Best Dog Shampoo (Our Best Picks)

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One key to having a happy and healthy dog is maintaining proper hygiene for your pup.  Training, quality food, affection, and health are all very important for your pet. Keeping your dog clean is equally as important for your dog’s health and happiness.  Hence, a good dog shampoo is a must in keeping our pets clean.

Just like human products, there are many types of shampoos to help keep your pup squeaky clean.  Dog shampoos are specially formulated for their skin and fur.

Using a good dog shampoo helps remove dirt and bacteria from your furry friend’s body as well as giving them a soothing and fresh-smelling clean.  

AT A GLANCE (SEE ON AMAZON):

  1. For Dry, Sensitive Skin: Earthbath All Natural Pet Shampoo
  2. For Shedding: FURminator Deshedding Shampoo
  3. For Flea And Tick: SENTRY Oatmeal Flea and Tick Shampoo
  4. For A Clean Smell: Fresh n’ Clean Scented Shampoo

What Is The Best Shampoo For A Dog?

You may feel overwhelmed when looking at all the dog shampoo options for your pet.  But first, consider what type of shampoo you would like to use.

Many of the options specialize in sensitive skin which would be a good option if your dog seems to have itchy or irritated skin. 

Some options specialize in flea and tick prevention while others help lessen the issue of shedding.

Here are some all-around good options to help you start narrowing down your selection.  

Best Dog Shampoo For Dry, Sensitive Skin

earthbath, Oatmeal & Aloe Dog Shampoo - Oatmeal Shampoo for Dogs, Itchy, Dry Skin Relief, Dog Wash, Made in USA, Cruelty Free Pet Shampoos - Vanilla & Almond, 16 Oz (1 Pack)

Our top pick for the best shampoo for dogs with sensitive skin is the Earthbath All Natural Pet Shampoo. It is a great option that contains aloe and oatmeal and is formulated as dog shampoo for dry skin to soothe and moisturize irritated skin.  This hypoallergenic shampoo will also leave your pet’s coat clean and soft with a heavenly smell of almond and vanilla. The shampoo bottle is also 100% biodegradable making it an eco-friendly option as well.  You can purchase EarthBath at local pet stores or on Amazon starting at around $15 for one bottle.  

Oatmeal Dog Shampoo & Conditioner 17oz [USA] 5 in 1 Plant-Based Organic Sulfate-Free Soap-Free-Tearless Moisturizer for Dandruff Allergies & Itchy Dry Sensitive Skin-Puppy Grooming [Pro Pet Works]

Worthy to be the runner up in this list is the Pro Pet Works All Natural Oatmeal Dog Shampoo and Conditioner. It is made with aloe, oatmeal and almond oil that will help soothe and nourish your pup’s skin and fur.  Made in the USA, this oatmeal shampoo for dogs is recommended by vets, especially if your dog has allergies. This product can even be used with cats and rabbits.  The cherry almond scent will leave your pup not only with hydrated skin but also a fresh scent. You can find this shampoo on Amazon starting at $16.  

Dog Shampoo with Oatmeal and Aloe. Shea Butter for Smelly Dogs, Puppy Shampoo by Oliver's Choice 14 oz

This Pet Shampoo is also a great option designed to help cleanse and moisturize your pet.  Priced at less than $15, the formula includes Oatmeal, Aloe, and Shea Butter.  If your pup has hot spots, itchy skin from allergies, or dry skin, giving an oatmeal bath for dogs with this shampoo will be a good option.  It also helps cleanse away dirt and leave your furry family member smelling fresh and clean. 

Best Dog Shampoo For Shedding

FURminator Ultra Premium deShedding Shampoo for Dogs, 16 oz

FURminator Deshedding Shampoo is a cost-effective option running at less than $5 for a 16 oz. bottle on Amazon.  This shampoo formula contains Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids and papaya leaf extracts that will help reduce shedding for your pup.   By using this product once a month, you should see a decrease in the times your black pants are covered with fur!  

Wahl USA Shed Control Pet Shampoo for Dog Shedding & Dander – Lemongrass, Sage, Oatmeal, & Aloe for Healthy Coats & Skin – 24 Oz - Model 820005A

Wahl Shed Control Shampoo Wahl Shed Control Pet Shampoo is another great option to help control your dog’s shedding.  Lemongrass and sage are two of the ingredients within this pH-balanced shampoo that help reduce shedding and dander.   With a high concentration of the coconut sodding agent, you can use a smaller amount of this shampoo each time you bathe your pup, helping one bottle last for many uses.  A 24 oz. bottle runs for $7 on Amazon.  

Best Flea And Tick Shampoo For Dogs

A dog flea shampoo does not eliminate the need for monthly flea and tick prevention treatments.  However, if your dog is exposed to fleas and ticks regularly, these products may provide an extra layer of protection.  They can also help to soothe any flea bites that may occur.  

SENTRY Oatmeal Flea and Tick Shampoo for Dogs, Rid Your Dog of Fleas, Ticks, and Other Pests, Hawaii Ginger Scent, 63.5 oz

The SENTRY Oatmeal Flea and Tick Shampoo runs for around $16 on Amazon.  This pH-balanced formula contains the right ingredients that effectively kills fleas and ticks while leaving a fresh Hawaiian ginger scent on your dog’s coat.  This shampoo has been reviewed to be safe even on puppies 12 weeks old and over.  

Hartz UltraGuard Plus Flea & Tick Shampoo for Dogs with Soothing Aloe

Hartz UltraGuard Plus Flea & Tick Shampoo kills fleas and tick.  Its special formula is safe for use weekly to prevent re-infestation.  It keeps your pups, 6 months and older, clean, leaving the fur soft and shiny. For just around $5.00, this one is sure a budget-friendly choice.  

Other Dog Shampoo Options

  1. For a fresh scent and cost-effective option, Fresh n’ Clean Scented Shampoo helps keep your pup smelling clean for weeks.  With a wipe of a cloth on their coat, the fresh scent will come back to the forefront.  Its antistatic agents will also make your dog’s coat easy to brush after their bath. Selling for less than $10, this shampoo is a good option. 
  2. Miracle Coat Dog Shampoo is a bit more pricey at around $21 on Amazon but provides a unique cleaning option for your pup.  This noiseless spray bottle requires no rinsing. The natural formula will help clean nourish your dog’s coat.  If you need a quick, convenient bathing option on the go, this would be a great buy.  
  3. If you have a young puppy, you may want to consider a special puppy formula shampoo such as this one by Wahl.  This specially designed puppy shampoo is made with cornflower and aloe making it safe and gentle for your young pup.  Your dog will have a clean coat and a bath experience that is gentle as they grow. This definitely is one of the best puppy shampoos out there.

Summary 

As part of your dog’s care routine, choosing the right shampoo will make bathtime effective and can allow it to be a great bonding time with your pet. 

There are a variety of options to fit your dog’s needs. Prices and formulas will differ between shampoos so be sure to check labels and find the best fit for your furry companion’s bathtime needs.