When it comes to cleaning your pet, many people seek out the best smelling dog shampoo. Of course, the effectiveness of a shampoo is the most important part, but it’s also crucial that the shampoo leaves your dog smelling good too. Yet, there are so many dog shampoos out there to choose from, so how do you know which ones will leave the best and most long-lasting scents?
Why Should You Choose a Scented Dog Shampoo?
Many dog parents tend to think that leaving a pleasant scent on your dog is the most important part of a shampoo product. It is a great benefit, but shampoo is designed to do so much more than that. Therefore, if you want your dog to smell extra nice after a bath, then a scented shampoo is perfect for you. However, you should still look out for other beneficial features too.
A high quality scented dog shampoo will also get rid of the germs on your dog’s body. In some cases, shampoo can even help get rid of bugs like fleas and ticks. It should also keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy and smooth. Some scented shampoos are even designed to heal skin conditions on your dog. So, while having a great smell is an important deciding factor for a shampoo, it’s important that you keep an eye out for these other characteristics too.
The Best Smelling Dog Shampoo
Choosing a shampoo can be tricky. You don’t want to go around sniffing every shampoo product. So, we’ve helped narrow down your search by choosing five dog shampoos with pleasant scents. We’ve analyzed them all based on features, pros, and cons.
#1 – 4-Legger Organic, Hypoallergenic Lemongrass & Aloe Shampoo
The 4-Legger shampoo has a unique lemongrass scent. Lemongrass is a natural cleanser, and it’s mixed with aloe vera, which is great for maintaining healthy skin. This is especially true since it doesn’t include any artificial or synthetic chemicals. It also has organic oils and essential oils to promote healthy skin. Therefore, this shampoo is great for dogs with dry, itchy, or allergy-sensitive skin. This formula is cruelty-free, gluten-free, and vegan, made with non-GMO, USDA-certified ingredients. The shampoo is 100% biodegradable and it will not affect any topical flea and tick treatments that your dog has on.
Pros:
- It smells like lemongrass.
- It promotes healthy skin.
- It soothes dry, itchy skin.
- It’s cruelty-free, gluten-free, and vegan.
- It’s made with only USDA-certified ingredients.
- It won’t affect topical flea and tick treatments.
Cons:
- It doesn’t come in a larger size.
- It’s a little watery.
- It could dry out skin for some dogs.
#2 – Buddy Wash Original Lavender & Mint Dog Shampoo
This two-in-one conditioning shampoo has the soothing scent of lavender and mint. It’s made in the United States with cosmetic-grade ingredients, such as botanical extracts and essential oils, both of which create a lasting freshness. Additionally, it includes aloe vera to help soothe irritated skin. The shampoo is coconut-based and free of alcohol and soap. The ingredients make it a natural deodorizer, so it’s safe even for frequent use. It can be purchased in either a 16-ounce or 1-gallon bottle.
Pros:
- It smells like lavender and mint.
- It comes in a larger size.
- It uses botanical extracts and essential oils for lasting freshness.
- It has no alcohol or soap.
- It soothes irritated skin.
- It’s affordable.
Cons:
- The soap is a little thick.
- The quality could vary.
#3 – Earthbath 2-in-1 Mango Tango Conditioning Dog Shampoo
This shampoo has a pleasant tropical mango scent that keeps your dog smelling fresh for a while. It’s a 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner to keep your dog’s coat extra clean and soft. It can detangle your dog’s coat and get rid of odors without affecting topical flea and tick treatments. The formula is 100% biodegradable, and it doesn’t include any parabens or phosphate. It works well for any dogs 6 weeks of age or older.
Pros:
- It smells like tropical mango.
- It detangles your dog’s coat.
- It promotes a healthy coat.
- It doesn’t have parabens or phosphate.
- It won’t affect topical flea and tick treatments.
Cons:
- It doesn’t come in a larger size.
- Some dogs might have reactions to it.
#4 – Wahl Dry & Itch Relief Pet Shampoo for Dogs
This 24-ounce shampoo smells like coconut and lime. It’s pH-balanced, alcohol-free, and paraben-free. Plus, it’s designed to soothe and heal your dog’s itchy skin. It comes in a larger bottle than most dog shampoos, and it’s highly concentrated, so a little shampoo can go a long way. It’s easyto lather and easy to rinse off, leaving your dog with a soft, fresh-smelling coat afterwards. This company’s dog, who has a lot of allergies, has tested this shampoo to confirm that it’s safe for even the most sensitive pups.
Pros:
- It smells like coconut and lime.
- It comes in a larger size than most shampoos.
- It’s pH-balanced, alcohol-free, and paraben-free.
- It heals itchy skin.
- It’s great for dogs with sensitive skin.
- It’s affordable.
Cons:
- Some dogs could have a reaction to it.
- The scent might not last long.
#5 – Paws & Pals 5-in-1 Oatmeal Dog Shampoo
This ‘5-in-1’ shampoo is oatmeal-scented. It shampoos, conditions, detangles, moisturizes, and controls odors. It comes in a 20-ounce bottle with a pump on the top for easy use. This is a highly concentrated natural shampoo that uses no soaps or parabens. It’s also vegan and organic. All these features make it great for dogs with sensitive skin, soothing any skin irritation that your dog might have. It can relieve allergies, hot spots, and dry skin while also cleaning and deodorizing your pup.
Pros:
- It smells like oatmeal.
- It’s affordable.
- It’s vegan and organic.
- It’s good for dogs with sensitive skin.
- It has a large bottle with a convenient pump style.
Cons:
- Some dogs could have reactions to it.
- It’s a little watery.
- The smell might not last long.
Things to Consider Before Buying Shampoo
As great as scented shampoos are, some dog parents actually choose unscented instead. This is because scented products can sometimes have more added chemicals and other unhealthy ingredients. Therefore, these scents can sometimes cause reactions for sensitive dogs. So, if you want your dog shampoo to smell great, then you should make sure the smells in it are safe and natural first.
Everyone wants to keep their dog smelling nice if possible. So, shampoo is often the best way to do it. However, you need to ensure that you don’t bathe your pup too often. Too many baths could cause your dog’s skin to dry out, so take it easy on the baths. Only give them baths when they truly need it and make sure you use a shampoo that will be safe for their skin.