Dog Furiendly is supported by our tail-wagging readers. When you buy through affiliate links we may earn an affiliate commission. Click here to find out more.
We’ve all felt that frustration after a soggy, muddy walk with the pooch – especially after an unappreciated fox poo roll. That’s when a good dog shampoo comes to the rescue, restoring your pooch to its L’oriel worthy looks in minutes.
The ideal dog shampoo won’t irritate your dog’s skin or cause a reaction. We’ve rounded up the best dog shampoos with all-natural organic formulas, perfect your pooch’s sensitive skin. Whether you need a medicated shampoo for your fluff ball or something that can help with the itchy skin of your dog, we have the solution for all.
Here’s 10 tail-wagging options to consider when you are planning to find the best dog shampoo.
What dog shampoo to use?
Always choose a shampoo specifically designed for dogs. Dogs have a very different skin pH level to humans and their skin is extremely sensitive. Human shampoo products should not be used on dogs.
For dogs with healthy skin and coat, go for a gentle hypoallergenic shampoo. If your dog has skin conditions, your vet can advise what type of shampoo or product to use to help manage or treat skin conditions.
If you’re ever unsure, test patch a small amount of product first to make sure there is no reaction or irritation. If your dog seems irritated – talk to your vet and try a different product that doesn’t cause irritation.
Do dogs need to be washed?
While dogs can be very effective at self-grooming and keeping dirt away for long periods of time, they do need to be washed regularly. Not only do they hold an unpleasant odour, but no baths can lead to problems such as bacterial, fungal and skin issues.
Bathing your pooch cleanses the skin and coat which helps to remove loose hair, scale and debris. It also improves the hair coat’s shine. For dogs with specific skin conditions, bathing may be part of their medical treatment plan as recommended by their vet.
How often should I bath my dog?
This varies between each individual dog. Dogs should only be bathed when necessary particularly when they have an unpleasant odour or accumulated dirt/mud/fox poo on their coat. If your dog smells normal (not unpleasant) and they are not dirty, then bathing is not necessary.
Dogs shouldn’t be bathed too frequently as this can dry out their skin and hair coat and may cause problems. It can cause the skin to dry out and natural oils on the skin and coat to be stripped.
If your dog has skin problems they may require different bathing schedules and treatment from the vet.
Types of Dog Shampoo
There are so many types of dog shampoo for various situations, skin-types and breeds.
Normal Shampoo: This is your absolutely basic, often budget shampoo. It doesn’t really have any extra benefits other than to clean your dog and make them smell nice.
Hypoallergenic: Most dogs have sensitive skin and can be prone to allergies. Hypoallergenic shampoos protect your pooch from any ingredients that may be harmful to your pup.
Flea Shampoo: Not usually the nicest smelling shampoo, but effective. It’s worth noting that your pooch doesn’t have to have a flea infestation, and it can be used as a preventative measure.
Puppy Shampoo: Puppies have the most sensitive skin and fur so puppy shampoo should always be purchased for puppies!
Medicated Shampoo: If you are aware of a serious skin condition and your dog needs something more tailored than a hypoallergenic shampoo then medicated shampoo will be required. Chances are you’ve already got this stuff from your vet. Do not give your dog medicated shampoo without vet approval!
What to look for?
Not all dog shampoos are right for your dog. Pick the right one for your dog and check it against genuine reviews. Then make sure to check the ingredients closely, especially if your dog has sensitive skin.
Remember, the most expensive dog shampoo doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best product! Ultimately, we don’t want dog shampoos to have any bad chemicals, artificial colours, fragrances, alcohols, detergents and animal by-products. These chemicals could cause skin dryness, irritation, inflammation and even hair loss. Look for shampoos that contain only natural ingredients to avoid the nasties.
Coper & Gracie Pets
The ideal choice for your pooch is the C&G shampoo. It’s a great choice based on both price and natural ingredients. This dog shampoo is on the top of our list is because of the cruelty-free and plant-based products. Also, this hypoallergenic dog shampoo is also anti-bacterial removing dirt and odour effectively. It’s non-toxic and will not irritate the skin.
