best Grooming Shampoo for dogs
Updated November 2020
Why Trust MyDogWantsThat?
Here at MDWT, you can trust that you’re getting the best information for your dog, because we’re dog owners ourselves. We carefully assess the best (and worst) dog products on the market, giving you a full breakdown of what’s out there so you as an owner can make informed choices when it comes to your dog.
Why Trust MyDogWantsThat?
Here at MDWT, you can trust that you’re getting the best information for your dog, because we’re dog owners ourselves. We carefully assess the best (and worst) dog products on the market, giving you a full breakdown of what’s out there so you as an owner can make informed choices when it comes to your dog.
- As Good As It Gets
- Best On A Budget
Bottom Line
A high-quality shampoo and conditioner formulated using natural ingredients to give healthy skin and coat for every dog.
A 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner that moisturizes and relaxes tangled coats. Perfect for breeds with long coats.
A hypoallergenic shampoo that’s specially formulated for dogs with dry and sensitive skin.
Pros
Tearless formula.
Contains no harsh chemicals.
pH balanced making it suitable for every dog even those with sensitive skin.
Softens coats effectively.
Inexpensive.
pH balanced.
Paraben, soap, and dye-free.
Made from natural ingredients.
Makes coats easy to brush.
Appealing sweet scent.
Inexpensive.
Effective soothing of dry, itchy, and sensitive skin.
Softens coat well.
No harmful ingredients.
Money-back guarantee.
Cons
Some pet owners prefer a fragrant shampoo.
A little hard to lather.
Only for dogs 12 weeks or older.
Only for dogs 6 weeks or older.
Has a faint scent.
Expensive.
- As Good As It Gets
Burt’s Bees All Natural Tearless 2 in 1 Shampoo and Conditioner
Bottom Line
A high-quality shampoo and conditioner formulated using natural ingredients to give healthy skin and coat for every dog.
Pros
Tearless formula.
Contains no harsh chemicals.
pH balanced making it suitable for every dog even those with sensitive skin.
Softens coats effectively.
Inexpensive.
Cons
Some pet owners prefer a fragrant shampoo.
A little hard to lather.
- Best On A Budget
Tropiclean Papaya and Coconut 2-in-1 Shampoo and Conditioner
Bottom Line
A 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner that moisturizes and relaxes tangled coats. Perfect for breeds with long coats.
Pros
pH balanced.
Paraben, soap, and dye-free.
Made from natural ingredients.
Makes coats easy to brush.
Appealing sweet scent.
Inexpensive.
Cons
Only for dogs 12 weeks or older.
Rocco & Roxie Soothe Oatmeal Conditioning Shampoo
Bottom Line
A hypoallergenic shampoo that’s specially formulated for dogs with dry and sensitive skin.
Pros
Effective soothing of dry, itchy, and sensitive skin.
Softens coat well.
No harmful ingredients.
Money-back guarantee.
Cons
Only for dogs 6 weeks or older.
Has a faint scent.
Expensive.
How We Decided
When looking for the best dog shampoo out there, we scoured the internet to assess dozens of products and what dog-owners like you were saying about them. We found the best dog shampoos and then took it one step further by putting them to the test ourselves. Here’s the breakdown:
23
Models Considered
8
Hours Researched
1
Experts Interviewed
5
Consumer Consulted
Buying Guide For The Best Dog Shampoo
The most basic function of dog shampoo is to clean your pet, but it can also address different issues that vary for each individual dog or breed. There’s no all-in-one dog shampoo, so choosing the right one depends on the breed, coat, skin sensitivity, and others.
There are hundreds of choices on the market right now, so choosing one can be a hit or miss affair. The right product can impact their hygiene and even manage and control pests like ticks and fleas. The wrong one can worsen skin issues or create other unwanted side-effects.
So when buying a dog shampoo, it’s important to do your research and learn the specific needs of your dog.
Buying Guide For The Best Dog Shampoo
The most basic function of dog shampoo is to clean your pet, but it can also address different issues that vary for each individual dog or breed. There’s no all-in-one dog shampoo, so choosing the right one depends on the breed, coat, skin sensitivity, and others.
