In This Article
This post may contain affiliate links, please see our privacy policy for details.
Keeping your dog’s coat clean and healthy is essential for maintaining its overall health, but it can be difficult to choose the right shampoo. Let us help! Here we review 10 of the best shampoos for dogs on the market, from budget-friendly choices to luxurious luxuries. We will help you determine which shampoo is best suited for your pup’s needs, outlining key features, benefits, and drawbacks as well as helpful tips when picking a shampoo. Keep reading to learn how easy it can be to provide your canine with a great wash and leave them looking flea-free and oh-so-cuddly!
How To Choose the Best Dog Shampoos
Choosing the right shampoo for your dog's coat can be a tricky task. After all, it’s important to keep your pup clean and free of dirt and parasites, while also avoiding any harsh chemicals that could irritate their skin.
When it comes to choosing a dog shampoo, there are two main categories: all-natural formulas and traditional products. All-natural formulas are made using only natural ingredients, and are often hypoallergenic and formulated specifically for sensitive skin. Traditional products on the other hand contain synthetic ingredients that may have been tested on animals before making it to store shelves.
Before buying a shampoo, do some research into its ingredients and make sure what your pup is getting is safe. Check labels for any harsh chemicals or known allergens like sulfates or phthalates, which can cause irritation if absorbed through the skin. If you’re looking for an all-natural shampoo with guaranteed safety, consult a veterinarian or animal nutritionist in order to find one that’s best suited for your pup's needs.
It's also important to consider how frequently you plan on bathing your pup when selecting a shampoo. For occasional baths, opt for something gentle with mild detergents like oatmeal or tea tree oil. If you regularly bathe your dog more than once every few months (such as if they get into regular messes), look for a more robust formula with stronger detergents to ensure they stay clean between washes. Lastly, make sure the product has adequate moisturizing properties so their fur stays silky smooth after use!
Our Favorite Dog Shampoos To Try
As a pet parent, you only want the best for your four-legged friend. And when it comes to choosing between the multitude of dog shampoos on the market, it can be hard to decide which option is best for your pup. Luckily, we’ve done some research and rounded up what we believe to be the 10 best dog shampoos of 2023! In no particular order:
Best for Itchy Skin
If you’re looking for a shampoo that delivers deep hydration and leaves your pup feeling irresistibly soft, then look no further than GreenGroom Oatmeal Dog Shampoo. Crafted with colloidal oatmeal, this gentle yet effective shampoo will moisturize and relieve dry and itchy skin while delivering a deep cleanse.
The concentrated formula of 32 parts water to 1 part shampoo can be used at full strength or diluted down as desired, allowing up to 32 gallons of shampoo per bottle. And because it’s made from naturally derived ingredients, you can trust that your furry friend is getting the best – plus it's cruelty-free, soap-free, and 100% biodegradable too!
This oatmeal shampoo has also been used by professional pet stylists and groomers worldwide, so you know you’re investing in quality when you purchase GreenGroom. Plus it won’t wash off flea & tick topical products if used according to the manufacturer's directions, making sure your pup stays protected from any crawling critters.
All in all, we think GreenGroom Oatmeal Dog Shampoo is a great choice for pet parents looking to give their pup an intensely moisturizing cleanse that keeps them smelling fresh longer!
Best Brightening Shampoo
If you're looking to give your furry friends a sparkling white coat, then Veterinary Formula Solutions Snow White Shampoo is the perfect product for you! This specially formulated shampoo uses patented optical brighteners to get rid of yellowing and stains, while gentle Vitamin E and green tea extract cleanse the fur back to its natural bright white state and help promote healthy skin and coat.
Not only does it do a great job removing discoloration, it also has a long-lasting blue coral citrus fragrance that will keep your pet smelling fresh even after bath time is over. Plus, it's safe for cats, dogs, and horses thanks to its pH-balanced formula and won't wash away any topical spot-on flea and tick treatments either! Best of all, this amazing product won't break your wallet - Veterinary Formula Solutions provides quality products at prices anyone can afford.
Best for Sensitive Skin
Pro Pet Works Dog Shampoo and Conditioner is the perfect solution for dogs with sensitive skin or allergies. This all-natural, plant-based formula contains Aloe Vera Gel and Organic Almond Oil which helps soothe inflammation, de-tangles fur for easy brushing, and eliminates that wet dog smell.
