You love your dog to pieces, but sometimes, she can get pretty smelly. Without sufficient bathing, your dog may become itchy, irritated, flea-infested, and of course, filthy. A proper grooming routine is essential for maintaining your pup’s hygiene, health, and happiness.

Here, we have compiled our top picks for the best dog shampoos to help you find the one that’s best for both you and your pooch, as well as a buyer’s guide to help make your search even more effortless.

Our Top Pick

Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Shampoo is a quality dog shampoo that soothes, nourishes, and rehydrates itchy, irritated skin using natural ingredients and a pH-balanced formula. See full review below for details.

Best Shampoo for Dogs with Sensitive Skin

Paws & Pals Oatmeal Shampoo uses a veterinarian-recommended formula that gently washes and detangles your dog’s coat without irritating her sensitive skin. See full review below for details.

Best Shampoo for Puppies

Wahl Gentle Puppy Shampoo is specifically designed for puppies and their sensitive skin. Bonus: it can be used on grown-up dogs, too! See full review below for details.

Best Shampoo for Dogs with Fleas and Ticks

Adams Flea and Tick Cleansing Shampoo cleans and freshens while also killing fleas and their eggs on contact, as well as two types of dog ticks, and even lice. See full review below for details.

Best Shampoo for Dogs Who Need a Deep Clean

FURminator deShedding Ultra Premium Dog Shampoo gives you a heavy-duty clean that not only washes your dog’s coat but also removes the loose fur from her undercoat, which is what she sheds. This shampoo is part of a good shed-control routine. See full review below for details.

Best Shampoo for Dogs with Allergies

Pro Pet Works Oatmeal Pet Wash Shampoo + Conditioner is formulated to be safe for dogs who suffer from food, flea bites, and grass allergies. See full review below for details.

Best Dog Shampoo for Your Budget

Fresh ‘n Clean Scented Shampoo is a classic and trusted product that cleans and leaves your dog fresh-smelling for weeks. The fresh scent can even be renewed with a little moisture from a damp cloth or light rain. See full review below for details.

Best Dog Shampoo Reviews

Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Shampoo https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CKB4ZWA

Why Is This Product Here?

Relieves itchy and dry skin.

Check Carefully Because

This shampoo is targeted towards dogs with sensitive, dry, and itching skin. It contains calming and nourishing ingredients like aloe and oatmeal to soothe and relieve irritation.

This product is safe for use with any animal older than 6 weeks. So, if you have other pets in desperate need of a good cleaning, there’s no need to buy a different shampoo for them.

The MUST Know, True Facts About Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Shampoo

What to watch out for with this product?

While many users report loving the vanilla almond scent of this shampoo, it does not seem to last very long in comparison to some other dog shampoos.

There have also been rare instances of allergic reactions in pups who use this shampoo. It’s always recommended to test a new shampoo on your dog before using it for a full wash.

Crucial Tips

If your dog suffers from flaky dandruff, this shampoo may help reduce the amount of skin flaking off. Its nourishing ingredients are intended to moisturize and balance skin to aid the dryness and itching that leads to dandruff.

You also may find that you don’t need a dog conditioner with this product. Users report satisfaction with the softness of their dogs’ coats without any additional products.

Benefits and Features

1. Made with natural ingredients
2. This formula is biodegradable and has no parabens or phosphates
3. This product also contains no sodium laureth sulfate, sodium lauryl ether sulfate, or ammonium lauryl sulfate
4. pH-balanced for your dog’s skin
5. This shampoo can be used with a topical treatment for fleas and ticks without washing it away
6. Helps make your dog’s coat soft and bright, even without using a conditioner
7. This product is gluten-free, so you won’t have to worry about your gluten-sensitive pup reacting to wheat products

Problems

1. This product may not completely relieve itching and irritation depending on your dog’s skin type and condition(s)
2. The formula is not tearless and can cause harm if you get it in your dog’s eyes (or your own eyes)
3. May cause allergic reactions in some dogs
4. The fresh scent does not last as long as some other shampoos

Features/Technical Details

This product is sold in a 16 oz bottle.

