Are you looking for the best dog shampoo?
Many dog shampoos are available on the market—some come with conditioners, some are all-natural, some are organic, some smell nice, etc. With all these products to choose from, it’s hard to select. There are a lot of things that you should consider when buying a bottle of shampoo for your dog.
Some shampoos have harmful side effects and are allergic, such as shedding, redness in the eyes, rash, itching, etc., so you should always choose a safe shampoo for your furry friend. In this blog post, I will share the best dog shampoos available on the market and a few things you should know.
Let’s start, shall we?
How Often Should You Bathe Your Dog?
This is one of the most asked questions that dog owners have. How often your dog needs a bath depends on various factors, such as the breed, individual lifestyle, and habits.
If your dog loves to play in the mud outside and get dirty, you should bathe him every four to six weeks. However, if your dog likes to stay indoors and lounge, you should wash him as often as needed—usually every two to three months. Double-coat breeds, like Labrador Retrievers, need to be bathed every 2-3 months as the oily double coat dries out too much if you wash them often, which causes the skin’s waterproof, insulating, and protective properties to be depleted.
Your vet can guide you on how often you should bathe your dog.
What Will Happen If I Shampoo My Dog Too Often?
If you shampoo your dog too often, his skin and hair will dry out and cause problems such as scratching, irritation, an,d in some cases, lesions. Excessive shampooing also causes your dog’s hair to lose its shine and get damaged, broken, and brittle, causing the coat to feel rough.
Why Shouldn’t I Use Human Shampo, Instead?
Dogs and humans are pretty different; human shampoos usually don’t agree with dogs. It is tempting to use human shampoo on your dog- it’s easily accessible, cheaper, and more convenient.
There are two main reasons why using human shampoo on your dog is a bad idea:
- pH Levels: Human shampoos are acidic and have a pH between 5.2 to 6.2. Dogs have alkaline skin and have a pH of about 7.5. This means that using human shampoo on your dog could break his skin mante and make him more vulnerable to bacteria and parasites
- Skin Sensitivity: Dogs have more sensitive skin than humans do. Dogs only have 3-5 layers of skin, while humans have 10-15 layers. Your dog’s skin can get irritated if you use human products. Side effects include scratching, dryness, abrasions, etc.
So, buying a good shampoo suited to your dog’s needs is best.
Different Types of Dog Shampoos and Which One You Should Choose
The shampoo you choose for your dog should do more good than harm. Choosing the correct type of shampoo for your dog’s unique needs will ensure the product doesn’t dry his skin out too much or cause other problems. There are three main types of shampoos available for dogs on the market.
I’ll briefly touch upon each of these types in this blog section.
Chemical-based Shampoos
These are the cheapest available shampoos but cause the most damage to your dog’s coat. They contain sodium lauryl sulfate, petroleum, Cocamidopropyl betaine, and other artificial fragrances and colors.
These shampoos are known to dry out the dog’s skin and coat and should be used on dogs that aren’t bathed frequently. These shampoos are good at killing bacteria and parasites.
Natural Shampoos
Natural or all-natural shampoos may still contain a chemical because the legal definition of ‘natural’ doesn’t exist. So, some companies sell chemical-laden shampoos as natural. You should read the ingredients before making the purchase.
Natural shampoos don’t cause bad reactions and are usually safe for dogs. They should be used for dogs that bathe regularly. Some even help with the dog’s skin and coat.
Certified Organic Shampoos
The term ‘organic’ does have a legal definition, so pet shampoo companies can’t misuse the word unless it’s true. Organic shampoos must meet specific standards.
These shampoos are gentler on your dog’s coat, environment-friendly, and best suited for dogs that bathe frequently.
A Quick Peek: The Top 10 Best Dog Shampoos Available to Buy
Many dog shampoos are available on the market, and in this blog, I’ve listed only the best of the best.
Take a quick look at my top 10 picks, and I’ll review each of these shampoos in detail later in the blog post so that you can make a well-informed decision about which shampoo is the best for your furry friend.
