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 Spray | Dog Mousse | Fabric & Home Spray |
|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
| Gerrard Larriett | Paw Choice | Fresh Wave |
| Read Review | Read Review | Read Review |
| View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View 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
View on Amazon | View on Chewy
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.
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
- Generously spray onto your dog’s wet or dry coat, avoiding the eye area
- Comb or brush through coat evenly to clean
- Finish with an overall mist to perfume
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Made in the USA | Should 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
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
- Pump the foam directly onto your dog’s coat or into your hand
- Evenly spread the foam on the coat and massage it in
- Towel dry or let your dog air
- Brush as needed once dry
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Made in the USA | Not suitable for cats |
| Paraben-free, dye-free, and cruelty-free | Not 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
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
- Shake the bottle
- Unlock trigger spray
- Spot test on silk and other delicate fabrics to avoid staining
- Spray on furniture, fabrics, and surfaces or in the air
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Brand has a 30-year history of plant-based odor removers | Should 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’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
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 Larriett | Paw Choice | Fresh Wave | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scent Options | Lavender & Chamomile, Mango & Pomegranate | Lavender & Chamomile, Mango & Pomegranate | Original Lavender Lemon |
| Use Directly On Dogs |  | | |
| Use On Fabrics | | | |
| Use In Air | | ||
| Paraben-Free | | | |
| Dye-Free | | | |
| Chemical-Free | | | |
| Cruelty-Free | | | |
| Alcohol-Free | | | |
| Made In The U.S.A. | | | |
| U.S. EPA Safer Choice Certified | |
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.
