Investing in the best dog shampoo is well worth it if you're looking for a way to keep your canine companion's coat in tip-top condition. As well as getting rid of any dirt and mud that has built up in their fur, bathing your beloved bundle of fur once every month or two will also prevent bacteria and yeast from building up on their skin and remove any dust and pollen.
But, just like when shopping for the best dog food, choosing a shampoo for your pup can feel more than a little overwhelming at times with so many products lining the shelves. The good news is, armed with a little bit of knowledge, selecting the right bottle of suds doesn't need to be a time consuming process.
The first thing you want to consider before purchasing a shampoo is how active your dog tends to be. If they tend to spend a lot of time having outdoor adventures and often wind up coming home covered in mud, dirt, twigs and leaves, then you'll likely want to choose a formula that contains ingredients like baking soda, which penetrate deep down into the coat to remove grime and odor.
Secondly, give some thought to your dog's skin type. If you notice that it tends to get quite dry and itchy, we recommend looking for a shampoo that's been specifically designed for sensitive skin. It will likely say this on the bottle itself, but, if it's not clear, look for ingredients such as honey, oatmeal, shea butter and coconut oil, all of which do a great job of reducing inflammation and soothing the skin.
While you can absolutely invest in one of the best dog conditioners to use in conjunction with your pup's new shampoo, if you're on a budget, look for a 2-in-1 formula that contains both shampoo and conditioner in the same bottle. Not only can this save you money, but it will save you time too as you won't have to worry about applying the conditioner separately.
When it comes to the question of can you use human shampoo on a dog?, it's important to note that the answer to this is a definite no. A dog's skin has a different pH level than we do, so a human shampoo will disrupt the outer layer of skin called the acid mantle. Washing a dog with a human shampoo will simply prove too harsh, leaving your pooch open to viruses, yeasts and bacteria.
To help you find the best dog shampoo for your canine companion, we've rounded up all of our favorite picks below, with options to suit every breed, skin condition and coat type.
Dr. Diana Hasler graduated with distinction from the University of Edinburgh Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in 2018. She has experience working as a small animal veterinarian in general practice, where she has treated many dogs, cats, rabbits, and rodents.
PetsRadar's pick of the best dog shampoo
Why you can trust PetsRadar Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
This shampoo contains soothing ingredients for the skin, including oatmeal, aloe vera, vitamin E, and glycerin. It also has vanilla and almond fragrances, which have the potential to be irritating in dogs with sensitive skin. Like all shampoos, it should be rinsed thoroughly, avoiding any contact with the eyes, nose, mouth, or inside of the ears.
Dr. Diana Hasler BVM&S MRCVS
Earthbath Oatmeal and Aloe Natural Pet Shampoo is a classic dog shampoo that owners have been using and loving for years. That's why it's our best overall dog shampoo to buy for your furry friend - it's stood the test of time.
The ingredient list in Earthbath Oatmeal and Aloe Natural Pet Shampoo is simple and full of clean ingredients that are biodegradable, phosphate-free, paraben-free, and soap-free. Plus, it's not tested on animals, so you can rest easy knowing no animal cruelty was involved in creating this shampoo. While the almond and vanilla scent isn't groundbreaking, it's simple and fresh and won't be too overpowering for those who may not love a strong-smelling pooch.
Those who have bought Earthbath Oatmeal and Aloe Natural Pet Shampoo report that it helps dogs with skin allergies, dandruff, and bacterial dermatitis, which can seriously bother your pooch and cause them to incessantly itch. If you don't keep on top of your pup's skin issues, they can easily irritate their skin further or make the problem worse by scratching until they injure themself, so getting a product like Earthbath will certainly help.
And Earthbath is great even if your dog has great skin, as it lathers well for especially dirty pooches or those with long coats, which helps clean and detangle impressive manes. The quality of the lather also means this product will last you a long while, as you won't need to use tons to get your dog clean.
If you happen to own a cat as well, you'll get even more bang for your buck, as Earthbath can be used on cats as well!
This product contains ingredients that are nourishing to the skin, including glycerin, oatmeal, and linseed oil. It does not list any artificial fragrances, which can be irritating in some dogs. In addition to cleansing the coat, this product also conditions the fur to keep the skin and coat soft and moisturized.
Dr. Diana Hasler BVM&S MRCVS
Burt's Bees 2 in 1 Shampoo and Conditioner is a great value for the price point, with clean and transparent ingredients you'll feel comfortable putting on your pup's skin. It's great for dogs and puppies, and great for owners with sensitive skin too!
This 2 in 1 formula is fragrance-free but will leave your pup smelling clean and fresh. The ingredients are simple and free from harsh chemicals and sulfates, and include soothing and softening ingredients such as oatmeal and cocoa. Its formula is veterinarian recommended, so you can be sure it's safe for your dog (or your puppy, as it's gentle enough for young pooches, too).
