After 42 hours spent researching the best dog shampoos, we think Top Performance Fresh Pet Dog Shampoo is the best for most people.
This choice is based on several criteria: brand, type, age range, size, scent, formula, removes smell, detangles, soothes, anti-bacterial, non-toxic, soap free, paraben free, anti-itch, and conditioner included, among other things.
| Product | Price | Overall Rating | Quality | Efficiency | Durability | Scent | Value for Money | brand | type | age range | size | scent | formula | removes smell | detangles | soothes | anti-bacterial | non-toxic | soap free | paraben free | anti-itch | conditioner included | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top Performance Fresh Pet Dog Shampoo | Check Price | 4.8 | 5.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 4.5 | Top Performance | Classic | 6 weeks & older | 17 oz (503ml) | Fresh scent | Natural pH balance | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| PPW All Natural Oatmeal Dog Shampoo | Check Price | 4.5 | 4.5 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.5 | Pro Pet Works | Classic | Adult | 17 oz (503ml) | No scent | Plant-based formula | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
 | Pawstruck No-Rinse Powerful Dog Shampoo | Check Price | 4.3 | 4.5 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.5 | Pawstruck | Spray, no rinse | Adult | 16 oz (474ml) | Citrus | Plant-based formula | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Paw Choice Waterless Dry Dog Shampoo | Check Price | 4.2 | 4.5 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.0 | Paw Choice | Massage, no rinse | Adult | 8 oz (237ml) | Mango & pomegranate | Coconut derived formula | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
 | Benzoyl Peroxide Medicated Dog Shampoo | Check Price | 4.9 | 5.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | Strawfield Pets | Classic | Adult | 16 oz (474ml) | Fresh scent | Soothing formula | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
You might not encourage your dog to make a big mess, but for all those times they do, choose the best dog shampoo to clean them up.
They’ll be grateful for being clean, and you’ll be grateful for getting rid of that dog smell.
With as many dog products as there are on the market, you might just be able to take care of your dog better than you take care of yourself.
You and your pooch can have fun using the dog bike trailer one day, the dog bike carrier the next, and their dog bicycle leash on yet another day. You can spoil them with their dog chew toy and dog plush toy, and surely that’s twice as many toys as you ever had.
It might be difficult to choose between a simple dog collar and a dog training collar, but either paired with a dog retractable leash will get the job done. They also might not love it when you spray dog repellent on the garden, but every canine product there is, even a dog muzzle, exists to benefit your dog.
In fact, you might even find yourself spending more time with a dog toothbrush and dog toothpaste in hand, just because that’s how much you love your pet. You might even utilize their dog grooming table, complete with dog brush, dog dematting tool, and dog dryer more than any other table.
You love giving your pup luxury treatment, which includes using the dog nail grinder instead of a dog nail clipper. And there’s nothing wrong with that. The best way to pamper your pup, though, is with a dog bath and good shampoo.
Selection Of The Best Dog Shampoos
Here are the best dog shampoos for most people according to Outlinist:
Buying Guide
Coat type
A dog’s coat comes in many different varieties: smooth, furry, curly, and those that tend to shed a lot. For the best results and healthiest hair, each coat type requires a different ingredient.
Aloe vera works well for a smooth coat, a dog shampoo with dog conditioner makes curly hair manageable, and there’s special dog shampoo for shedding. Choosing the wrong type of shampoo could damage your dog’s fur. If you are unsure of your dog’s coat type, consult your vet on the best dog shampoo to use.
Skin Condition
After their coat, the skin is the most important. Because it’s covered with fur, many owners might not realize that their dog has dry, itchy, or flaky skin.
Shampoo for dry skin should be moisturizing, with ingredients such as oatmeal, honey, and vitamin E for a dog shampoo that provides itch relief. Choosing a shampoo with fragrance or the wrong chemicals can further irritate the skin causing red bumps and more itchiness. Keep in mind there is even dog shampoo for eczema.
Odor Control
There’s only one thing that gets rid of that dog smell: a good bath. Let’s face it, some dogs are just smelly, and some breeds are much smellier than others.
