoo/conditioner formula
- Pros
- Rich and luxurious botanical shampoo gently cleanses
- Features wild ginger root extract t adds moisture and brilliant, lustrous shine
- Light and refreshing ginger formula fragrance soothes the senses
- Tested on humans first
- Gently cleanses
- Paraben and EDTA free
- Cons
- None
Thirty years ago, John Paul DeJoria, co-founder of John Paul Mitchell Systems, revolutionized the professional salon industry by banning the use of animal testing for his line of hair products. We like the entire line because not only are they not animal tested, but John Paul is part of Cruelty-Free International and supports the Humane Cosmetics Act to end cosmetic testing on animals in the U.S.
Features
- Made in the U.S
- Cruelty-free products
- P.H. balanced for pets.
- Affordable
- A portion of proceeds from each sale is donated to animal and wildlife organizations
The Importance of Regular Grooming & Bathing
Your puppy’s coat should be brushed regularly to remove shedding hair and prevent matting and skin issues. Grooming your puppy is more than just brushing your dog every few days. It entails not only ear cleaning, bathing, brushing your dog’s teeth, cleaning his eyes, but choosing safe and high-quality products that are dog friendly.
Regular grooming and bathing are essential for all dog breeds, especially those with thick or shaggy coats prone to easy matting and tangling. Dogs on large properties or that spend time outdoors may need more bathing than others.
Proper grooming and bathing are also crucial for flea and tick control. Not only does regular bathing optimize skin and coat health, but you’ll also be able to see if there are any sensitive areas. To allow for easy grooming and bathing throughout your pup’s life, you should start grooming and bathing during puppyhood.
Health Issues
You should always consider your dog’s health issues when choosing a dog shampoo. Problems like lumps, bumps, hair loss, ear infections, hot spots, and other skin conditions need to be treated first by your veterinarian.
Mobility issues will also affect the length of any dog’s grooming and bathing sessions. If your dog is a senior, just bathing him may exhaust him, especially dogs with arthritis. Standing for extended periods while being groomed and bathed may be painful.
Flea Bite Dermatitis
Suppose your pup has been diagnosed with flea bite dermatitis or has hot spots or other skin conditions. In that case, you’ll need to address those issues first with your veterinarian before choosing the best smelling dog shampoo. In addition, after being treated, you should always keep an eye out for allergies.
Dry Itchy Skin
This does not necessarily mean that your pup has an underlying health issue but can be caused by harsh commercial dog shampoos. Dogs with dry and itchy skin should always use a natural and gentle shampoo formulated especially for dogs. If you use a blow dryer, the setting should be on the lowest, and the dryer should be held well away from him.
Tiny Red Spots
These are usually found under the belly and may result from flea bites, mites, or an allergy. Consult with your veterinarian if you see something unusual.
Patchy Hair Loss
This is known as alopecia and may result from a poor diet, fungal infection like ringworm, or even stress. Because ringworm is contagious, you should visit your veterinarian as soon as possible for treatment. Make sure to wash your hands and dog’s bedding very well.
Hot Spots
This is acute moist bacterial dermatitis and results from trauma, like a burr scratch or flea bite. Hot spots don’t heal independently and need to be treated right away because they expand rapidly. Visit your veterinarian for treatment. On the other hand, your pup may have a more minor, more localized pustule. This resembles a giant pimple and is caused by a bacterial infection that also needs veterinary care.
Greasy Skin
This happens when the sebaceous glands produce an excessive amount of sebum. Your pup’s skin will look and feel greasy and probably also smell funky. This usually occurs on the face, back, hindquarters, and also in the skin folds. Your veterinarian will determine the underlying causes of this via blood work, hormone tests, and skin cultures.
Your dog’s skin is the largest organ in the body, protects him from harsh weather conditions, and also helps to regulate his body temperature. It can also show you clues to his overall health and well-being. These can be early warning signs of severe health conditions that should be looked at by your veterinarian.
Your dog should be drinking lots of fresh, filtered water every day. This also helps to maintain good healthy and healthy skin and coat. If your doggo has skin issues, you can also consult your vet about using digestive enzymes to improve nutrient uptake and gut health. This will improve the skin health of your dog. Often what begins as a coat or skin issue turns out to be an internal health problem, so it’s important to always reach out to your veterinarian.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best shampoo for dogs to make them smell better?
Our best overall choice is the We Love Doodles dog shampoo with lavender and chamomile. The shampoo scent is derived from 98.25% natural USDA-certified organic ingredients.
This is a 4-in-1 dog shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer, and detangler perfect for all dog breeds and life stages. All the ingredients naturally freshen and moisturize your dog’s skin and coat.
The best-smelling dog shampoos include the following:
- We Love Doodles Dog Shampoo
- Skout’s Honor
- Barking Blends from Glo-Marr
- TropiClean PerfectFur
- Burt’s Bees
- ProPet
- John Paul Pet Wild Ginger
Is there a dog shampoo that smells good?
