Although your dog will groom themselves, they do need a hand to stay clean and healthy. Use the best dog shampoo you can find on your dog, and notice the difference in their clean coat.
Giving your dog a good bath every now and then is important so their coat stays clean, shiny, soft, and comfortable. And they smell better!
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Do You Need to Use Dog Shampoo on Your Dog?
Even an inside dog needs to be cleaned thoroughly whenever possible. When you bathe your dog, water alone won’t always cut it, so you need to use some the best dog shampoo for their particular needs.
It’s important that you realize that you can’t use standard human shampoo or soap to clean a dog. A dog must maintain a very specific pH level, and by using the wrong shampoos, you can throw this off. This will cause your dog discomfort and can also cause rashes on their skin.
How to Choose the Best Dog Shampoo For Your Dog
Dog shampoo is specifically formulated to be compatible and comfortable for dogs.
When you’re picking out a dog shampoo, you want it to be something that boasts comfort, with things such as “no tears” and “hypoallergenic” on the label. This will help to ensure that your dog won’t experience any discomfort with the shampoo when you’re using it.
Preferably, the shampoo should be made with natural ingredients, since chemicals can harm your dog’s skin. When you run a bath for your dog, you want to ensure that the water level is low, and the temperature is warm.
The shampoo should lather up well and let you get their coat clean all over. It should be comfortable for them, and preferably good smelling so they smell fresh whenever they come play with you afterwards.
What Are the Benefits of Bathing Your Dog?
Bathing your dog is very important because even if it’s not obvious, they pick up a lot of debris and dirt over the weeks. These can cause bad smells, slight discomfort, and can even carry disease.
Just think of all the dirt you get on your shoes by walking around. They get that all over their bodies constantly. If your dog likes going outside, running through grass or rolling around in dirt they can get all kinds of small bugs caught up in their fur. So it’s important that you clean them up well.
After a good bath with the right shampoo, your dog should be looking clean, smelling clean, and feeling comfortable.
A good shampoo will keep their coat in good condition, which will also prevent hair loss later on in life. Some dogs have fur that looks clean, but a good bath with a shampoo product will ensure that below the coat, their skin is well take care of.
Best Dog Shampoo for Itchy Skin
Pet Pleasant Vanilla Oatmeal Dog Shampoo
Many dogs have dry or itchy skin unfortunately. It is a condition that is annoying for both you and your dog. It can also cause your dog pain if left untreated, due to excessive scratching.
You can find some good premium dog shampoos that don’t cost the earth. This shampoo is a good solution for your dog’s itchy skin, but is still affordable.
- Gentle grooming shampoo with healthy ingredients plus essential oils.
- Colloidal Oatmeal to moisturize and soothe itchy and sensitive skin.
- Tear-free formula.
- Cleans, removes odors and deodorizes
- Long lasting pleasant vanilla and lavender fragrance.
- Cruelty free.
- No chemicals, no parabens and no sulfates.
Best Dog Shampoo for Odor
Deodorizing & Moisturizing Natural Oatmeal Dog Shampoo
We all have smelly dogs sometimes. Just because your dog loves to roll in something smelly, doesn’t mean the odor has to stay!
Try this sweet smelling, cruelty free soap for a more fragrant dog.
- Gentle grooming shampoo with a fresh therapeutic aloe formula.
- Colloidal Oatmeal to moisturize and soothe itchy and sensitive skin.
- Cleans, removes odors and deodorizes.
- Pleasant coconut fragrance.
- Cruelty free.
- Sulfate, phosphate, and allergen free.
Best Dog Shampoo for Sensitive Skin
4 Legger Natural Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoo
If you are looking for a natural shampoo, or your dog has sensitive skin then this shampoo is a great choice.
It’s cruelty free and eco-friendly and is gentle enough to use on pets of all ages.
- 100% natural shampoo with healthy ingredients plus essential oils.
- Conditions and moisturizes dry, itchy or sensitive skin.
- Allows your dogs natural oils to help regulate their skin’s health.
- Concentrated shampoo cleans, removes odors and deodorizes without being diluted.
- Pleasant lemongrass and rosemary fragrance. Available in other fragrances.
- Cruelty free, vegan, and eco-friendly.
- Detergent-free, paraben-free sulfate-free, safe and non-toxic, nothing artificial or synthetic.
Best All-round Dog Shampoo
Pro Pet All Natural Oatmeal Soap Free Dog Shampoo
This is a natural shampoo that can be used on dogs and cats. It is a good all-round shampoo if your pet doesn’t have specific washing requirements.
I like that it is safe for frequent use as my dog has a lot of baths in the wet months.
- Soap less and detergent free aloe shampoo with healthy ingredients plus vitamins A, D & E.
- Oatmeal, aloe vera & almond oil to moisturize and soothe itchy and sensitive skin.
- De-tangles coat for easier brushing.
- Cleans, removes odors and deodorizes.
- Natural cherry almond smell.
- Safe for frequent use.
- Paraben & Cruelty free.
Best Dog Shampoo for Fleas and Ticks
Natural Flea and Tick Prevention Shampoo for Dogs
This dog shampoo can be used in addition to your dog’s monthly flea treatment from the vet.
The aromatherapy in this shampoo will deter and repel bugs and ticks.
The anti-itch formula will also help with any irritations.
- Gentle grooming shampoo with healthy ingredients plus essential oils.
- Colloidal Oatmeal to nourish your dog’s fur.
- Chemical free tear less recipe.
- Cleans, removes odors and deodorizes with calming smells.
- Lavender enriched to naturally repel ticks and fleas.
- Made with natural ingredients and paraben free.
Best Waterless Dog Shampoo
Lillian Ruff No Rinse Waterless Dog Shampoo
If you have a dog that hates baths, or you just want to refresh your dog then Waterless shampoo is a good choice.
Lillian Ruff Waterless Dog Shampoo comes in a spray bottle. You simply spray your dog’s coat and that’s it. There is no need to dry your dog unlike some types of waterless shampoo.
- Does not require water.
- Essential oils such as aloe, lavender oil and coconut oil.
- Lavender and coconut are effective flea and tick repellents.
- Tear-free formula.
- Easy to use.
- Long lasting pleasant coconut and lavender fragrance.
- Cruelty free.
- Gluten free, no parabens and no sulfates.
Buying shampoo for your dog can be very difficult and stressful because you want the best for them.
I hope that this article has helped you to decide which shampoo you are going to use. And don’t forget, you can buy more than one.
I have 2 different shampoos for Poppy, plus the Waterless shampoo. she has one for very stinky days, one for more frequent baths then the waterless one when she needs a freshen up rather than a deep clean!
These are our recommendations. And I have a dog who loves nothing more than to lie in a dirty puddle. Or roll in something unspeakably smelly.
Are there any dog shampoos that you and your dog love? Let us know in the comments and we will check them out.