Let’s begin.
| Best Dog Shampoo | Key Features | Our Rating | Price |
| Pup Kiss Professional All-in-One Natural Dog Shampoo for Healthy Skin & Coat | ● Made from all-natural ingredients and a good choice for dry, sensitive, and itchy skin
● The calming and soothing shampoo relieves allergies, flea bites, etc. ● The pH-balanced shampoo has a fresh smell ● All-in-one shampoo that moisturizes, cleans, deodorizes, etc. |
4.8 Stars | Check now |
| PET CARE Sciences Dog and Puppy Shampoo | ● Effective and safe shampoo made using high-quality ingredients
● Naturally-derived shampoo made from coconuts and palm oils ● Gentle to the dog’s skin and free of parabens ● Easy to use and no harmful effects |
4.7 Stars | Check now |
| Pro Pet Works Natural Oatmeal Dog Shampoo + Conditioner | ● Made in the US using high-quality ingredients
● The shampoo is pH-balanced for dogs with sensitive skin ● Free of alcohol, sulfates, harsh chemicals, added colors, etc. ● Made from natural and organic ingredients for dry and itchy skin |
4.7 Stars | Check now |
| Friends Forever Natural Dog Shampoo for Dry Itchy Skin | ● Organic and coconut-based conditioner soap which relieves itching
● The hypoallergenic shampoo comes with antifungal and anti-itch properties ● The tear-free formula reduces itching and comes in an appealing scent ● Reduces dandruff in dogs by moisturizing the skin |
4.6 Stars | Check now |
| Rocco & Roxie Dog Shampoos For All Dogs | ● Repairs and replenishes the dog’s coat to make it look shinier and feel softer to touch
● Made from natural ingredients and contains Moroccan argan oil for conditioning ● A natural, safe, and effective product that doesn’t contain any dyes, parabens, or alcohol ● The conditioning shampoo ensures softer fur |
4.5 Stars | Check now |
| Paw Choice Dry Dog Shampoo | ● The formula is derived from coconuts and is safe, mild, and good for dry and sensitive skin
● The foaming mousse can be used between or during baths and is safe for dogs of all ages ● Removes odor-causing bacteria and makes your dog smell fresh ● Economical and environment-friendly option |
4.4 Stars | Check now |
| Earthbath All Natural Pet Shampoo | ● All-natural, cruelty-free, and 100% biodegradable pet shampoo
● Free of soaps and is gentle, safe, and effective ● Comes in a Vanilla scent, which makes the dog smell amazing ● A good choice for dogs with sensitive skin |
4.4 Stars | Check now |
| Paws & Pals Natural Dog-Shampoo And Conditioner | ● Contains all-natural and safe ingredients for dogs
● A premium skin and coat treatment that contains essential oils ● Vegan and organic ● Features a tear-free soapless formula that’s safe and effective for dogs |
4.3 Stars | Check now |
| Burt’s Bees for Dogs All-Natural Oatmeal Shampoo | ● Softens, smoothes, and conditions the dog’s coat
● Made with high-quality all-natural ingredients ● Can be used regularly and is a safe option for dogs with sensitive skin ● The pH-balanced mild shampoo is safe for dogs of all ages |
4.2 Stars | Check now |
| Vet’s Best Allergy Itch Relief Dog Shampoo | ● Provides relief for itchy skin and is a natural soothing solution for itchy skin due to sensitivities or allergies
● Smells amazing, washes all allergens away ● Contains essential oils that calm irritated skin ● Works well with other treatments |
4 Stars | Check now |
Now that we’ve overviewed each of these products and shared their highlights, it is time to take a closer look at all the products.
Let’s begin.
1. Pup Kiss Professional All-in-One Natural Dog Shampoo
The Pupkiss Professional All-in-One Natural Dog Shampoo is one of the best dog shampoos available. This shampoo is made from natural ingredients and contains oatmeal, aloe, palm, and coconut without any chemicals.
The shampoo has a calming and soothing effect on itchiness due to allergies, flea bites, etc., and is an excellent choice for dogs with sensitive skin. The pH-balanced shampoo comes in a refreshing scent.
Take a look at the key features:
- Made from all-natural ingredients and an excellent choice for dry, sensitive, and itchy skin
- The calming and soothing shampoo relieves allergies, flea bites, etc.
- The pH-balanced shampoo has a fresh smell
- All-in-one shampoo that moisturizes, cleans, deodorizes, etc.
Let’s look at the pros and cons of the shampoo, shall we?
| Pros | Cons |
| ● Safe and effective
● All-natural ingredients used ● Calming and soothing effects ● pH balanced |
● May cause allergic reactions in some dogs |
The Pupkiss Professional All-in-One Natural Dog Shampoo is one of the best picks. It has a calming effect on dogs and does well with dogs with sensitive skin.
2. Pet Care Sciences Shampoo for Healthy Skin & Coat
The Pet Care Sciences Shampoo for Healthy Skin and Coat is among the best on the market. This five-in-one shampoo is made in the United States and provides professional-grade dog washing.
The product uses naturally-derived ingredients such as palm oil and coconut and is a good choice for dogs which dry skin or dandruff. The gentle formula is free from sulfate, phosphate, parabens, etc.
