10 Best Dog Shampoos in 2022 (Wahl, Honeydew, and More)
Have you ever heard of Fieldworks Supply Company's Moosh Dog Shampoo? It's formulated with aloe vera and bentonite clay to soothe irritated skin and soften your dog's fur. Besides this product, there are many others on our list that are highly recommended by reviewers thanks to their gentle formula and effective conditioning ingredients. To know what they are, read on!
Quick List - Top Dog Shampoos
NuLife Natural Pet Health
Hypoallergenic Shampoo With Oatmeal and Cucumber
Bexley Labs
Groomer’s Pick for Silky Fur That Smells Refreshing
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Table of Contents
- Why You Can Trust Us
- 10 Best Dog Shampoos Ranking
- No. 1Fieldworks Supply Company | Moosh Dog Shampoo
- No. 2Top Performance | Fresh Pet Shampoo
- No. 3NuLife Natural Pet Health | Aloe & Oatmeal Soap-Free Shampoo
- No. 4Bexley Labs | Curaseb Chlorhexidien Medicated Shampoo
- No. 5Eqyss Grooming Products | Micro-Tek Pet Shampoo
- 5 more products
- Tips for Shampooing a Dog at Home
- Some Grooming Essentials to Keep Your Dog Looking Pup-Fect
Why You Can Trust Us
Every mybest article is crafted with hours of in-depth research and interviews with experts. Each month, we are continually expanding our database of products based on our research. By emphasizing user insight and reliable information, we deliver trustworthy content to readers.
How to Choose Dog Shampoos
So, what makes a good dog shampoo? Well, it depends on your dog – how big they are, how much fur they have, and what habits they have.
Pick a Shampoo That Meets Your Dog's Specific Needs
The first step is to think about what you want your dog shampoo to do for dog. Do you want to eradicate as many fleas as possible or simply keep your dog’s fur looking healthy and groomed? In this section, we’ll talk about some common types of shampoo that will help you target you dog’s specific needs.
General Purpose Shampoo for the Healthy, Carefree Dog
General-purpose shampoos get rid of dirt, wash away odor, and add a gleam to your dog’s coat. Compared to other kinds of shampoo, they are pretty affordable. But–don’t forget–they’re made for pups that have healthy skin. If your dog has a condition, steer clear.
Also, many products are formulated with conditioning ingredients to keep your dog's fur soft and knot-free. So consider them if your dog has particularly thick or dry fur.
Go for a Natural Shampoo if Your Dog's Skin is Itchy
Just like the name says: natural shampoos veer away from any chemical ingredients that could irritate your dog’s skin such as parabens, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), and artificial fragrances. Instead, they take advantage of nature’s bounty.
They’re sweet and cool on irritated skin but won’t go after bacteria as aggressively as medicated shampoo. So if your pup has an infection or skin disease, they might actually aggravate the situation.
Most natural shampoos harvest the power of oatmeal. It’s nutritious and can soothe itching as well as relieve allergy symptoms. So opt for a natural formula infused with this ingredient if your dog struggles with itching and scratching.
But keep in mind that oatmeal is technically a grain. So if your dog is allergic to grain, oatmeal can actually trigger allergic reactions.
Aloe vera is another ingredient that can do wonders for your dog's skin! Renowned for its healing and moisturizing properties, it can alleviate itching while keeping your dog's coat healthy and shiny.
Medicated Shampoo Should Only be Used on Veterinary Advice
Medicated shampoo is composed mostly of medicinal ingredients and is often used to treat a specific skin condition of your pup. Some products are antiparasitic and designed to battle pesky fleas and ticks, while some are antibacterial to help sterilize greasy-skinned dogs.
So, if you decide to get a medicated shampoo, read the bottle and see if the formula targets the exact condition your pup has. However, the medicinal ingredients might be quite harsh for your dog’s skin, so you should use medicated shampoo sparingly. After your dog’s skin condition has improved, switch over to a regular shampoo.