Plus, it is paraben-free, sulfate-free, alcohol-free, cruelty-free, and soap-free and made right here in the USA! It can also be used on cats/kittens, rabbits guinea pigs, and ferrets due to its ability to keep the natural oils of their fur intact. The unique blend of vitamins A D E & B12 promotes healthy skin cells and protects against UV damage while the fatty acids help retain moisture for healing chapped or irritated skin.
Not only will it make your pup look great but feel great too! Pro Pet Works Oatmeal Dog Shampoo and Conditioner is truly an unbeatable grooming option!
Best Hypoallergenic Shampoo
Another all-natural option is Earthbath's Pet Shampoo which boasts a blend of colloidal oatmeal, aloe vera, and vitamin E that naturally conditions fur while providing relief from dryness in one wash! It is soap-free, pH-balanced, and fragrance-free to ensure it cleans safely and thoroughly without any harsh chemicals.
It also won’t interfere with any topical flea applications so you can be sure your pup is safe when using this product. On top of that, it contains no soap, gluten, DEA, parabens, synthetic dyes, sulfates, or phthalates so you know exactly what ingredients are going on your pet's skin.
Earthbath All Natural Pet Shampoo is the perfect solution for pet owners who are looking for a shampoo that will both clean and nourish their furry friend's coat.
Best Waterless Dog Shampoo
TropiClean Papaya & Coconut Dog Shampoo is the perfect solution for pet owners who want to give their pup a deep cleanse with a tropical twist! This unique formula features a coconut-based cleanser and papaya extract to help reduce tangles, plus vitamin B5 for an extra boost of hydration.
The no-rinse gentle formula makes it easy to use without needing water. It will also leave your pup smelling fresh and clean, thanks to its sweet scent of papayas, kiwis, and mangos. Plus, the formula is tearless and pH balanced, ensuring it's gentle on the skin while being tough on dirt and odors. Not only that but it's paraben free and dye-free so you can be sure this shampoo won't harm your furry friend in any way.
All of these benefits come in one convenient package from a family-owned company you can trust - TropiClean Pet Products offers an extensive range of naturally derived products for both cats and dogs!
Best Medicated Dog Shampoo
Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiparasitic & Antiseborrheic Medicated Dog Shampoo is the perfect solution for pet owners looking to treat their pup's common skin conditions. Formulated with key active ingredients such as coal tar, micronized sulfur, and salicylic acid, this medicated shampoo works fast to relieve symptoms like inflamed scalp, greasy or waxy skin, red rashes, bald spots, itchiness, and flaky skin caused by seborrhea, mange, and other parasitic infections.
It won't interfere with any spot-on flea and tick treatments either - plus it's paraben-free, dye-free, and soap free so you can trust that it won't harm your pup in any way. This pH-balanced shampoo is formulated specifically for dogs over 12 weeks of age which makes it an ideal addition to any pet parent's daily grooming routine. For maximum effectiveness at an affordable price, Veterinary Formula Clinical Care is the top choice for medicated shampoos!
Best Calming Dog Shampoo
Cleanliness is key when it comes to caring for your pet, and Wahl 4-in-1 Calming Pet Shampoo makes the job a breeze. This gentle blend of colloidal oatmeal and natural botanicals like chamomile extract soothe dog's skin irritations while a calming aroma reduces stress during bathtime. It's incredibly effective in reducing sensitivity and irritation while also providing an amazing low lather that rinses off clean.
Not to mention, this paraben-free, alcohol-free, PEG-80-free formula is pH balanced with a higher concentration of coconut-derived sodding agent so you don't have to use as much product! Perfect for puppies and highly recommended for cleaning, conditioning, and detangling coats, this lavender-scented shampoo is allergy friendly and perfect for your furry family member. With over 50 years of serving professional vets and groomers Wahl has established itself as the trusted brand among pet owners everywhere - try it today!
Best Odor Control Dog Shampoo
Nature's Miracle Supreme Odor Control Natural Oatmeal Dog Shampoo is the perfect choice for getting rid of nasty smells from your pet. This natural formula contains baking soda, jojoba oil, cedarwood oil, and lanolin, all working together to not only neutralize odors on contact but also keep your pup's fur soft and shiny even after multiple washes.