Following are some highlights:
- Effective and safe shampoo made using high-quality ingredients
- Naturally-derived shampoo made from coconuts and palm oils
- Gentle to the dog’s skin and free of parabens
- Easy to use and no harmful effects
Following are the pros and cons of this dog shampoo:
| Pros | Cons |
| ● Safe and effective shampoo
● Naturally-derived ingredients such as coconuts and palm oils are used ● five-in-one shampoo ● Made in the US |
● May cause shedding in some dogs with allergies |
The Pet Care Sciences Shampoo for Healthy Skin and Coat is a good option because it is made from naturally derived ingredients and is suitable for dogs with dandruff.
3. Pro Pet Works Natural Oatmeal Dog Shampoo + Conditioner
The Pro Pet Works Natural Oatmeal Dog Shampoo and Conditioner is one of the best options. The shampoo plus Conditioner is made in the United States and is an excellent choice for pets allergic to grass, food, and flea bites.
The pH-balanced formula relieves dry skin and is free of sulfates, added colors, alcohol, etc. The aloe-enriched shampoo is soap-less, detergent-free, and keeps the dog smelling fresh.
Take a look at the key features:
- Made in the US using high-quality ingredients
- The shampoo is pH-balanced for dogs with sensitive skin
- Free of alcohol, sulfates, harsh chemicals, added colors, etc.
- Made from natural and organic ingredients for dry and itchy skin
Following are the pros and cons of this flea and tick treatment:
| Pros | Cons |
| ● Made in the US
● pH-balanced for dogs with sensitive skin ● Alcohol, sulfates, and harsh chemicals not used |
● Has a weird smell |
The Pro Pet Works Natural Oatmeal Dog Shampoo and Conditioner is a good pick. The product is made in the United States and is a soap-less, detergent-free solution.
4. Friends Forever Natural Dog Shampoo for Dry Itchy Skin
The Friends Forever Natural Dog Shampoo is one of the best. The product has an anti-itch formula that relieves and is a good choice for dogs with sensitive skin and coats.
The tear-free shampoo is made of all-natural hypoallergenic ingredients that are antifungal and antibacterial. The shampoo is also an effective treatment for reducing dandruff.
Take a look at the key features:
- Organic and coconut-based conditioner soapthath relieves itching
- The hypoallergenic shampoo comes with antifungal and anti-itch properties
- The tear-free formula reduces itching and comes in an appealing scent
- Reduces dandruff in dogs by moisturizing the skin
Let’s weigh the pros against the cons, shall we?
| Pros | Cons |
| ● Hypoallergenic shampoo
● Tear-free formula ● antifungal and anti-itch properties ● Effective treatment for reducing dandruff |
● May cause rashes in some dogs |
The Friends Forever Natural Dog Shampoo is an excellent pick as it is made of all-natural hypoallergenic, antifungal, and antibacterial ingredients.
5. Rocco & Roxie Dog Shampoos For All Dogs
The Rocco and Roxie Dog Shampoo is one of the best options available. This shampoo repairs and replenishes the dog’s coa, makings it shinier and softer. The shampoo is made from all-natural and safe ingredients.
This shampoo is an effective, safe, and natural one. It doesn’t contain alcohol, masking dyes, parabens, etc., Making it a good pick for dogs with sensitive skin.
Here are some key features:
- Repairs and replenishes the dog’s coat to make it look shinier and feel softer to touch
- Made from natural ingredients and contains Moroccan argan oil for conditioning
- An honest, safe, and effective product that doesn’t have any dyes, parabens, or alcohol
- The conditioning shampoo ensures softer fur
Let’s weigh the pros against the cons, shall we?
| Pros | Cons |
| ● Repairs and replenishes the dog’s coat
● Effective, safe, and natural ● Doesn’t contain any dyes, parabens, or alcohol |
● May cause allergic reactions |
The Rocco and Roxie Dog Shampoo is an excellent pick as it contains Moroccan argan oil for conditioning, is natural, and completely safe.
6. Paw Choice Dry Dog Shampoo
The Paw Choice Dry Dog Shampoo is one of the best choices. The shampoo is derived from coconuts and is mild, gentle, and safe on the skin. This shampoo can be used with flea treatments as well.
The shampoo deodorizes your dog by killing the odor-causing bacteria and is quite effective. The product is made in the United States in an EPA-registered facility and is cruelty-free.
