Regular bathing and grooming is essential to your dog’s overall health and well-being. Choosing the best dog shampoo for your pup, however, can sometimes be even more complicated than perusing the human haircare aisle. Do you opt for a cream or an oil? A moisturizing formula or a rinse-free one? And does a higher price really mean better quality? Before making your choice, it’s a good idea to ask your vet for their thoughts. “It’s always important to consult with your veterinarian before introducing new products into your pet’s care routine, especially if your dog has any underlying health conditions or sensitivities,” says Dr. Terry Fossum, a board-certified veterinary surgeon and CEO of Dr. Fossum’s Pet Care.
The best dog shampoos are gentle to use on pups and keep them clean and comfortable.
Illustration: Forbes / Photos: Retailers
Dogs’ shampooing needs vary widely based on a variety of factors, including age, lifestyle and type of coat, according to the American Kennel Club. We selected the best dog shampoo in each of eight categories below, based on in-depth research of the top options as well as feedback from experts and dog-owning editors. Our number one pick is the Buddy Wash 2-in-1 Dog Shampoo And Conditioner, which many find gentle yet effective for keeping their dogs looking clean and smelling fresh. Other favorites include Ouai Fur Bebe Pet Shampoo for shiny coats, Vetoquinol Soap-Free Shampoo for dogs with sensitive skin and DermAllay Oatmeal Shampoo for itchy pups or excessive shedders.
Amazon
Buddy Wash 2-In-1 Dog Shampoo And Conditioner
Type: Liquid | Sizes: 16 fluid ounces, 1 gallon | Scent: Lavender and mint; rosemary and mint | Special ingredients: Coconut, aloe vera gel
Pros:
- Available in two long-lasting fresh scents
- Gentle on your dog’s eyes
- Shampoo and conditioner in one
Cons:
- May be irritating to some dogs with sensitive skin
Our overall favorite dog shampoo is a two-in-one shampoo and conditioner that has owners of breeds from German shepherds to labradoodles to cavaliers praising it in online reviews. One-hundred percent alcohol-free, Buddy Wash is a reasonably priced option that leaves dogs clean, soft and smelling great. The coconut-based formula uses other plant-based ingredients like aloe, tea tree oil, rosemary and lavender to keep your pooch’s hair and skin clean, healthy and moisturized. “While I generally find all-natural products to not work super well in terms of deodorizing, this one keeps him smelling really nice for about a week,” says editorial director Brinda Ayer, who uses this shampoo to bathe her boxer mix George. And because it lathers well, many note that a little goes a long way and the bottle lasts quite a while.
What our editors say: “We use Buddy Wash in the lavender and mint scent, and I love it so much,” Ayer adds. “Georgie smells incredible, and I just want to keep hugging him and petting him once he’s clean and dry. He’s not great at baths and squirms around a lot, so it has probably gotten into his eyes and mouth more than once, but it hasn’t seemed to irritate anything for him.”
Amazon
Burt’s Bees For Pets Tearless Puppy Shampoo
Type: Liquid | Sizes: 16 fluid ounces, 128 fluid ounces | Scent: Unscented | Special ingredients: Buttermilk, flaxseed oil
Pros:
- Won’t irritate your dog’s eyes
- 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner
- No sulfates, colorants, fragrances or harsh chemicals
Cons:
- Not as effective at removing deep-down dirt
- Doesn’t lather up
“Puppies have more sensitive skin than adult dogs, so it’s crucial to use a shampoo specifically formulated for puppies,” says Fossum. “These shampoos are designed to maintain the natural oils in a young dog’s coat and skin.” Burt’s Bees Puppy Shampoo is made with soothing ingredients like buttermilk and flaxseed to soften and condition pups’ coats, and without sulfates that strip away natural oils from their skin. It’s gentle enough to use on faces, with a tearless formula that won’t sting your dog’s eyes. Just note that it doesn’t lather up like you might expect from a traditional shampoo, so be careful not to use more than you need.
What the reviews say: “My Bernedoodle puppy has really soft fur and I wanted something that could help me maintain that,” says one Amazon customer. “This shampoo was perfect. It’s really gentle, so he doesn’t seem irritated, and it doesn’t have a strange odor like some of the others I’ve tried.”
Amazon
Wahl USA 4-In-1 Calming Pet Shampoo For Dogs
Type: Liquid | Size: 24 fluid ounces, 64 fluid ounces | Scent: Lavender and chamomile | Special ingredients: Lavender, chamomile
Pros:
- Extremely affordable
- 4-in-1 shampoo, conditioner, detangler and moisturizer
- Smells fantastic
Cons:
- Not for dogs (or owners) with paraben allergies
- May lead to flaking in dogs prone to dry skin
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option that’s still safe and effective for your pup, consider Wahl Calming Pet Shampoo. While the price tag seems on par with other popular options, this shampoo comes in a bottle that holds 24 fluid ounces, significantly more than the others on our list. It has a 4.7-star rating on Amazon, with nearly 28K reviews, so you can feel confident you’re not compromising on quality. Thousands of customers praise this formula for its scent and how it leaves their pup’s fur smooth, soft and shiny. It also lathers very well, so you can use it sparingly.
