Best Shampoos for Dogs
Much like humans, dogs too can face skin irritations and sensitivities. Unfortunately, it may be harder to identify these signs in our canine companions. If your dog is suffering from skin issues, you might want to consider a specially-formulated dog shampoo!
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By Veterinarians.org
Updated on February 23, 2024
Problems linked to Aging, Skin Sensitivity, and Chronic Itching
Aging
As dogs age, they encounter a range of health issues and daily discomforts. These problems may include skin dryness and irritation, resulting in constant itching and discomfort. Signs of these skin issues can include excessive scratching, dry patches, and frequent shaking or rubbing against surfaces.
Cognitive decline is another inevitable part of a dog’s life, and can present as changes in behavior and personality, such as increased sensitivity to noises or sudden changes in their environment.
Skin Sensitivity
At some point in their lives, all dogs may experience skin sensitivities or allergies. It’s important for owners to understand these signs because if left untreated, it can lead to further health complications. Dogs may also express their discomfort by excessive scratching or rubbing, potentially damaging their skin or even causing hair loss.
Signs of skin sensitivity can include constant scratching, patches of dry or flaky skin, redness, and other forms of skin irritation.
Chronic Itching and Discomfort
Dogs may suffer from discomfort caused by over-bathing, harsh shampoos, environmental allergens, and insect bites. Furthermore, one common source of chronic itching in dogs comes from skin allergies. It’s noteworthy that even young dogs are not exempt from this condition. It is estimated that a significant number of dogs suffer from skin sensitivities or allergies at some point in their lives.
Specially-Formulated Dog Shampoos are an Excellent Solution for Dogs with Skin Sensitivities
Many dog owners might not realize that specially-formulated dog shampoo can help alleviate skin irritations, promote a healthier coat, improve skin condition, and help relieve itching and discomfort.
Dog shampoo is widely recognized for its potential effectiveness in soothing skin irritations, relieving chronic itching, supporting skin health—especially in older dogs—and nurturing a shiny, healthy coat.
Moreover, it’s understood that specially-formulated dog shampoo may achieve its soothing effects through its gentle formula, which includes skin-friendly ingredients that moisturize and soothe the skin. These ingredients can help manage skin conditions and offer significant relief from discomfort.
Regular use of dog shampoos can show health improvements such as:
Relieves Itchy and Dry Skin
Soothes Skin Irritations
Prevents Excessive Scratching
Reduces Skin Allergies
Promotes a Healthy and Shiny Coat
Eases Discomfort from Environmental Allergens
Helps Control Skin Conditions and Allergies
To ensure you’re getting a high-quality dog shampoo, look for these criteria:
To ensure you’re getting a high-quality dog shampoo, look for these criteria:
Endorsed by Veterinary Associations
Look for products that have endorsements from recognized veterinary or pet care organizations. This indicates that the product is trusted and recommended by professionals.
Hypoallergenic
Ensure the dog shampoo you choose is hypoallergenic. Don’t be fooled by products that only claim to be “gentle”. Hypoallergenic shampoos are a must for dogs with sensitive skin.
Laboratory Tested
Opt for a product that is lab-tested and proven to be safe and effective. Make sure it’s 100% natural and does not contain harmful ingredients like artificial colors, parabens, or phthalates.
Free from Harsh Chemicals
Ensure your dog shampoo is derived from natural sources and free from harsh chemicals. Avoid synthetic products. They may be designed to mimic the properties and effects of natural ingredients but can potentially cause adverse reactions.
How We Evaluated These Products
Effectiveness
Ingredients
Value for Money
Customer Service
1
5-in-1 Dog Wash
Honest Paws
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SMELL
10.0 AVG.
10.0/10
EASY TO USE
9.8 AVG.
9.8/10
Pros
Natural Ingredients
Five Benefits In One Wash
Good For All Breeds And Ages
Cons
Only available online
The Bottom Line
Honest Paws stands out as our top pick with its chicken-flavored sachets that dogs absolutely adore. It features a robust blend of prebiotics and probiotics, ensuring enhanced gut health. Their formulation includes three key beneficial bacteria strains as well as a hefty 5 billion CFUs, and is bolstered by the prebiotic Inulin which boosts the overall effectiveness of the probiotics.
This all-natural supplement is veterinarian-recommended, made in the USA, and backed by a full money-back guarantee. It's free from toxins, gluten, soy, and fillers, making it a safe choice for your pet. Additionally, the convenience of one sachet per serving for any size dog only adds to its appeal. What’s not to love about such a comprehensive and easy-to-use supplement?
Pro-tip:
Honest Paws offers 15% off and free shipping with a monthly subscription. Even if you just want to test the product first before subscribing, you’ll get the best price by purchasing the subscription and then canceling it after your first order ships.
Honest Paws offers 15% off and free shipping with a monthly subscription. Even if you just want to test the product first before subscribing, you’ll get the best price by purchasing the subscription and then canceling it after your first order ships.