Its formula contains

1. purified water,
2. colloidal oatmeal (3%),
3. renewable plant-derived & coconut-based cleansers,
4. organic Aloe Vera,
5. Vitamins A, B, D, & E,
6. glycerin,
7. allantoin,
8. food-grade extracts of vanilla & almond, and
9. a natural preservative.

Conclusion

Paws & Pals Oatmeal Shampoo https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0167AVKCI

Why Is This Product Here?

Veterinarian recommended formula.

Check Carefully Because

This product is not just a shampoo; it also moisturizes and detangles your dog’s coat like a conditioner, so you do not need to use more than one product for a soft, bright coat. This is a medicated shampoo, developed with veterinarians to help soothe itchy skin.

The MUST Know, True Facts About Paws & Pals Oatmeal Shampoo

What to watch out for with this product?

Although this formula does contain some natural and organic ingredients, it also contains chemicals and fragrance found in human shampoo and the formula is not pH-balanced for dog skin.

The scent of the product may also be too strong for your personal preference. It is a smell meant to last long, so it comes out of the bottle strong. Some users love this feature, while others find it to be too much. If you have a sensitive sense of smell or prefer subtler scents, you may want to consider a different shampoo.

Crucial Tips

In addition to soothing dry skin, this shampoo may help reduce itching and discomfort from allergic reactions. However, in some cases, it may cause an allergic reaction, since every pet is different. You should always test a new shampoo on your pet before giving her a full bath to determine any sensitivities she may have to the formula.

Benefits and Features

1. Made in the USA and vet recommended
2. This formula contains no parabens that are potentially harmful to your dog’s skin
3. Vegan-friendly and organic
4. This shampoo is tear-free and contains no soap, so it won’t burn or harm your dog’s eyes
5. The clean and fresh-smelling effects of this shampoo are intended to last longer than some other products on the market, allowing you to bathe your pup less often

Problems

1. Contains sodium laureth sulfate and other chemical ingredients
2. The scent is very strong, which may bother some people

Features/Technical Details

This product is sold in a 20 oz bottle made with “certified recycled materials.”

Its ingredients are

1. ultra-purified water with
2. infused Aloe Barbanisis extract,
3. sodium laureth sulfate,
4. lauryl glucoside and
5. cocomidopropyl betaine,
6. rosmarinus officialis (rosemary),
7. chamomilla recuttita (matricaria) flower extract,
8. glycol distearate,
9. cocamide-MEA,
10. laureth-10,
11. collidial oatmeal,
12. Vitamin E,
13. PEG-12,
14. dimethicone,
15. organic borago officialis (borage) seed oil,
16. organic Shea (butyrospermum parkii) butter,
17. glycerin,
18. polysorbate 20,
19. methylchloroisothiazolinone and
20. methylisothiazolinone,
21. citric acid,
22. versene,
23. Na2, and

Conclusion

Fresh ‘n Clean Scented Shampoo https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000N38CZE

Why Is This Product Here?

Best value for your budget.

Check Carefully Because

The active ingredients in this shampoo are sodium laureth and sodium lauryl sulfates, which are cleansing chemicals also found in human shampoos.

Not only is this product made to cleanse, but it also helps rebuild weak and brittle coats to make them strong again. This formula is not concentrated, so it is not meant to be diluted. For the full effects of this shampoo, use it as is.

The MUST Know, True Facts About Fresh ‘n Clean Scented Shampoo

Not only does this shampoo clean and freshen, but it also works as a detangler for your dog’s matted or knotted coat. Antistatic components of the formula help keep your dog’s coat from getting re-matted between washes. Depending on the length and type of your dog’s coat, you may not find a need for a dog conditioner, saving you one more step at bath time.

What to watch out for with this product?

Crucial Tips

If you want to keep your pup smelling just as fresh between washes, this formula is intended to refresh its scent with a simple wipe of your dog using a damp cloth. The manufacturer advertises that the smell of this shampoo can last for 2 weeks.