What our writer says: I’ve used this shampoo in the past for my poodle mix who didn’t shed; she would spend a lot of time outdoors and tended to get dirty easily, and I needed an affordable shampoo to use regularly. Wahl Calming Pet Shampoo always did the job without drying or irritating her skin. The herbal scent left her smelling like she just came from the groomer; in fact, I have a sneaking suspicion that our groomer uses Wahl, too.
Amazon
Ouai Fur Bebe Pet Shampoo
Type: Liquid | Size: 16 fluid ounces | Scent: Mercer Street (Italian lemon, Turkish rose, jasmine and white musk) | Special ingredients: Aloe vera, rambutan seed oil
Pros:
- Made with top-quality ingredients
- Long-lasting, pleasing scent
- Leaves coats shiny and soft
Cons:
- Expensive
- Scent may be too strong for some tastes
Ouai is renowned for its luxe beauty products for humans, so it’s no surprise that the brand’s pet shampoo is also one of the best options on the market. The paraben-free shampoo is made with high-quality ingredients formulated to hydrate your pup’s skin, strengthen fur, fight breakage and add shine. (Bonus: It’s also suitable for use on cats.) The scent is heads and, ahem, tails above anything else you’ll find in the pet care aisle; it’s Ouai’s signature Mercer Street blend, a mix of Italian lemon, Turkish rose, jasmine sambac and white musk.
What the reviews say: “I like everything about this shampoo,” says an Amazon customer. “It lathers really well and washes out very easily. It has left Cocoa’s fur so incredibly soft and fluffy. His other shampoos haven’t done that. I can see why it’s on the pricey side. You definitely pay for quality … It’s been two weeks since Cocoa’s bath and the scent is still lingering. That’s the longest he’s ever smelled nice and clean.”
Amazon
DermAllay Oatmeal Shampoo
Type: Cream | Size: 12 fluid ounces | Scent: Apple | Special ingredients: Oatmeal, safflower oil
Pros:
- Relieves itching
- Repairs damaged skin
- Appropriate for dogs, cats and horses
Cons:
- Requires more frequent use than other shampoos
Oatmeal baths aren’t just for kids who catch chicken pox. They’re also an effective remedy for itchy dogs who are prone to excessive shedding. DermAllay is a therapeutic, lightly apple-scented formula infused with colloidal oatmeal that relieves itchiness and repairs damaged skin. It essentially works to reduce shedding by strengthening their skin, plus it’s enriched with essential fatty acids, which help restore important oils to the skin, fight allergens and curb your pup’s scratching impulse. While most dog shampoos are meant for weekly or monthly use, the brand recommends using this product two to three times per week for maximum benefits. (We’d also suggest pairing this with a dog brush like the Furminator, specifically designed for de-shedding and available in options for long-haired and short-haired dogs.)
What the experts say: Dr. Sara Bledsoe, veterinarian and manager of veterinary services at Chewy, is a big fan of DermAllay Oatmeal Shampoo. “It moisturizes and conditions, along with helping to relieve itchiness and restore damaged skin,” she says. “It leaves your pup fresh and clean while smelling great.”
Amazon
Vetoquinol Soap-Free Aloe And Oatmeal Shampoo
Type: Liquid | Sizes: 16 fluid ounces, 1 gallon | Scent: Coconut | Special ingredients: Oatmeal, aloe vera
Pros:
- Affordable
- Soap-free
- Relieves itching
Cons:
- Separate conditioner needed
- Scent may be off-putting to those who don’t like coconut
Soap can be very drying to the skin, so dogs with skin sensitivities need a special shampoo that won’t exacerbate their conditions. “Vetoquinol’s soap-free formula provides relief from itching and helps restore moisture to the skin,” says Bledsoe. It cleanses without stripping out important oils, and it’s made with aloe and emollients that are hydrating and gentle on sensitive skin. This shampoo has a 4.7-star Amazon rating, and it leaves behind a light and fresh coconutty scent. (Note that you should schedule a vet visit for any extreme skin irritation to make sure it’s not a more serious allergy or other underlying issue, like a fungal infection requiring an antifungal shampoo.)
What the reviews say: “My dog…has had lingering environmental allergies since she was about 6 months old,” says one Chewy customer. “I have tried medicated shampoos and although they do work they can be very irritating. This is a very gentle wash that really does seem to soothe her skin.”
Amazon
Vet’s Best Flea And Tick Advanced Strength Dog Shampoo
Type: Oil | Sizes: 12 fluid ounces | Scent: Cotton spice; peppermint | Special ingredients: Rosemary
Pros:
- Effective at killing fleas and ticks
- Natural ingredients
Cons:
- Medicinal scent
- Must stay on 5 to 10 minutes for best results
While you should be administering a topical or oral flea and tick preventative regularly (consult your vet for the right one for your pup), parasites can still find their way onto your pet’s body. Ridding your dog of fleas and/or ticks immediately requires an extra-powerful shampoo that kills these unwelcome intruders without being too harsh on your dog’s skin and fur. Safe for dogs 12 weeks and older, Vet’s Best Advanced Strength Flea & Tick Shampoo is formulated with ingredients like peppermint oil and rosemary, which naturally repel unwanted pests. Unlike standard dog shampoos, this one requires you to keep it on for five to ten minutes for maximum effectiveness, but customers report that the extra time makes a major difference. “Using this shampoo as directed I’ve actually seen dead ticks in the tub after her washing,” shares one Amazon customer.