There are hundreds of choices on the market right now, so choosing one can be a hit or miss affair. The right product can impact their hygiene and even manage and control pests like ticks and fleas. The wrong one can worsen skin issues or create other unwanted side-effects.
So when buying a dog shampoo, it’s important to do your research and learn the specific needs of your dog.
Key Considerations
Caution
Avoid shampoos that contain harsh ingredients. Always spot test any new shampoos to ensure there aren’t any adverse reactions. Chemicals like sulfates and other artificial colors and fragrances are just a few things to watch out for. Always do your research or consult with your vet before using a new dog shampoo.
Dog Shampoo Features
Some dog shampoos are used just for cleaning a dirty dog. But some shampoos have different features that offer a solution to your pet’s skin or coat problems.
If your dog has a flea or tick problem, some shampoos remove the parasites and protect against further invasion.
If you have a puppy, puppy shampoos are formulated to be more gentle and hypoallergenic compared to those made for adult dogs.
Some shampoos even help control shedding. Double-coated breeds like Huskies and Corgis are heavy shedders. Using products that help manage shedding can be a lifesaver for owners or family members that suffer allergic reactions due to pet dander.
Don’t pick out the shampoo just because of the scent (or lack thereof). Pick the one with the features that benefit your dog the most.
Expert Tip
Does your dog resist bath time each and every time? Take them out for a walk or a run, or play with them before it’s time to take a bath. Draining their excess energy makes them less resistant to taking a bath.
Dog Shampoo Prices
Dog shampoos are generally inexpensive. The products in our review are all under $20 except for one and the prices are largely driven by the quality of the ingredients used.
However, picking the wrong shampoo will cost you more because of the treatment or medication for any harmful effects of a bad product. Check for any skin sensitivities or allergies your dog may have so you can avoid shampoo products that can be harmful to your pet.
Tips
A dog’s skin is delicate and sensitive to being dry, that’s why choosing a shampoo needs a lot more consideration than just the way it smells. Here are a few tips that can help you pick out the best dog shampoo.
- The type of coat and skin health is critical in choosing a shampoo. Dogs with sensitive, dry or itchy skin need a very mild formula so look for a formula with oatmeal or aloe vera. If your dog has a thick thick coat, shampoo with conditioner will help soften their fur and make it more manageable.
- Fleas and ticks on your dog need a specialized shampoo. Normal shampoos won’t work in removing and keeping these parasites and you’ll need one with a special formulation. However, shampoo alone won’t solve a flea and tick issue, you need to combine it with treatment or medication recommended by your vet.
- Do you have a puppy? Then be sure to use the age-appropriate shampoo. Puppy shampoos are gentle and usually have a tearless formula that won’t cause irritation to their eyes, nose, and skin.
other products we Considered
We only picked three of our favorites out of all the shampoos available in the market. But in case you want more options, you might want to take a look at these products that almost made our list.
Wahl Pet-Friendly Lavender Dry Shampoo for Dogs: Need an instant clean? This foam dry shampoo uses natural ingredients and is safe for sensitive skin. Just rub and brush and you’re all set.
Fieldworks Moosh Natural Dog Shampoo: It’s a 100% natural and organic shampoo that’s made of non-toxic and vegan ingredients. It’s formulated for dry and sensitive skin, has a tearless formula, and is soap-free.
FAQ's
How often should I bathe my dog?
It’s generally safe to give your dog a bath once a week. If your dog stays relatively clean, you can have a longer period in between baths. Your dog’s skin and coat produce oils that they need to maintain a healthy coat and giving them a bath too often will dry them out and cause irritation or dry skin.
You can opt to use dog wipes or dry shampoo in between baths in case they get some dirt on them.
My dog started to scratch more often after using a shampoo, what should I do?
Your shampoo might be too harsh for your dog, causing a harmful reaction. Stop using the product and consult your vet immediately.
Can I use human shampoo for my dog?
No, human shampoo isn’t appropriate for dogs because dogs have more sensitive skin than humans. Human shampoos, no matter how mild the formula, strips the protective layer of a dog’s skin and removes moisture. This can lead to dryness and exposes their skin to bacterial invasion and parasites.
The Team That WOrked on This Review
Nitin Gupta
Chief Content Officer
JJ Resnick
Director of Growth
Erik Adler
Editorial Director