Benefits and Features

1. Natural ingredients like Aloe Vera and Vitamin E help moisturize your dog’s coat and skin
2. The tearless formula makes it safe to wash your dog’s head without fear of burning and irritation
3. Not only is the scent long-lasting, but the softness of your dog’s coat should last a while too
4. Safe for sensitive skin or dogs with allergies

Problems

1. The strong floral scent of this shampoo isn’t for everybody. Many love it, but some find it overpowering

Features/Technical Details

This product is sold in an 18 oz bottle.

The formula contains purified water, naturally derived cleansers (sodium laureth sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate, triethanolamine lauryl sulfate, cocamidopropyl betaine), conditioner (cocamide MEA), thickening agents (hydroxyethylcellulose, cetearyl alcohol), conditioning agent (stearalkonium chloride), fragrance, soothing agents (Vitamin E, aloe barbadensis leaf juice), coloring agents, polysorbate 20, sodium hydroxide, citric acid, preservative.

Conclusion

Pro Pet Works Oatmeal Pet Wash Shampoo + Conditioner https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018FGSTT4

Why Is This Product Here?

2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner.

Check Carefully Because

This shampoo-conditioner combination is specifically intended for dry coats. Its vet-recommended formula moisturizes and balances hair and skin pH, all while freshening with a long-lasting cherry almond scent.

The MUST Know, True Facts About Pro Pet Works Oatmeal Pet Wash Shampoo + Conditioner

This product comes with a 100% money-back guarantee, so if you’re not satisfied with your Pro Pet Works shampoo, you can get a full refund. It’s made with organic ingredients, like aloe and almond oil, to naturally heal sensitive, irritated skin. The conditioning component leaves your dog’s coat silky and easy to detangle after the bath.

Almond oil contains Vitamin E, which is known to protect skin cells from ultraviolet radiation damage and helps them heal faster.

If you use a topical flea treatment on your dog, this shampoo is safe to use with it without washing the treatment off her coat. It is also safe for use on cats, rabbits, and ferrets.

What to watch out for with this product?

This shampoo contains wheat germ products, which contain gluten. If your dog has a sensitivity or allergy to gluten and gluten products, she may have a reaction to Pro Pet Works Oatmeal Pet Wash Shampoo + Conditioner.

Some pet shampoos can last a long time (maybe even forever) without expiring. However, it is important to note that this product has a shelf life of 2 years. So if you like to buy in bulk or only use a little shampoo once in a while, be wary that this product may expire before you use it all.

Crucial Tips

Benefits and Features

1. Made in the USA
2. Contains no drying ingredients like soaps, detergents, alcohol, sulfates, added colors, fragrances, or chemicals, making this product tearless and safe to be used around your dog’s eyes and nose
3. This product is made using recycled materials and is biodegradable
4. No animal cruelty or parabens
5. Fights dog odor to leave your pup not just clean, but also smelling good for a long time

Problems

1. Not everyone likes the strong, cherry almond smell of this shampoo. If you have a sensitive sense of smell or prefer a milder scent, this product may not be for you
2. This product may not provide total itch relief, depending on her condition
3. Some pets experienced mild hair loss after using this product, although this is very rare

Features/Technical Details

This product is sold in a 17 oz bottle. It contains deionized water, surfactant blend derived from natural ingredients (coconut shampoo base), organic Aloe Vera extracts, almond oil, hydrolyzed oat proteins, Vitamins A, D, and E, glycerin glyceral stearate, wheat germ glycerides, blend of cherry botanical extracts, EGDA (colorless low-odor solvent)

Conclusion

FURminator deShedding Ultra Premium Dog Shampoo https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I2Y1CNU

Why Is This Product Here?

Best shampoo for shed control.

Check Carefully Because

This shampoo is designed to reduce shedding, meaning a lot of your dog’s coat may fall out as you rinse this product and brush after bath time. The “deShedding” process involves ridding your dog’s coat of the loose hair or fur in her undercoat, which is what would normally fall off to cover your floor, clothes, and furniture.

With the recommended monthly use, your dog should look lighter, sleeker, and lose less of her coat throughout a regular day.

