What Can You Put on Dogs to Make Them Smell Better Between Baths?

Giving your dog a bath often seems like the only way to keep it from smelling; however, the effects of that bath can wear off quickly, especially if your dog spends a lot of time outdoors. The obvious solution would seem to be to give your dog a bath more often, but this can dry out the skin. Using alternatives can help keep your dog smelling better without the negative impact of bathing too often.

  1. Dry Bath

    • Dry bath products remove dirt and other contaminants from your dog's fur and body without your dog needing a typical bath with water. These products are often scented as well, which provides a better smell for your dog. Sprinkle some of the bath powder onto your dog, then brush your dog to remove the powder. Complete this process outdoors to avoid spreading the powder through your home. If you don't want to purchase a powder specifically for this purpose, then use baby powder or baking soda, which produce similar results.

    Cologne

    • Some companies offer doggy cologne that you can use to keep your dog smelling fresh between baths. These colognes come in several types, including drops and sprays. To use cologne drops, squeeze a couple of drops between your dog's shoulder blades on its back. You can use the spray on any part of your dog; however, avoid the face area, because these products often contain alcohol and other irritants, which may be harmful to the eyes and if ingested. Colognes only provide temporary relief -- reapply them frequently for the greatest effect.

    Wipes

    • Similar to baby wipes, pet wipes are designed to help remove oil, dirt and other residue that can contribute to your dog's odor. Some pet wipes are aimed at cleaning out a dog's ears. Waxy buildup in the dog's ears can cause it to smell and can also lead to medical problems with your dog. Other pet wipes are approved for overall use. These wipes often help moisturize your dog's skin as well, keeping it from drying out. If you don't have pet wipes, unscented baby wipes for sensitive skin also work.

    General Care

    • One cause of an odorous dog is the oil from its skin that becomes trapped in its fur. Some of the dog smell removal products soak up the oil, which helps eliminate the smell; however, you can help reduce the smell by caring for your dog's coat even if you don't use a powder product. Brushing your dog's fur on a regular basis removes the loose, dead fur and thus removes some of the oil trapped in your dog's fur.