6 of the Best Dog Shampoos for a Clean Coat
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Giving a dog a bath is something every dog and their owner has to deal with. There are SO many dog shampoo options on the market, it’s hard to know which one is the best dog shampoo for your dog.
With so many different options for dog shampoos out there, it can be difficult to know which one is the best choice for your pup. That’s why we’ve put together a list of recommendations for all of your dog’s grooming needs.
These shampoos are specially formulated to meet the unique needs of your dog’s skin, and will leave them smelling fresh and clean. Whether your dog has sensitive skin, is prone to itching or has a thick, double coat, we’ve got you covered so you can find the right shampoo for your furry friend!
Our Favorite Dog Shampoos
- Earthbath All Natural Pet Shampoo
- FURminator deShedding Ultra Premium Dog Shampoo
- Mal-a-Ket Shampoo
- Top Performance Fresh Pet Shampoo
- Bodhi Dog New Waterless Dog Shampoo
- Adams Plus Flea & Tick Shampoo
How Often Should I Bathe My Dog?
Determining how often to bathe your dog can vary depending on your individual pet’s needs and lifestyle. Every dog is different, and some may need bathing more frequently than others.
Some dogs may require more frequent baths, while others may only need a bath every few months. Factors such as the dog’s breed, coat type, and activity level can all play a role in determining how often to bathe them.
In general, it is recommended to bathe dogs around once a month, but this can vary depending on the season. During the summer months, when dogs tend to be more active and may get dirtier more quickly, bathing them once a month is a good rule of thumb.
During the winter when dogs are less active and are less likely to get dirty, they may only need a bath every 2-3 months.
It is also important to consider your dog’s individual skin type and coat. For example, dogs with oily skin may need to be bathed more frequently, while dogs with dry skin may need less frequent baths. Dogs with thick, double coats may require more frequent brushing to keep your dog’s coat looking shiny and healthy.
We bathe Roxy & Rico around once a month on average during the summer. Sometimes Roxy gets them a little more frequently since she loves to roll around in mud!
During the winter they don’t get too dirty or stinky. They can go 2-3 months without one, which is helpful when it’s below zero degrees outside!
It helps that neither pup has oily skin, and Roxy barely sheds at all. Rico gets brushed pretty often in the winter when his coat thickens up, so that helps keep him fresh longer.
Pro tip: If you’ve got a dog that HATES baths, spread some peanut butter on the inside of the tub to distract them while you bathe them! A lick mat sticks to the tub and provides a clean surface free of soap scum. It can be easily cleaned after their bath.
Can I Use Human Shampoo On My Dog?
It is not recommended to use human shampoo on dogs. Human skin has a different pH level and natural oils compared to dogs, so using human shampoo on a dog can disrupt the natural balance of their skin and coat.
Additionally, human shampoos often contain fragrances, harsh chemicals, and other ingredients that can be harsh on a dog’s sensitive skin and may cause irritation or allergic reactions.
In a pinch, a gentle, unscented shampoo or a baby shampoo will suffice, but it’s best to stick to shampoos formulated for dogs.
Can I Use Dawn Dish Soap on My Dog?
Dawn dish soap works amazingly if your dog has rolled around in something greasy or oily. However, it’s not really recommended for regular use on your dog.
The same chemicals and properties that cut grease on your dishes and on wildlife after oil spills can be overly harsh and drying.
There are plenty of recommendations online that recommend using Dawn dish soap for fleas. If your dog is dealing with a flea infestation, it may be a good option for you in a pinch.
I do recommend sticking with a flea shampoo for dogs to be most effective while keeping their skin from getting too dry, though.
Boost Shampoo Power With a Dog Bath Brush
Using a dog bath brush works wonders for getting the shampoo to penetrate down to your dog’s undercoat. Give them a gentle scrub with this bath brush to help loosen even more hair and dirt.
When the brush is dry, you can use it to brush them regularly or to collect hair from carpets and couches!
Earthbath Shampoo
We started using Earthbath dog shampoo when we rescued Rico. He had demodectic mange, so we were looking for a good quality soothing shampoo while he was undergoing treatment. Earthbath helped soothe his sensitive, itchy skin.
Now that they’re both adult dogs (actually, they’re senior dogs *cries* but forever puppies!) I like using this natural shampoo to keep their healthy skin in good condition.
For the best organic pet shampoos for dry skin, you can’t go wrong with the fragrance-free Oatmeal & Aloe blend. If you prefer something lightly scented, the vanilla and almond combo is formulated with vitamin e and smells amazing, yet isn’t an overpowering scent.