The MUST Know, True Facts About FURminator deShedding Ultra Premium Dog Shampoo

This formula contains natural extracts, Omega 3, and fatty acids to help keep your dog’s coat and skin healthy. When used as directed, this shampoo should not interfere with any topical flea or tick treatments on your pet’s coat. However, it’s important to check the instructions on your pest treatment box to ensure maximum results.

What to watch out for with this product?

This formula is not “tearless,” meaning it is not safe to get in eyes or nose—either yours or your pet’s. Avoid using this shampoo on your dog’s face, where it could rinse into those sensitive areas and cause burning and irritation.

Crucial Tips

A daily brushing routine is essential for the best shed control results. Whether you use the FURminator deShedding Tool or a simple dog comb, this practice will help keep your pup’s coat detangled and free of any hairs that have fallen off her topcoat.

If you wish to take your deShedding mission to its full potential, try using the FURminator deShedding conditioner along with this shampoo to remove loose fur with every step.

This formula is concentrated and designed to be diluted. The recommended dilution ratio for this shampoo is 1 part shampoo to 10 parts water. Using a concentrated shampoo without diluting could cause harm to your pup’s coat and skin, so always check the instructions to find the best rate of dilution for your product.

Benefits and Features

1. The formula is free from parabens, sulfates, and chemical dyes
2. Safe for use on puppies as young as 6 weeks old
3. Has a mild scent that won’t overpower you (or your dog!)
4. When used as directed, you could see a reduction in shedding after just one use
5. Leaves coat silky and soft to the touch

Problems

1. This product may not work for all dogs, or it may take multiple uses to see results. The risk of seeing zero results is minimum, though, as long as you follow the instructions
2. There is a small chance your dog will have an allergic reaction or experience skin irritation after using this shampoo. Be sure to test it on your dog (after diluting, of course) to determine whether she may be sensitive to any of its ingredients
3. Because the scent is mild, it may not last longer than a day or two after bathing

Features/Technical Details

This product is sold in a 16 oz bottle.

Its ingredients are

1. water,
2. mild surfactants,
3. omega 3 & 6 fatty acids from cranberry, sunflower, and safflower seed oils,
4. extracts of calendula,
5. papaya leaf,
6. chamomile,
7. malva flower,
8. blueberry,
9. Aloe Vera and kava vitamin E,
10. vegetable protein extract,
11. hydrolyzed wheat and oat proteins,
12. fragrance,
13. preservative, and

Conclusion

Adams Flea and Tick Cleansing Shampoo https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0051YI0W0

Why Is This Product Here?

Best shampoo treatment for flea, tick, and lice control.

Check Carefully Because

This shampoo is made for both dogs and cats and is safe to be used on puppies and kittens, too. However, it is not recommended to use this product on pets younger than 12 weeks old.

The MUST Know, True Facts About Adams Flea and Tick Cleansing Shampoo

This shampoo kills fleas and flea eggs, two types of common dog ticks, and lice. It also goes one step further to interrupt the life cycle of fleas, helping keep them at bay for up to 30 days.

Not only does it kill the parasites in your dog’s coat, but it also does a great job washing and freshening her coat so she can look and smell great.

What to watch out for with this product?

If your dog is badly infested, this product may not do the whole job of clearing her coat of parasites. It may work better for general flea and tick management, so consult your vet if your dog needs urgent treatment for an infestation.

Crucial Tips

Benefits and Features

1. The just-bathed scent from this shampoo is long-lasting
2. This flea shampoo is gentle on human skin as well, so it won’t irritate you as you clean your pup
3. Leaves your dog’s coat shiny, soft, and fresh

Problems

1. This shampoo may not be 100% of the solution you need to take care of your flea and tick problem

Features/Technical Details

This product is sold in a 12 oz bottle. Its active ingredients are pyrethrins 0.075%, piperonyl butoxide 0.750%, and pyriproxfen 0.086%. Check the label for a full list of ingredients.

Part of this formula is a component that regulates insect growth, preventing fleas from hatching from their eggs for up to a month.

Conclusion

Wahl Gentle Puppy Shampoo https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005CUTY7I

Why Is This Product Here?

