Arm & Hammer Super Deodorizing Dog Shampoo Review (2026)

Last updated: October 2026

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If your dog comes in from the yard smelling like wet leaves, the sofa, and something you would rather not name, a bargain deodorizing shampoo is the first thing most owners reach for. The Arm & Hammer Deodorizing Dog Shampoo in Kiwi Blossom, 20 fl oz, is one of the best-known budget options on the shelf, and this review looks at what the listing promises, who it actually suits, and when you should pick something else.

Short version: it is a sensible, inexpensive everyday bath for healthy dogs with normal skin, and a poor choice for a dog with an active skin problem. Everything below is based on the product listing, the maker’s published claims, and general grooming practice. It is a research-based review, not a lab report.

Arm & Hammer Deodorizing Dog Shampoo (Kiwi Blossom) at a Glance

Arm & Hammer Deodorizing Dog Shampoo, Kiwi Blossom, 20 Fl Oz | Tearless, moisturizing baking soda formula for sensitive skin, safe for dogs and puppies during regular baths

One of the home product options compared in this guide.

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• Type: Rinse-out bath shampoo for dogs, 20 fl oz bottle.
• Main idea: Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) to neutralize odor rather than just cover it with perfume.
• Listing claims: Tearless, moisturizing, suited to sensitive skin, and gentle enough for dogs and puppies during regular baths.
• Scent: Kiwi Blossom, a light fruity-floral fragrance.
• Price tier: Budget.
• Not listed on the product page: a full ingredient panel, a minimum puppy age, and a dilution rate. Check the bottle label before you use it on a very young puppy or an allergy-prone dog.

What Is Actually in the Bottle?

The listing describes a baking soda formula that is moisturizing and tearless. Baking soda is a mild alkaline salt that binds to odor molecules, which is why it shows up in everything from refrigerator boxes to carpet fresheners. In a shampoo it is a supporting ingredient: the cleansing itself comes from the surfactants, the foaming agents that lift oil and dirt from the coat so water can carry them away.

Published ingredient lists for this product line usually name coconut-derived cleansers, glycerin, a baking soda component, plant extracts, a preservative system, and fragrance. Because manufacturers adjust formulas from time to time, treat any list you find online as a guide and read the printed label on the bottle you actually receive. If your dog has a known fragrance sensitivity, the word “fragrance” on the label is your cue to pause and consider an unscented oatmeal formula instead.

Who This Shampoo Suits

This is a good fit for owners in a few clear situations.

• The generally healthy dog with a normal coat. Labs, mixed breeds, beagles, terriers, and most short-to-medium coats do fine with a gentle deodorizing wash every month or two.
• The budget-minded household. If you bathe more than one dog, a low-cost bottle you will not hesitate to use generously beats an expensive one you ration.
• The dog that rolls in things. Muddy-pond smell and general funk respond well to a baking soda cleanser plus a thorough rinse.
• Owners who want a mild scent. Kiwi Blossom is soft rather than perfumey, which many people prefer to heavy candy or floral fragrances.
• People who also use a topical flea treatment. Always check your flea product instructions for how long to wait after bathing; this is a general point for any shampoo, not a claim about this bottle.

Who Should Skip It

• Dogs with red, scabby, greasy, or constantly itchy skin. A deodorizing shampoo covers the symptom, not the cause. Persistent odor with scratching, hair loss, head shaking, or paw licking calls for a vet visit, because yeast and bacterial skin infections are common causes and need proper diagnosis.
• Dogs with known fragrance or ingredient allergies. Scented shampoos are a common trigger. A fragrance-free oatmeal formula is a safer starting point.
• Cats. This is a dog shampoo. Do not use dog shampoos on cats unless the label says it is safe for them; cats groom themselves by licking and can react badly to ingredients that dogs tolerate.
• Show coats and special textures. Wiry, curly, and long silky coats usually benefit from breed-appropriate shampoos and a conditioner afterward.
• Dogs on medicated bathing plans. If your vet has prescribed a medicated wash, follow that plan and ask before swapping products.