Also, before purchasing a medicated shampoo, consult with your vet to make sure that it’s truly suitable for your pup. Remember that customer reviews are your best friend as well. Don’t get anything that fellow dog lovers say is irritating or aggravating.
Antibacterial Shampoo Prevents Skin Diseases
Make sure to read the instructions thoroughly and follow them. You should also consult with a vet or dog groomer before using one.
Dry Shampoo for Senior Dogs and Pups Who Hate Water
The ingredients are non-toxic and won’t hurt your dog, even if he licks himself a lot. And since it stays in your dog’s coat, dry shampoo is usually free of harmful chemicals and surfactants. Use a bottle for a quick touch-up in between more serious washings.
Choose the Right Shampoo for Your Dog's Skin Type
Depending on the breed and other factors such as where they live or spend most of their time, the skin of your dog could be either oily or dry. So, make sure to pick a shampoo that is suitable for her skin.
Choose a Hydrating Shampoo for Dogs With Dry Skin
Air conditioning and heaters can take out a lot of moisture from the air. So your dog is likely to have dry skin if exposed to indoor heating systems all the time. Also, during the cold winter months with low humidity, your dog's skin tends to become drier.
There are many other causes behind dry skin, including allergies, a poor diet, and excessive bathing. To know if your dog has dry skin or not, simply run your finger through your dog's coat. If your fingertips pick up dandruff, or if their fur feels rough and dry, then you should get a shampoo that is meant to hydrate dry skin.
For Dogs With Oily Skin, Look for Noncomedogenic Ingredients
On the other hand, larger breeds–like Labradors, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and Rottweilers–secrete more oil. Hounds and other large canines were often bred for hunting, rescues, and dashes through the icy tundra, so they need the oil to protect them from dirt, rain, and snow.
But if your dog isn’t going to be fording any rivers, then the excess oil won’t just smell. It will actually cause outbreaks. Mitigate this with shampoo meant to calm and treat oily skin.
Also, avoid comedogenic ingredients like mineral oil and almond oil. They are ultra-moisturizing but might leave your dog's oily skin feeling even greasier. Instead, choose lightweight moisturizers like aloe vera.
Opt for a pH-Balanced Formula
Generally speaking, your dog’s skin is more alkaline than yours. While slightly acidic skin forms this protective mantle to keep out toxins and bacteria, alkaline skin is left vulnerable. In fact, it’s sensitive and prone to dryness and inflammation. So make sure your dog shampoo is pH balanced!
A pH-balanced formula won't strip your dog's coat and skin of the natural oil and is less likely to irritate your dog. The imbalance in pH levels might create a breeding ground for bacteria and viruses as well. So by using a pH-balanced shampoo, you can help your dog maintain good health and prevent future diseases.
Make Sure the Shampoo is Puppy-Safe for Little Ones
Compared to adult dogs, puppies have more delicate and sensitive skin and require a gentler shampoo. Medicated and antibacterial shampoos are usually not recommended for puppies since they have a strong formula that might actually cause skin irritation.
If you're worried about any kind of skin issues that your puppy might have, we suggest consulting a vet before purchasing a medicated or antibacterial product. Generally, you should go for a shampoo labeled as "puppy-safe" since it's formulated specifically with puppies in mind.
There are some products that might work for both puppies and adult dogs. But make sure that your puppy fits into the age range stated on the bottle.
Get a Bottle You Can Finish in Half a Year
Get something you can use up in half a year. Shampoos expire, just like anything else, and after six months, your medicated and antibacterial shampoos just aren’t going to be the same. And you probably don’t wash your dog every day, either. Keep that in mind before lugging a huge thing of shampoo all the way home, too.
