Dog Deodorant Spray: Stop Bad Smells Fast [Top Picks + Vet Tips]
![Dog being sprayed with deodorant spray]
Is your dog stinky? Your home should not smell like wet dog. When friends come over, you want them to stay, not run away from bad smells. Dog smell is a real problem.
But it gets worse. That smell gets on your couch. On your bed. In your car. Everywhere your dog goes, the smell follows. You love your dog, but the smell makes you not want to hug them.
Good news! Dog deodorant spray can fix this fast. These sprays kill smell and make your dog fresh. In this guide, we’ll show you the best dog sprays that work. We’ll share what vets say. And we’ll help you pick the right one for your furry friend.
Why Dog Owners Love Dog Deodorant Sprays
Bad dog smell is no fun. But dog deodorant spray helps in many ways:
Key Benefits:
- Kills bad smells fast – Gets rid of wet fur smell, pee smell, and butt gland smells
- Works between baths – No need to wash your dog all the time
- Less sneezing for you – Cuts down on things that make you sneeze
- Take it on trips – Small bottles fit in your bag for car rides or hikes
Did you know? The pet smell care market will grow to $23.3 billion by 2030. More and more pet owners are buying these sprays each year. In fact, people looking for “dog deodorant spray” online went up 62% in just one year!
What to Look for in a Safe & Good Dog Deodorant
Not all dog sprays are safe. Some have bad stuff that can hurt your dog. Here’s what to know:
Safety First:
These can dry out or hurt your dog’s skin. Look for words like “non-toxic pet spray” and “vet-recommended” on the bottle.
Warning! If your dog has itchy skin, find a spray that says “hypoallergenic” or “dog skin-friendly spray.” For pups, only use “puppy-safe” sprays.
Good Stuff to Look For:
Good Stuff | What It Does | Why It’s Good |
---|
Baking soda | Soaks up smells | Works on 95% of bad smells |
Aloe vera | Makes skin feel good | Stops itching |
Chamomile | Calms skin | Good for red, itchy spots |
Watch out! Not all plant oils are safe. DO NOT use tea tree oil on dogs. It can make them very sick.
5 Top Dog Deodorant Sprays (2024)
Need a spray right now? These are the best ones that vets say are good:
1. TropiClean Natural Pet Spray
- Why it’s good: USDA Organic, won’t hurt skin
- Smell: Light, clean
- Best for: Dogs with itchy skin
- Price: $$
- Did you know? In tests, it killed smell in 89% of dogs in just 5 minutes!
2. Burt’s Bees Deodorizing Spray
- Why it’s good: 99% natural stuff, apple smell
- Smell: Fresh apple
- Best for: Dogs who need just a little help
- Price: $$
- Special note: No bad stuff, safe to use a lot
3. Earthbath Odor Neutralizer
- Why it’s good: Has special stuff that eats bad smells
- Smell: Very light
- Best for: Very stinky dogs
- Price: $$$
- Good to know: Works on all kinds of bad dog smells
4. Ark Naturals Fresh Breath Spray
- Why it’s good: Fixes both coat smell and bad breath
- Smell: Mint
- Best for: Dogs with stinky breath too
- Price: $$
- Tip: Spray on coat and a tiny bit near mouth (not in eyes!)
5. Arm & Hammer Ultra Fresh Spray
- Why it’s good: Has baking soda, costs less
- Smell: Clean, not too strong
- Best for: Saving money
- Price: $
- Fun fact: Same baking soda that works in your fridge!
Real pet owners say: “78% of us want natural stuff in our dog sprays.” That’s why all these top picks use good things from plants, not fake stuff.
Make Your Own Dog Deodorant Spray in 5 Minutes
Don’t want to buy a spray? You can make one at home! It’s easy and cheap.
What You Need:
- 1 cup clean water
- 2 big spoons of baking soda
- 1 big spoon of apple cider vinegar (kills germs)
- 5 drops of lavender oil (just a tiny bit!)
How to Make It:
- Mix water and baking soda in a clean spray bottle
- Add the vinegar (it will fizz – that’s OK!)
- Add the lavender drops
- Shake well before each use
Warning: Do not use lemon oil, orange oil, or tea tree oil. These can make your dog very sick.
How This DIY Dog Deodorant Works:
The baking soda in this mix kills 95% of bad smells. That’s better than fake smells that only hide 65% of stink! This is why many top brands use baking soda too.
Don’t Make These 3 Big Mistakes With Dog Spray
Using dog spray wrong can hurt your pet. Stay safe by not doing these things:
Mistake 1: Too Much Spray
The problem: Wet, itchy skin that gets red How to fix it: Use spray just 2-3 times a week, not every day Vet tip: “If you see your dog lick or scratch a lot after using spray, use less or try a different kind.”
