What Can I Use on My Dog So He Won't Smell?

Your pooch doesn't use deodorant, goes weeks without touching shampoo and rolls around in things that are better left unsaid, so you can imagine how he smells something awful occasionally. Luckily for you and your nose, you can use a few things on your pal to make him a little less foul smelling, from short-term deodorizers to grooming options that keep him smelling fresh for longer.

Dog wipes are like baby wipes, except they're made specifically with canines in mind. Grab one of the pleasant-smelling wipes, run it along your pooch's fur, giving him a nice rubdown, and the foul stank disappears. While the wipes typically don't leave your pup smelling great for too long, they're safe to use every day. Keep the wipes away from your pal's eyes and mouth, though. He won't appreciate the taste on his tongue or the sensation on his eyeballs.

Baking soda isn't just for absorbing nasty smells in your refrigerator, the sometimes repulsive scent of a recently used litter box or the rotten smell of garbage. It's also the perfect canine deodorizer. Cesar's Way suggests grabbing a handful or two of baking soda, spreading it evenly throughout and into your pup's coat and then working it in with a nice brushing. You may have heard that baking soda is toxic to dogs. That's true, but as long as you aren't leaving a pile of it somewhere your pup can dig into it, and aren't mixing it with his food, this smell-eliminating tip is safe.

When a bath isn't in the cards for your dog, consider a waterless shampoo bath. As the name implies, waterless shampoo involves neither water nor mess. Squeeze a bit on to your hand, lather it on your pup's coat and give him a vigorous rubdown. A little brushing smooths out his fur and helps the shampoo to dry. Only use waterless shampoo when your pal's a little stinky and you can't give him a bath -- not as a permanent replacement for baths. Speaking of baths, the Animal Humane Society suggests bathing your pup every two to four months and notes bathing him too often can dry out his skin.

From rolling around outside and picking up chunks of dirt to getting crumbs of food and debris tangled in his coat, your pup's fur contains quite a few potentially stinky things. Daily brushing gives your pal a smooth, clean coat that's free of all the items and particles he picks up throughout his daily endeavors. It also removes dead hair, which can cause that familiar doggy smell.

Sometimes, it's not about what you use on your dog that makes him smell better. Consider his bedding. If you don't wash your pup's bedding consistently -- and especially after you bathe him -- then no matter what you use to remove his stench, he'll turn back into smelly Fido in quick order. Cleaning his ears weekly with doggy ear drops, brushing his teeth daily with pooch-approved toothpaste and a finger brush and keeping on the lookout for skin rashes and abnormalities can keep his odor in check. If you're unsure how to do so, ask your vet to show you the proper way to clean your dog's ears and teeth. If you notice a rash or something similar on your pup's skin, or if he continues to smell no matter what steps you take, talk with your veterinarian.