If that’s the case for your pup, or they spend more time outside, the best smelling dog shampoo for odor is a deodorizing one. Purchase a dog shampoo specifically labeled as a deodorizer that gets rid of the odor. This will clean up and eliminate the smell instead of just covering it up.
Medicated Options
If you don’t want to buy an entirely separate dog flea treatment, choose a medicated dog shampoo instead. Several shampoos can do the job of killing fleas, ticks, and other parasites.
Look for options with all-natural ingredients such as peppermint, cedar wood, cloves, and citrus. All of these are natural bug repellants and anti-itch for the best dog shampoo for itching. Also look for a medicated shampoo that shows results in 24 hours, and repels for at least 10 days.
Allergies
Whether your dog has seasonal allergies, a yeast infection, hot spots, or just sensitive skin, be mindful of these and other infections when choosing their shampoo.
The best dog shampoo for allergies will contain very mild, natural ingredients. Exercise caution with products that contain any fragrance, dyes, or detergents. These will only irritate the skin more. The labels should contain “hypo-allergenic”, “soap- free”, “contains aloe”, or a combination of all three. For yeast infections, look for shampoo with tea tree oil, or an anti-inflammatory or anti-bacterial additive.
Ingredients
Even if your dog has the perfect skin and the easiest coat to care for, the best dog shampoo should always use natural ingredients. Always read the label first. In fact, some of the chemicals in certain products might just cause irritated, dry, or itchy skin.
Natural ingredients such as oils, vitamins, and herbal proteins are preferred to make your dog’s coat as clean and healthy as can be. Keep in mind that even these ingredients can be made with chemicals, read the label, and read it carefully.
Safety
In addition to safe ingredients, look for a shampoo that is also safe overall – meaning FDA approved. Using a shampoo that is federally regulated and approved will produce the best outcome for you and your dog.
You don’t want to face health concerns or other risks by purchasing one that is not. Although most over-the-counter shampoos should be FDA approved, if you are unsure, the best dog shampoo is vet recommended – so ask your vet.
Age of Your Dog
Your dog’s age actually plays a significant role in their bath as well. This is because the best dog shampoo for puppies differs from the best one for adult and elderly dogs. Especially when using shampoo for puppies under 12 weeks, you must be careful of what you buy.
Their shampoo should have a sensitive formula with all-natural ingredients. It is also a good idea for it to be tear-free. You don’t have to avoid a bath altogether with young puppies, because they likely need a bath. Just be sure to be careful of what ingredients you use on their fresh, new, sensitive skin.
Fur Color
Just as there is special shampoo for your colored hair, the best professional dog grooming shampoo will consider the color of the dog’s coat. Specifically, if you have a white dog, they need a special kind of shampoo.
Over time, white dog hair can become faded, and turn a slightly yellowish, tan color. To reduce the yellowing and restore bright, white, healthy hair, choose a whitening shampoo. This specifically targets white hair, and some work well without the use of chemicals or bleach.
Fur Length
You wouldn’t wash your short-haired pup the way you wash your long-haired one. This is because dogs with long coats require shampoo with more nutrients, to keep that fur luscious and healthy.
If your dog has long hair, look for shampoo with ingredients such as wheat germ, vitamin E, egg yolk, and Suma root. Also keep in mind that their baths will likely take longer and you might be using more shampoo. Consider this when deciding what size bottle of shampoo to purchase.
pH Level
Dog’s skin has a different pH level than ours, which is why they should not use human shampoo. The best dog shampoo for their pH level, is based on a range of 2.2 to 7.5.
Any dog shampoo that is worth buying will have a pH within that range. Your dog’s unique pH level will determine how itchy, dry, sensitive, or normal it is. If you use a shampoo that varies from these levels and goes outside your dog’s skin range, you could irritate or harm their skin.
Conditioner Included
You also might want to consider a shampoo with dog conditioner included. A 2-in-1 is ideal for dogs with dry skin, curly hair, or that just get a little smellier than others.
Conditioner is not required for your pup, but there are some benefits for these types of issues. If your dog’s coat seems dry, try a leave-in conditioner. If your dog has curly hair, conditioner can also help make it more manageable.
