Owning a dog can sometimes be a challenging and messy experience.
Our precious pups have a knack for finding a puddle to splash around in or play in mud with their canine pals at the park.
They may even roll around in something particularly disgusting which can omit an undesirable odor from their hair.
It can feel like you’re doing housework all day if you’ve got a dog that’s constantly shedding. Little hairballs build up on the stairs or you’ll find a collection of fluff under the sofa.
Giving your dog a regular bath can help to get rid of bacteria, dirt, fleas and ticks. Some dog shampoos can even help to tackle the persistent shedding.
If your dog has dry or red skin, a dog shampoo can work as a moisturizer to soothe sore patches.
With the introduction complete, let’s take a look at our criteria for the best dog shampoos.
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The 7 Top-Rated Dog Shampoos
Terrier gets a bath (Photo: Adobe Stock)
Best For Hypoallergenic – If your dog is prone to skin allergies, you’ll want to make sure you’re using a hypoallergenic shampoo to avoid irritating their skin. Shampoos that contain harsh chemicals or additives can really aggravate a dog’s allergies. Fortunately, there are an array of options for those looking to use a shampoo for dogs with sensitive skin. These hypoallergenic shampoos are formulated specifically for dogs with allergies.
Best For Shedders – Dog owners with pups that shed a lot will be tearing their own hair out with the amount of fur accumulating in random spots around the home. However, there are some specifically formulated shampoos that can be used to help frustrated dog owners tackle what may seem like a never-ending issue. These shampoos will work to reduce the shedding, which will come as welcome relief to some pet parents.
Best For Dry Skin – Should your dog be suffering from a bout of dry and flaky skin, you may prefer to use an all natural product to help soothe any irritation. Shampoos designed to address dry skin will also need to wash out any flakes caught in your dog’s coat.
Best For Fleas – No-one like fleas. Finding fleas on your dog or being told by the vet that your dog has an infestation in its fur can be upsetting. Your vet will recommend monthly medication to prevent against these little creatures but there are flea and tick shampoos that can be used in conjunction with this to effectively tackle the issue. They’ll offer your dog protection for a set period, too.
Best Organic Shampoo – There’s nothing worse than getting home from a trip to the park, only to discover that your dog has rolled in something nasty and smells like a skunk. Fortunately, there are some organic shampoos that work to get rid of stubborn odors. If you want to be sure you’re using 100 per cent organic products, there are lots of options for you.
Best For Puppies You’re not short for choice on shampoos for puppies. You want to make sure you use the right product so as not to strip their natural oils in the coat and skin. Given you’re probably unaware of any allergies that your pup may have at such an early stage, shampoos for young dogs use gentle ingredients for potentially sensitive skin.
Best For Smell – From a selfish point of view, you’ll want to select a dog shampoo that smells good. Given there’s a good chance your pup will be all over your furniture or perhaps sat on your lap, you want them to smell good. However, a pleasant scent shouldn’t come at the expense of your dog’s well being.
Best For Hypoallergenic: Pro Pet Works All Natural Oatmeal Dog Shampoo
Product link: Amazon.com
Pro Pet Works All Natural Oatmeal Dog Shampoo (Photo: Amazon.com)
Main Points
Pro Pet Works is specially formulated for pets with allergies to food, grass and flea bites. It is non-toxic and non-alcoholic with no animal by products.
Their Amazon page explains that the shampoo’s organic aloe vera and almonds oil is therapeutic and soothing for your pets skin and coat, while it can keep your precious pooch smelling fresh.
They write online that they use a special formulation with mixtures of organic aloe extracts, almond oil and vitamins A, D & E that won’t irritate your dog’s eyes, nose or skin while bathing.
Acting as a shampoo and conditioner, Pro Pet Works promise you’ll be left with a soft coat that will be easy to brush, leaving your looking feeling and smelling clean.
Price
Pro Pet Works All Natural Oatmeal Dog Shampoo is $17.88 (USD) for a 17 ounce/503 milliliter bottle.
What Customers Are Saying About It
The shampoo has an outstanding rating on Amazon.com, with 4.6 out of 5 stars based upon over 1,500 reviews.
