How To Choose the Best Dog Shampoo

Sometimes your dog just needs a bath. We recommend giving your dog a bath once every three months. Aside from maintaining good hygiene, giving your dog a bath can be a great opportunity for checking its body to make sure there is nothing out of the ordinary. Before you get started, make sure you are choosing the right shampoo for your dog and its needs. The best dog shampoo should address any skin or coat conditions while effectively removing dirt and odor. We’ll go over everything you need to know in order to sort through all the dog shampoo brands to find the best dog shampoo for your pooch.

Narrowing Down the Dog Shampoo Selection

With so many dog shampoo brands out there, it can be difficult sorting through such an extensive selection. First things first — does your dog have a special condition you need to consider? For instance, does your dog have irritated skin or dryness? Is it prone to unruly knots and tangles? Does it have fleas and ticks? Thinking about what you are trying to accomplish with a bath should help narrow down your shampoo selection so that you are not only giving your pet a good cleanse but treating anything that needs help. Some other questions you can ask to narrow down your search include:

• Is this a medicated shampoo?
• Is this shampoo formulated for a puppy or an adult dog?
• Will this shampoo fight odor?
• Will this shampoo improve my dog’s coat appearance? Does it add shine, color or detangling ingredients?
• Can I use this shampoo often if my dog needs a bath more often than once every three months?

Dog Shampoo Ingredients To Look For and Avoid

Now that you have an idea what type of shampoo you need, it’s time to think about ingredients. Again, the first thing you should consider is your dog’s unique needs. You will want to avoid shampoos that include ingredients your dog is allergic to. You may also want to do a little research to see if your dog’s breed is known to be allergic to any common ingredients.

Next, you should avoid dog shampoos that have any dyes or fragrances. These ingredients can irritate your dog’s skin. Instead, opt for natural fragrances, which are less likely to lead to irritation. The best dog shampoo should feature natural, simple ingredients. Oatmeal and aloe vera are well known for their calming properties. Coconut is a natural, delightful fragrance. Jojoba and olive oil can be excellent moisturizing agents. No matter what you need, pay attention to the ingredients and you’ll be off to a good start.

Get the Right Shampoo for Your Dog’s Coat and Skin

Dogs with thin coats are going to have different needs compared to dogs with thick coats. If your dog has a thick coat, you may want to consider a shampoo that offers a deeper clean and that can help with shedding. Dogs with thin or fine coats are often more sensitive to the climate they are in. This sensitivity can result in skin irritation or dryness, so opt for moisturizing and soothing formulas.

The Best Dog Shampoos

Now that you understand all the considerations that go into choosing the right shampoo for your pup, here are some of our favorites:

Davis Plum Natural Shampoo: This shampoo is gentle and gives your dog a beautiful, glossy coat. The formula helps to strengthen brittle strands while restoring the natural oils of your pet’s coat. This is a great option for freshening up a dull, lifeless coat.

Davis Grubby Dog Shampoo: For the especially dirty dog, Davis’s Grubby Dog Shampoo is a lifesaver. This shampoo is highly effective at penetrating a thick coat to loosen up and remove dirt, mud, grease and filth. It’s enriched with jojoba, macadamia and olive oil for a coat that looks and smells incredible.

Davis Tropical Coconut Shampoo: If you love a tropical, refreshing scent, then go for this shampoo! This formula is a great all-purpose option to have on hand for regular baths and is safe enough to use on puppies. It’s made with natural ingredients, and your dog will smell like fresh coconut and pineapple.

Mycodex Flea & Tick Shampoo P3: If your pet has a flea or tick infestation, you’re going to need a medicated shampoo. This Mycodex shampoo is powerful enough to treat fleas and ticks; however, it also includes aloe, lanolin, and coconut extract, making it gentle and safe for sensitive skin.

Davis De-Shed Rinse: For thick coats or dogs prone to shedding, you need a shampoo that encourages shedding. The Davis De-Shed Rinse helps loosen up undercoat so that any hair ready to shed is easy to remove. This dog shampoo can also help with mats and tangles.

Davis Hypoallergenic Shampoo: If your dog seems to be allergic to everything or is extremely sensitive, then you need a hypoallergenic solution. This option is extra-mild, fragrance-free, dye-free and emollient-rich for a soothing, non-irritating formula.

Simply Pure Foaming No-Rinse Bath: There is such a thing as overwashing your dog. Some pets, however, seem to get into every mess. For dogs that can’t help but roll in the mud at every chance, consider a no-rinse shampoo like this one. This soap-free shampoo is all natural and uses ultra-purified water to remove dirt and grime for a clean, fresh pup. Great for cold days, quick cleanups and pets that hate water.

Final Thoughts on the Best Shampoo for Dogs

What’s the best dog shampoo? The shampoo that fits your dog’s unique needs. Keep in mind any allergies it has and avoid shampoos that include those allergens. Never use human products on your pet as they can be irritating to the skin and coat. When you do wash your dog, be sure to thoroughly rinse shampoo from the coat. Shampoo residue can cause itching and dry skin, so make sure the coat is fully clean before moving on to the conditioner. Using the right shampoo on your dog is important for a happy, healthy pet!