Bathing Frequency
Most dogs don’t require a bath more than once a month or so. However, if you like to bathe your dog more often, or if your dog requires it due to being smelly or dirty, consider bathing frequency when you choose a shampoo.
Bathing your dog more frequently can dry out their skin, so if this is the case, choose a shampoo meant to moisturize dry skin. If you bathe your dog more frequently due to odor, choose a shampoo with a deodorizer and you might be able to cut back on the bathing,
Waterless
Waterless dog shampoo is all about convenience. If you’re shopping for a more convenient way to wash your dog, choose a waterless shampoo. Dog owners who are on the go, traveling, or outdoors often, should especially consider using it.
A simple spray, it typically includes deionized water, so you can just spray it on, rub it in, and there’s no need to rinse. It also works well on dogs with oily or greasy skin. It helps by absorbing the excess oil from their skin, leaving a softer, shinier, healthier coat behind.
Tear-Free
Dogs and babies have one thing in common: they don’t like soap in their eyes. So reduce the hassle by opting for a dog shampoo with a tear-free formula.
Depending on what chemicals and ingredients are in the shampoo, they can cause irritation to the eyes anyway, but a tear-free one keeps you on the safe side. Not to mention you don’t want your dog to hate the bath any more than they already do. A tear-free formula is also the best dog shampoo for puppies.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I give my dog a bath?
There are no rules that state when to give your dog a bath. This depends on the breed, age, health, activity level, and how much time they spend outside.
If your dog spends more time outside or gets particularly smelly, frequent baths are recommended. In addition if you notice dirt, debris, or other material in their fur, or if they suffer from itchy, dry skin, frequent baths are recommended. Otherwise the rule of thumb is once a month.
Can I use human shampoo on my dog?
When it comes to bathing, there’s really nothing similar between you and your dog. So no, don’t use the same shampoo. Your shampoo can strip the natural oils from your dog’s skin, dry out their hair, and just not clean effectively.
The only product that has not been proven ineffective is baby shampoo. Baby shampoo uses a gentle formula for sensitive skin that may not harm your dog’s skin or coat, but do your dog a favor and stick to dog shampoo.
Does waterless shampoo work?
Waterless shampoo might be your new lifesaver. For dogs that get a little dirtier than others before you actually plan on giving them a bath, waterless shampoo is highly effective. It works by soaking up excess oil, giving them a fresh scent and clean coat.
It also works for dogs and owners on the go. If you’re traveling, camping, and simply without water, this is a great choice. Now you don’t have to settle for a smelly dog, even while you’re on the go.
How can I help my dog’s dry skin?
The first step in relieving dry skin is by giving your dog a bath. Use plain, clean, fresh water. Soft water or bottled water is recommended. Any shampoo that you use should be free of fragrances and any harsh chemicals.
Specifically look for shampoos that are anti-itch or labeled for dry skin. Shampoos that are the most moisturizing will have aloe, vitamin E, oatmeal, and honey. Look for these ingredients for improved dry, flaky, or itchy skin. You should also avoid blow dryers.
How do I give my dog a bath?
The first step in giving your dog a bath is to brush or wipe their coat of any dirt or debris. Then using lukewarm water, soak your dog, being mindful of the face and eyes. Use the best dog shampoo for your dog’s coat and skin, and occasionally conditioner if needed.
Rinse thoroughly, air or towel dry, and then of course, reward your dog. Always speak in a calm, reassuring voice. Your dog is not the only one who might not love the bath.
Sources
- Dogs Gotta Swim... But Should They Be Bathed Afterward?, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, May 1, 2017
- Healthy Pets and Healthy People, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, May 4, 2018
- Bathing Your Dog, Washington State University
- Dog grooming, Wikipedia
- Best Dog Shampoos and Conditioners, Chewy
- Residual antibacterial activity of dog hairs after therapy with antimicrobial shampoos, National Institutes of Health, Apr 24, 2013
- Fatal asthma in a child after use of an animal shampoo containing pyrethrin, National Institutes of Health, Aug 17, 2000
- Dog Shampoo & Dog Conditioner, PetSmart
- Washing the dog reduces dog allergen levels, but the dog needs to be washed twice a week, National Institutes of Health, Apr 10, 1999
- Dog flea, Wikipedia
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