Some dogs have a natural “dog smell”. Others like to roll in dirt, poop, and anything else that smells interesting. Whatever the cause, the result is a bad-smelling dog. Washes and baths are necessary to maintain their hygiene, but in between you might want to give your dog a quick spritz to freshen them up.
Dog deodorizing sprays are easy to apply, do not necessitate bathing your dog, and they can leave your pup smelling of roses, or aloe vera, or some other natural aroma.
Below, you can find reviews of 10 of the best dog deodorizing sprays to help improve the aroma in your home.
A Quick Comparison of Our Winners in 2024
Rating | Image | Product | Details | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall | Hepper Pet Cologne Spray |
|
CHECK PRICE | |
Budget Buy | Arm & Hammer Products Kiwi Blossom |
|
CHECK PRICE | |
DOG By Dr Lisa Spring Dog Cologne Spray |
|
CHECK PRICE | ||
Tropiclean Baby Powder Deodorizing |
|
CHECK PRICE | ||
Pet MD Deodorizing Japanese Cherry Blossom |
|
CHECK PRICE |
The 10 Best Dog Deodorizing Sprays
1. Hepper Pet Cologne Spray – Best Overall
Volume: | 8 Fluid Ounces |
Scent: | Cucumber & Aloe |
Hepper Pet Cologne Spray is a water-based spray, which means it’s gentle on your dog’s skin, so it is suitable even for dogs with sensitive skin, and it can be used regularly to freshen them up. The water-based formula is also non-greasy, so it won’t leave your dog’s coat looking oily and it won’t cause any matting.
The formula helps with smooth brushing, which means it can effectively control knots, too. It uses cucumber and aloe as natural scents, helping rid your pup of that dirty dog smell.
The formula is free from sulfates, silicone, parabens, and alcohol so it is gentle on the skin while being tough on smells. This, combined with the pleasant and refreshing aromas of cucumber and aloe, makes it the best overall dog deodorizing spray.
At Dogster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool pet company!
- Scented with cucumber and aloe
- The water-based solution is gentle on the skin
- Free from sulfates, parabens, and alcohol
- It only comes in one scent
2. Arm & Hammer Super Deodorizing Dog Spray – Budget Buy
Volume: | 8 Fluid Ounces |
Scent: | Kiwi Blossom |
Arm & Hammer Products Kiwi Blossom Super Deodorizing Dog Spray is an inexpensive deodorizing spray that can be used on wet or dry fur and is designed to keep dogs smelling fresh between baths. It’s a water-based deodorant that contains natural ingredients and is scented with cucumber and kiwi.
Free from sulfates and parabens, the Arm & Hammer spray is good for dogs with sensitive skin and it can be used regularly. It is also an inexpensive option, making it the best dog deodorizing spray for the money, but you do need to spray quite a lot to get the desired results, which means it will need replacing often.
- No sulfates or parabens
- Cheap to buy
- Smells of cucumber and kiwi
- You need to use a lot for decent results
3. DOG By Dr Lisa Spring Dog Cologne Spray- Premium Choice
Volume: | 4.2 Fluid Ounces |
Scent: | Rose, geranium, and orange |
While this product is expensive, the benefits make it a fantastic option for owners wanting a quality, environmentally-friendly product. In addition to de-odorizing this spray will moisturize your dog’s coat. It has a pH-balanced formula designed by a veterinarian.
DOG By Dr Lisa Spring Dog Cologne Spray comes in a recyclable aluminum bottle with a biodegradable cap. It’s vegan-friendly and not tested on animals. The rose, geranium, and orange scents come from essential oils. It only needs a light spray to work well.
- Environmentally and vegan-friendly
- Essential oils
- PH balanced and moisturizing
- Expensive
4. Tropiclean Baby Powder Deodorizing Dog & Cat Spray
Volume: | 8 Fluid Ounces |
Scent: | Baby Powder |
Tropiclean Baby Powder Deodorizing Dog & Cat Spray is one of a range of Tropiclean sprays, each with its own aroma. The Baby Powder smell is subtle, which means that it may not be suitable for dogs with particularly pungent aromas.