Take a look at the essential characteristics:
- The formula is derived from coconuts and is safe, mild, and good for dry and sensitive skin
- The foaming mousse can be used between or during baths and is safe for dogs of all ages
- Removes odor-causing bacteria and makes your dog smell fresh
- Economical and environment-friendly option
Here are the pros and cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| ● Derived from coconuts
● Safe, mild, and good for dry and sensitive skin ● Can be used with flea treatments as well |
● Some dogs get rashes |
In summary, the Paw Choice Dry Dog Shampoo is an excellent pick, made in the United States in an EPA-registered facility, and is cruelty-free.
7. Earthbath All Natural Pet Shampoo
This Natural Pet Shampoo from Earthbath is among the best dog shampoos available. The product is made from natural ingredients, is 100% biodegradable, and is a cruelty-free option.
The heavily-scented shampoo masks odors while being gentle, safe, and effective. This shampoo relieves dry skin.
Here are some highlights of the product:
- All-natural, cruelty-free, and 100% biodegradable pet shampoo
- It is free of soaps and is gentle, safe, and effective comes in a Vanilla scene,t which makes the dog smell amazing
- A good choice for dogs with sensitive skin
Take a look at the following pros and cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| ● All-natural and cruelty-free
● 100% biodegradable ● Free of soaps ● Comes in a Vanilla scent |
● May cause excessive shedding in some dogs
● Scent may be overwhelming for some |
Overall, the Earthbath All Natural Pet Shampoo is an excellent pick as it is gentle, safe, and effective. The cruelty-free shampoo is also good at relieving dry skin.
8. Paws & Pals Natural Dog-Shampoo And Conditioner
The Paws and Pals Natural dog Shampoo and Conditioner is one of the best you can buy. This shampoo contains all-natural ingredients and is one of the most-effective natural shampoos available.
This shampoo contains premium ingredients and is gentle on your dog’s coat. It helps smoothen your furry friend’s coat and makes it shinier.
Take a look at the key features:
- Contains all-natural and safe ingredients for dogs
- A premium skin and coat treatment that contains essential oils
- Vegan and organic
- Features a tear-free soapless formula that’s safe and effective for dogs
Let’s weigh the pros against the cons, shall we?
| Pros | Cons |
| ● Premium skin and coat treatment
● All-natural and safe ingredients ● One of the most-effective natural shampoos |
● May cause allergic reactions |
To summarize, the Paws and Pals Natural dog Shampoo and Conditioner is a good pick as it is one of the most-effective natural shampoos available.
9. Burt’s Bees for Dogs All-Natural Oatmeal Shampoo
The Burt’s Bees for Dogs All-Natural Oatmeal Shampoo is one of the best available for dogs. The shampoo uses the the highest quality ingredients and is suitable for all dogs.
The 100% safe shampoo relieves itching and has a pleasant smell. It doesn’t contain sulfates, harsh chemicals, or colorants.
Take a look at some key characteristics:
- Softens, smoothes, and conditions the dog’s coat
- Made with high-quality,y all-natural ingredients
- It can be used regularly and is a safe option for dogs with sensitive skin
- The pH-balanced mild shampoo is safe for dogs of all ages
Let’s take a look at the pros and cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| ● pH-balanced mild shampoo
● Softens, smoothes, and conditions ● High-quality, all-natural ingredients |
● May cause skin rashes in some dogs |
The Burt’s Bees for Dogs All-Natural Oatmeal Shampoo is a good pick because it is 100% safe and contains no harsh chemicals.
10. Vet’s Best Allergy Itch Relief Dog Shampoo
The Vet’s Best Allergy Itch Relief Dog Shampoo is a good choice. The shampoo provides relief from itchy skin caused due to sensitivity and allergies. The shampoo works by washing the allergens away.
This shampoo is a good pick for removing allergens from your dog and works effectively.
The following are some key features: It provides relief for itchy skin and is a natural soothing solution for itchy skin due to sensitivities or allergies
- It smells fantastic and washes all allergens away
- It contains essential oils that calm irritated skin
- Works well with other treatments
Here are the pros and cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| ● Safe and effective treatment
● Relief for itchy skin ● Smells amazing ● Washes all allergens away |
● May cause allergic reactionsOveralll, the Vet’s Best Allergy Itch Relief Dog Shampoo is one of the best picks as it smells good, is safe for your furry friend, and calms irritated skin. |
Summing Up: Best Dog Shampoo
The best dog shampoo addresses your dog’s skin concerns and is safe and effective.
I recommend you go for a safe and natural shampoo as it doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals and doesn’t usually cause allergic ingredients. Organic shampoos are also a good choice but are on the pricier side.
Did you find the right shampoo for your dog? Let us know in the comments.