10 Best Dog Shampoos Ranking
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Fieldworks Supply Company Moosh Dog Shampoo | | Natural Formula With Aloe Vera and Bentonite Clay | |
2 | Top Performance Fresh Pet Shampoo | | pH-Balanced Formula That is Kind to Even Puppies | |
3 | NuLife Natural Pet Health Aloe & Oatmeal Soap-Free Shampoo | | Hypoallergenic Shampoo With Oatmeal and Cucumber | |
4 | Bexley Labs Curaseb Chlorhexidien Medicated Shampoo | | Groomer’s Pick for Silky Fur That Smells Refreshing | |
5 | Eqyss Grooming Products Micro-Tek Pet Shampoo | | Anti-Itch Shampoo That Offers Speedy Alleviation | |
6 | Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Shampoo | | Oatmeal to Relieve Itching | |
7 | Wahl Four in One Shampoo and Conditioner Concentrate | | Ultra-Moisturizing Shampoo With Lavender and Chamomile Extracts | |
8 | Honeydew Lavender Oatmeal Pet Shampoo | | Jojoba Oil, Oatmeal, and Lavender to Soothe Itchiness | |
9 | Paw Choice Foaming Mousse Dog Shampoo | | Fruity Dry Shampoo for a Quick and Easy Bath | |
10 | Buddy Biscuits Buddy Wash Two in One Shampoo and Conditioner | | Two-in-One Conditioning Basic Shampoo |
Fieldworks Supply CompanyMoosh Dog Shampoo
Natural Formula With Aloe Vera and Bentonite Clay
The addition of argan oil and shea butter further moisturizes your dog's skin and alleviates issues such as flaking and dandruff, so you can cuddle your puppy without worrying.
A few buyers found the scent to be too mild to completely eliminate the foul odor of their dogs. Nonetheless, the majority of reviewers were pleased that it lathered up wonderfully and rinsed out quickly. They were also impressed at how the shampoo cleared up itchy bumps and left their dogs' hair healthy, shiny, and soft.
pH-Balanced Formula That is Kind to Even Puppies
A few buyers complained that the scent was too strong. But many others noted that this shampoo was highly concentrated and needed diluting. Without dilution, it could smell a bit overwhelming.
Meanwhile, various reviewers noticed that their dogs' coats became shiner and softer after using the product. They were amazed that the shampoo was able to take the stink off their dogs. Another plus point for reviewers was the non-irritating formula.
NuLife Natural Pet HealthAloe & Oatmeal Soap-Free Shampoo
Hypoallergenic Shampoo With Oatmeal and Cucumber
This product earned the trust of various reviewers thanks to its gentle formula that didn't irritate their dogs' skin or leave them with dandruff and flaking. Plus, it lathered well, loosened mats, and softened fur significantly. Many people also approved of the clean, refreshing scent that didn't feel overwhelming.
Bexley LabsCuraseb Chlorhexidien Medicated Shampoo
Groomer’s Pick for Silky Fur That Smells Refreshing
Various reviewers were wowed at how well this product treated skin issues that flared up on their pooches, including flaking and skin infection. However, some buyers mentioned that the shampoo wasn't useful for non-fungal issues such as itching.
Nevertheless, this product was still highly suggested by reviewers since it cleaned fur effectively while keeping the skin moisturized. They further added that the scent was clean and didn't smell overpowering.
Anti-Itch Shampoo That Offers Speedy Alleviation
Most reviewers shared that this product alleviated severe itching and soothed their dogs' irritated skin. Some people, however, noted that the product wasn't a cure-it-all remedy. But they agreed that it stopped the itch instantly.
On the other hand, a lot of buyers were happy that the shampoo suds up nicely, did a great job in getting rid of the wet dog smell, and kept the skin moisturized and soft. Various people also recommended the anti-itch spray by the same brand to soothe hot spots and reduce irritation.
Oatmeal to Relieve Itching
A few buyers complained about the watery consistency, while some others noted that their dogs got hives after using this product. Since oatmeal is technically a grain, it might trigger allergic reactions in dogs that are allergic to grains.
On another note, various buyers confirmed that the product helped relieve itching and make their dogs' fur soft and smooth. What also appealed to reviewers was the pleasant sweet scent derived naturally from vanilla and almond.