It’s the best smelling dog shampoo we’ve used, and definitely our top pick. I also love that it’s an all natural dog shampoo, so I feel good about what I’m bathing my babies in when using organic ingredients.
FURminator deShedding Ultra Premium Dog Shampoo
If you’ve got a crazy shedder, this FURminator shampoo may be perfect for you! It’s often rated as the best shampoo for dog shedding. The omega 3 and 6 enrichments help reduce your dog’s shedding. Plus, the fruity smell is super yummy!
Use a FURminator brush often to remove extra fur and minimize shedding. Also, add fish oil to your dog’s meals to make their coat shinier and help reduce shedding. Check out all the benefits of fish oil here!
Sign up for our list and get a FREE printable pet identification sheet! It’s super helpful for pet sitters or if your dog wanders away for home!
Dechra Mal-a-ket Shampoo
Mal-a-Ket is a fantastic medicated shampoo for dogs with allergies. It has antifungal, antibacterial, deodorizing, and degreasing properties. That makes it great for a variety of skin conditions, including bacterial infections and fungal infections. Our vet recommended it when Roxy broke out in hives a couple years ago.
We weren’t sure exactly what triggered it (didn’t she look absolutely pathetic?!) but this medicated dog shampoo helped so much!
It smelled terrific, too, so now we keep it on hand in our house for any skin issues arising that may need an antibacterial dog shampoo.
Top Performance Fresh Pet Shampoo
Top Performance dog shampoo is a great option for dogs with longer hair, as its non-tangle formula helps prevent tangles and mats in the fur. Not only is it effective in detangling, but it is also safe to use with puppies and kittens as young as 6 weeks old, as well as older pets.
This dog shampoo is formulated to match the natural pH balance of the coat and skin of the animal, making it gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin. In addition to its effectiveness in detangling and safety for use on young animals, it also leaves your pet with a clean and fresh scent that lasts. You can be sure your pet will have a healthy and shiny coat, without any tangles or mats.
Bodhi Dog New Waterless Dog Shampoo
What IS Waterless shampoo?? It’s a spray shampoo that freshens up your pet without commiting to a full bath. This works great in areas where it’s just too cold to give your dog a bath as often.
Roxy & Rico don’t tend to get very dirty in the winter, so helps clean them up a bit in the in-between bath time.
It can also be a lifesaver if your dog gets into something while traveling! We were out hiking with Roxy and Rico once. Dan had Roxy on her leash, and I had Rico on his.
Dan turned to ask me something, and at that very moment, Roxy found a very fresh cow patty to roll around on! It was SO GROSS. While she definitely needed a full bath when we got home, this helped mask the scent on the ride back!
Adams Plus Flea & Tick Shampoo with Precor
Fleas suck. Literally! Dealing with fleas is quite annoying.
Adams Plus Flea & Tick shampoo kills fleas and prevents flea growth for up to 28 days to break the flea life cycle. It’s a powerful solution for flea and tick control on your dog or cat. This dog shampoo not only kills adult fleas and flea eggs, but also ticks and lice on contact, preventing reinfestation. You still want to use tick prevention, but this works great if you do happen to find one!
It’s formulated with soothing aloe vera, lanolin, coconut extract, and oatmeal which makes it perfect for pets with sensitive skin, leaving their coat soft, shiny, and manageable. The dog shampoo also has a lightly scented fragrance that leaves your pet smelling fresh. When applying it, work it into a rich lather then let it sit for 5 minutes to be effective.
Do I Need To Use Conditioner On My Dog?
Some pups can benefit from using a conditioner formulated for dogs. If they have long, silky hair, dog conditioner will help minimize tangles, and if they have coarse hair, it will make them much softer!
Using conditioner for dogs can help reduce shedding, too. If you have a heavy shedding dog, it can loosen the hairs that fall out throughout the day so they come out when you’re bathing them.
Towel them dry or use a blow dryer on the cool setting, then follow up with a good brushing!
Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Conditioner
If you want perfectly matched dog shampoo and conditioner, Earthbath makes a great Oatmeal & Aloe conditioner to go with the shampoo mentioned above.
Like their shampoo, it’s filled with all-natural ingredients. They work to detangle hair, as well as soothing dry skin.
FURminator deShedding Ultra Premium Conditioner
Another fantastic dog conditioner option is FURminator deShedding conditioner. It works to release their undercoat while bathing, allowing loose hair to be washed away.
Enriched with Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids, it conditions dry skin as well as minimizing shedding. It also helps keep that wet dog smell away!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Hi, I’m Natasha!
I’m an active dog rescue advocate and love all things dog! I live in the mountains of Colorado with my husband Dan and our two crazy rescue pups, Roxy & Rico. See more here or reach me hello@omshantipups.com