It is a little on the expensive side, too, but it does use natural ingredients like chamomile and oatmeal to help soothe skin, leave your dog smelling fresh, and even help improve the smell of the room.
- Gentle, neutral aroma of baby powder
- Uses natural ingredients
- Quite pricey
5. Pet MD Deodorizing Dog Body Spray
Volume: | 8 Fluid Ounces |
Scent: | Japanese Cherry Blossom |
Suitable for dogs aged 12 weeks or older, Pet MD Deodorizing Japanese Cherry Blossom Cat & Dog Body Spray is a water-based spray scented with cherry blossom to give your dog a pleasant, natural aroma. It claims to be long-lasting and gentle on the skin, as well as effective at beating bad smells.
The Pet MD spray is on the expensive side, but it helps get into difficult areas like folds of skin, and it has natural static-reducing qualities that leave your dog looking clean and smelling clean while helping prevent matting when you brush it into the coat.
The spray can also be used on other animals so can be useful in a multi-pet household.
- Can be used on dogs, cats, and other animals
- Smells of Japanese cherry blossom
- Naturally combats static
- Pricey
6. Burt’s Bees Dog Deodorizing Spray
Volume: | 8 Fluid Ounces |
Scent: | Milk and Honey |
Infused with milk and honey, Burt’s Bees Milk & Honey Scented Dog Deodorizing Spray is a a natural deodorant that is free from harsh chemicals, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances. The aroma is quite mild, but it is pH balanced specifically for dogs, so it won’t cause irritation and it can be used regularly to freshen up your pup between baths and grooming sessions.
It can also be used with topical flea and tick treatments, so there’s no excuse for having a bad-smelling dog.
- Uses natural aromas of milk and honey
- pH balanced for dogs, so suitable for sensitive skin
- Can be used in conjunction with topical flea treatment
- Gentle aroma might not be enough to combat strong odors
7. Scentament Spa Body Dog Deodorize & Detangle Spray
Volume: | 8 Fluid Ounces |
Scent: | Harvest Apple |
Best Shot Scentament Spa Botanical Body Splash Harvest Apple Dog & Cat Deodorize & Detangle Spray is an alcohol-free spray with a natural aroma of apple, although other aromas are available from the same brand. Other natural extracts include chamomile, ginseng, rosemary, rosehip, and sage.
The spray is a little expensive, but it also works as a detangler, which could save you money by not having to buy a separate detangling spray. The scent of apple is strong enough that you can smell it and it lasts a reasonable time on the dog, so you won’t feel the need to constantly spray and refresh.
- Detangles and deodorizes
- Smells of apple
- Infused with a variety of natural extracts
- A little expensive
8. Chi Deodorizing Dog Spray
Volume: | 8 Fluid Ounces |
Scent: | Unspecified fragrance |
Chi Deodorizing Dog Spray is expensive, but it is suitable for dogs aged 8 weeks or older. It is paraben-free and the manufacturers describe its odor-neturalizing abilities. It does a good job removing dirty dog smell and it can be used on wet or dry fur by spraying the deodorant on and then thoroughly massaging and rubbing it into the coat before allowing it to dry naturally.
It comes in an 8-ounce bottle, and it is a little more expensive than some other options, but the spray also helps moisturize the coat and skin, leaving your dog smelling and feeling refreshed.
- Odor neutralizing
- Paraben free
- Can be applied to dry or wet fur
- Expensive
9. Tough Stuff Skunked! Deodorizing Dog Spray
Volume: | 32 Fluid Ounces |
Scent: | Fresh Scent |
Tough Stuff Skunked! Deodorizing Dog Spray is a spray designed to tackle some of the most pungent aromas, even including skunk spray. It is a water-based solution, but it does contain lanolin, which is a moisturizing wax derived from sheep. However, the manufacturer assures it is fine for belongings made of water-safe materials.
It’s a more pricey option but does a good job on tough smells, and comes in a sizable bottle so you shouldn’t run out any time soon.
