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13 dog shampoos to tackle dry skin, shedding, odour and more
If you'd prefer to groom at home
Regular grooms will ensure your dog stays happy and healthy. Importantly, they can also help prevent odour, which will prevent bad smells from working their way into your carpets or furniture. A standing appointment with the groomers will ensure your dog stays fresh and clean, with clipped nails, but for the more DIY-inclined, there are plenty of dog shampoos available online.
But just as we humans have our own specific haircare concerns, so too do dogs. As such, it's important to find the best dog shampoo for their own individual needs. These will be dependant on their breed, coat and other health factors.
Best dog shampoos to buy in 2023
Can I wash my dog with regular shampoo?
We'd always recommend using a dedicated pet shampoo to wash your dog. But if you're in a pinch after a wet and wintery walk, a one-off with your own shampoo shouldn't hurt. Try not to make this a regular occurrence, however; dogs need a very gentle option to prevent irritation. Try to keep the PH levels as close to seven as possible. Baby shampoo is a better option than for adults, if you really must use traditional shampoo.
How often should you bathe a dog?
Obviously, if you go for a very muddy romp and your dog comes back caked in dirt, it's time for a bath. But in general, a good rule of thumb is one bath every four weeks. Nonetheless, this will depend on a number of factors including coat type, how dirty they get and other lifestyle factors. If you're unsure, it's best to ask a professional groomer or vet for advice on the best frequency for your particular dog.
Our dog shampoo picks to shop now
We've rounded up a list of 13 of the best dog shampoos to buy online for doggies of all sizes and sensibilities. We've got soothing options for pups who dislike wash day, those to control excess shedding in longer-haired breeds, soothing buys with tea tree oil for sensitive skin and medicated bottles to help tackle ticks and fleas, among others.
No, you can't use regular shampoo on your dog. But you can use Fur Bébé by luxe Parisian haircare for humans brand Ouai. After all, why shouldn't your dog enjoy the same sleek, shiny tresses you do? And on that note, with its notes of lemon, rose, jasmine sambac, iris, lily and white musk, you might actually be tempted to use this doggy shampoo yourself!
D.dog Black Hair Shampoo
Black dogs need a shampoo which is going to give their dark, richly-toned hair some proper shine. This is a pricey one, but it's full of natural ingredients, including chia seed extract and hemp oil, that wash away dirt and impurities, add strength and keep fur shiny and well-kempt.
Here's a lovely natural option from Swedish dog care brand WAP. If your dog has sensitive skin, it's likely a good option – it's been designed to offer anti-inflammatory properties while minimising irritation and dryness. The formulation includes tea tree, which has antibacterial properties, and lemon to help boost circulation and give that fresh, zesty scent.
Fox Poo Deodorising Dog Shampoo
Fox Poo Deodorising Dog Shampoo
There's really not much worse than having your dog roll in animal faeces! This duo pack of deodorising shampoos will swiftly remove the evidence – and any lingering smell.
Dirty Dawg is a mild no-rinse dog shampoo spray that helps to effectively remove dirt and odour from your dog's coat. Ideal for use as a 'spot cleaner', the spray is great for use on the go or for a quick clean between washes. Simply spray it on your dog's coat and groom it through.
Curly Coat Dog Shampoo
Curly Coat Dog Shampoo
Curly Coat is a shampoo specifically designed for curly-coated dogs. Enriched with conditioners, oatmeal and shea butter, it helps to remove knots from your dog's coat and improve overall appearance. It's 100% vegan.
Flea & Tick Dog Shampoo
Are you looking to treat your dog for fleas without damaging his coat or skin? This dog shampoo has a gentle pH balanced formula, based on pro-vitamin B5 and tea tree oil, to ensure it is compatible with all skin types. This tick remover shampoo also helps eliminate ticks and fleas from the thickest coats, while providing a soothing, calming effect on the irritated, bitten skin.
Tearless 2 in 1 Shampoo and Conditioner
Tearless 2 in 1 Shampoo and Conditioner
This product works as a shampoo and a conditioner to give you the best of both worlds without compromising on quality. The ultra-gentle, pH-balanced buttermilk and linseed oil formula will clean your dog and leave their coat feeling soft.
Does the sound of running water in the bathroom give your dog anxiety? This shampoo uses commonly used aromatherapy scents to help pets relax. It can be used on any breed for a soothing experience, and is enriched with relaxing lavender and mint for a clean, happy, fresh-smelling pet. It's also a great product for older pets, to help soothe away those aches and pains.
FURminator Deshedding Shampoo
FURminator Deshedding Shampoo
FURminator shampoo and conditioner offer ingredients that help reduce and control excessive shedding. Using this omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, calendula extract and papaya leaf-infused shampoo once a month will leave your dogs coat looking and feeling as good as new.
Pritty Pets Baby Powder Dog Shampoo
Is your dog prone to jumping in puddles and rolling in the mud? Maybe it's about time you invest in an industrial size bottle of shampoo. This vegan-friendly product comes in a 5L bottle so you will be ready for bath-time at the drop of a hat. Plus, it's PH balance makes it suitable for all breeds and coat types from Poodles and Cockapoos to Bulldogs and Labs. You can also use this shampoo on puppies over eight weeks.
Medicated Dog Shampoo
The specially formulated shampoo is ideal for combatting issues that go deeper than just a bad hair day. This product will help relieve skin scaling caused by seborrhea and relieve mange and parasitic infections. This medicated dog shampoo works fast to relieve symptoms including inflamed scalp, greasy or waxy skin, red skin rashes, bald spots, itch, and flaky skin associated with seborrhea, mange, and parasitic issues.
Kiehls Cuddly-Coat Cleansing Spritz
Kiehls Cuddly-Coat Cleansing Spritz
Give your dog’s coat a quick refresh with this no-rinse dog grooming spray. Formulated with chamomile flower extract and glycerin, this freshly-scented formula helps spot clean and deodorize pups on the go.
Charlotte is a fitness and health news writer with an extensive background in sport. A part of the GB hockey system for the last nine years, all things fitness and health are right up her street. Her role as a daily news writer requires her to spend her time covering both entertaining and informative news with a focus on fitness & health, celebrity, real life and industry updates.
Charley is former Homes Ecommerce Editor. During her time at Hearst UK, Charley wrote over 300 buying guides and reviews, getting her hands on as many new launches as possible to help you find the best products for your home.
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