- Home
- Best Products
- Dog Grooming Equipment
- Best Dog Shampoo 2024
Best Dog Shampoo 2024
Written by Ellie Roddy
Veterinary reviewed by:
Published: 06/14/2024, edited: 06/14/2024
The Wag! team conducts independent research and consults pet experts to curate our recommendations. This content is supported by our affiliate pet partners and we may receive a commission on the links provided.
Did you know that you can actually wash a dog too much? Dogs only need a bath once every one to three months. How often will be dependent on a number of factors, including the type of coat they have and how active they are. Bathe them too often and you could remove their natural oils and irritate their skin.
So, how do you know which dog shampoo is right for your pup? You’ll need to consider a number of things such as their breed and lifestage as well as any skin issues. To help, we’ve picked out some of the best pet-friendly shampoos.
Of course, over time dogs will become dirty and smelly. A bath will remove dirt and debris and leave them looking clean and smelling fresh.
When the time comes for their bath you want to use the best dog shampoo that will only have benefits for their coat and skin. Not all dogs will enjoy the experience but it will definitely be worth it — for both of you — particularly if you use the right shampoo.
Overview
Earthbath Fragrance Free Oatmeal & Aloe Pet Shampoo
Best shampoo for dogs with sensitive skin
Does your pup have sensitive skin? Then this is the best shampoo for dogs with a condition like that, because it’s fragrance-free and made with colloidal oatmeal and organic aloe vera which is effective for dry and flaky skin.
These ingredients will re-moisturize, heal and soothe the skin while leaving the coat clean and soft.
The concentrated formula can be diluted, will not wash off topical flea applications and is suitable for dogs from puppies through to adults.
If this isn’t the right one for your dog, you’ll find a number of dog shampoos in the Earthbath range including the same gentle formula as this one with a vanilla and almond fragrance.
Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Pet Shampoo
Why Wag! loves it
- Helps to relieve dry and itchy skin
- Cruelty-free
- Doesn’t contain parabens, phthalates or chemical dyes
Considerations & concerns
- Some prefer to use a shampoo with a fragrance
- Some pet parents say that this shampoo is quite watery
- Only to be used on pups over six weeks
What pet parents say about Earthbath Fragrance Free Oatmeal & Aloe Pet Shampoo
“My pug has very sensitive skin and gets allergies in the spring and fall. Her skin erupts in hives and this product did a great job at 1) cleaning the coat thoroughly 2) soothing the irritation that she had. I got the fragrance-free version which is a plus for dogs that have skin allergies.
The product lathers well and doesn’t leave a “wet dog smell”. The product also did a great job at conditioning her coat as well leaving her very soft and comfortable. 10/10 recommend this product!”
“Love this shampoo. Works great for my ten year old Dachshund who has itchy skin. Rinses out easily.”
Read more reviews on Petco.
Image sourced from Chewy.
4-Legger Organic, Hypo-Allergenic, Lemongrass & Aloe Dog Shampoo
Best shampoo for a dog with itchy skin
Is your dog constantly itching? Then you need this because it’s the best shampoo for a dog with itchy skin. This organic and hypo-allergenic shampoo is the natural way to clean your pet.
The essential oil blend includes lemongrass which has antibacterial and antifungal properties as well as aloe, which soothes itchy skin.
The best part is, this non-toxic and eco-friendly shampoo is very gentle so won’t strip the natural skin and coat oils.
The concentrated formula contains no artificial or synthetic chemicals — and means you only need to use a little, so it lasts much longer. Plus, it will not remove topical flea or tick treatment.
4-Legger Hypo-Allergenic Dog Shampoo
Why Wag! loves it
- Made with organic, sustainably sourced, ingredients
- Reduces itching by moisturizing the skin
- Easy to lather and rinse
Considerations & concerns
- Some pet parents don’t like the smell
- Some say it is very watery
- It has been known to dry out the coats of some dogs
What pet parents say about 4-Legger Hypo-Allergenic Dog Shampoo
“My dog suffers from skin irritation constantly and after looking into what chemicals go in most dog shampoos, I wanted something that wouldn’t have me worrying about harsh toxic ingredients. This stuff is great, makes her fur soft to the touch, and has definitely helped in easing her itching!
I know there’s some complaints about the thin consistency but that’s how you know this is the real deal with it having no toxic thickening agents. It’s easy to lather once you get the hang of it and a little goes such a long way! The company does also offer a foaming bottle for purchase for those who need the extra help.
The smell can also definitely be strong for those on the sensitive side to scents so do be aware. I’m very happy to have found this line of shampoos and happy to be sticking with them!”
“My pup deals with skin allergies and scratches/licks all the time during the spring and summer. This shampoo has helped him some with the itchiness and makes him smell like lemongrass as well - it just doesn’t last too long in the smell department.