- Designed to combat even the most pungent smells
- Large bottle size
- Pricey
10. Mr. Groom Cologne & Deodorant Dog & Cat Odor Spray
Volume: | 6 Fluid Ounces |
Scent: | Floral |
Mr. Groom Cologne & Deodorant Dog & Cat Odor Spray is an alcohol-based deodorizing spray that has an easy applicator spray but does contain chemicals and is alcohol based. It is designed for use on your dog, as well as cats, and can also be used to freshen up the smell of your furniture and your dog’s bed.
The perfume has a floral scent which is pleasant but has more of a chemical smell than the natural alternatives. Mr. Groom is reasonably priced, and the fragrance will last, both in the room and on your dog, for some time.
- Long-lasting scent
- Floral aroma
- Inexpensive
- More of a chemical smell than others
- Contains chemicals
Buyer’s Guide: Picking the Best Dog Deodorizing Spray
Some dogs naturally have a doggy smell, while others are more likely to smell of whatever they’ve been rolling in while outside. In either case, the smell will travel through the house and can get into furniture. But you can’t wash or bathe your dog every day. Dog deodorizer offers a better alternative to daily washing, and, in spray format, it is easy to apply to wet or dry dogs. It can be used whether you are in a rush or just need a daily odor eliminator.
Why Do Some Dogs Smell of Dog?
Natural dog smell can come from a variety of sources. All dogs secrete a variety of oils and other substances, some of which smell as soon as they emerge. Others can encourage bacteria if they aren’t washed or wiped away. Yet more will smell when they combine with other substances. Your dog also picks up smells from other sources. Even if your pup isn’t prone to rolling in poop while out, he could walk through smelly substances, which then transfer to his body when he scratches or grooms himself. Other possible sources include food, dirty water, and even just scents that your dog walks through.
Health Reasons Your Dog Might Smell More Than Usual
If your dog has a particularly pungent smell, it could be a sign of illness.
- Impacted anal glands cause a secretion that can have a very strong and particularly unpleasant odor. Signs of impacted glands include your dog dragging their bottom along the floor to clear the secretions, which can cause the smell to transfer to furniture and carpets, too.
- Dogs that have a lot of skin folds are prone to smelling. When the folds get wet, they can stay moist and this damp environment is ideal for bacteria to flourish, causing a smell. If you have a dog with a lot of skin folds, ensure the folds are kept dry and clean to help prevent this, and if the smell persists, you may need to see a veterinarian to help combat any possible infection.
- Infections, in general, smell. Common sites to become infected and cause a nasty aroma include the gastrointestinal tract, leading to conditions like Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Ears can also become infected, which is especially common in dogs with long, floppy ears. The dog is unable to properly clean inside the ear so any injuries, infections, or infestations, can lead to infection.
- The smell could be coming from your dog’s mouth rather than their body. Halitosis is the technical name for bad breath, and other causes of a strong, unpleasant odor from the mouth include dental diseases, plaque buildup, and tartar. Check your dog’s mouth and ensure that you brush their teeth at least three times a week and ideally every day.
If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your pet, seek veterinary advice for the best course of action.
If you need to speak with a vet but can’t get to one, head over to PangoVet. It’s an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!
When to Use Dog Deodorant
Dog deodorizer shouldn’t be used as a total replacement for bathing and washing your dog. But, if you’re on the go, it can be very beneficial. And it isn’t recommended that you bathe your dog every day, so a deodorizer can be used between baths. If your dog doesn’t smell, avoid using the deodorizer, and apply it when your dog needs it. A natural deodorizer can generally be used more frequently than one that contains harsh chemicals, without the fear of causing skin irritation.
The 3 Benefits of Dog Deodorizing Spray
1. Combat Bad Smells
The most obvious benefit of deodorizing sprays is that they combat nasty smells. Some can be used on furniture and even on other pets in the house, as well as on dogs, so you can take a multi-pronged approach to the problem. Getting rid of smells on furniture also helps prevent the smell from transferring back to your dog after you have him smelling fresh.
2. Avoid Giving Too Many Baths
Bathing your dog is the most common means of getting rid of bad smells, but you can’t bathe a dog too often or it strips the natural oils from their skin and can cause skin problems. Using a deodorizer is a good way to keep your dog smelling fresh between baths.
3. Easy to Apply
A spray is an easy deodorizer option. Most can be used on dry dogs, hence their viability for daily application, and they don’t need lathering. As long as you can stroke your dog, you should be good to go.
