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Without the best dog shampoo, your furry friend could be dirty and smelly even after a bath. Bathing your dog once every two months or more, if necessary, is recommended. So, you’ll need to invest in high-quality shampoo to keep them clean for long periods.
Not every shampoo will be effective when bathing your dog. If you bathe your dog with human shampoo, your pup may experience allergic reactions since some of the chemicals in it are not safe for pets. Consequently, you should always use a shampoo designed exclusively for dogs.
There are a variety of dog shampoos on the market, and each one has a certain purpose. While all of them will clean your dog to an extent, some are more effective than others. If your dog has a particular condition, you should opt for one that fulfills that need.
We’ve reviewed some of the best dog shampoo products so you can enjoy cuddling with your clean pet.
Best Dog Shampoo Products
Quick Picks
- Best Overall: Veterinary Formula Clinical Care
- Best for Odor: Arm & Hammer Super Deodorizing Shampoo
- Best Natural/Organic: 4Legger Organic Dog Shampoo
- Best for Sensitive and Dry Skin: Wahl Dry Skin and Itch Relief Pet Shampoo
- Best For Shedding: TropiClean Grooming Shampoo
- Best Waterless: Vet’s Best Waterless Dog Bath
- Best Flea Shampoo: Veterinary Formula Flea and Tick Shampoo For Dogs
- Best For Puppies: Burt’s Bees For Puppies Natural Tearless
- Honorable Mention: Wahl Pet-Friendly Waterless Shampoo
- Honorable Mention: Burt’s Bees for Dogs Natural Oatmeal Shampoo
1. Veterinary Formula Clinical Care: Best Overall
The Veterinary Formula Dog Shampoo is in the number one spot, and it has all the right reasons to be. If your dog often suffers from skin conditions or fungal infections, then this medicated shampoo can help. It has antibacterial and antifungal properties that effectively relieve skin diseases, fight bacteria in your dog’s skin, and leave your pup clean and healthy.
It also has a fast-working formula that efficiently reduces symptoms of infections, like redness or itchiness, and soothes your dog’s skin. Additionally, it does not contain any parabens or other harmful ingredients that further irritate the skin, making it ideal for dogs with sensitive skin. The scent is pleasant for most dogs and their humans.
Pros
- It fights bacterial and fungal infections
- Veterinarian-recommended
- Free from parabens
- Ideal for dogs with allergies
- Heals and soothes the skin
Cons
- Some dogs may have reactions to it
2. Arm & Hammer Super Deodorizing Shampoo for Dogs: Best for Odor
Arm & Hammer is a renowned name in the pet care industry, and it has built quite a reputation because of its high-quality products. This deodorizing shampoo for dogs by Arm & Hammer is a great option if you’re not able to put a stop to your dog’s odor. Some dogs stink no matter how much you bathe them, so you may need a deodorizing shampoo.
This shampoo is created from natural ingredients and has items like kiwi blossom that offer a refreshing scent. Additionally, it has sodium bicarbonate (also known as baking soda) which is proven effective in eliminating bad odors. It will leave your dog clean, soft, and sweet-smelling for days.
Pros
- It is made with natural ingredients
- Does not include any harmful chemicals
- Includes baking soda to eliminate odor effectively
- Does not wash away any other treatments
Cons
- It is not tearless
3. 4Legger Organic Dog Shampoo: Best Natural/Organic
If you are looking for a 100% eco-friendly shampoo for your dog, then this product by 4Legger is a great choice. Derived from only natural and organic ingredients, this shampoo suits all kinds of dogs and is perfect for treating itchy skin. With moisturizing agents like aloe vera, coconut oil, and oatmeal, this shampoo will leave your dog’s fur smooth and shiny.
It is gentle on the skin, it cleans and nourishes the skin for a long time, and it does not include any toxic ingredients. It also includes lavender that offers smooth skin and relieves itchiness in your pet. Additionally, the organic ingredients used in this shampoo can make your furry friend appear spotless and fluffy.