How to Use It for Best Results

1. Brush first. Remove tangles and loose hair before the coat gets wet; water tightens mats.
2. Soak the coat with lukewarm water. Wet right down to the skin, especially on double-coated dogs, and keep water out of the ears.
3. Pre-mix if the coat is thick. Stirring a little shampoo into a cup of water helps spread it evenly through dense fur. The listing gives no dilution ratio, so this is a handling tip only.
4. Massage in from neck to tail. Work the lather down to the skin, paying attention to the armpits, belly, tail base, and paws where odor builds.
5. Leave it on for a few minutes. Odor neutralizers work better with some contact time; follow the label for the recommended wait.
6. Rinse longer than you think you need. Leftover shampoo is a leading cause of post-bath itching. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear and the coat squeaks slightly.
7. Towel dry, then air or low-heat dry. A damp coat left in a warm house can smell sour again quickly.

Most healthy dogs do well with a bath roughly every four to eight weeks. Over-bathing strips natural oils, so if your dog smells after only a week or two, the cause may be teeth, ears, anal glands, or skin rather than coat dirt. Between baths, regular brushing and a wipe-down with a damp cloth will keep odor in check without drying the coat.

Scent, Skin, and Coat: Practical Notes

A few details owners often miss. First, scent strength is personal: a fragrance that seems light to you can be intense to a dog’s far more sensitive nose, so avoid applying extra perfumed sprays on top. Second, double-coated dogs such as huskies and retrievers hold water and soap deep in the undercoat, so rinse in sections and consider using a handheld sprayer. Third, short-coated dogs with skin folds, such as bulldogs, need folds dried carefully after every bath or the moisture can cause its own odor. Finally, if you switch shampoos, change one thing at a time so you can tell what causes any new itching.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Budget price tier, so it is easy to restock.
• Baking soda approach targets odor, not just perfume.
• Tearless wording and sensitive-skin positioning make it friendlier than many harsh deodorizers.
• Widely available, with several sister scents if you want to switch.
• Works for dogs and puppies according to the listing.

Cons

• Scented, so it is not ideal for allergy-prone dogs.
• Not a medicated product; it will not solve yeast, hot spots, or infection.
• No heavy conditioner, so long or curly coats may need a separate rinse-out.
• Full ingredient list and dilution ratio are not shown on the listing.
• Fragrance is mild and fades quickly, so strong odors may need a second wash or a different formula.

Arm & Hammer Deodorizing Shampoo vs. Alternatives

Here is how the Kiwi Blossom bottle compares with the closest alternatives. Use the table to decide whether to stay in the same family or step sideways.

Alternatives Worth Considering

Arm & Hammer Odor Control, Blueberry Coconut

Arm & Hammer Odor Control Dog Shampoo, Blueberry Coconut, 20 Fl Oz | Baking soda enhanced, pH-balanced formula, free of sulfates, for all dogs and puppies, daily grooming

One of the home product options compared in this guide.

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The newer sister bottle. The listing calls it baking soda enhanced, pH-balanced, and free of sulfates, for all dogs and puppies and for daily grooming. Pick it if you want a sulfate-free statement on the front label and prefer a sweeter scent than kiwi.

Arm & Hammer Ultra Fresh Charcoal, Rosemary

Arm & Hammer Ultra Fresh Charcoal Dog Shampoo, Rosemary, 24 Oz | Deep cleansing formula, baking soda deodorizing, eucalyptus mint scent, pump bottle, for daily grooming

One of the home product options compared in this guide.

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This 24 oz pump bottle is described as a deep-cleansing formula with baking soda and an eucalyptus mint scent. It makes sense for dogs that live outdoors, swim in murky water, or simply smell stronger than average. The pump makes it easier to dispense with wet hands.

TropiClean Deodorizing Dog Shampoo

TropiClean Deodorizing Dog Shampoo for Smelly Dogs, Made in USA, 20oz

One of the home product options compared in this guide.

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A groomer-shelf brand with a 20 oz bottle aimed at smelly dogs. The listing is short on detail, so check the label for ingredients. A reasonable step up if you want a different cleanser family and scent.