One pet groomer endorsed this product after using it on some cats and dogs:
I’m a professional pet groomer so pet shampoo is serious business for me. I really like this shampoo! I bathed several dogs and my cat with it. First thing I noticed was the smell. It’s very fruity and while it’s not my favorite scent, it is pleasant. Even better is that the smell that stays on the dog after drying is very light even though the smell while lathering up is strong.
Another customer revealed how Pro Pet Works All Natural Oatmeal Dog Shampoo and Conditioner had an immediate impact:
I needed a good, natural shampoo that kills and deter fleas. My yorkie looked like she had a couple of really itchy spots and I used this shampoo generously to cover her coat and let it sit for 5 min per directions. When I was toweling her off and inspecting her itchy spots, I found one dead flea tucked in a hard-to-reach area!!! I am very happy with the result.
Our Verdict
Pro Pet Works All Natural Oatmeal Dog Shampoo and Conditioner is a great option for those with dogs who are hypoallergenic or have slightly sensitive skin.
Doubling up as a shampoo and conditioner, the product works to clean your dog, leave it smelling fresh with a soft coat.
It doesn’t use any added colors, sulfates, alcohol, and fragrance, so you won’t have to worry about exposing your dog to any harmful chemicals.
Best For Shedders: FURminator deShedding Ultra Premium Dog Shampoo
Product link: Amazon.com
FURminator deShedding Ultra Premium Dog Shampoo (Photo: Amazon.com)
Main Points
FURminator deShedding Ultra Premium Dog Shampoo is designed to help reduce the rate of shedding.
While it’s primary function is to slow down the shedding, FURminator explain on Amazon that their shampoo still helps to achieve a healthy skin and coat.
This deshedding shampoo is enriched with Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids, Calendula Extract and Papaya Leaf Extract.
FURminator recommend using the product as part of your grooming regiment.
Price
FURminator deShedding Ultra Premium Dog Shampoo costs $21.45 (USD) / £10 (GBP)/ €7.49 (Euro) for a 32 ounce / 909 milliliter bottle.
What Customers Are Saying About It
The product has a very respectable score of 4.3 out of 5 stars based upon over 1,000 reviews on Amazon.com.
One Amazon customer vouched the product after FURminator’s shampoo and conditioner got rid of a lot of fur from her dog’s coat after a bath:
This stuff does work – watch out! You’ll be getting tons of fur out with this. FYI – there may be a delayed reaction – it might take a couple hours after the bath for the effects. Even if you Furminate beforehand, you’ll still get a lot out.
One German Shepherd owner was astounded by the additional hair that the product managed to get out:
This product is amazing!! Now my German Shepherd is already a shedder, but when I bathed her using this shampoo, so so much hair came coming out. Never did as much hair come out before like it did this time. And then theres still clumps that will be laying on the floor. The product smells nice and works as intended. Highly recommend this.
Our Verdict
If you’re being driven crazy by little piles of fur collecting in corners around the home, it could be worth giving FURminator deShedding Ultra Premium Dog Shampoo a try.
Judging by the glowing reviews, the product does help some dogs to reduce the amount of shedding after a bath.
While it helps to combat against dead and loose hair, the Omega Fatty Acids can help to moisturize and prevent dry skin.
Best For Dry Skin: Burt’s Bees For Dogs
Product link: Amazon.com
Burt’s Bees For Dogs (Photo: Amazon.com)
Main Points
Burt’s Bees For Dogs is a shampoo and conditioner bundle designed to help dog owners tackle the issue of dry skin.
With colloidal oatmeal to moisturize dry skin and honey to give fur a super shine, their Amazon page writes that the shampoo is free from any harmful products.
You won’t find any sulfates and colorants as Burt’s Bees For Dogs is a 97 per cent natural product made “cruelty-free”, according to their Amazon profile.
They use a pH balanced formula specific for dogs to prevent over drying their skin which can led to redness or flakiness.
Price
Burt’s Bess For Dogs shampoo and conditioner is priced at $17.97 (USD) / £17.79 (GBP) / €23,42 (Euro) on Amazon.
What Customers Are Saying About It
The combo pack has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars based upon nearly 30 reviews on Amazon.com.
One customer revealed how Burt’s Bees For Dog helped her Labradoodle:
My labradoodle has very dry skin. This shampoo and conditioner is amazing! It has made her hair so much softer.