Pros
- Derived from only natural ingredients
- Contains no harsh chemicals
- Soothes dry and itchy skin
- Contains a natural mild scent
Cons
- Some dogs may get allergic reactions
4. Wahl Dry Skin & Itch Relief Pet Shampoo for Dogs: Best for Sensitive and Dry Skin
If your dog has dry skin or often suffers from dryness in the winter, then you may want to give this Wahl oatmeal shampoo a shot. Crafted from all-natural ingredients, this dog shampoo includes a powerful blend of oatmeal, coconut, and lime. It is designed to give your furry friend not only spotless clean skin but also a pleasant odor.
The coconut and oatmeal are responsible for making the dog’s coat smooth and shiny, while the lime is there to offer a delightful scent. This shampoo is formulated from organic ingredients without the use of harmful chemicals. It’s perfect for dogs with sensitive skin.
Pros
- Derived from only natural ingredients
- Relieves itchy and irritated skin
- Long-lasting
- Contains no alcohol or parabens
Cons
- It does not have a tearless formula
5. TropiClean Grooming Shampoo for Dogs: Best for Shedding
One downside of having a furry friend is the uncontrollable shedding. This TropiClean shampoo is designed specifically to control shedding and provide your dog with a healthy and soft coat. It has natural ingredients that moisturize the skin and eliminate dryness which is the main cause of shedding.
Also, the lime and coconut in this shampoo give your dog a lovely smell and leave their skin squeaky clean and spotless for days. It also has other natural ingredients like chamomile, kiwi, aloe, and papaya that moisturize the skin and soften the fur of your pet so that you can spend more time cuddling with them.
Pros
- It has a pleasant scent
- Made with all-natural ingredients
- Works effectively to reduce shedding
- Leaves skin and fur smooth
Cons
- Some dogs may have allergic reactions to some ingredients
6. Vet’s Best Waterless Dog Bath: Best Waterless
If your dog doesn’t like to take a bath or has a medical condition that makes bathing difficult, you can avoid ordinary shampoos by giving waterless baths instead. There are plenty of dry shampoos available for dogs that do not require water or rinsing. This waterless shampoo by Vet’s Best is one of the best dry shampoos on the market. It has a foam formula that’s easy to use and doesn’t require any water to rinse.
It’s ideal for days when you don’t want to give your dog a full bath, and it still leaves the skin moisturized and smooth. Some of the natural ingredients in this shampoo are oatmeal, aloe vera, and neem oil, which make the skin appear healthy and soft. It also has a pleasant scent and is perfect for dogs of all breeds and with sensitive skin.
Pros
- It is convenient
- Makes the dog’s coat soft and silky
- Good for sensitive skin
- Great for spot cleaning between baths
- Can be used on dogs recovering from surgery or illness
- No water is required for washing
Cons
- It is not long-lasting
7. Veterinary Formula Flea and Tick Shampoo for Dogs: Best Flea Shampoo
Every dog has likely dealt with fleas and/or ticks at least once in its life. Getting infected by fleas and ticks will leave your dog irritated and uncomfortable. While flea and tick treatments are your best bet, using flea and tick shampoo is highly effective as well. This shampoo by Veterinary Formula is specifically designed to treat fleas and ticks and prevent them from spreading by killing them.
It cleans and exfoliates your dog’s skin, all while eliminating fleas and ticks and leaving the skin healthy. The active ingredients work fast and are efficient at killing and eliminating the chances of fleas and ticks. Additionally, it does not include any harsh chemicals that irritate the dog’s skin, and it keeps your pet clean for days.
Pros
- Effectively treats and prevents fleas and ticks
- Free from parabens and harmful chemicals
- It has a pleasant smell
Cons
- Not suitable for puppies
- Some dogs may have reactions to it
8. Burt’s Bees for Puppies Natural Tearless: Best for Puppies
Some dog shampoos aren’t suitable for puppies, so if you have a young dog, you may want to look for a product that’s designed specifically for puppies. This 2-in-1 shampoo for puppies by Burt’s Bees is a great option since it doesn’t contain any harsh ingredients to harm the pup’s skin. The shampoo and conditioner formula cleans your dog’s skin while simultaneously moisturizing and softening its coat.