How to Use Dog Deodorizing Spray
Although instructions vary for some deodorizing sprays, the usual method of application is to spray the deodorizer on your dog, work it into the coat, and then leave it to dry. The process is simple and doesn’t require any special equipment or even water.
Features to Look For
There are a lot of different doggy deodorizers available. When looking for the right one for your dog, consider the following features:
- pH Balanced – A dog’s skin is more neutral than the skin of humans, with a pH of about 6–7 on average. A pH-balanced deodorizer will have a pH value roughly the same as a dog’s skin. Anything too acidic or alkaline can cause irritation and may lead to skin problems for your dog. Ideally, the deodorizer you choose should either list the actual pH or, at the very least, state that it is pH-balanced.
- Water-Based Deodorant Sprays – Alcohol-based deodorizers can also cause irritation to your dog’s skin. As a neutral, non-toxic substance, water is generally considered the most sympathetic base for grooming and care products. Check the primary ingredients of the deodorizers or look for those that specify that they are water-based products.
- Paraben and Sulfate Free Solution – As well as causing irritation, parabens can mimic estrogen. Sulfates are types of surfactants that enable ingredients of different states to combine more easily. For example, they are used to better combine liquids with gases or other liquids. Sulfates can cause irritation to the eyes as well as the skin and may cause serious damage to the eyes.
- Natural Scents – The point of a deodorizer is to get rid of bad smells. One way that these products do that is to replace the bad smell with a good one. Try to avoid deodorizers that use chemical perfumes and fragrances, and instead opt for natural ones. Commonly used natural scents include cucumber, aloe, and honey.
Our Favorite Products Selecting the right shampoo and conditioner makes the world of a difference when grooming your pup. Our favorite products are the duo by Hepper. The Oatmeal Pet Shampoo is formulated with aloe and oatmeal to soothe skin and hydrate the coat. The Pet Conditioner works at eliminating tangles and taming frizz and static. Both products are pH-balanced and formulated with pet-friendly ingredients, free of harsh soaps, chemicals, and dyes. Give this duo a try to heal and nourish your dog's coat, and leave them with an irresistible just-left-the-spa cucumber and aloe scent.
At Dogster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool pet company!
Conclusion
It’s an unfortunate fact that some dogs smell. Even those that are clean and well-groomed can occasionally pick up aromas from whatever is outside, and all dogs naturally sweat so have the potential to carry an aroma from time to time.
Above are reviews of 10 of the best dog deodorizing sprays to help you combat that dog smell. Hepper Pet Cologne Spray is free from harmful chemicals, parabens, and sulfates, and has a pleasant natural smell that masks the bad smells associated with pet pooches. Arm & Hammer Products Kiwi Blossom Super Deodorizing Dog Spray is an inexpensive option that does not contain any sulfates or parabens and is scented with kiwi and cucumber.
See Also:
Featured Image Credit: Antonio Suarez Vega, Shutterstocks
Contents
- A Quick Comparison of Our Winners in 2024
- The 10 Best Dog Deodorizing Sprays
- 1. Hepper Pet Cologne Spray – Best Overall
- 2. Arm & Hammer Super Deodorizing Dog Spray – Budget Buy
- 3. DOG By Dr Lisa Spring Dog Cologne Spray- Premium Choice
- 4. Tropiclean Baby Powder Deodorizing Dog & Cat Spray
- 5. Pet MD Deodorizing Dog Body Spray
- 6. Burt’s Bees Dog Deodorizing Spray
- 7. Scentament Spa Body Dog Deodorize & Detangle Spray
- 8. Chi Deodorizing Dog Spray
- 9. Tough Stuff Skunked! Deodorizing Dog Spray
- 10. Mr. Groom Cologne & Deodorant Dog & Cat Odor Spray
- Buyer’s Guide: Picking the Best Dog Deodorizing Spray
- Why Do Some Dogs Smell of Dog?
- Health Reasons Your Dog Might Smell More Than Usual
- When to Use Dog Deodorant
- The 3 Benefits of Dog Deodorizing Spray
- How to Use Dog Deodorizing Spray
- Conclusion