A Chihuahua mix owner opened up about the product has improved her dog’s quality of life:
I am loyal to Burt’s Bees animal products. My dog Jim is a chihuahua/terrier mix and has very sensitive skin that bothers him quite a bit. I have tried many products over the years – both organic and not, natural products, and even medicated products. Burt’s Bees has been the best we can do. It’s still not perfect, but he gets a lot of relief from their products.
Our verdict
If your dog is prone to dry skin, flakiness or redness, Burt’s For Bees can help to soothe any irritation.
Using colloidal oat flour to prevent against eczema and honey to moisturize dry skin, it can also be used as a preventative measure.
Offering both a shampoo and conditioner in the bundle represent good value for money.
Best For Fleas: Adams Flea and Tick Cleansing Shampoo
Product link: Amazon.com
Adams Flea and Tick Cleansing Shampoo (Photo: Amazon.com)
Main Points
It can be a challenging time when your dog has fleas or ticks.
Adams Flea and Tick Cleansing Shampoo can be used in conjunction with medication supplied by your vet to tackle the problem.
Their Amazon page explains that this product can kill fleas, flea eggs, Brown Dog ticks, American Dog ticks, and lice. It works by breaking the life cycle of fleas and ticks.
The cleansing shampoo will continue to work for up to three or four weeks to protect your pooch against fleas, ticks and mosquitos.
Price
This Adams Flea and Tick product costs $10.68 (USD) for a 12 ounce / 355 millilitre bottle on Amazon.com.
What Customers Are Saying About It
The shampoo has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars based upon over 250 reviews on Amazon.com.
One customer posted a review saying that they’ve been happily using this product for 20 years on their dogs:
Love Adams, smells great and lathers well. I have been using this product for 20 years, I will not use anything else. Best price on Amazon, hard to find in the stores.
A man who adopted a rescue dog shed light on how this Adams product transformed the product:
I recently adopted a dog from a county shelter and he was covered in fleas, I mean they were everywhere! I used the shampoo as directed and it worked amazing! No more fleas were left over after the bath and it seemed to kill every single one. I didn’t see fleas or ticks in the following days either! Highly recommend.
Our Verdict
If you’re looking for a product to kill fleas, flea eggs, ticks and lice, Adams Flea and Tick product could be the right shampoo for you.
While it gets rid of unwanted passengers on your dog’s coat and skin, it has a pleasant smell and can leave your dog’s hair with a shiny appearance.
It can also protect from flea infestation for 30 days and breaks the flea life cycle.
Best Organic Shampoo: Earthbath All Natural Pet Shampoo
Product link: Amazon.com
Earthbath All Natural Pet Shampoo (Photo: Amazon.com)
Main points
Earthbath All Natural Pet Shampoo is a 100 per cent natural shampoo.
It’s specially formulated with oatmeal and aloe itch relief shampoo to address the needs of pets with dry, itchy skin, according to their Amazon page.
Oatmeal (3%) and organic aloe Vera combat skin irritation, promote healing, and re-moisturize sensitive, dry skin.
The shampoo is natural, soap free and pH-balanced to clean and deodorize safely, which should leave your dog’s coat and skin clean, soft and smelling better than before.
Price
Earthbath All Natural Pet Shampoo is priced at around $15.46 (USD) for a 16 ounce / 471 ml bottle on Amazon.com.
What Customers Are Saying About It
This natural product has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon.com.
A Havanese owner was left astounded by the effectiveness of the product:
I think this might be the best dog shampoo I’ve ever used. I have a Havanese that’s pretty rough and tumble. I’ve only used this once but his white fur is whiter than ever and he’s much softer and fluffier than before. He also has wavy hair that’s prone to tangles and is a challenge to comb through & this did wonders for that too.
Another Amazon customer revealed how the product helped to stop her dog’s itchiness:
This shampoo was great!! Every time I would bathe my dog her skin would always get so irritated and she would always scratch and bite herself so much that she would irritate her skin so bad. After I bathed her with this shampoo the scratching stopped. It’s been a week since I showered her and usually she would’ve stopped scratching 2 weeks after her bath.This is the only thing that has worked for my dog.