I’m hoping that, over time, repeated washes with this will improve his itchiness. This shampoo also gets into his fur better than any other I’ve tried. Most sit on top of his fur and require intense scrubbing to get to his skin but this soap lathers in so well.”
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Image sourced from Chewy.
FURminator Deshedding Dog Shampoo
Best deshedding shampoo for dogs
Is your house constantly covered in a layer of your dog’s hair? You may think you just need to brush them more regularly.
But, while this shampoo, of course, won’t prevent them from shedding all together, it will make it more manageable.
You’ll need to rub it into your dog's wet skin and then leave for up to 10 minutes; you may need to repeat the process.
Omega fatty acids help to moisturize the coat so, as well as reducing excess shedding, the ingredients help to keep the skin and coat in good condition making it the best deshedding shampoo for dogs.
Then, for best results, use the conditioner and brush afterwards.
FURminator Deshedding Dog Shampoo
Why Wag! loves it
- It reduces excess shedding, so you can go longer between brushes
- Enriched with omega fatty acids
- Deodorizer reduces the ‘wet dog’ smell
Considerations & concerns
- Some pet parents say the smell is too strong
- You have to leave it on for five to ten minutes
- Only to be used on dogs over six weeks
What pet parents say about FURminator Deshedding Dog Shampoo
“I have three Aussies that come inside often, so I tried this in hopes it would control some of their shedding. At first I didn’t think it made a crazy amount of a difference until I used a regular shampoo.
It absolutely does reduce how much (they’re) shedding. I let my friend use it (has a German Shepherd) and she noticed a dramatic difference in the amount she shedded. Highly recommend!”
“Love this shampoo! It has great ingredients to keep my blue heelers coat, nice and shiny, and helps with her shedding. A Little goes a long way, I will definitely re-order!”
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Image sourced from Chewy.
Adams Plus Flea & Tick Shampoo with Precor
Best flea shampoo for dogs
You should regularly treat your pet to ensure that they don’t get fleas in the first place. But, if they do, you want to relieve them from the discomfort as quickly as possible.
This is the best flea shampoo for dogs because it kills adult fleas, flea eggs, ticks and lice on contact.
The ingredients — including coconut extract, oatmeal, aloe vera and lanolin — are very soothing. Not only does it remove fleas, it’ll also leave their coats soft and shiny.
Once your pup is flea-free, you can reapply this shampoo around once a month to keep those pesky fleas away.
Adams Plus Flea & Tick Shampoo
Why Wag! loves it
- Kills adult fleas, flea eggs, ticks and lice
- Contains ingredients that will soothe the skin
- Works for up to 28 days
Considerations & concerns
- It can take a while to thoroughly rinse off
- Some say it has a very medicinal smell
- Can only be used on puppies over 12 weeks
What pet parents say about Adams Plus Flea & Tick Shampoo
“I was pleasantly surprised to discover that this product effectively worked on both of my dogs. I bathed one of them a week ago, and since then, there have been no signs of fleas returning.
As soon as I noticed the first sign of fleas on the other dog, I promptly used this shampoo, and it proved to be highly effective.”
“I was struggling to find something that worked for my dog, saw a lot of positive reviews and gave this a try. After his bath I noticed a huge improvement, I combed his fur and saw no fleas and (he) smells good. Will keep buying this for sure.”
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Images sourced from Chewy.
Burt's Bees Puppy 2-in-1 Shampoo
Best shampoo for puppies
If you’ve just brought a cute little bundle of fur home, then you want to know that what you use to wash them is going to be soft and gentle.
This is one of the best dog shampoos for puppies — as it does just that.
The 2-in-1 tearless puppy shampoo ensures bath times are as quick and easy as possible. This is particularly important for youngsters that won’t be used to being washed and may not particularly like it.
Burt's Bees Puppy 2-in-1 Shampoo
Why Wag! loves it
- 97% natural ingredients with no sulfates or colorants
- Linseed oil and buttermilk to soothe, soften and condition skin and coat
- Cruelty-free
Considerations & concerns
- Doesn’t lather up that well so need to use more product for each wash
- It’s unscented and some may prefer a fragrance
- Some pet parents say it’s hard to rinse out and made their pup itchy
What pet parents say about Burt's Bees Puppy 2-in-1 Shampoo
“All things Burt's Bees are superior in every way. Can't make my puppy like her bath but she comes out fluffy and soft. Non-irritating to eyes and skin.”
“I love this gentle unscented shampoo. I have allergies to fragrances like my dogs so we all appreciate it. Their fur comes out so soft and clean. They smell clean, not perfumed. They have no allergy issues with this product. Thank you!!!”
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Image sourced from Chewy.
FAQ
How do I know which shampoo is best for my dog?
What do I need to consider when choosing a shampoo?
Can I wash my dog with human shampoo?
How do I wash my dog?