Ultra-Moisturizing Shampoo With Lavender and Chamomile Extracts
According to a few reviewers, this product caused allergic reactions in their dogs. So screen through the ingredient list to make sure there isn't anything that can irritate your dog's skin.
Nonetheless, most buyers shared that the shampoo lathers nicely and washed out easily. Plus, thanks to the addition of conditioner in the formula, their dogs' coats came out smooth and shiny. This product seemed to work well even for dogs with very dry skin.
HoneydewLavender Oatmeal Pet Shampoo
Jojoba Oil, Oatmeal, and Lavender to Soothe Itchiness
A few buyers were concerned that their dogs developed dandruff and itching after using the product. Therefore, conduct a patch test beforehand to make sure that it's suitable for your dog.
Meanwhile, this product was highly recommended by reviewers as it worked like a charm in softening and adding luster to their dogs' coats. It also produced a great amount of suds. The fragrance was another bonus point since it was light and didn't feel too strong.
Fruity Dry Shampoo for a Quick and Easy Bath
Paw Choice’s Foaming Mousse Shampoo needs no water – so it can be good if you have a dog that is recovering from surgery or hates water. The dry shampoo formula is especially helpful if you’re traveling and don’t have time to give your dog a thorough bath.
On top of that, it’s coconut-based and gentle for your dog’s sensitive skin. The foam dispensing pump is convenient and easy to use as well. The main complaint was that the fragrance seemed a bit too overwhelming and that the shampoo left their dogs feeling greasy.
Nonetheless, the majority of reviewers agreed that the product didn’t just mask their dogs’ foul odor but actually removed it. The consistency was another plus point for reviewers since it was foamy and easy to work with.
Buddy BiscuitsBuddy Wash Two in One Shampoo and Conditioner
Two-in-One Conditioning Basic Shampoo
Buddy Wash smells like rosemary and mint, steers free of alcohol, and is instead coconut-based. Formulated with botanical extracts such as rosemary, sage, tea tree, and mint oils, it’s gentle for the skin and soothes skin allergies and itching.
A few people mentioned that the scent was not too overwhelming and faded after a couple of days. On the other hand, the majority of reviewers loved the natural formula of this product, saying it didn’t cause any skin irritations.
However, it foamed up nicely and rinsed quickly as well. After using the product, many noticed that their dogs’ fur became shiny and soft to the touch.
Tips for Shampooing a Dog at Home
Step one, brush your dog before throwing them into the tub. Work through their tangles, pick out leaves and twigs, and dislodge chunks of dirt first, and the shampooing will go much smoother. Then, run lukewarm water over your dog until the coat is saturated.
After you’ve rinsed your dog off, put a dollop of shampoo in your hands and work up a lather. Start from the tail. Give them a good rubbing, so you’re washing the gunk from their fur and skin. Once your dog is covered in suds, rinse them off, starting from the head. Make sure there is no soap or water dripping into their eyes or ears.
After you’ve turned off the faucet, give them a once over to make sure there is no residue. Left-over suds could irritate their skin and cause all sorts of diseases, so rinse everything from your dog's coat.
Now, you’ve got to dry your dog off. Get out as much water as you can with a towel, and finish off with a blow dryer. Some of our furry friends hate dryers but remember: if you leave them damp, there is a chance all sorts of microorganisms will start breeding.
Just make sure the nozzle is always a few inches away, and the dryer is constantly in motion, so you don’t burn your pup.
Some Grooming Essentials to Keep Your Dog Looking Pup-Fect
There are many products that can leave your dog looking sharp and well-groomed. Need some suggestions? Check out our articles!
Top 5 Dog Shampoos
No. 1: Fieldworks Supply Company｜Moosh Dog Shampoo
No. 2: Top Performance｜Fresh Pet Shampoo
No. 3: NuLife Natural Pet Health｜Aloe & Oatmeal Soap-Free Shampoo
No. 4: Bexley Labs｜Curaseb Chlorhexidien Medicated Shampoo
No. 5: Eqyss Grooming Products｜Micro-Tek Pet Shampoo
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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