Mistake 2: Spraying Near Eyes or Face
The problem: Hurts eyes, nose, or ears How to fix it: Spray on a cloth first, then wipe down your dog’s back and sides Safe zones: Back, sides, legs, but not face or ears For faces: Use dog wipes made for faces
Mistake 3: Using Human Spray on Dogs
The problem: Human skin and dog skin are not the same! How bad it is: 34% of pet spray problems come from using wrong stuff Remember: Human sprays can burn or hurt dog skin Be safe: Only use sprays that say “for dogs” on the label
Questions People Ask About Dog Deodorant Spray
Can I use dog deodorant spray every day?
No. Use it 2-3 times a week at most. Too much can dry out your dog’s skin and make them itchy. On other days, just brush your dog to help spread their natural oils.
Is deodorant spray safe for puppies?
Only if it says “puppy-safe” on the bottle. Puppies have very soft skin that can get hurt easily. Always check the age on the label. If it doesn’t say it’s OK for puppies, don’t use it.
What’s better: spray or dog wipes?
It depends:
- Sprays: Better for all-over use and big dogs
- Wipes: Better for faces, paws, and small spot cleaning
Many pet owners use both: wipes for the face and spray for the body.
Will dog spray stop all bad smells?
No spray can fix all smells. If your dog smells very bad all the time, they might need to see the vet. Some smells mean health problems that need more help than just a spray.
What Dog Owners Like You Are Saying
Pet owners have clear favorites when picking dog sprays. Here’s what matters most:
- Natural stuff: 78% want safe, plant-based things
- Works a long time: 65% need the fresh smell to last
- Won’t cause itching: 52% worry about skin problems
- Good price: 48% don’t want to spend too much
This is why our top picks all use good, safe things like baking soda, aloe vera, and plant oils.
When to Use Dog Deodorant Spray
Good times to use dog spray:
- After walks but before dog comes in the house
- When you don’t have time for a full bath
- Before friends come over
- Before car trips
- After swimming (to help with wet dog smell)
Remember: In North America, 58% of all pet smell sprays are sold. That’s because we keep our pets inside our homes more than in some other places.
How to Use Dog Spray the Right Way
Follow these steps for best results:
- Brush your dog first to get out loose fur
- Hold spray 6-8 inches from your dog’s fur
- Spray lightly over back and sides
- Let dry – don’t rinse off
- Give a treat so your dog likes spray time!
Pro tip: Spray a little on your hands first and rub on your dog if they’re scared of the spray sound.
Why Top Dog Sprays Work So Well
The best sprays don’t just hide smells – they kill them. Here’s what works best:
Most Powerful Smell-Fighting Ingredients
- Baking soda: Kills 95% of bad smells
- Enzyme stuff: Kills 89% of smells by eating them up
- Lavender: Kills 75% of smells and smells nice too
- Fake smells: Only hide 65% of bad odors
This is why TropiClean and Arm & Hammer work so well – they use the top stuff that really works!
Beyond the Spray: Keep Your Dog Smelling Good
Dog spray works best when you do these things too:
- Brush your dog 3-4 times a week
- Wash their bed once a week
- Keep their ears clean
- Feed good food (bad food can make skin smelly)
- Get good dog wipes for quick clean-ups
When Spray Isn’t Enough: See the Vet
Sometimes bad smell means health problems. See the vet if:
- Your dog smells bad even right after a bath
- There’s a strong, weird smell from ears or mouth
- Your dog’s skin is red, bumpy, or losing fur
- The smell started very fast
34% of skin problems start with a smell change that owners notice. Don’t wait if something seems wrong!
Why You’ll Love Using Dog Deodorant Spray
Dog smell can make you not want to be near your pet. That’s sad! With the right dog spray, you can:
- Hug your dog without holding your nose
- Let your dog on the couch without fear
- Have friends over without being shy
- Take your dog more places
- Have a bond with less bath fights
The Right Way to Start
Ready to try dog deodorant spray? Start small:
- Pick one from our top 5 list
- Try it on a small spot on your dog’s back
- Wait an hour to check for itching
- If all is good, use as told on the bottle
- Keep watch for any skin changes
Remember: 78% of pet owners want natural stuff. The sprays with baking soda, aloe vera, and light plant smells tend to work best and cause fewer problems.
In the End: Fresh Dogs Are Happy Dogs
Dog deodorant spray is an easy way to fix a stinky problem. Use it between baths. Pick one with safe, natural stuff. And watch how much happier you and your dog will be with no bad smells.
Your dog will get more pets, more love, and more time with you when they smell good. And isn’t that what having a dog is all about?
Have you tried any dog sprays yet? Share what worked for you!
For dogs that still smell after trying sprays, read our guide to [Best Dog Shampoos for Smelly Dogs].