10 Best Dog Shampoos 2024 (With Coat Health Tips From a Vet)

Picking the best dog shampoo for your pup’s fur can maintain their healthy skin and coat. Providing you don’t bathe them too often, shampoos remove bacteria, neutralize odors, and lift away dead skin, dander, and hair. But how can you choose the right shampoo?

“A good dog shampoo contains mostly natural ingredients, similar to those in human products,” says Dr Linda Simon, veterinary surgeon. “These include oatmeal, coconut, aloe vera, and shea butter.” She also recommends avoiding shampoos with parabens, formaldehyde, and phthalates.

To help you choose, we’ve listed ten of the best dog shampoos below. We’ve included organic, natural, odor control, hypoallergenic, puppy, and flea shampoos, so there is an option for every dog!

10 Best Dog Shampoos

To help you choose the right product for your pet, we’ve reviewed ten of the best shampoos for dogs. These are broken down into categories to make it easier to decide.

Many of these shampoos contain ingredients that can soothe and moisturize the skin, but they are not medical shampoos.

Dogs with skin conditions, fungal infections, or allergies often need specific treatments to achieve long-term relief. Choosing the right medicated shampoo (such as antibacterial or antifungal shampoos) may require allergy testing, skin scrapes, or other tests, so you should always get advice from your vet.

The 4-Legger Oatmeal Dog Shampoo is a gentle shampoo that’s our top pick. It’s also great for ethical consumers, as the shampoo is USDA-certified organic, vegan-approved, and contains all-natural ingredients.

Oatmeal is one of the primary ingredients in this shampoo. Studies have shown that oatmeal has anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties, while also helping to soothe itchy skin. This makes the shampoo a good choice for rinsing down dogs that suffer from environmental allergies or skin dryness. The lavender essential oil can also reduce skin irritation.

We found that the 4-Legger has a herbal scent that’s initially a little too strong for our tastes, but this dries to a less intense fresh smell. We also like that it’s easy to rinse off your dog and leaves a smooth, silky finish.

While it’s not the cheapest oatmeal shampoo, we found that a little goes a long way. Just be sure to soak your dog thoroughly with water to generate a good lather.

The Earthbath pet shampoo is a budget-friendly option with a simple set of all-natural ingredients.

It contains soothing and moisturizing oatmeal and aloe vera, which can help prevent flaky and dry skin. The Earthbath is also soap-free, and we love that it doesn’t have an overpowering smell.

However, this shampoo isn’t as concentrated as some others on this list, so we found that you need to use a bit more to generate a good lather.

This is a popular shampoo from Wahl – a company well-known for its grooming products. The Wahl Dry Skin & Itch Relief is available for under $10 at the time of writing, so we think it provides great value for money. We also found that it has a pleasant smell that isn’t too overpowering.

The shampoo contains a combination of oatmeal, aloe vera, and other plant-based ingredients that are formulated to help soothe dry and itchy skin. The shampoo can also contribute to a healthy coat and reduce shedding.

While it doesn’t contain parabens or alcohol, the shampoo lists ‘fragrance’ as an ingredient, rather than outlining what it contains. Wahl claims the shampoo is 100% natural though.

This natural dog shampoo from Burt’s Bees offers good value for money, but still contains ingredients like oatmeal and honeysuckle to soothe skin irritations. The honey in this product can also moisturize and cleanse your dog’s coat.

“We stock Burt’s Bees in one of the clinics I work in as a low-cost, non-medicated shampoo option,” says vet Dr Linda Simon. “For owners whose dogs have no dermatological issues, it is a nice option, and we’ve had lots of positive feedback from those who’ve tried it.”

Burt’s Bees dog shampoo is listed as cruelty-free, so it’ll appeal to ethical shoppers. Unfortunately, the fact that it contains beeswax will mean that vegan shoppers won’t want to buy this shampoo.

We found that the Burt’s Bees shampoo doesn’t have a particularly strong fragrance, so for those owners who want their dogs to smell of the shampoo for a while after their bath, this may not be a preferred choice.

This is one of the best-value dog shampoos that we’ve reviewed. It’s also brilliant for dogs that have a bit of a smelly coat!

Compared to other brands, we found that the Nature’s Miracle shampoo scent holds its honey fragrance in the dog’s coat very well. It’s also great at removing offensive odors, due to the included charcoal. This makes it a good choice for pups with a naturally smelly coat or those that like to roll in unpleasant things.

Like the Wahl shampoo, this lists “hidden” ingredients, such as a surfactant and a preservative. So, it’s not the best choice if you’re looking for a fully transparent formula.

The FURminator deShedding is a decent mid-range shampoo. It’s not 100% natural but contains no parabens or chemical dyes.

