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(Last Updated On: 15th February 2023)Unlike humans, the dog’s skin has an alkaline pH of approximately 7.5 and fewer layers of skin compared to the human head. Therefore, its vital that the dog shampoo you choose is safe to use on their sensitive skin and won’t cause irritation or dryness.
The best dog shampoo is the Burt’s Bees For Dogs Natural Itch Soothing Shampoo, which made with honeysuckle that soothes itchy skin while cleansing, nourishing, and reducing inflammation.
There is a wide variety of dog shampoos available where some are designed to tackle dry skin, itchy skin, sensitive skin, shedding, bad odor, and more. Dogs are only bathed on a 1 to the 2-month basis, its worthwhile spending the extra for a better product.
Table of Contents
Best Shampoo For Dogs
Dog Shampoo | Smell | Targets |
---|---|---|
Burt's Bees | Fresh | Anti-Itch |
4-Legger | Lemongrass | Sensitive Skin |
MinkSheen | Cedar Oil | Odor Control |
Earthbath | Multiple Scents | All-Rounder |
Pro Pet Works | Neutral | Allergies |
Pets Are Kids Too | Oatmeal/Cookie | Anti-Itch |
Shampoo for dogs is an important product to have as the majority of dogs love to play in the dirt and will eventually become smelly. There are also dedicated flea shampoos for dogs but that is covered in a separate article as its such a large topic.
In terms of how often you should be bathing your dog, it really does depend on their activity. Dogs that are playing around in the mud will require multiple rinses per month but we only recommend one full shampoo session each month. Dogs that prefer the indoors are less likely to smell and don’t require as much bathing.
We recommend choosing a dog shampoo that is suited to your dog’s activity, skin, and coat for the best results. Below is a list of the best dog shampoos that will leave your odor-free and without any irritation.
Burt’s Bees For Dogs Natural Itch Soothing Shampoo
Most of us are familiar with Burt’s Bees products for ourselves, like body oils, lip balms, and body butter. For over thirty years, Burt’s Bees has been a pioneer in nature-friendly health and beauty care products. Now your pooch can be pampered by the same Burt’s Bees that we ourselves find so soothing! Burt’s Bees has brought the same care they use in creating their grooming products to man’s best friend with great results!
Burt’s Bees for Dogs has a shampoo made with honeysuckle that soothes itchy skin while cleansing, nourishing, and reducing inflammation. The honeysuckle is a gentle cleanser. You will get a light lather with this shampoo as it is made with only natural ingredients that are safe for your pet. This product has no colorants, sulfates, or parabens.
pH balanced, Burt’s Bees shampoo for dogs is great for any age dog, including puppies. The shampoo will not have a strong scent as there are no artificial fragrances added. If your pet has itchy skin, this naturally nourishing formula will ease irritation and soothe dry skin.
Veterinarian recommended Burt’s Bees shampoo for dogs will be a welcome addition to your pooches’ grooming routine!
Check on Amazon4-Legger Certified Organic Dog Shampoo
4 Legger is a popular shampoo for dogs that contains coconut, jojoba, olive, lemongrass, aloe vera, and rosemary oils and it is a completely natural dog shampoo. It is a safe and non-toxic formula that is a hypoallergenic essential oil. Unlike many of the cheaper natural dog shampoos, the 4 Legger has been certified to the organic food standards for peace of mind.
For dogs that smell bad, this has a natural lemongrass scent that lasts for many days after the wash. There are many benefits to this dog shampoo and its even vet and dog groomer approved.
Overall, it is the best dog shampoo for sensitive skin with a large number of moisturizers and flea deterrents to ensure that there is no irritation for the dog.
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MinkSheen Dog Shampoo
If you are looking for dog shampoo for odor control, the MinkSheen is the product for your dog. It is fairly expensive but it is a 4 in 1 dog shampoo that is a gentle shampoo, coat conditioner, odor control, and provides a cedar oil scent.
Some dogs can smell worse than others and require the best smelling dog shampoo possible in order to control the bad odor. This is where the MinkSheen comes in and the rich lather will gently clean your dog without irritating the skin.