Whether you're looking for a shampoo that will clean your Golden Retriever's luxurious coat or a gentle shampoo for your Pit Bull's sensitive skin, you can't go wrong with this dog shampoo formula. While the lather will be somewhat lighter than other dog shampoos, that's to be expected considering it's a natural shampoo, so don't fret if you don't see a ton of suds when you start scrubbing, as it's perfectly normal (and healthier). The conditioner will also leave your dog's mane silky soft, making it much easier to brush and will keep it from tangling between washes.
With a great price point, gentle ingredients that soothe even the most irritated skin, and vets' approval, Burt's Bees 2 in 1 Shampoo and conditioner is one of the best value dog shampoo on the market.
This shampoo has been formulated specifically for double-coated dogs to repel excess water, exfoliate the skin, and loosen the thick undercoat to reduce excess shedding. It should be left on the coat for 5 minutes before rinsing thoroughly to maximize its effects. It does contain fragrances, which can be irritating to the skin in some dogs.
Dr. Diana Hasler BVM&S MRCVS
With the heavenly scent that you'd expect from TropiClean, this shampoo has been specially formulated to suit the needs of dogs with thick, double coats such as German Shepherds, Pomeranians and Siberian Huskies.
Made using a range of natural botanical extracts, it gently penetrates double coats to loosen and remove trapped dirt and debris, helping to promote natural deshedding. As it loosens the undercoat to reduce excess shedding, it exfoliates the skin and strengthens the hair follicles.
Suitable for dogs 12 weeks and over, this shampoo leaves fur feeling soft and silky, eliminating the need for conditioner. It has a thick texture and lathers well, plus the light and refreshing scent will leave your dog feeling like they've just had a professional grooming session.
This organic shampoo contains soothing aloe vera and no artificial fragrances. It includes lemongrass, which can cause gastrointestinal symptoms in dogs upon ingestion, so dogs should not be allowed to lick the shampoo during their bath. Although the brand boasts that lemongrass deters fleas and ticks, a vet-approved flea and tick preventative should be used to ensure proper protection.
The 4-Legger Certified Organic Dog Shampoo is a fantastic choice for those pooches who have sensitive skin. You have to be extra careful when buying shampoo for your sensitive dogs, as the wrong type can easily irritate their skin further, making them uncomfortably itchy. All-natural shampoos are the safest option for dogs with seasonal allergies or itchy, scratchy skin, and this shampoo is the perfect option.
The 4-Legger Certified Organic Dog Shampoo is the best sensitive skin dog shampoo because all of its ingredients are USDA-certified hypoallergenic, free from synthetic or chemical ingredients, and organic. The ingredients include recognizable things like coconut oil, aloe vera juice, olive oil, lemongrass essential oil, rosemary extract, and jojoba oil, which are all great things for a pup with sensitive skin! It's also widely approved by vets and groomers, so you know it's good.
This shampoo lathers easily and rinses off well, and has a strong lemongrass scent (which might be too much for some people who are sensitive to strong smells) that acts a natural flea deterrent.
Those who have used the 4-Legger Certified Organic Dog Shampoo report it does wonders for their dog's skin, especially those who have incredibly sensitive skin that's prone to flare-ups. If you have a dog with sensitive skin (like Greyhounds or Pit bulls) or a dog who has suffered from demodex mange or other skin issues, this is absolutely the best dog shampoo for you and your canine.
This product contains baking soda to give your dog’s coat a good clean, as well as glycerin to moisturize the skin. It does, however, contain fragrances, which should be avoided in dogs with particularly sensitive skin. How often your dog should be bathed depends on many factors, including breed, lifestyle, fur length/type, and underlying health conditions—this can be discussed with your vet.
Dr. Diana Hasler BVM&S MRCVS
Have a stinky doggy on your hands? Then it’s time to unleash the power of baking soda and natural botanicals to have your hound clean and smelling sweet once more.
This powerful advanced odor control formula from Arm & Hammer effectively gets rid of unwanted smells from the coat and skin, with the baking soda particles penetrating deeply to dissolve and remove odor.
Infusions of honey, rose, kiwi, and white tea extracts are used to neutralize odors and reduce shedding and the beautiful blossom scent rests lightly on the coat after washing, leaving your hound smelling heavenly.
Suitable for all dogs over the age of eight weeks, this shampoo is also safe to use in conjunction with topical flea and tick treatments. While it’s not a tearless formula, it’s been designed to be gentle and non-harmful around sensitive areas.
We'd recommend avoiding this product if your dog has very dry skin due to the baking soda, but other than that, this is a powerful shampoo. Free from harsh chemicals and containing no parabens or Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) this natural dog shampoo is gentle on the skin and coat but tough on those strong and unwanted doggy odors.
This shampoo contains glycerin, aloe vera, and oatmeal, which are all soothing and moisturizing ingredients. It does contain fragrance, however, as well as sodium laureth sulfate which, although cleansing, can be an irritant to the skin and mucous membranes in both dogs and humans, so contact with the eyes, nose, and mouth should be avoided.