Wahl Odor Control Shampoo

Wahl USA Odor Control Shampoo for Dogs & Pets - Eucalyptus & Spearmint Animal Deodorizer for Cleaning & Freshening – 24 Oz - Model 820003A

One of the home product options compared in this guide.

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A 24 oz bottle with a eucalyptus and spearmint scent, positioned as an animal deodorizer for cleaning and freshening. It leans toward a fresher, almost minty aroma, so it suits owners who dislike sweet fruit scents.

earthbath Rosemary Deodorizing Dog Shampoo

earthbath Rosemary Deodorizing Dog Shampoo, Made in USA, 16 fl oz (1 Pack) | Deodorizing Shampoo, Rosemary Scented Dog & Puppy Wash, Cruelty Free Pet Shampoos

One of the home product options compared in this guide.

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A 16 fl oz bottle with a rosemary scent, marketed as cruelty free and Made in USA. Good for owners who want a plant-forward feel and do not mind paying a bit more for a smaller bottle.

Douxo SPA Shampoo for Smelly Dogs

DOUXO SPA Dog Shampoo for Smelly Dogs, 16 fl oz | Hydrates the Skin, Removes Bad Odor, Leaves the Coat Soft and Smelling Great, Ultra-Safe Formula

One of the home product options compared in this guide.

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The premium option here. The listing emphasizes hydrating the skin while removing bad odor, with a soft coat afterward. It is a better fit than a budget deodorizer if your dog’s smell comes with dry or flaky skin, though you should still ask a vet about persistent skin signs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Arm & Hammer dog shampoo good for smelly dogs?

Yes for everyday odor in healthy dogs. Baking soda helps neutralize smell, and a thorough rinse removes the dirt and oils that cause it. Persistent or very strong odor usually points to ears, teeth, anal glands, or skin infection, which shampoo alone will not fix.

Is Arm & Hammer dog shampoo safe for puppies?

The listing says it is for dogs and puppies during regular baths. A minimum age is not shown on that page, so read the bottle and ask your vet before bathing very young or unvaccinated puppies.

How often can I use deodorizing shampoo on my dog?

Most healthy dogs are fine with a bath every four to eight weeks. Bathing more often can dry the skin. Between baths, a damp-cloth wipe-down and regular brushing keep odor down without stripping oils.

Does baking soda shampoo help dry or itchy skin?

The product is described as moisturizing, but it is a deodorizing shampoo, not a treatment. For ongoing itching, redness, or flaking, see your vet; they may suggest a medicated or oatmeal formula suited to the cause.

Can I use dog shampoo on a cat?

Not unless the label explicitly says it is cat safe. Cats lick their coats and process some ingredients differently, so a dog-only shampoo can cause problems. Use a cat-labelled product and ask your vet if unsure.

Why does my dog still smell after a bath?

Common reasons are incomplete rinsing, a coat that was not dried fully, ear or dental problems, and anal gland issues. If the smell returns within days or comes with scratching, book a vet check.

How do I make the fresh scent last longer?

Brush before the bath, rinse thoroughly, dry the coat completely, and wash bedding weekly. The coat picks up odor from the environment, so a clean bed matters as much as the shampoo.

The Verdict

For the price tier it sits in, the Arm & Hammer Kiwi Blossom shampoo does what it claims: a mild, baking soda based, tearless bath that leaves a healthy dog smelling fresher. It is a strong pick for budget households and routine baths, a fair pick for puppies once you have checked the label, and a weak pick for anything that looks like a skin problem. If your dog needs more than freshening up, the alternatives above give you charcoal, minty, plant-based, or skin-focused routes.

How We Chose the Alternatives

The comparison picks are based on listing details, the makers’ published claims, and general grooming practice. We focused on deodorizing dog shampoos from recognizable brands, kept the price tiers broad rather than exact, and skipped products that were obscure or had unclear labelling. This is a research-based guide, so confirm ingredients and age guidance on the label before use, and ask your vet about any skin condition.