Overall, it is the best smelling dog shampoo you can buy and worth paying the extra for if your dog has a bad odor. It is important to note that it’s not just high performing in the odor department, it also offers excellent moisturizing capabilities to ensure your dog is not left with dry skin.
Check on AmazonEarthbath Tea Tree and Aloe Concentrated Shampoo
Earthbath is another natural dog shampoo that comes in 4 different types that include vanilla and almond, tea tree and aloe, mango tango, and hypo-allergenic. It is also sold by the gallon for extra bang for your buck, which can last multiple washes.
Being a natural shampoo, it contains no soap, gluten, DEA, parabens, dyes, synthetic perfumes, and other harmful ingredients. It is a safe dog shampoo that is harmless to your dog and leaves them smelling great with a scent of your choice.
Overall, it is a great all-rounder and the best dog shampoo for the money when sold by the gallon. With all-natural ingredients and being a shampoo that lathers easily, it is definitely a shampoo that you will find easy to use and your dog will enjoy it.
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Pro Pet Works Oatmeal Dog Shampoo
Pro Pet is a popular dog shampoo that aims to restore your dog’s natural oils, relieve dry and itchy skin, condition, and moisturize and soothe sensitive skin. It does all this in one bottle and is vet recommended for both dogs and cats.
It is a pH-balanced formula that contains no harsh chemicals, fragrances, alcohol, sulfates, or other harmful ingredients. As a result of using this dog shampoo, your dog will be the smell of a cherry almond scent that will last for many days.
Overall, it is the best dog shampoo and conditioner “all in one” product but it is fairly pricey. However, the popularity and natural ingredients are worth paying the extra for, and when you factor in that its a conditioner too, it actually makes it affordable.
Check on AmazonPets Are Kids Too Anti-Itch Dog Shampoo
Dog shampoo for itchy skin can be hard to find as many focus on sensitive skin or nice smells. However, the Pets Are Kids Too dog shampoo targets dogs with itchy skin with a special formula that contains baking soda and is an all-natural hypoallergenic.
The brand claims that their dog shampoo instantly provides relief from dry itchy skin and leaves the coat soft, shiny, and smelling great. Vets and dog groomers recommended this shampoo and will even prevent allergies.
Overall, it is the best dog shampoo for itchy skin and will provide a complete clean that results in a happy and odor-free dog. It is also relatively cheap per bottle and for a shampoo for dogs that has oatmeal and is all-natural, it offers good value for money.
Check on AmazonDog Shampoo Buying Guide
It’s important to keep your dog feeling fresh and clean so they can live a healthy and comfortable life. Good dog shampoo will not only keep your dog looking and smelling squeaky clean, but it’ll also help keep their skin conditioned and healthy. There are so many dog shampoos out there that it can be difficult to separate the good from the bad. Here’s what you should focus on when shopping for dog shampoo.
Smell
The first thing to consider when shopping for shampoos is the smell. Ideally, the shampoo should smell pleasant without being too heavily fragranced, which will likely irritate your dog as well as other dogs and humans. The smell is a very personal preference, so it will be helpful to smell the product in-store before making a purchase.
There are a variety of scents on the market, ranging from floral to almond to a clean ‘fresh linen’ scent. If your dog has a tendency to get very smelly, you may also want to look for a shampoo with a deodorizing component. These will work to prevent your dog from getting smelly quickly.
Moisturization
Another important factor to look at when shopping for dog shampoo is how it affects your dog’s coat after use. Ideally, the shampoo should leave your dog’s fur feeling soft and looking fresh and shiny. Shampoos with gentle moisturizing components are ideal for this.
A moisturizing shampoo is particularly helpful if your dog struggles to drink enough water, which is something that can result in a dull coat. Many dog shampoos contain natural ingredients that help with a dry coat and itchiness. Coconut oil, olive oil, and omega-3 fatty acids are good ingredients to look for in dog shampoos. Nourishing vitamins are also great for keeping your dog’s coat healthy.