2
5-in-1 Dog Wash Shampoo & Conditioner
Vets Preferred
SMELL
9.6 AVG.
9.6/10
EASY TO USE
9.4 AVG.
9.4/10
Pros
Helps lift dirt
Natural ingredients
Promotes the skin’s natural moisture
Cons
Only available online
The Bottom Line
Introducing the Vets Preferred 5-in-1 Pet Wash, a uniquely designed dog shampoo that tenderly cleans your pet’s skin and coat, leaving it refreshingly clean and fresh. This gentle pet shampoo guarantees your dog’s coat will not just be clean and fresh, but also imbued with a silky smoothness.
Infused with natural ingredients like oatmeal, coconut, palm, and aloe, this oatmeal shampoo is particularly suitable for dogs with sensitive skin. The careful selection of ingredients ensures your dog’s coat is left impeccably clean, richly nourished, and visibly healthy.
Have complete confidence in your choice of dog shampoo with Vets Preferred. Specially formulated for dogs with dry, itchy skin, this hypoallergenic product is proudly made in the USA. Produced in a GMP-certified facility under strict supervision, the shampoo guarantees optimum quality and safety for your beloved pet.
No coupons found for this product.
3
5-in-1 Dog Wash
Rosen Apothecary
SMELL
9.2 AVG.
9.2/10
EASY TO USE
8.9 AVG.
8.9/10
Pros
Expertly selected ingredients
Manufactured in the USA
Cons
Only available online
The Bottom Line
Rosen Apothecary’s 5-in-1 Dog Wash Soothing Almond Oatmeal Shampoo by Kira Labs is a pH-balanced blend that not only cleanses but also soothes, deodorizes, softens, and conditions a dog’s skin and coat. Enriched with high-grade botanicals like soothing oatmeal, nourishing argan oil, and conditioning macadamia, this shampoo promises to alleviate dry, itchy skin, giving your pet’s fur a soft, plush feel. Furthermore, it effortlessly detangles knots, making brushing easier while also minimizing future shedding. What sets it apart is its delightful almond scent, ensuring your canine companion remains refreshingly odorous for an extended period. Suitable for daily use, this dog wash assures a soft, nourished coat and a fresher-smelling furry friend.
No coupons found for this product.
4
Shampoo for Dogs
Veterinary Formula
SMELL
8.5 AVG.
8.5/10
EASY TO USE
8.3 AVG.
8.3/10
Pros
Vet-recommended
Anti-microbial
Cons
Only available online
The Bottom Line
Presenting Veterinary Formula’s Soothing Oatmeal dog shampoo. Specially designed for sensitive skin, it promotes healthy skin and coat by moisturizing and gently cleansing away dry, flaky skin. However, it’s worth noting that this product is not suitable for use on cats.
This dog shampoo boasts fast-acting properties, thanks to the inclusion of colloidal oatmeal and tea tree oil. Providing swift, effective results, it helps shed dry skin and foster a normal, healthy coat. The product is vet-recommended, which underlines its credibility and efficacy.
Formulated without harsh parabens, dyes, and soaps, the pet shampoo utilizes gentle cleansers in lieu of damaging detergents. For optimal results, apply the shampoo and allow it to soak on the skin and coat for approximately 10-15 minutes.
This oatmeal and tea tree dog shampoo is particularly formulated for use on dogs over 12 weeks of age. Due to the tea tree oil content, however, it is not safe for use on cats.
No coupons found for this product.
5
Waterless Pet Shampoo
Begley’s
SMELL
8.1 AVG.
8.1/10
EASY TO USE
7.9 AVG.
7.9/10
Pros
Cleans & Deodorizes
Promotes Shiny Coat
Pets smell great between baths
Cons
Only available online
The Bottom Line
Begley’s natural pet shampoo is a biodegradable, safe solution for your pet and environment. The 16-ounce bottle contains no harmful elements like parabens, formaldehyde, or synthetic fragrances, making it safe for pets and their owners.
Its waterless formula is a quick, easy way to keep your pet clean, especially between grooming sessions or for water-averse pets. Application is simple: spray onto your pet’s coat, wipe with a damp cloth, and brush after drying. For heavily soiled areas, repeat as necessary.
This shampoo offers four natural scents – lavender, citrus, oatmeal mango, and tea tree – derived from essential oils. Ed Begley, Jr. and Lab Clean LLC created this product as part of their mission to develop effective, earth-friendly household products.
No coupons found for this product.
Final Verdict Honest Paws 5-in-1 Dog Wash is Top Dog Shampoo of 2024
Effectiveness
A+
Ingredients
A+
Value for Money
A+
Customer Service
A+
Step up your pet care with the Honest Paws 5-in-1 Dog Wash. Crafted with coconut, palm, soothing oats and aloe, this eco-friendly, plant-based formula offers deep hydration without the risk of irritation or matting. 98.25% natural ingredients make it a safe choice for regular use
Honest Paws 5-in-1 Dog Wash is ideal for all breeds and ages 12 weeks and up