As the name suggests, we found that the FURminator is excellent for dogs that shed. You still have to give your dog a thorough rake after they’ve dried off, but it reduces the number of hairs you’ll find around the house between grooming sessions.

The FURminator also provides excellent value for money. If you need a shampoo for shedding, it’s one of our top picks. However, the strong fragrance may be too much for some dogs.

If your dog suffers from allergies or sensitive skin, this shampoo from 4Legger may appeal. It’s an organic and hypoallergenic shampoo that has minimal ingredients, so there’s less chance of irritation or a reaction. It’s also better for dogs with allergies than the standard 4Legger formula.

This version of 4Legger dog shampoo contains several natural ingredients. Examples include coconut oil for its moisturizing properties, and aloe vera to reduce skin inflammation. This makes it brilliant for soothing your dog’s skin. It also contains jojoba oil to improve coat health.

Another advantage of 4Legger shampoo is that it’s unscented. While your dog may not have a pleasant smell after washing, the lack of fragrance reduces the quantity of ingredients that could cause a reaction.

Note: While a gentle, hypoallergenic shampoo can provide relief when it comes to itchy skin or hotspots, there’s no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic shampoo. It, of course, depends on what your dog may have allergies or intolerances towards. Don’t expect a hypoallergenic product to be a miracle cure for your dog and always consult a vet.

Some flea shampoos contain harsh chemicals to kill fleas (or at least repel them.) These can irritate your dog’s skin or cause a reaction.

The Vet’s Best Formula is an essential oil alternative designed to still be effective at repelling fleas. It takes a few minutes to work, but can help to stop these annoying parasites from attaching to your dog. Ticks aren’t immune to the formula either.

Not everyone will like the rosemary and peppermint scent though. This is surprisingly strong, so be aware of this before you use it.

It’s also important to have realistic expectations of an over-the-counter flea shampoo. “I’m yet to find a flea shampoo that actually kills fleas – they tend to act more as a repellent,” says Dr Linda Simon. “While these shampoos likely won’t do any harm (unless the dog is shampooed after their spot-on has been applied), it is usually best to stick to a prescription medication from your vet.”

Note: Flea shampoos are not a long-term solution to fleas. If your dog has an infestation, there are likely to be more fleas around the house, including in your pet’s bedding and on other animals. These will re-infest your dog even if the shampoo removes them from their fur.

Even the best waterless dog shampoos can’t clean as effectively as a normal shampoo. They can be useful for emergencies or between bathing though.

The Bodhi Dog waterless dog shampoo contains all-natural ingredients, which is rare for waterless shampoos. We found that it’s great for quick cleans, while the colloidal oatmeal does a great job of soothing and moisturizing the skin.

Other benefits include the apple extract, which provides a light natural fragrance, and coconut-derived ingredients. It’s also made in the USA and is less likely to leave a heavy residue than other waterless shampoos.

We found it can be tricky to spray on your dog’s undercarriage, as using the bottle upside-down affects its spray qualities. This is a minor issue for an otherwise excellent shampoo though.

If you need a puppy shampoo, the Earthbath Ultra-Mild is our top pick. This dog shampoo uses all-natural and gentle ingredients, including aloe vera and vitamin E, making it a good choice for puppies with sensitive skin.

A bonus is that it doesn’t have an overpowering scent. Puppies have sensitive noses, so you don’t want to make bath time unpleasant with a strong smell they might not like.

While the Earthbath is formulated to be gentler than other shampoos, you should still avoid it going into your pup’s eyes – this is not a tearless puppy shampoo. Like other Earthbath products, it’s vegan-friendly and made in the USA.

How to Choose the Right Shampoo for Your Dog

Dogs have a wide variety of coat types, so there isn’t a ‘best’ option. Instead, you need to pick a shampoo that’s right for your dog’s coat, skin, and other requirements.

“Choosing a dog shampoo can be a trial and error, as you may need to test a few shampoos to find one that best suits your pet,” adds Dr Linda Simon, veterinary surgeon.

Step 1: Assess Your Dog’s Medical Requirements

You should seek veterinary advice if your dog has flaky skin, dandruff, a dull coat, sensitive skin, or is prone to hot spots. According to PetMD, these symptoms could be caused by various health problems, such as allergies, skin infections, and excessive licking, and may require a medicated shampoo or other treatment.

If your dog is smelly, likes to roll in the mud, or suffers from mild skin dryness, an over-the-counter shampoo is probably all you need.