Made specifically for puppies.

Check Carefully Because

This shampoo is concentrated, but it’s not necessary to dilute it. You will just need a smaller amount to get the same results as other brands of dog shampoo.

This means that this product will last you longer than other, non-concentrated puppy shampoos. This is especially true when considering the size of the bottle, which is 150% bigger than the standard 16 oz dog shampoo bottle.

The MUST Know, True Facts About Wahl Gentle Puppy Shampoo

This tear-free formula is made to be tough on grime but gentle on sensitive puppy skin. This formula contains cornflower and Aloe Vera for a naturally soothing and moisturizing shampoo product. It is pH balanced for puppies and contains no alcohol, parabens, or PEG-80.

What to watch out for with this product?

Unlike some dog shampoos, which can be used on puppies as young as 6 weeks old, this shampoo is not meant for puppies younger than 8 weeks old.

Although the formula is generally gentle, there is a chance your puppy may be sensitive or allergic to some of the natural oils used in this shampoo.

To check for this sensitivity before using this product, it’s recommended to consult your vet about your individual pet’s needs. You should also conduct a spot test for the shampoo to see how your dog’s skin reacts before giving her a full bath.

Crucial Tips

Just because this is a puppy shampoo doesn’t mean it can’t be used on full-grown pups. This gentle formula can be used throughout all stages of your dog’s life from 8 weeks onward.

This shampoo has no expiration date, so if you like to buy in bulk or make your products stretch as long as they can, you can do so without worrying about the shampoo becoming less effective.

If you’re unsure how often to use this product with your dog, consult your vet. Bathing monthly is a general guideline for a grooming routine, but some dog breeds need baths more often than others.

Benefits and Features

1. Made in the USA
2. Leaves coat clean, soft, and smelling good
3. This formula contains conditioning agents to bring moisture and shine to your dog’s coat
4. The scent is mild, not overpowering, and pleasant for many users

Problems

1. Contains sodium laureth sulfate, which may dry out your puppy’s skin
2. Some pups with thicker or heavily soiled coats may require more shampoo to be effective
3. Because the scent is mild, this shampoo may be more effective as a cleanser than a deodorizer

Features/Technical Details

This product is sold in a 24 oz bottle.

Its ingredients are purified water (aqua), sodium laureth sulfate (cleanser from refined coconut oil), soyamide (cleanser from refined soy), cocoamidpropyl betaine (cleanser from coconut fatty acids), EGMS (pearlizing agent), polysorbate-20 (sugar-based emulsifier), glycerin (vegetable glycerin), guar hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride (guar based conditioner), cornflower & aloe extracts, fragrance, potassium sorbate (freshness assurer), and FDA approved colors.

Conclusion

Dog Shampoo Buyer’s Guide

Bathing 101

A proper grooming regiment is a crucial part of your dog’s wellbeing. Bath time is not every pup’s favorite, so here are some tips to make bathing your pooch as painless as possible.

How do I bathe my dog?

1. Starting bath time with a brush will help remove hair and debris ahead of time, as well as detangle for an easier shampoo experience.
2. Use water that is just warm to the touch so your pet can be comfortable without being burnt from hot water.
3. Some pet owners use a brush to comb the shampoo thoroughly through their dog’s coat. If your dog has a shorter coat, you may find it easier to use your hands.
4. Be sure to rinse your pup thoroughly, as any unrinsed product can dry to become greasy, sticky, or even itchy for your dog.
5. Keeping your pet’s head dry until after you’ve washed her coat will help protect her eyes, ears, and nose from shampoo while your attention is elsewhere. Use your hands or a cloth to gently wash your dog’s face, using only cleaning products that are non-irritants.
6. Pat your pooch dry with a towel and allow her to shake herself dry if she wants to.
7. Keep her out of the cold until she is fully dry, just as you would for yourself.

How often is too often?

Bathing a dog too often or too little can negatively impact the health of her skin and coat. Too often, and these will dry out, stripped of their natural oils and protective barriers. Too few baths and your dog may absorb the grime in her coat through her skin, which then irritates and leads to scratching and the damaged skin that comes with it.