Our Verdict
Looking for a product that is 100 per cent organic but as effective as other dog shampoos?
Well Earthbath All Natural Pet Shampoo is a solution that is popular with pet parents on Amazon.
Considering the price, the product seems to represent excellent value for money.
Best For Puppies: Alpha Dog Series Puppy Shampoo & Conditioner
Product link: Amazon.com
Alpha Dog Series Puppy Shampoo & Conditioner (Photo: Amazon.com)
Main Points
Alpha Dog Series Puppy Shampoo and Conditioner is pH balanced so dog owners don’t need to worry about the puppy’s skin drying out or becoming irritated.
Shampoo and conditioner is combined into one and is fortified using Aloe Vera as well as natural fruit and plant extracts.
Their Amazon page writes that they use a tearless shampoo so your puppy’s eyes won’t be irritated during their first experiences of bath time.
Alpha claim that the long lasting clean fragrance will last up to two weeks.
Price
Alpha Dog Series Puppy Shampoo & Conditioner costs $15.99 (USD) for a 26.4 ounce / 750 ml bottle on Amazon.com.
What Customers Are Saying About It
This shampoo and condition combo has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 based upon 120 reviews on Amazon.com.
While this is a shampoo for puppies, one customer plans to continue to use it on their dogs into adulthood:
I absolutely LOVE this shampoo! It gets my dogs coat super clean and silky and it leaves behind a really pleasant and clean baby powder scent that lasts for two weeks after bath time. They’re not puppies anymore but this is the only shampoo I will ever use for them.
Proving that the product is a hit with puppies and dogs, one consumer revealed she’s been using the product since her pets were babies:
I have used this puppy shampoo for several years and love it! Since my dogs were puppies. I have a westie & a mixed maltese and still using it. They are 3 & 4 now. They like it too, always trying to lick it! My daughter also started using it. Everyone comments on how nice they smell. Great product!
Our Verdict
Alpha Dog Series Puppy Shampoo & Conditioner has glowing reviews on Amazon.com to suggest the product is enriching the lives of puppies – and older dogs.
Great for pooches with sensitive skin, dry skin, dandruff, or any skin ailments.
You can get value for money too as their shampoos have a thick consistency so a little goes a long way.
Best For Smell: Pro-Sense Oatmeal Shampoo
Product link: Amazon.com
Pro-Sense Oatmeal Shampoo (Photo: Amazon.com)
Main Points
If your dog has rolled in something that is particularly smelly, you’ll want to get rid of the odor as quickly as possible.
Some products such as Pro-Sense Oatmeal Shampoo are designed to get rid of stubborn smells on your dog’s coat.
Their Amazon page explains that the shampoo uses a dog odor eliminating shampoo formula to minimize your pet’s smell with a lasting vanilla scent.
Pro-sense write online that the natural oatmeal and micro-encapsulated liposomes can calm itchy, dry and irritated skin.
Price
Pro-Sense Oatmeal Shampoo is priced at $14.52 (USD) / £69.22 (GBP) for a 20 fl oz bottle on Amazon.com.
What Customers Are Saying About It
This vanilla scented shampoo has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars based upon nearly 200 reviews on Amazon.com.
One customer was thrilled the shampoo, adding that the smell isn’t overpowering:
This shampoo is perfect for my long haired Yorkie. The oatmeal is smoother on her skin and doesn’t cause redness that I have noticed with other shampoos. The smell isn’t overpowering, it seems this shampoo actually cleans rather than covering the odor.
A Labrador owner was pleased with her dog’s odor after using Pro-Sense:
I’ve been using this on my puppy for almost a month now and couldn’t be happier with the results! His coat is soft, shiny and he hasn’t had dandruff issues since we adopted him! The vanilla scent is pleasant and very close to smelling like vanilla extract that you cook with. The scent lasts on my dog for about a day but, keeps him from smelling like the outdoors for about 5 to 7 days!
Our Verdict
If you’re looking to combat some stubborn odors and smells, Pro-Sense Oatmeal Shampoo could be the product for you.
While it’s vanilla scent works to give your dog a pleasant-smelling coat, it helps to leave their hair clean and tangle free.
It’s a reasonably priced product within the shampoo range.