Step 2: Understand Your Dog’s Coat Requirements

The best dog shampoo varies depending on your dog’s coat. Some of the most important factors include:

• Coat length and density. Breeds with a thin coat may not need such a deep cleaning formula as those with dense double coats. A Chihuahua or a Greyhound, for example, could do well with a milder formula shampoo than a Golden Retriever. Medium-density coats, such as Poodles or Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, can benefit from a shampoo that’s easy to lather. Breeds with thin and long hair, such as Shih Tzus, need a shampoo that moisturizes and protects.
• Coat color. Some shampoos are specifically formulated for certain coat colors. Whitening shampoos, for example, have stain-removing and brightening properties for breeds like the Bichon Frise. A downside is that whitening dog shampoos often contain harsh ingredients.
• Shedding. Anti-shedding dog shampoos, such as the FURminator DeShedding Premium, can be useful for breeds that shed a lot, such as Huskies. Of course, a shedding shampoo won’t replace regular brushing with a high-quality brush, but it can help keep hair under control.
• Smellier Breeds. Some dogs have a naturally smelly coat. Breeds like Labradors, with their oily skin and water-resistant coats, tend to be more whiffy by the time bath time comes around. Picking a shampoo with deodorizing properties can keep them smelling fresh for longer. The Nature’s Miracle Odor Control shampoo is a great example.

Step 3: Know Which Ingredients to Avoid

Always check the ingredients before you buy a shampoo for your dog. All dog shampoos should be safe, but some ingredients are harsher than others.

• Avoid harsh chemicals and additives. Picking a natural dog shampoo that minimizes chemicals is generally recommended. Artificial colorings are a good example of additives that don’t benefit your dog, but increase the quantity of harsh ingredients. According to Modern Dog Magazine, other common chemical ingredients to avoid include parabens, propylene glycol, bromopol, cocamide-MEA, and isopropyl alcohol. A harsh soap recipe can also have a negative impact on your dog’s coat.
• Avoid overly strong fragrances. While a gentle fragrance can give your dog a fresh smell, avoid shampoos with strong scents or fragrances created using harsh chemicals. Remember, dogs have a much more sensitive sense of smell than humans – and they don’t tend to like the same scents!  An ingredient listed as simply ‘fragrance’ can be worrying, as you don’t know what this contains.
• Watch out for an intense lather. We often think that more lather and bubbles mean a better clean. This isn’t the case, and sometimes excessive lather can indicate the shampoo has a lot of harsh chemicals, particularly sulfates. Watch out for these listed on the labels and steer clear of them, as they can be irritants and strip the coat of natural oils.
• The more natural, the better. A certified organic shampoo is more likely to be free of harsh artificial ingredients. Look for natural shampoo ingredients such as oatmeal, coconut oil, shea butter, and citrus oil. You can also find all-natural shampoos, such as the Earthbath All Natural Pet Shampoo.

Other Considerations

There are a few other things you might want to consider when buying a dog shampoo.

The first is whether you want to get waterless or regular shampoos. While dry shampoos can be handy for a quick clean or washing a small area, they don’t cleanse the coat like a proper bath and shampoo. Dry shampoos also often contain harsh ingredients. 

Puppies and elderly dogs generally benefit from a shampoo with a gentle formula. They have more sensitive skin and their coats tend to be thinner than an adult dog. Don’t forget to fully dry off your pup or senior dog too, as they may start shivering due to these dogs feeling the cold more after a bath.

Also, just like human cosmetics, some dog shampoos are more ethical than others. You may want to look for a product that isn’t tested on animals, that contains organic and ethically sourced ingredients (no palm oil, for example), and recyclable containers. Some shampoos are also certified as vegan.

Don’t be tempted to buy a huge bottle of shampoo to save money, unless you have a multi-dog household. The ingredients can degrade over time, which impacts the shampoo’s effectiveness and safety.

How Often Should Dogs Be Bathed?

The short answer is that “it depends.” Some dogs may only need a bath a few times a year, while others need more frequent washing.

Unless the dog has a medical condition, a full shampoo around once a month is a sensible place to start.

Shampooing too frequently can strip natural oils and dry the skin. This can make the coat look dull and cause skin irritation.

Here are a few other factors that might affect how often to bathe your pet.

Personality and Lifestyle

Some dogs are mud magnets! They gravitate towards every puddle and like to roll in the smelliest things they can find. These pups are going to need more regular bathing than a dog who tiptoes around muddy spots. 

Breed Type

Your dog’s breed affects how frequently they need to be washed.

Some breeds, like Labrador Retrievers, have naturally oily and water-repellent coats. Bathing too often strips these oils, so their coat won’t be as water-resistant when they next go for a swim.

The same goes for the thick double coats of northern breed types, like Huskies and Malamutes. These coats lose their insulating properties if shampooed too much. 

Some dogs need fewer baths because their coat traps less dirt and odors. This is common for short-haired breeds, such as Greyhounds.

Skin Conditions and Allergies

If your dog has a particular skin condition or allergy, they may require more frequent bathing.

