How We Found The Best Dog Shampoos
To evaluate the extensive range of available dog shampoos, our research panel created a comprehensive questionnaire, asking dog owners to describe their dog’s coat type, specific skin conditions, primary reasons for bathing their dogs, and how often they bathe their dogs. We learned what shampoos dog owners use for general cleaning as well as conditions like seborrhea and yeast infections, how they choose a shampoo, and how long they have used certain brands.
In total, 28 survey responders described the ease of use, effectiveness, and overall hydration of their dog’s coat and skin post-bath through a combination of numerical scores and detailed feedback.
What to Look for in Dog Shampoos
Groomer Dana Youngker looks for natural ingredients in her shampoos, choosing organic when possible. When shampooing, she says get your dog nice and wet first, then start from the head and work your way down, being sure to get everywhere including paw pads and private areas, rinsing from the head down so all the dirty water doesn’t flow into clean areas.
Use lukewarm water, says groomer Dana Youngker. “Nothing you’d take a hot shower in,” she says. “If you wouldn’t bathe your baby in it, do not bathe your dog in it.”
Groomer Kim Flatley suggests diluting shampoo in a cup before using it to help spread it around your pup and helping it later more easily.
Ingredients
It’s not enough to look for a product that is “natural.” If you want a product that is truly gentle and won’t cause health problems, look at the ingredients. “A lot of dog shampoos have parabens, mineral oils, sulfates, phthalates and those can cause skin issues and other health issues and be extremely harmful to dogs,” Youngker says.
Also, try to look for essential oils instead of artificial fragrances. Avoid added dyes and artificial coloring of any sort.
Breed
Your dog’s breed and coat type might influence the type of shampoo you use and how often you wash your pet. Some dogs, like Labrador retrievers, for example, have more naturally greasy coats to help them repel water. Groomers advise skipping shampoos with built-in conditioners for those dogs. Washing them too often can also cause them to make too much natural oil in their skin.
Brushing before a bath can be even more important than the type of shampoo you choose, says Flatley. It helps remove and loosen mats for long hair dogs or loose hair for shedding dogs. “Then for bathing, really scrub and scrub some more then rinse and when you think you’re done rinse again to not leave any shampoo behind,” she suggests.
Lifestage
A lot of brands might say puppy safe or puppy gentle, but the key is to check the ingredients, says Youngker. “Always read the labels. Make sure there are no damaging ingredients. Stick to something gentle and natural.”
Most shampoos are safe for puppies over eight weeks old and all adult dogs, although you might notice that medicated shampoos and those targeted toward fleas aren’t recommended until puppies are a little older. When in doubt, always ask your vet before using a product.
Why Trust The Spruce Pets?
To find the best dog shampoos, we tested a range of products on our own pets and also consulted with professional groomers about what to look for when shopping, and interviewed dog owners about their favorite products.
This article was updated by Abbie Harrison, Associate Editorial Director of The Spruce Pets. She has over 10 years experience in writing and editing.
An older version of this article was researched and written by Mary Jo DiLonardo who has covered animals and pets for several decades. Mary Jo has fostered more than 60 dogs and puppies and has given so many baths! She is always searching for the healthiest and most effective products to use on them.