Dr. Diana Hasler BVM&S MRCVS
This divine smelling dog shampoo is pH balanced, alcohol free, paraben free, PEG-80 free and does a fantastic job of moisturizing dry skin, cleaning dirty coats & providing itch relief.
Infused with coconut, lime and verbena, a little goes a long way with this shampoo and it has a rich lather that will leave your dog looking and smelling their best. It also contains aloe vera, which is great for soothing skin that's become inflamed through regular scratching.
The plant derived ingredients and lack of harsh chemicals makes this shampoo an ideal choice for allergy sufferers and because it's highly concentrated and priced so affordably, it's perfect for any pet parent on a budget.
This shampoo is made of natural ingredients, including wheat protein extract as a natural deodorizing agent. It contains essences of lavender and mint, two plants that can potentially cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested. In addition, it contains tea tree oil in an unspecified amount, and tea tree oil in concentrations greater than 1-2% can be toxic to dogs. If you decide to use this shampoo, it should be used in small amounts and according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Dr. Diana Hasler BVM&S MRCVS
Not only is Buddy Wash Original Lavender and Mint Dog Shampoo and Conditioner a great price, but it's a fantastic product for your pooch, too.
It's made from natural and pure ingredients that naturally clean and condition your dog's fur and skin, including sage, aloe vera, rosemary, green tea, and chamomile. The liquid is coconut-based with no alcohol in it, and natural deodorizers like wheat protein for a gentle, great-smelling wash that will last at least a week, according to reviews.
Since Buddy Wash is soap-free, it won't harm your dog's eyes or upset their stomach if it gets in their mouth, but it still lathers easily and rinses off quickly for an effective wash.
Some owners even suggest that the lavender scent helps soothe their dogs during bath time, which can often be a stressful experience for your pup (especially if they aren't too fond of water). Many report their dogs' coats felt smooth, incredibly soft, and tangle-free after using the Buddy Wash, and that's likely because it's both shampoo and conditioner!
For such a low price and with such simple and effective ingredients, Buddy Wash Original Lavender and Mint Dog Shampoo is a great purchase for your pooch, whether you've got a big old Husky or a tiny Chihuahua.
This medicated shampoo contains benzethonium chloride to target bacteria and ketoconazole to treat fungal infections such as yeast overgrowth or ringworm. It also includes lanolin to moisturize itchy or flaking skin and aloe vera to provide relief and promote healing. If you suspect that your dog has a skin infection, you should consult your vet to see if they recommend additional or alternative treatment.
Dr. Diana Hasler BVM&S MRCVS
If your pooch is dealing with some skin problems, you'll need a shampoo that's vet-approved. Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiseptic and Antifungal Medicated Shampoo is a fantastic option for any pet dealing with bacterial or yeast infections.
The shampoo has benzethonium chloride, an anti-bacterial that can treat skin infections like pyoderma, and ketoconazole, an anti-fungal which will treat yeast infections. Despite all the medicated ingredients, this shampoo is free of soaps and parabens, and won't remove spot-on flea or tick treatments.There's also aloe vera in the formula, which will help soothe irritations, and lanolin, which will moisturize and help decrease itching and flaking issues, both of which are side effects of allergic dermatitis.
Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiseptic and Antifungal Medicated Shampoo is for both dogs and cats, so the fairly cheap bottle will go a long way. It's safe for dogs and cats over 12 weeks of age, and you can use it twice a week while fighting off a skin condition, then once a week to keep all those skin nasties at bay.
Veterinary-grade dog shampoo can be expensive or difficult to get without a prescription, and that's why Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiseptic and Antifungal Medicated Shampoo is so great. You can help take care of your pet's needs without breaking the bank, which we can all appreciate.
The only downside is that this may not be the right formula for your dog's skin conditions, which is why you should consult your vet before using this shampoo and reach out again if it seems like your pup's condition isn't improving.
This product has a limited ingredients list for dogs with sensitive skin. It includes soothing and moisturizing ingredients such as aloe vera, allantoin, vitamin B5, and vitamin E to support skin health. Dogs should not be bathed too frequently, as this can dry out their skin and leave them prone to itchiness and skin infections.
Dr. Diana Hasler BVM&S MRCVS
If your dog has sensitive skin or is prone to itching, the Vet’s Best Hypo-Allergenic Shampoo is a must-have. It’s specially formulated with natural, plant-based ingredients such as aloe vera and vitamin E. Designed to moisturize and soothe dry skin, it also relieves itching to keep your pooch content after bathtimes. Best of all, it’s free from harmful parabens, dyes or sulphates.
Simply lather and massage for 3-5 minutes to get the full benefits of the quality ingredients. Rinse well and repeat if necessary. However, it acts quickly and gives great results. While it doesn’t have a strong fragrance, it does have subtle hints of tea tree and essential oils.
What’s more, the shampoo can be used alongside other treatments like the best flea treatments for dogs. So you won’t have to worry about your pup missing out on a revitalizing bath! It’s worthwhile noting that the consistency is rather watery, so you may need to use more. However, you won’t be disappointed with the excellent results!