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Last updated: 23 Sep 2022
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The Best Dog Shampoos

Best Overall
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The Healthy Dog Co. Dog Shampoo
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Best Fragrance
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GROOM PROFESSIONAL Baby Fresh Dog Shampoo
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Most Effective
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Animology Dog Shampoo
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Paraben-Free
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BUGALUGS Baby Fresh Dog Shampoo
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By Editor
Published 23 Sep 2022
Show contents
  • 1 The Healthy Dog Co. Dog Shampoo
  • 2 GROOM PROFESSIONAL Baby Fresh Dog Shampoo
  • 3 Animology Dog Shampoo
  • 4 BUGALUGS Baby Fresh Dog Shampoo
  • 5 Johnsons Skin Calm Dog shampoo

 Monthly baths are a great way to keep your canine friend clean and healthy. The right shampoo should be gentle on your dog's skin and that unpleasant wet dog smell. They keep their fur soft, which makes it easier for you to groom and detangle. Some dog shampoos have medicated formulas to treat skin conditions, while others add nourishment and hydration. Check out our top picks available online.

1

The Healthy Dog Co. Dog Shampoo

– Best Overall
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Key Features

 This dog shampoo has 500ml and an odour-eliminating patchouli flower fragrance to give your dog a clean, sweet scent. It provides quick relief and is ideal for dogs with sensitive skin.

THE SCOOP

This dog shampoo has a natural formula that will not irritate your dog’s skin and gives its coat a healthy, brilliant shine. It adds soothing moisturization to ease dry skin and reduce constant scratching and itching. It has antiseptic properties to clean wounds and cuts effectively, eliminating infection-causing bacteria for fast healing.

Pros
  • Natural ingredients
  • Soothes itchy skin
  • Eliminates odours
  • Anti-fungal properties
Cons
  • Overpowering scent
2

GROOM PROFESSIONAL Baby Fresh Dog Shampoo

– Best Fragrance
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Key Features

This dog shampoo leaves their coat shiny and soft and is safe for your puppy’s delicate skin. It has enough product to last for many weeks and lather well.

THE SCOOP

This dog shampoo has a sweet baby powder scent to remove unpleasant odours from their fur and leaves them refreshed and clean for days after their bath. It contains one litre and has a gentle premium-quality formula comprising aloe vera to calm irritated and itchy skin. It adds moisturization and is available in four sizes.

Pros
  • The scent lingers for days
  • Heals skin conditions
  • Leaves fur fluffy and clean
Cons
  • Not ideal for sensitive skin
3

Animology Dog Shampoo

– Most Effective
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Key Features

This dog shampoo is free of harmful ingredients and has a sweet, subtle fragrance. It contains pro-vitamin B5, which keeps their skin hydrated and protects it from irritations.

 

THE SCOOP

This dog shampoo has a mild formula that is pH balanced to prevent skin rashes and irritations. It has built-in conditioning benefits to keep their fur smooth and is ideal for all dog breeds. It cleans efficiently to get rid of dirt and unpleasant odours to keep your dog healthy and refreshed. 

Pros
  • Gentle formula
  • Suitable for all breeds
  • Adds shine
  • pH balanced
Cons
  • Does not lather
4

BUGALUGS Baby Fresh Dog Shampoo

– Paraben-Free
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Key Features

 This dog shampoo contains 500ml and has soothing properties to reduce itchy and irritated skin. It adds moisture and is perfect for all dog breeds.

THE SCOOP

This dog shampoo has a safe, vegan formula that is paraben-free and is available in three sizes. It has a dilution rate of 20:1 to last for many months and a baby powder fragrance to infuse their coats with a beautiful, fresh scent. It is suitable for puppies over eight weeks old and gives their fur a healthy shine and soft feel.

 

Pros
  • Vegan-friendly
  • Paraben-free
  • Removes odours
  • Deep cleansing
Cons
  • Weak plunger pump
5

Johnsons Skin Calm Dog shampoo

– Most Versatile
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Key Features

This shampoo provides quick relief from itching. It leaves your dog smelling clean and has a flip-top lid for an effective leakproof seal to prevent wastage from spilling.

 

THE SCOOP

 This dog shampoo is perfect for all dog breeds and has a safe, allergen-free formula. It nourishes and adds moisturization to relieve itchy and dry skin and contains 200ml. It contains Coal Tar and Sulphur, which has antibacterial properties to clean shallow cuts and abrasions and create a protective shield against bacterial growth. 

 

Pros
  • Calms itchy skin
  • Adds hydration
  • Ideal for all dog breeds
Cons
  • Does not have a sweet scent

Buying Guide

Choosing a shampoo for your dog can seem baffling with the many options and exaggerated abilities. Here are some factors you should consider when shopping for dog shampoo.

  • Formula: Always consider the formula of a dog's shampoo. There are gentle, tear-free formulas for dogs with sensitive skin. No-sting preparations are excellent for dogs with skin conditions or sores from excessive scratching. Opt for easy-to-rinse shampoos if your dog rarely enjoys baths since these will work much faster than others.
  • Treatment: Do you need a general shampoo for occasional use or a more targeted one for a specific condition? Consider if there are any skin concerns you want to treat. Some moisturizing shampoos treat and soothe dry, flaky, itchy skin. Meanwhile, deep-cleansing shampoos can make white coats appear brighter and shinier. If your pup has a skin condition that requires specific treatment, always consult your veterinarian before using anything.
  • Size: Since dog shampoos come in all sizes, consider your dog's size, coat type, and how often you bathe them. While it might seem economical to buy a large shampoo for a large dog, if you only wash your dog once every three months, it might go to waste. As with all grooming products, dog shampoo also has an expiry date.
  • Coat and skin type: Various shampoos work best for specific skin and coat types. Does your dog have a long or short coat? Is their skin sensitive, dry, or oily? Select an appropriate blend for your dog's needs.
  • Packaging: Depending on how and where you bathe your dog and its temperament, you might need shampoo in more easily accessible packaging. Bottles and tubes are ideal for well-behaved dogs. However, pump dispensers will make one-handed operation a breeze if your dog wriggles during baths.

 

FAQ

Q: What is dog shampoo?

A: Dog shampoo has an especially designed formula to maintain the pH balance of their skin. They keep your dog's coat clean and healthy. Many shampoos for dogs contain gentle ingredients that can soothe and treat skin conditions, moisturize dry or flaky skin, and repel fleas and ticks. Human shampoo is not an appropriate substitute since it is too harsh and can irritate your dog's skin. The heavy fragrance in human shampoos can also upset your dog's sensitive sense of smell.

Q: How often should I bathe my dog?

A: Each dog has differing lifestyles and needs that determine how often you should bathe them. If your dog has a short, smooth coat and no allergies or skin conditions, you can shampoo them every two to three months. Very active dogs who spend considerable time outdoors will require more frequent baths. Regular baths are necessary to control odour if your dog swims or gets into muddy puddles.  Another consideration is your dog's skin and coat. Dogs with long or curly hair also need regular grooming to prevent their coats from becoming matted. Bathe these dogs every four to six weeks. Routine brushing can also extend the time between baths by reducing the buildup and loosening dirt that might become embedded in their coat.  Hairless dogs require the most frequent baths since hair usually offers protection. Bathe hairless dogs with a shampoo suited to their skin type once a week. If your dog has allergies or other skin conditions, regular bathing with a medicated shampoo can also benefit them. If you are allergic to pet dander, you can also consider bathing your dog a bit more frequently to reduce the allergens in your home. You should not exceed weekly baths since this can strip your dog's skin of beneficial oils and damage their skin.

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By Editor
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