6 Best Dog Colognes in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

Do you take care of your dog by bathing him regularly, but find he still does not smell “clean”? Or perhaps your beloved pet doesn’t smell good but you don’t have time to bathe him, or his skin requires infrequent bathing. Regardless of the reason for his odors, the bad smell given off by a dog can be difficult to bear on a daily basis, especially if your sense of smell is very developed. Dog cologne can then become an important ally for peaceful coexistence with your four-legged friend.

But be careful, don’t buy just any product on the pretext that you think it smells good! Because it might not be suitable for your dog. Instead, check out our list of the best dog colognes that we’ve reviewed and ranked, based on their ingredients, scent, durability, and price.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites (2024 Update)

	Image	Product	Details
Best Overall		Bodhi Natural Dog Cologne	Made in the USA Does not contain parabens Long-lasting scent	Check Price
Best Value		Hydrosurge Dog Cologne	Biodegradable Pleasant smell of fresh laundry Free of alcohol and solvents	Check Price
Premium Choice		CK-9 Designer Doggie Cologne	Unique scent inspired by real designer fragrances Scent lasts a few days Safe to use on dogs with sensitive skin	Check Price
		Oster Professional Dog Cologne	Nice clean fresh scent Made in the USA Great value for money	Check Price
		TropiClean Spa Fresh Cologne	Doesn’t leave residue on the coat Added UV protector Made in the USA	Check Price

The 6 Best Dog Colognes

Bodhi Dog is a small, family-run business in South Florida. They use natural, local, and cruelty-free ingredients in all their products. Plus, their packaging is biodegradable, eco-friendly, and made from recycled materials. Bodhi Dog Natural Cologne is no exception, with its list of ingredients free of alcohol, parabens, and potentially harmful preservatives. But does this cologne live up to its promises?

If you expect your dog to smell like baby powder for 2 weeks, then no. But keep in mind that cologne, unlike perfume, contains more water than its counterpart, so the scent doesn’t last as long and you need to reapply the product more often. However, Bodhi Dog Cologne instantly controls your pooch’s foul odors, leaving his fur soft and fragrant (thanks to the natural conditioners it contains). Just a few spritzes and your pooch will smell like he just stepped out of the groomer. But there is a small downside: some of the scents are a little too intense for the taste — and the nose — of some dog owners. However, we think it is the best overall dog cologne.

You’ve just finished folding your clothes and the smell of clean laundry fills your house. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if your smelly doggie could give off the same soothing scent of freshly cleaned cotton? Now it’s possible with Hydrosurge Biodegradable Dog Cologne, which combines conditioning ingredients, free of alcohol and solvents, to leave your dog’s fur scented, silky and smooth.

Unfortunately, the scent won’t last much longer than a few hours, but that depends on the dogs. In some cases, the smell of fresh laundry can last up to a week, but don’t be surprised if it doesn’t withstand for that long, especially if your pup has a rather strong natural smell. However, at the price this bottle costs, you will be able to spray your dog again between baths without breaking the bank! We think it is the best dog cologne for the money.

If you want your furry friend to exude the scent of woody and musky designer fragrance, then CK-9 Doggie Cologne should be your go-to! This premium dog cologne has a unique smell that is very distinct from other available options and will delight dog owners who can’t stand floral or baby powder scents.

Besides, this product is suitable for dogs with sensitive skin, but you should only spray it between his shoulder blades and avoid areas prone to licking. Another drawback, the smell can be a little too masculine for a female dog. However, a nice perk of this option is that the scent lasts for days, which is not the case for most dog colognes.

Oster is a reputable brand that has been selling quality pet products for over 50 years. Their dog cologne lives up to its reputation: it’s alcohol-free, maintains the pH balance of dog skin, is made in the USA, and comes in two scents. In addition, its price is more than affordable. In fact, the only reason it lands a bit lower on our list is that the scent may be too overpowering for some dogs and their owners, rendering the product useless, no matter how low the price tag. However, you could still use it as an air freshener in your car in case you enjoy the scent but your furry friend doesn’t!