It includes ingredients like buttermilk and linseed oil. Both are highly effective for making the skin soft and smooth. Additionally, it has a mild and gentle tearless formula making it ideal for puppies with sensitive skin.
Pros
- Ideal to use on puppies
- Contains both shampoo and conditioner
- No harmful ingredients are included
- Makes the dog’s coat soft and shiny
Cons
- Does not have a delightful scent
9. Wahl Pet-Friendly Waterless No Rinse Shampoo: Honorable Mention
This is another waterless shampoo that your dog will love. If you are planning an outdoor trip with your pet, then you may need this. It’s portable, can be used anywhere, and doesn’t require water to rinse. With natural ingredients like lavender and chamomile, this dog shampoo has an outstanding scent and moisturizes your pet’s skin for a smooth feel.
It is free from all sorts of harmful chemicals like parabens, and it’s pH-balanced. For dogs with dry or sensitive skin, this is a must-have as it doesn’t need rinsing and can be simply wiped with a towel. It cleans, conditions, detangles the dog’s coat for a shinier finish, and helps pets feel calm.
Pros
- Moisturizes the skin
- Contains a pleasant scent
- It has a soothing effect
- Portable and easy to use
- No water is required
Cons
- Some dogs may have allergic reactions
10. Burt’s Bees for Dogs Natural Oatmeal Shampoo: Honorable Mention
If you love scented skin care products, you may already own one or two products from Burt’s Bees. They are a well-known name for both human and pet care and have various products exclusively for dogs. Their oatmeal dog shampoo made it on our list because of its natural and organic components. The ingredients used are proven to make your dog’s coat soft, shiny, and smooth.
The oatmeal and honey used in this shampoo make the dog’s skin moisturized and eliminate dryness. This product is free from all sorts of harsh chemicals like parabens and sulfates, and it balances your dog’s natural pH. It may not have the most delightful scent, but the natural ingredients in this shampoo will make your dog look and feel delighted.
Pros
- Free from sulfates and parabens
- Includes natural ingredients
- Makes fur shiny and silky
- It is tearless
Cons
- Some customers dislike the scent
Things To Look For When Buying Dog Shampoo
Chemicals
Some dogs have sensitive skin that can get irritated easily. Thus, it is not advised to use human shampoos on them since those contain chemicals that aren’t safe for pets. When looking for dog shampoos, opt for the one with the least amount of chemicals and is free from all sorts of parabens and sulfates.
Ingredients
Dog shampoos that are derived from natural or organic ingredients are safe options. Avoid shampoos that only have chemicals and no useful components. Ingredients like oatmeal, lime, lavender, and coconut are the best to look for since they’re beneficial and have a pleasant, natural scent.
Health Conditions
If your dog is suffering from a skin condition, you should look for a shampoo that treats that condition. Several dog shampoos are designed to treat a specific issue. For example, if your dog is dealing with fleas and ticks, you can choose a shampoo that helps eliminate them. Similarly, if your dog has a constant bad odor, you should buy a shampoo that helps treat that problem.
Dog’s Coat
When buying dog shampoo, you should also take your dog’s coat into account. Opt for dog shampoos that are proven beneficial in improving your dog’s coat, leaving them shiny and silky. Look for shampoos that eliminate bad odor and make the dog’s fur rich and fluffy while detangling them.
Scent
The scent is another important aspect to look for when buying dog shampoo. The shampoo shouldn’t have a very strong scent since it could trigger allergies. Search for shampoos that have moderate and pleasant smells and are derived from ingredients with natural scents like coconut or lavender. Good shampoos will eliminate bad odors instead of just covering them up.
Allergies
Look out for any potential allergies your dog might be having. If you notice any skin reactions after using a particular dog shampoo, stop using it immediately. If your dog’s skin is sensitive, choose dog shampoos that are hypoallergenic and safe for all kinds of dogs.
Conclusion
Snuggling with your dog is therapeutic. But snuggling sessions can become unbearable if your dog has an unpleasant odor or dirty coat. To help with this situation, a good-quality dog shampoo is an excellent method. If you choose one of the best dog shampoos, your pet can have lustrous fur that you cannot resist snuggling with.
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