The oat milk and aloe scent provide a pleasant aroma, leaving your dog smelling fresh and clean. The odor-neutralizing formula ensures that there won't be any lingering wet dog smell. Enriched with aloe and vitamin B5, this shampoo is sure to provide moisture and shine while soothing your pet's skin.
Best Flea and Tick Dog Shampoo
Unlike many traditional flea shampoos, Richard's Organics' Shampoo uses 100% all-natural active ingredients, including 5 pure essential oils, to kill fleas and ticks rather than harsh chemicals. As you bathe your pet, you will see the fleas coming off and the ticks easily removed from the skin. The essential oils soothe irritated skin while also providing a pleasant scent.
This shampoo is specifically formulated for dogs 12 weeks or older and is pH balanced to be gentle on sensitive skin. It does not contain any parabens, dye, soap, artificial fragrances, or colors - just natural ingredients that will leave your dog feeling refreshed and smelling great.
Best Moisturizing Dog Shampoo
BioSilk for Dogs Silk Therapy Shampoo with Organic Coconut Oil is formulated with the same classic ingredients as the original and revolutionary BioSilk Silk Therapy line for humans and contains silk and enriching vitamins to help restore moisture to your dog's coat. Nourishing coconut oil moisturizes skin, hydrates fur, and leaves behind a beautiful, soft coat that everyone will adore.
Deemed 100% safe for pets, this coconut dog shampoo does not contain parabens or sulfates and is pH balanced for dogs. It is easy to use - all you have to do is spray right onto your dog's coat without having a full bath. And best of all? Made in the USA with high-quality ingredients, this organic dog shampoo can be trusted by pet owners everywhere who want only the best shampoos on the pet market.
Best Shampoo for Dogs FAQ
If you're a dog owner, one of the questions that you probably ask yourself quite often is what is the best shampoo for my pup? With so many options on the market, it can be hard to know which one is actually the best. To help you out with this dilemma, we've compiled a list of answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about bathing your furry friend.
How Often Should You Bathe Your Dog?
The answer really depends on your pet and its activity level. Generally speaking, bathing every two months should be sufficient for most dogs. However, if your pup has a more active lifestyle or more oily skin, then their baths may need to occur more often.
How Do You Wash a Dog's Face?
When it comes to washing your pup's face, you need to make sure that you only use warm water and a soft cloth. Avoid any kind of harsh scrubbing and never get soap near their eyes or ears.
Do Dogs Prefer Warm or Cold Water for Baths?
Most dogs prefer warm water when it comes time for their baths. Not only does it make them feel comfortable but it also helps remove dirt and debris from their fur easier than cold water would.
What Is the Best Time to Give a Dog a Bath?
The best time to bathe your pup usually falls between the late afternoon and early evening hours since this helps them not have as much time in between baths to get dirty again!
These are just some of the questions that many dog owners ask themselves when thinking about giving their pet a bath – hopefully, this guide will help make the task less intimidating for you!
Can I Use Human Shampoo to Wash My Dog?
It's never recommended to use human shampoo to wash your dog. Human skin and canine skin have different pH levels, and using a product designed for humans on a dog can dry out their skin too much and cause irritation. Dog shampoos are specifically designed to be gentle on the pup's coat while still providing superior cleansing power without being harsh on the skin.
Dog shampoos also often contain extra moisturizers which are essential, especially for breeds with longer coats. It's best to stick with shampoos that are made specifically for dogs - they will ensure the best cleaning while protecting your pet's delicate coat and skin.
Final Thoughts
Finding the best dog shampoo can be a challenge, but with our list of top shampoos, you’ll have no problem finding one that suits your needs. Whether you’re looking for an odor control formula, something all-natural, waterless, medicated, something specifically designed to fight fleas and ticks, or a moisturizing option there is an option out there to suit every pet parent's requirements. Pro Pet Works Dog Shampoo and Conditioner offers unbeatable grooming results while Earthbath's Pet Shampoo provides relief from dryness without any harsh chemicals. Finally, Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiparasitic & Antiseborrheic Medicated Dog Shampoo works fast to treat common skin conditions like seborrhea and manage infections. No matter which shampoo you choose, rest assured it won't interfere with spot-on flea treatments and will help keep your pup smelling fresh! So pick up one (or all!) today and give your furry family member the pampering they deserve!
Other Posts You May Like:
Justyna Sokalski
Justyna Sokalski
Justyna Sokalski
Justyna Sokalski
Rachel Richardson