If you want your dog to smell naturally clean with a soft fragrance, then the We Love Doodles 4-in-1 pet shampoo featuring 98.25% natural ingredients, also USDA certified organic, is the best dog shampoo in 2022.
It’s also a detangling and hydrating formula that can be used on all dog breeds and not only on Doodles. It works well on Doodles and keeps your dog looking and smelling good. The fragrance is also not overpowering.
What dog shampoo smell lasts the longest?
The We Love Doodles dog shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer, and detangler is the best long-lasting dog shampoo made in the US and features over 98% organic ingredients.
The gentle lavender and chamomile scent is not overpowering, and the blend of botanical ingredients promotes optimal skin and coat health.
What do groomers use to wash dogs?
Many US professional groomers use the We Love Doodles dog shampoo specially formulated for dogs and their slicker brush for optimal coat health.
It’s designed to remove funky odors and keep skin and coat healthy and clean. There are no harsh chemicals, and it’s also free of synthetic dyes, parabens, formaldehyde, and alcohol.
How often should you bathe your dog?
How often you bathe your dog will depend very much on breed, lifestyle, length of coat, and how active your dog is outdoors. If you have a farm dog that enjoys rolling around in horse manure, you could bathe him more than an indoor dog that goes out on walks.
Single-coated dogs will not need to be bathed as often as double-coated breeds with thicker coats. Instead, double-coated reeds need a shampoo that penetrates through the undercoat and skin.
The American Kennel Club explains that your dog’s coat type significantly affects how often you’ll be bathing him. For example, hairless breeds like the Chinese Crested need weekly baths and are care intensive. Long-coated dog breeds like the Collie do well with more frequent bathing. Finding a natural dog shampoo that repels dirt and dust is key!
What can I do about my smelly dog?
You should bathe your dog regularly with a healthy, organic shampoo. If your dog has dry skin, a medicated shampoo will soothe and heal his skin condition.
Aromatic shampoos that are deodorizing also combat all smells, including doggy odor. Make sure to towel dry your dog, the skin folds, and ears after bathing and swimming, and feed your dog a high-quality diet with Omega’s for optimal skin health.
Is Dawn dish soap safe for dogs?
You should always use dog shampoo on your pet. Dawn dish soap is harsh on the skin and coat and may dry your dog’s coat. Although some pet parents use Dawn dish soap to kill fleas and ticks, you should opt for a natural flea shampoo for pets like the We Love Doodles Pet Shampoo and Conditioner.
What shampoo and conditioner do show dogs use?
We Love Doodles dog shampoo is ideal for show dogs featuring salon-quality botanicals and over 98% organic ingredients; the We Love Doodles shampoo is crafted with the finest and safest ingredients to remove dirt and allow for easy grooming and optimal skin and coat health.
That said, there’s no single shampoo ideal for every dog. Instead, you need to find a shampoo tailored to your dog’s coat type that will help with the grooming process.
What is the best dog shampoo in the world?
Ten Best Dog Shampoos
- We Love Doodles Dog Shampoo & Conditioner
- John Paul Pet Wild Ginger Pet Shampoo
- Chi for dogs Pet Shampoo
- Chris Christensen White on White Dog Shampoo
- ProPet Works Pet Shampoo
- Burt’s Bees 2-in 1 Pet Shampoo
- Sofee & Co Pet Shampoo
- Pride & Groom Deshedder Pet Shampoo
- Earthbath Oatmeal Pet Shampoo
- Ouai Fur Bébé Pet Shampoo
Conclusion for Best Smelling Dog Shampoos
With some dogs enjoying bath time and others not, you should set up a routine to get your puppy used to being groomed and bathed. A good routine will help your pup get used to bathing. Bathing will help keep your pup clean and reduce any “doggy smells” that your pup may bring into the home.
You should always opt for a gentle and natural pet shampoo and conditioner instead of a harsh soap-based product. This will be beneficial for your dog’s skin and coat and help prevent fleas, ticks, and heartworm treatments from being washed off during bathing.
No matter what type of dog breed you have, regular grooming and bathing is essential for his health and well-being. Opt for always choosing a natural dog shampoo that is cruelty-free and that uses natural ingredients.
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Claudia Bensimoun is a writer who specializes in dog content and veterinary topics! Aside from writing for We Love Doodles, Claudia also writes for other major dog blogs like Fido Friendly, Animal Wellness Magazine, and the United States Dog Agility Association (USDAA). She has a ghostwritten over 50 different dog e-books. Her passions include animal welfare, veterinary research, and wildlife conservation.
Why Trust We Love Doodles?
At We Love Doodles, we’re a team of writers, veterinarians, and puppy trainers that love dogs. Our team of qualified experts researches and provides reliable information on a wide range of dog topics. Our reviews are based on customer feedback, hands-on testing, and in-depth analysis. We are fully transparent and honest to our community of dog owners and future owners.