Flea Treatment
A helpful feature that many dog shampoos offer is flea treatment. If your dog is very prone to catching fleas, using a shampoo with a built-in treatment can decrease their risk of catching them. Keep in mind that shampoos can’t kill fleas, so you’ll still need to use a flea medication along with the shampoo. However, the added layer of protection is just what some dogs need to keep these nasty little bugs away. Check with your vet to make sure the shampoo you’re looking at is safe for your dog. Most flea repellents are safe for dogs, but if your pet has other health issues, they may need to be taken into consideration.
Medication
There are shampoos that can help you if your dog tends to get dry or has irritated skin. Medicated dog shampoos will treat dry patches and have ingredients to nourish the skin and fur so it stays healthy. These shampoos are different from just a simple moisturizing shampoo – they contain active medical ingredients to treat the problem.
These shampoos are also much stronger than a gentle moisturizing or cleansing shampoo. Again, in this case, it’s important to check with your vet before buying a shampoo. All dogs are different, so a piece of personalized advice and care is essential from your vet. You may need to get a prescription from your vet before purchasing a medicated shampoo.
Gentle Ingredients
It’s very important that the shampoo you use is safe enough for your animal, particularly if you have a puppy. Dog shampoos shouldn’t be soap-based, as soap is far too irritating for dog’s skin. Instead, look for an oatmeal-based shampoo.
The shampoo shouldn’t contain any harsh chemicals that could irritate the dog’s eyes or skin (or you!) The shampoo should be free of sulfates and parabens, which aren’t great to use even on humans and can be particularly irritating for dogs.
Natural formulas are often ideal for dogs because they do tend to be very gentle. They’re also much better for the environment. Before making a purchase, be sure to read the ingredients list to make sure everything is safe for your dog. Labels for organic and hypoallergenic products are always positive.
Anti-Dander Allergy Prevention
Some shampoos offer allergy prevention for humans, which can be very helpful if someone in your household or a frequent visitor is allergic to dogs. These shampoos have ingredients to reduce the amount of dander your pet gives off by making them less likely to scratch.
While they won’t completely get rid of allergies, they can be quite helpful in making them less irritating. If your pet has sensitive skin or other health issues, just check with your vet to make sure everything’s safe before using an anti-dander shampoo.
Ease of Lather
Shampooing your dog on your own can be challenging, particularly if they don’t like taking baths and try to squirm out of the way. It’s helpful to look for a shampoo that lathers easily to make the bathing process faster and more efficient.
The texture of the shampoo should be easy to apply, and it should rinse out effectively as well. You may want to look for a shampoo that’s designed for your dog’s fur type, as dogs with long fur may need something a little thicker and stronger to clean all the dirt and grime out.
Volume
The amount of shampoo you get in the bottle is another important consideration to make, particularly if you have a big dog. If your dog goes through shampoo fast, you’ll need a large bottle to get several washes.
Ideally, you should look for a shampoo that provides good quality and quantity. A good way to check this is by determining how much you’re paying per fluid ounce, so you can easily compare the value of shampoos to each other.
Finding a great shampoo will make both you and your dog very happy. After all, it’s always more fun to play with a dog who’s nice and clean. Since there are so many different options to choose from, it’s helpful to look for a shampoo that addresses your dog’s specific needs. If you’re struggling to find the right dog shampoo, don’t hesitate to consult your vet for more advice.
Conclusion
Whether your dog smells bad, has itchy, dry, or sensitive skin, there will be a dog shampoo that tackles each problem. Unlike the human head, a dog doesn’t need to be fully bathed on a regular basis and many new dog owners mistake this for rinsing off your dog. If your dog comes in from a wet walk, there is no need to bath them in shampoo each time as this can cause issues with their skin and leave them irritated.
All of the recommended natural dog shampoos in this article aim to leave your dog happy and actually look forward to being bathed in premium shampoos. We highly advise that you stay clear of the cheap and nasty shampoos available and stick to a reputable brand that has been certified.
Ian is an avid outdoorsman and dog lover. He lives in Central Florida with his wife Heather, and their 2 dogs – Panda (Purebread Rough Collie X English Golden Retriever) & Kuma (Blue Merl Purebread Rough Collie)