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Best Pet Odor Eliminator & Neutralizer For Dogs: Product Recommendations & Tips

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Last Updated: May 10, 2024 | 4 min read | 5 Comments

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Besides bathing our pups nearly daily, how can we eliminate these unpleasant pet odors? Using a scented or unscented dog odor eliminator can help freshen their coats. I’m quite picky about how my dog smells, and after some trial and error, I’ve found the best pet odor neutralizer.

Dog SprayDog MousseFabric & Home Spray
Aromatherapy Freshening & Shining Spray For PetsPaw Choice Dry Dog ShampooFresh Wave Pet Odor Removing Spray
Gerrard LarriettPaw ChoiceFresh Wave
Read ReviewRead ReviewRead Review
View on AmazonView on AmazonView on Amazon

Best Pet Odor Neutralizers

Here are our top picks for the best odor eliminator for pets.

Dog Spray: Gerrard Larriett Freshening & Shining Spray For Pets Review

Aromatherapy Freshening & Shining Spray For Pets.

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This Gerrard Larriett Freshening Spray is my overall pick for the best dog odor eliminator. It will remove odors from your dog’s coat and provide aromatherapy benefits. Among the ingredients is lavender oil, which fights against bacteria, chamomile oil, suitable for dogs with eczema, and aloe vera, an anti-inflammatory agent that soothes irritated skin.

This all-natural dog odor spray has a relaxing scent and is cruelty-free, which is why it’s my pick for the best pet odor eliminator. Since it is all-natural, it may be a good choice as a puppy odor neutralizer in addition to adult dogs, but check with your vet before applying it to a growing pup.

Kimberly holding bottle of Aromatherapy Freshening & Shining Spray For Pets in front of her dog laying on the bed.

I use this for my dog in between baths, which works excellently. I swear my dog starts to smell like Doritos between baths. My husband thinks I’m silly for thinking that, but I can’t stand the smell. Using this spray helps eliminate pet odors entirely, plus there are no harsh chemicals.

How To Use

  1. Generously spray onto your dog’s wet or dry coat, avoiding the eye area
  2. Comb or brush through coat evenly to clean
  3. Finish with an overall mist to perfume
ProsCons
Made in the USAShould not use on cats (spray bed instead)
Paraben-free, dye-free, and chemical-free
Cleans coat and leaves it shiny
Rehydrates sensitive skin
Stops itchy eczema
Helps calm dogs

Pricing

Dog Mousse: Paw Choice Dry Dog Shampoo Review

Paw Choice Dry Dog Shampoo.

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This Paw Choice Dry Dog Shampoo is available in lavender and chamomile or pomegranate and mango scents. The dry shampoo is a foam mousse that you massage into your dog’s coat and let air dry. There is no water required, but it does require a little more work than the typical spray bottle.

However, pet parents are pleased with the performance of this mousse. Paw Choice claims this mousse is better than a spray or cologne because it helps eliminate pet odors and doesn’t just mask it.

I haven’t personally used this for my dog because I wanted a spray that required no massaging into the coat. But I’ve heard from many other customers that they love this product for their dogs.

How To Use

  1. Pump the foam directly onto your dog’s coat or into your hand
  2. Evenly spread the foam on the coat and massage it in
  3. Towel dry or let your dog air
  4. Brush as needed once dry
ProsCons
Made in the USANot suitable for cats
Paraben-free, dye-free, and cruelty-freeNot as quick to apply as a spray is
Hydrates coat
Good for sensitive skin

Pricing

Fabric & Home Spray: Fresh Wave Pet Odor Removing Spray Review

Fresh Wave Pet Odor Removing Spray.

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This natural, multi-purpose spray is a good option to consider for your pet’s bedding, furniture, clothing, carpet, and more. It has a zesty lemon scent that’s pleasing but not overpowering. Fresh Wave’s spray uses all-natural ingredients with no parabens, alcohol, or phthalates. This spray is safe to use around you and your family (including your furry members).