After a spray of TropiClean Dog Cologne, you’ll feel like your dog just spent an afternoon with you at the spa! Plus, he will be able to frolic in the sun without being afraid of getting sunburned thanks to the added UV protection. Be careful though, because this product is not hypoallergenic, contrary to what the natural ingredients (cucumber, oats, ginger) and the top-notch packaging might suggest.

Moreover, this applies to all products (deodorizing sprays, perfumes, cologne) for dogs: always test on a small part of your pet’s coat before spraying his whole body, in order to avoid any possible allergic reaction.

PetAg Fresh ‘N Clean Dog Cologne is a good budget aerosol spray option that comes in three very pleasant scents: Baby Powder, Floral, and Tropical. The fresh scent evaporates very quickly, however, requiring you to re-spray your dog. Since this spray contains solvents, repeated additions may dry out your pet’s skin, which is obviously undesirable. You should also avoid spraying near your pup’s face, to avoid eye contact. But, if you just want to freshen up your dog’s coat once in a while, this affordable product might be for you.

Buyer’s Guide – Finding the Best Dog Cologne

Why Does a Dog Smell…Like a Dog?

Everyone knows the unpleasant smell of a dog coming back from a walk in the rain. His wet and smelly fur just makes us want to send him back underwater, but this time with a good dose of shampoo as a bonus! But even in normal times, a dog gives off a particular smell which is due to several factors:

Can the Dog Smell Be Due to a Health Problem?

If your pup’s odor becomes downright unpleasant, it may be time to go to the vet. Indeed, bacteria or fungi can be responsible for unpleasant odors in your pet and lead to mild or more serious infections.

For example, a dog with an ear infection will release a pungent smell, even putrid if the infection is more serious. Another thing, his anal sacs can become blocked, which can lead to a purulent abscess requiring drainage and antibiotic treatment. Tooth infections, skin infections, and gastrointestinal issues can all manifest as a foul odor in your beloved dog.

How to Make Your Dog Smell Good?

Once you’ve ruled out potential health issues, you can help your dog (and the rest of your home!) smell better.

How to Choose the Best Dog Colognes

So, you’ve ruled out health issues, changed his diet, and bathed your dog? Now is the time to find an effective and safe cologne for your smelly pooch. Here are the important points to guide you in your purchase:

Ingredients

The composition of perfumes and colognes for dogs has nothing to do with that of products intended for humans. These are specific ingredients that are adapted to the coat and skin of the dog and limit any allergic reactions of the animal. However, every dog ​​is different, and you cannot predict whether or not your pet will tolerate the product well.

So, a huge part of choosing a good cologne is making sure the ingredients are right for your dog. Try to avoid any products that use chemicals such as phosphates, sulfates, and parabens. Prefer water-based formulas, not alcohol-based ones, to avoid drying out your pup’s skin.

Fragrance

Colognes for dogs have pleasant fragrances, reminiscent of human scents. However, products with natural scents are generally the most tolerated by your dog. You can also look for formulas that are hypoallergenic and designed for sensitive skin, as the ingredients in these products are milder. Also, citrus and peppermint smells are a big no-no, since these same smells are natural repellents for dogs!

Light scents, such as baby powder and sweet fruit, are among the acceptable scents, as they are not too strong and disturbing to the dog.

Lasting Strength

No matter which product you choose, don’t expect the smell to linger for weeks on end. However, some colognes do last a little longer than others, but don’t expect your pup to smell like strawberries for a month!

Conclusion

Dog colognes, while they won’t mask wet or smelly dog odors for very long, are products that can help you control foul odors between baths. These products don’t last as long as perfumes, but they are indicated in case your pooch has particularly sensitive skin. If you’re new to the world of dog colognes, we recommend Bodhi, Hydrosurge, or Oster as your first purchase, due to their great value and quality of ingredients.

And above all, remember never to abuse these scented products, especially if your dog suddenly smells worse than usual! In this case, a visit to the veterinarian is the best solution.

See also:

• Best Dog Seat Covers – Reviews & Top Picks
• Best Dog Barking Deterrents – Reviews & Top Picks
• Best Rawhides for Dogs – Reviews & Top Picks

Featured Image Credit: Dmytro Zinkevych, Shutterstock