For dogs with pollen allergies, rinsing them off after a walk can reduce irritation. It doesn’t need to be a bath with shampoo though – a rinse down with warm water is often enough.

Some dogs have skin conditions that necessitate frequent bathing with a medicated shampoo. These are commonly used to treat bacterial or yeast skin infections, allergies, mites, and other parasitic conditions, like Mange. Your vet will prescribe a shampoo and provide instructions on how often to use it. 

“When it comes to skin problems, work with your vet to pick the right dog shampoo,” advises veterinary surgeon Dr Linda Simon. This is because it’s important to get the right type of medication for your dog’s condition.

“For example, a dog with seborrhea needs a mild cleanser that removes grease, sebum, and crust,” says Dr Simon. “But dogs with yeast overgrowth usually benefit from ingredients such as Chlorhexidine and Miconazole. Malaseb is a solid brand, and I prescribe this shampoo at least a few times a week.”

It’s also important that these shampoos are only used when they are really needed. “These shampoos are not meant to be kept in a cupboard to use at random,” says Dr Simon. “They are targeted medicated shampoos that should only be used on an appropriate patient.”

Tip: Canine dermatitis is the term used to describe a condition leading to itchy and inflamed skin. It can be caused by many of the issues mentioned above, including infections, parasites, and allergies.

Don’t Forget to Make Bathing Fun…

Dogs naturally dislike baths, so it’s important to make bathing a fun and positive experience. Here’s an overview of how to do this:

It’s a good idea to use a slip-proof mat when washing your pet. Most dogs won’t stay still, so it’s important they don’t lose their balance.

Additionally, avoid washing the face and head area with shampoo. Most dogs hate this type of washing, and even gentle shampoos can sting the eyes. A wet head also often triggers a “shake” reaction, which can result in you getting very wet!

“I’ve diagnosed quite a few corneal ulcers after a dog has gotten shampoo in their eyes, so keep shampoo well away from your dog’s eyes,” says Dr Linda Simon. “You should also avoid getting water in your dog’s ears, as this can cause ear infections.” She adds that you can use cotton wool to remove water from the ears if necessary.

When it’s time to dry off, keep your pet in a warm area so he doesn’t get cold.

Why You Should Never Use Human Shampoos on a Dog

If you get caught on the hop, it can be tempting to use your own shampoo (or even a gentler baby shampoo) when bathing your dog. Unfortunately, this risks causing skin irritation and, if you use human shampoo regularly, it can cause long-term damage.

Human skin is naturally more acidic than canines. This means shampoos developed for humans are more acidic to maintain a good pH balance. 

Using these shampoos on a dog, with more alkaline skin, may cause the skin to dry out and disrupt pH balance. In extreme cases, it could even make them more susceptible to picking up viruses, bacteria and parasites, because the skin surface can become compromised.

“Dogs need coat products with a pH between 6.5-7.5, as their skin tends to be a more neutral pH,” says Dr Simon. For comparison, human skin is typically in the 5.5-6.5 range. “Using the wrong product can negatively impact the skin barrier, leading to moisture loss, allergen entrance, inflammation, and even infection.”

There’s also the chance that the product could contain chemicals or other ingredients that are safe for humans but toxic for dogs. 

Shampoos for humans have also been developed for frequent use, so they are less effective when cleaning a filthy dog. They’re also designed to soften hair, which isn’t necessarily good for certain breeds.

In contrast, dog shampoos are specifically developed for infrequent use and to maintain a dog’s natural pH balance. They can also help with things like shedding, odor prevention, and even whitening a coat.

In an emergency, a natural human shampoo is unlikely to cause your dog harm. Make sure you thoroughly rinse the shampoo though. 

What About Conditioners?

While conditioners may seem like a gimmick when it comes to bathing your dog, they can sometimes be beneficial – especially for making tangles easier to manage.

If you have to bathe your dog more regularly, a conditioner can also add more moisture back into the skin and give the coat a shinier appearance. However, just like shampoos, you should never use a human conditioner on your dog.

To learn more, check out our list of the best dog conditioners. You may also want to read our guide to dog detanglers, which you can find here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Summary & Our Choice for the Best Dog Shampoo

Picking the best dog shampoo for your pup’s coat isn’t always easy. While shampoos can help maintain a healthy coat, avoiding harsh chemicals and overbathing is important, as this can strip essential oils.

Our top pick is the 4Legger Oatmeal Dog Shampoo. This excellent formula is free from harsh chemicals, contains soothing oatmeal, and is certified organic. 

We hope this article has helped you choose the best dog shampoo for your pet. If you have any further questions about dog shampoos, please use our comments form to get in touch. You may also want to read our guide to why you shouldn’t use Head and Shoulders shampoo on your dog.