Sometimes dogs shed and smell. This is an inconvenient fact of life unless you own a hypoallergenic dog breed like the poodle or bichon frise. Even then, your dog can still smell. However, doggie odor mainly depends on what your dog eats. Depending on the kind of life your dog leads, if you use a quality dog shampoo, and bathe him once a month, then you can easily prevent that doggy smell. However, some dogs need to be bathed once-a-week. Country dogs roll about in the mud and other nasty things, but city dogs can also acquire grime and odors in their paws when they walk on city roads covered with unspeakable grimes.
So let us consider some of the best smelling dog shampoos for odor control. We will also touch base on some home remedies for smelly dogs. Don’t forget to check out my article on how to get rid of a dog’s smell from your home.
Home remedies for a smelly dog
Check your pet’s diet
One of the most common causes of dog odor is the food your pet eats. A good diet will reflect in your dog’s fur and coat; it will be shinier and odor-free. That status also depends on your dog’s ability to digest that food. If your pet is allergic to any nutrient in his food, his coat might show signs like dullness, excess shedding, and malodor. So check with your vet about the best diet for a dog with food sensitivities. You can also check out my article on the best dog food for dogs with allergies. Make any dietary changes slowly.
Ensure there is no underlying health issue
Any illness dramatic enough to impact a dog’s immune system can negatively affect his nutritional status. It can lead to hair loss and foul odor. If you successfully treat the disease, you will successfully eliminate bad breath. If you notice foul odor even after you have bathed and groomed your pet then you must get him examined by a vet. Some underlying hormonal issues can also cause a foul odor.
Bathe your dog once a week
If your dog is really smelly, you may want to bathe him once a week with the longest-lasting best smelling dog shampoo. This will wash away the grime that your pet has picked up. Weekly baths also reduce dander and allergens.
If your pet has been skunked
Dogs tend to startle skunks and get sprayed. Skunk odor can last for days on your dog, so if you have taken your pet hiking or trekking, always carry professional de-skunking products to reduce the odor until you can give your pet a more thorough bath. Here are some de-skunking remedies that work:
- Pour tomato juice on your pet. Wait for 10 minutes and then wash off with a good deodorizing shampoo.
- Mix hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and some dish soap in a gallon of water. Pour over your pet. Wait for 10-15 minutes and then bathe your pet.
- Apply vinegar and baking soda on your pet’s coat. Rub the mixture, wait for a quarter of an hour, then wash off.
Brush your long-haired dogs twice a week/daily
Longhaired dogs start stinking when their fur and matted hair trap grime and odors. So brush down your pet daily or at least 2-3 times a week. This will eliminate mold and mildew and also reduce mats and tangles that trap grime and parasites. You must also brush your dog before a bath. If possible, take your dog to a professional groomer once in a while.
Shave the hair around your pet’s butt
The hair around your pet’s rear end also traps odors. It is a good idea to shave it off every few months.
Sniff around his ears
Not all doggy foul smells arise from the coat. In pets with long, drooping ears, the warm and moist environment can harbor bacteria and fungi. Cleaning the outer ears can help reduce the foul smell.
Check your pet’s mouth
Bad breath can also raise a stink around your pet. So ensure your pet isn’t suffering from any dental issues. Give your dog a few dental chews to reduce plaque. Brush your pet’s teeth at least 2-3 times a week.
Here is a homemade stinky dog shampoo recipe (note: it’s for stinky dogs – the shampoo smells great):
Homemade stinky dog shampoo recipe #1
- 3 oz glycerin
- A Pint of distilled water
- ¼ cup white distilled vinegar
- Any clear, non-scented dish-washing liquid that is gentle on the hands
- A few drops of pure essential oil (lavender, rosemary, or other fragrance you love) OR boil a few rose petals in distilled water, steep over-night, and strain. Use the rose-scented water in the shampoo.
Apply to wet fur. Wash off after 10 minutes.
Homemade stinky dog shampoo recipe #2
- Chamomile tea (made by brewing a few chamomile tea bags in 2 quarts of water)
- ½ cup of non-scented dishwashing soap
- ½ cup of distilled white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- Glycerin – ¼ cup
- ¼ cup of baking soda
Apply to wet fur. Wash off after 10 minutes.
We will now discuss the best dog shampoo for itchy, smelly skin and shedding
Best smelling dog shampoos for itchy, smelly dogs with serious shedding
Wahl odor control dog shampoo for itchy smelly dogs
Features
- This long-lasting dog shampoo has a fresh, eucalyptus and spearmint scent
- It is suitable for all coat-types and even for sensitive skin.
- Wahl odor control dog shampoo cleans, deodorizes, and keeps your pet’s fur in top condition.
- It is made in the USA
- pH balanced, free from alcohol, parabens, and fragrances and dyes.
Pros
- Value for money
- Makes coat very soft
- Leaves your pet with a great fragrance
Cons
- Some pet owners disliked the scent
- It caused itching in some dogs.
Honeydew Colloidal Oatmeal shampoo for dry itchy skin relief
Features
- Hypoallergenic
- Great for sensitive skin
- Reduces itch and odor
- Vet recommended
- Safe, effective, and gentle
- Made in the USA
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Great scent
- Moisturizes dry, itchy skin
- Leaves fur soft
- Tear-free
Cons
- Not safe for all dogs; it caused itchy bumps, dryness, and even blisters. Exacerbated shedding in some pets.
Pets Are Kids Too anti-itch, anti-odor shampoo and conditioner for Dogs
Features
- The company supports charity for pets with cancer. A part of your purchase money is given to animal rescue organizations.
- Anti-itch shampoo reduces allergies and is suitable for pets with dry and sensitive skin. It also prevents allergies.
- This tear-free shampoo is gentle on pet’s fur and won’t cause dandruff.
Pros
- Quality ingredients
- Great for sensitive skin
- Makes pet’s fur soft and leaves it smelling great for days to come.
Cons
- Caused severe allergic reaction, hives, blisters, bumps, and flaking in many puppies.
Earthbath All Natural dog shampoo
Features
- This shampoo contains essential oils that remove odors as well as stains from the dog’s fur. You can get it in several different fragrances like orange oil, tea tree, peppermint, mango, vanilla, etc. There is also a fragrance-free version available.
- 100% biodegradable and cruelty-free product
- Does not wash off flea-spot treatment from pet’s fur
- Leaves your pet’s coat shiny, soft, and smooth
Pros
- Top selling product with thousands of positive reviews
- Parabens and sulfate-free
- The essential oil helps reduce fungal, bacterial, and microbial skin infections.
Cons
- The fragrance is not long-lasting
- It caused shedding and itching in many pets.
Bodhi dog Oatmeal Shampoo for anti-itch, odor control, sensitive skin
Features
- Free from parabens, dyes, and fragrances
- It is specially formulated for sensitive skin
- This shampoo has a light apple scent. The baking soda in the shampoo keeps your dog smelling great for days after the bath.
- Proudly manufactured in the USA
Pros
- Leaves fur soft
- Has a fresh scent which pets love
- Value for money
- Moisturizing
Cons
- Caused allergic reaction in some pets
Conclusion
There are many factors that could cause a dog’s smelly coat. The number one reason is underlying health issues or food allergies and diet plays a huge role in your pet’s coat condition. The best selling dog shampoos for odor and shedding will only work in masking the odor temporarily. If your pet has a medical problem, do get it resolved in order to reduce odor and shedding. As with any product; there is no one-formula-to-fit-all when it comes to dog shampoos. Even the top-rated, best selling dog shampoos are known to have caused allergic reactions in some pets. Discontinue their use immediately if your pet develops hot spots, itchiness, or hives.