One other highlight of this product is that it contains Vitamin E which is great for moisturising and healing the skin.
For All DogKind Super Soothing
We have to admit, this is a favourite of ours amongst Dog Furiendly HQ. Having two dogs with sensitive skin, means we need to choose wisely when finding a dog shampoo. When we found this one from For All Dogkind, we knew our dogs were in for a treat. They focus on creating healthy, natural and healing products for all dogs. Whether you’vegot a mischievous mud-lover or a sensitive soul, every dog deserves to look, feel and smell great, naturally!
Not only does the shampoo gently cleanse and condition scratchy skin, but it also helps to relieve irritations with organic lavender, oat extract and patchouli oil. It’s also a natural flea deterrent and leaves your pooch smelling super fresh! All products are cruelty-free and vegan free!
BUGALUGS Baby Fresh Dog Shampoo
The next option for your furball is Bufalugs dog grooming shampoo. This one is a professional choice for most Groomers because of the vegan formula. It’s completely safe for sensitive skin and suitable for dogs who are older than eight weeks. The super gentle shampoo is ideal for dog owners who want the shampoo with a baby powder scent.
GROOM PROFESSIONAL Baby Fresh Shampoo
This Groom Professional is a hypoallergenic dog shampoo that will reduce dandruff and also help with curing itchy skin. Your dog might be losing hair fall due to dandruff, but this shampoo helps to keep those furry hairs in place. Also, the shampoo is gentle and perfect for itchy skin. With 10,000+ reviews, you know you’re in good company.
Pet Guru – Baby Powder Dog Shampoo
This shampoo is good enough for the smelliest of hounds and also helps to soothe itchy skin. This shampoo has an effective formula, gentle on the skin and also helps with the growth of the hair. It’s also jam-packed packed with aloe vera & natural extracts.
Nilaqua Towel-Off Pet Shampoo
We can’t count how many times this dry shampoo has saved our day, especially after a fox poo roll! This handy bottle is perfect for washing your pooch on the go. It effectively cleans your dog without the need for water, yet it wets the fur like a traditional shampoo and cleans without leaving any streaks or sticky residues.
It’s super simple to use and it’s mild, the non-irritating formula leaves fur beautifully soft and clean.
6 in 1 All Natural Dog Shampoo
What the heck are the 6 features of this glorious shampoo I hear you woof? It cleanses, conditions, detangles, moisturises, soothes and eliminates bacteria and bad smells. What a hero! Above all, it has mild ingredients and a cruelty-free formula complete with a pleasant smell. There are also natural oils included in the shampoo to create a light lather and easy rinse shampoo that doesn’t irritate your animal’s eyes or nose.
Pet Head Oatmeal Shampoo
Pet Head is a loved dog shampoo among many dog owners. This oatmeal shampoo is of high quality and great for moisturising the dog’s skin. This highly effective shampoo is great for dogs with sensitive skin. Ingredients include oatmeal, aloe vera, vitamins C and E, and jojoba oil combine to moisturise and soften the coat and help heal and protect sensitive skin.
Animology Dogs Body Shampoo
Animology is a well known grooming brand in the canine industry. They have a range of doggy shampoo products to suit dogs with all types of fur or incidents (hello Fox poo).
The Dogs Body shampoo has been specially formulated to be suitable for all types of dog coat. Animology Dogs Body has been specially formulated to be suitable for all types.
It has a mild yet deep cleaning action that removes dirt and odour without stripping the coat of its essential oils. It also has a built in Conditioners and Pro-Vitamin B5 to improve the health, strength and condition of the coat. Scent? This one has it’s own signature smell, and it’s absolutely lush!
Share Your Favourite Doggy Shampoo!
Whatever shampoo. you get for your pooch, make sure you are getting the right one for your dog. Check out the ingredients and make sure it does not contain harsh chemicals. Even better if you consider cruelty free or vegan shampoos. Also, remember to consult a vet before you finally start using the shampoo and check the ingredients as well.