My sister swears by this Fresh Wave odor eliminator spray. She has a lot of carpet and fabric couches in her home, so her home easily traps some unwanted smells. This spray deodorizes, and the essential oils leave her home smelling fresh.

How To Use

  1. Shake the bottle
  2. Unlock trigger spray
  3. Spot test on silk and other delicate fabrics to avoid staining
  4. Spray on furniture, fabrics, and surfaces or in the air
ProsCons
Brand has a 30-year history of plant-based odor removersShould not use directly on pets
Non-toxic, paraben-free and cruelty-free
Can be used on bedding, couches, and carpet

Pricing

Best Spray Runner Up: Grandpa Gus Odor Eliminator Review

grandpa gus odor eliminator jpg

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Grandpa Gus’s odor eliminator instantly and permanently eliminates pet odors associated with pee, poop, vomit, wet dog, and kitty litter smell. It’s safe for use on furry pets and their accessories, including bedding, crates, and toys. The unscented, clear, non-staining formula is suitable for any surface, including furniture, carpet, wood, tile, and turf. Made in the USA Grandpa Gus is effective on all kinds of odors beyond pet smells, including bathroom odors, sports equipment, smoke, cooking odors, and trash cans.

Price

Our Personal Experience With Grandpa Gus Pet Odor Eliminator

Grandpa Gus sprays with dog laying next to them.
Photo by Michelle Schenker for CanineJournal, © Cover Story Media, Inc. 2024

Luckily, the Pet Odor Eliminator has not been put to the true test: urine, but it has been used to remove dog smell from our dogs’ beds, and it worked great. The unscented smell was also a nice surprise after using other sprays in the past that felt like they were masking the smell more than treating it.

Michelle Schenker, Co-Founder of Canine Journal and resue dog mom

Pet Odor Neutralizer Comparison Table

Gerrard LarriettPaw ChoiceFresh Wave
Scent OptionsLavender & Chamomile, Mango & PomegranateLavender & Chamomile, Mango & PomegranateOriginal
Lavender
Lemon
Use Directly On Dogscheckmarkcheckmark
Use On Fabricscheckmarkcheckmark
Use In Aircheckmark
Paraben-Freecheckmarkcheckmarkcheckmark
Dye-Freecheckmarkcheckmarkcheckmark
Chemical-Freecheckmarkcheckmarkcheckmark
Cruelty-Freecheckmarkcheckmarkcheckmark
Alcohol-Freecheckmarkcheckmark
Made In The U.S.A.checkmarkcheckmarkcheckmark
U.S. EPA Safer Choice Certifiedcheckmark

What Makes Dogs Smell So Bad?

Now that you have a way to cover up their smell with the best dog deodorizing spray, have you ever wondered why the infamous “wet dog smell” is so strong? This video explains why yeast and bacteria cause this raunchy smell.

How Do I Keep My Home Smelling Fresh?

Is your pup prone to peeing where they shouldn’t? Are you tired of your house stinking like urine, too? Looking for other dog odor removers? Before treating the pee odor, you’ll need to know precisely where it is. The best way to clearly identify the entire stain is to use a UV flashlight. Then, you can remove all traces of the pee. Check out our article on how to get dog pee out of the carpet.

Why Trust Canine Journal?

Kimberly gathered input from many people, including Canine Journal team members, regarding their go-to solution for eliminating unpleasant pet odor. Kimberly has a sensitive nose and is adamant about eradicating bad smells, including pet odor. Her in-depth research and experience with several products allow her to give the best tips to our readers.

The information provided through this website should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease; it is not intended to offer any legal opinion or advice or a substitute for professional safety advice or professional care. Please consult your health care provider, attorney, or product manual for professional advice. Products and services reviewed are provided by third parties; we are not responsible in any way for them, nor do we guarantee their functionality, utility, safety, or reliability. Our content is for educational purposes only.

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