Best Drying Robe: Snuggly Dog Easy Wear Dog Towel
Product link: Amazon.com
Snuggly Dog Easy Wear Dog Towel (Photo: Amazon.com)
Main Points
Like we mentioned above, making sure your dog dries off completely is very important.
For dogs with a double coat or thick fur, there is a risk that damp fur can be a breeding ground for fungal infection.
Snuggly Dog Easy Wear Dog Towel is made with 400gsm microfiber material for a superior water absorbent dog towel that dries your dog’s coat off quickly.
With a soft belt to wrap around their underbelly, your dog can stay comfy and warm after bath time until completely dry.
Price
Snuggly Dog Easy Wear Dog Towel costs $39.99 (USD) on Amazon.com.
What Customers Are Saying About It
The drying robe has an average rating of 4.3 based upon 5 stars on Amazon.com.
One Husky owner was pleased with the product:
I love this little robe! My puppy used to shiver after her baths and was always confined to her play pen because she took forever to dry. The fabric is similar to microfiber cleaning cloths, it definitely seems to wick the moisture away.
An Amazon customers with a Portuguese Water Dog was thrilled with how the product helped to dry her pup:
This drying coat actually works! The inside is a fluffier, longer microfiber terry which grabs the water out of my Portuguese Water Dog’s hair. Her fur is very long, curly, and thick. I got a size Medium and it fits her perfectly.
Our verdict
We understand the importance of keeping your dog dry and warm after a bath.
It can be a stressful experience for any dog or pup, so preventing shivering and damp inner coats is important.
Judging by the reviews on Amazon, the Snuggly Dog Easy Wear Dog Towel does just that!
Why Should You Use Dog Shampoos?
You may be tempted to use human shampoo rather than go to the effort of purchasing dog shampoo.
However, using human shampoo is putting your precious pooch at risk because it can contain harsh detergents that can damage a dog’s coat and irritate their skin.
Dog shampoo usually contains oils that won’t antagonise a dog’s skin but can still wash out dirt that has accumulated in a canine’s coat during the day-to-day adventures.
Editor's note: The content on this website is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as veterinary, medical or professional advice. The content of our articles does not constitute veterinary advice. It’s always best to speak with your vet or a certified pet nutritionist before making any changes to your pet's diet or feeding routine.
Using specifically designed shampoo products for dogs can help to kill fleas and ticks that may have latched onto your pup’s coat during long hikes or trips to the dog park.
Just like humans, dogs could suffer from an allergy to certain fragrances. Some pet parents will know that their dog has an allergy or sensitive skin, so will select a hypoallergenic dog shampoo.
There are other dog shampoos that can tackle a specific issue such as getting rid of an unpleasant odor if your pup has rolled in something smelly at the park or found a rodent in the back garden.
Some breeds will require a specific type of dog shampoo.
Why Should You Bathe Your Dog?
The Kennel Club have bathing guidelines on their website for dog owners. Bathing your dog from time to time is important to maintain “basic hygiene and grooming standards”.
Their website adds that regularly bathing your dogs can help to avoid health and skin issues such as fungal and bacterial problems.
Anything Else To Consider?
Human shampoo can be dangerous for dogs with harmful detergents in these products – but experts don’t advise using baby shampoo either.
Unlike humans, baby shampoo isn’t a safe alternative for dogs as it can dry out a dog’s coat.
Using a blow dryer at home isn’t advisable if you’re unsure what you’re doing or don’t have a lot of experience using one to dry a pet.
The Kennel Club warn on their website that blow dryers can result in pet parents inadvertently burning their dog’s skin.
Where blow dryers are concerned, you’re best bet may be turning to an experienced dog groomer.
In Conclusion
French Bulldog takes a bath (Photo: Adobe Stock)
Dogs will occasionally require baths to maintain their good health and grooming standards.
Regularly bathing your dogs can help to protect against bacterial and fungal problems that may otherwise develop.
If your dog has come back from a walk or a jog particularly dirty, you’ll need to give them a wash too.
It’s important to understand what type of dog shampoo can help to protect and tackle certain problems.
There are hypoallergenic shampoos for dogs with sensitive skin, while some products can help to prevent fleas and ticks.
Such is the variety available to dog owners, there should be an option for everyone!