Dog Shampoo vs. Human Shampoo

You should not use a shampoo made for humans on your dog. Why? Because your dog’s skin and coat are different from your hair and scalp, and they need different things.

Things like the balance of pH, which can be disrupted by the use of shampoos that are too acidic. Dog skin is more alkaline than humans’, so human shampoo has the potential to damage the natural protective barrier on their skin.

Questions to ask yourself when picking a shampoo for your dog

These answers can point you in the direction of the product that’s right for you.

What kind of coat does my dog have?

If your dog has a long, thick, or dry coat, you may want to opt for a shampoo with conditioning agents to helps keep her coat smooth and untangled. You may also want to go for a more heavy-duty cleanser that can reach the undercoat of your pet.

Does my dog have sensitive skin?

Regardless of whether you buy a dog shampoo for sensitive skin, you should always test a new product on your dog before a full bath. Use a small amount of product on one spot of your dog’s coat to see how she reacts. Some dogs have unexpected allergies or sensitivities even to gentle shampoos, so consult your vet if you have trouble finding one that works for your pet.

How old is my dog?

If you buy a shampoo you love that’s made for puppies, you can usually keep using it throughout your dog’s lifespan. Dogs can’t “age out” of shampoos, so you won’t have to worry about whether your dog is getting too old for a product.

Does my dog have ticks or fleas?

There are lots of products on the market that help kill parasites and control infestations. There are also plenty of shampoos that can be used along with a topical flea or tick treatment without washing it out. If your dog needs a little help keeping her coat free from nasty stowaways, one of these shampoo options may be great for you.

Features to Look for in a Dog Shampoo

Natural Ingredients

Shed Control

A shed-control shampoo is just one part of reducing your dog’s shedding, along with daily brushing, but a good product can help. There are some shampoos specifically designed to remove excess hair that has already fallen loose, and there are others that nourish and strengthen your dog’s coat to keep shedding to a minimum. Antioxidants, healthy oils, and amino acids are all ingredients that can help control shedding.

Ingredients to Avoid

There are a lot of unnatural ingredients out there that have the potential to harm your pup, and it would be impossible to list them all. They have different effects, but the gist is that whatever it is, you don’t want to be putting it on your dog (or yourself, for that matter). Here are some red flags you may find in dog shampoo ingredients lists:

1. Sulfates
2. Anything you can’t pronounce (such as methylchloroisothiazolinone)
3. Parabens
4. Fragrance (this vague listing typically indicates the product is scented with something you don’t want to know about)
5. Alcohol
6. Mineral oils
7. Artificial colors
8. Coconut-derived surfactants, like MEA/Cocomide DEA
9. Phthalates
10. Cocamidopropyl Betaine

Buying for Your Dog’s Needs

Your dog is special and therefore has special needs. Look for these subsets of dog shampoos to find the one that’s right for you.

Medicated Dog Shampoos

Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoos

If your dog is prone to allergies, you can look for a shampoo designed to be hypoallergenic. Some shampoos are even designed to be safe for dogs with specific allergies, so you may be able to find a product that’s perfect for your pet.

Mild Dog Shampoos

If your dog is young or very sensitive, mild shampoos have minimal risk of irritation. These are great for puppies and older dogs who need a gentle wash.

Whitening Dog Shampoos

If your dog has a white coat, you may want to try a shampoo that can lift stains and make her fur brighter. There are many kinds of whitening shampoos, so you may benefit from asking your groomer what they use or recommend for your pet.

Should I Buy a Dog Conditioner?

However, some dog shampoos condition as well, so you may not need a conditioner depending on the product you use.

Alternatives to Dog Shampoos

If you don’t have dog shampoo and you really need to wash your pup, you still shouldn’t use human shampoo. Water or vinegar can also help cleanse or freshen your dog, and a homemade dry shampoo using baking soda is another option as well.

If you need a full shampoo experience, vets often recommend Johnson & Johnson baby shampoo, as it’s mild and gentle enough for dog skin.

Conclusion