What the reviews say: “This is by far the best flea-killing shampoo!” says another Amazon reviewer. “The speed of kill on contact is outstanding. I use it every time Niko and I go walking through the woods.”
Amazon
Dermoscent Essential Mousse Rinse-Free Dog Cleanser
Type: Mousse | Sizes: 5 fluid ounces | Scent: Unscented | Special ingredients: Essential fatty acids, pumpkin seed extract
Pros:
- Cleanses and moisturizes
- No water needed
- Easy to use on the go
Cons:
When you’re on the road or in a hurry—or if bath time is particularly stressful for your pup and you don’t have the time or energy to convince them to stay in the tub—Dermoscent’s rinse-free shampoo is a perfect option to keep your dog clean between washes. It dispenses in mousse form: Simply pump the dispenser, massage it onto your dog’s skin and fur, wipe off dirt with a towel and let your pup air-dry. Like some of our other picks on this list, Dermoscent contains fatty acids and anti-inflammatory ingredients that soothe, clean and protect dogs’ skin.
What the experts say: “This is a great leave-on rinse that cleanses and deodorizes your dog’s skin,” says Bledsoe. “It effectively removes dirt and dandruff for a cleaner coat while moisturizing and smoothing your pup’s skin.”
Meet The Experts
Terry Fossum, DVM, is the founder of Dr. Fossum’s Pet Care and The Cutting Edge Vet. She is the author of five books about veterinary surgery and holds veterinary degrees from Washington State University, Ohio State University and Texas A&M University.
Sara Bledsoe, DVM, manager of veterinary services at Chewy, graduated from Ross University School of Medicine, where she received the Gentle Doctor Award. She is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Florida Veterinary Medical Association, and she is certified in veterinary acupuncture as well as hospice and palliative care.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
Forbes Vetted’s home and kitchen editors have published dozens of expert-backed roundups on the best gear and accessories for dogs, including the best dog beds, dog crates and dog harnesses.
- The author of this article, Amy Gordon, is a seasoned home shopping writer and proud human companion to a rescue dog named Sally.
- Forbes Vetted managing editor Emmy Favilla, who edited this story, is a dog owner and active dog companion volunteer at Animal Care Centers of NYC. She has been active in animal welfare for two decades and is the author of Pet Peeves, our monthly pet advice column.
- We used key insights from Dr. Sara Bledsoe, veterinarian and manager of veterinary services at Chewy, and Dr. Terry Fossum, board-certified veterinary surgeon and CEO of Dr. Fossum’s Pet Care.
How We Chose The Best Dog Shampoos
To bring you our recommendations for the best dog shampoos, we evaluated input from veterinarians, retailers, our expert staff and online reviewers who have firsthand experience with these products.
- We focused our attention on the most popular products from top brands and stores we trust, like Chewy and Amazon. We limited our consideration set to products with a 4.0+ star rating and at least a considerable number of reviews.
- We interviewed veterinarians who are knowledgeable about the best pet products on the market.
- We consulted with our editorial team on items that they personally use and recommend.
- We curated a list of recommendations in different categories based on factors like age and skin type.
What To Look For In The Best Dog Shampoo
The best dog shampoo for your four-legged friend depends on their specific needs, and every dog is different. Here are the most important factors to consider when picking the right product for your pooch.
Ingredients
The best dog shampoos are gentle on the skin and fur. They’re usually made with some of the same soothing ingredients you’d look for in your own cosmetics: oatmeal, aloe vera, chamomile, coconut oil and essential fatty acids, for example. These can help keep your pup’s coat healthy and maintain the skin barrier that protects them from irritants. Avoid products with harsh chemicals such as sulfates, artificial fragrances, alcohol and formaldehyde listed in the fine print. Dogs with serious skin conditions or fungal infections might require medicated shampoo with ingredients like chlorhexidine or benzoyl peroxide, but “it’s best to consult with your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and prescription,” advises Fossum.
Special Benefits
Depending on their breed and/or coat, certain dogs may be prone to specific skin sensitivities. Breeds with long hair, for example, may require a detangling shampoo, while pups with dry skin may benefit from moisturizing formulas. The key is understanding your dog’s needs in order to match them with the right product.
Value
Of course you want to spoil your dog, but you also want to consider the value of a product in relation to its price tag. The options on our list are priced from less than 50 cents to $2 per ounce, so no matter your budget, you can find one that will work best for both you and your pup.
What Is The Best Shampoo For Your Dog?
While the best dog shampoo for one pup might not necessarily be right for another, we found Buddy Wash’s 2-in-1 Dog Shampoo And Conditioner to be the best overall for most dogs’ basic cleaning needs—thanks to its effectiveness, scent and reasonable price. Our recommendations are based on what products and ingredients work best for dogs with different hair types, skin conditions, allergies and lifestyles.
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