Best Dog Shampoo 2025

Written by Ellie Roddy

Veterinary reviewed by:

Published: 06/14/2024, edited: 01/30/2025

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
4-Legger Organic, Hypo-Allergenic, Lemongrass & Aloe Dog Shampoo
FURminator Deshedding Dog Shampoo
Adams Plus Flea & Tick Shampoo with Precor
Burt's Bees Puppy 2-in-1 Shampoo
FAQ

Earthbath Fragrance Free Oatmeal & Aloe Pet Shampoo

4.5

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

Editor's Choice

Up to 35% off with Chewy Autoship Shop on Petco

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.”

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. Copyright 4-Legger.

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

Editor's Choice

Up to 35% off with Chewy Autoship Shop on Petco

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. Copyright Spectrum Brands, Inc.

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

Up to 35% off with Chewy Autoship

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

Toxic to cats
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. Copyright Central Garden & Pet Company.

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

Editor's Choice

Up to 35% off with Chewy Autoship Shop on Petco

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. Copyright Burt's Bees.

FAQ

How do I know which shampoo is best for my dog?

There are a few things to consider when working out the best shampoo for your specific dog. Firstly, their breed and therefore the coat type and texture they have as well as any issues with their skin.

If they have a short coat then they will benefit from shampoo that will cleanse and moisturize while maintaining natural oils. Oatmeal and aloe vera are beneficial for this — and are also soothing for dogs with dry or itchy skin. If your dog does have sensitive skin then fragrance-free or medicated shampoo would also be advised.

You want to prevent matting for dogs that have curly or long hair — so adding a conditioner may help as well as looking for ingredients such as shea butter. This will keep hair sleek, shiny and maintain the definition of those curls. For breeds with a double-coat you want to look for a shampoo that will help reduce shedding. Ingredients such as omega-fatty acids are best in this case.

You’ll also need to consider their lifestage. Most shampoos are suitable for puppies over eight weeks. But, if you have a youngster then it’s particularly important to look for a shampoo that’s natural and gentle on their delicate skin.

What do I need to consider when choosing a shampoo?

The most important thing to consider when choosing a shampoo for your dog is the ingredients. You want to ensure they are gentle, safe and natural. Soothing ingredients that will moisturize their skin — such as aloe vera, oatmeal, shea butter and coconut oil — are best.

You should avoid the likes of sulfates, parabens as well as artificial fragrances which can irritate the skin.

Can I wash my dog with human shampoo?

No, you should never use human shampoo on your dog because this is likely to cause skin irritation and strip them of their natural oils. Our dog’s skin has a different pH balance and is much more sensitive than ours.

So, it’s very important to find a pet-friendly shampoo that best suits your dog's specific skin and coat needs.

How do I wash my dog?

Firstly, remember your dog doesn’t need a bath too often. At most, you should be washing them once a month. Between then, if they’re dirty, you can simply wipe them with a damp cloth.

But, when it’s time for their bath, before you do anything else, you should give them a brush to remove loose hair and any mats. Once they’ve been brushed, use lukewarm water to ensure they're wet everywhere and then you can rub in the shampoo.

Start at their head and work your way down their body, making sure to get everywhere. When rinsing, start at the head again and work down. You want to rinse their body with clean water around three times to make sure you don’t leave any shampoo behind. Now is the time to use a conditioner, if you intend to.

Always check the label of your specific shampoo as, for example, some may be rinsed out straight away, while others may be left in for a certain amount of time before washing it off.