Best Shampoo for Dogs for Healthy Coats & Skin

When it comes to keeping your pup healthy and happy, choosing the right shampoo might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but your dog's coat actually plays a vital role in their overall health. 

“For puppies, their skin is still sensitive so use a gentle shampoo,” explains Giulia D'Ignazio, professional dog groomer and owner of Brandy's Canine Grooming. “For senior dogs, sometimes there are more skin issues, and therefore shampoo choice should be adjusted.”

The best shampoo for dogs does more than clean; it helps maintain a soft, shiny coat, keeps their skin comfortable, which can prevent common issues like dryness and irritation. Whether your pup is a big ball of fluff or a shedding short-haired pup, finding the right shampoo tailored to their needs is important to their overall well-being. 

Why Choosing the Best Shampoo for Dogs Matters

There are many reasons why choosing the best dog shampoo is important, but the two main ones are their skin and coat health and environmental factors. 

Skin and Coat Health

A healthy coat starts with healthy skin, and quality dog shampoos play an important role in having both. Just like humans, dogs' skin can be sensitive, and using the wrong shampoo can lead to pH imbalance and irritation. The right shampoo, though, helps nourish and protect your dog’s skin, creating a natural barrier against bacteria and infections.

Good shampoos are packed with ingredients like natural oils, vitamins, and soothing agents that support skin health and promote a shiny, soft coat. They help maintain the skin's natural moisture balance, stopping it from becoming too dry or oily. 

Regular use of the right shampoo can also help manage shedding, reduce itching, and even prevent certain skin conditions, leaving your dog looking—and feeling—their best. So, when you choose a shampoo designed for your dog’s unique coat and skin needs, you're investing in their overall well-being.

Environmental Considerations

When selecting a dog shampoo, it's not just your pet's health that matters—it's also the environment. Many conventional shampoos are packed with harsh chemicals and synthetic ingredients that can have a negative impact on the planet, e.g. bleaching coral and harming local wildlife. 

Opting for dog shampoos made with more natural ingredients is a great way to help reduce your pup's environmental impact. These shampoos are often free from harmful chemicals, such as parabens, sulfates, and overpowering fragrances. Checking your shampoo bottle for important certifications like Leaping Bunny Cruelty-Free and B Corp, is also a wise decision.

Types of Dog Shampoos for Different Needs

When looking at dog shampoos, the most important consideration is your dog’s specific needs. Here are a few things to consider before picking a shampoo.

Shampoos by Skin Type

Every dog’s skin is different, and choosing the right shampoo for their skin type is essential for maintaining both comfort and health.

If your dog has particularly sensitive skin, it's important to go for a hypoallergenic shampoo. These formulas are designed to be gentle and free from common allergens, like dyes, and harsh chemicals, which can irritate delicate skin. 

For dogs that suffer from dry, flaky, or itchy skin, there are shampoos specifically formulated to tackle these issues. Anti-itch and soothing formulas often include ingredients like oatmeal, aloe vera, and chamomile, which are natural remedies that help reduce itching, soothe inflammation, and restore moisture to dry skin, providing relief from discomfort. 

Shampoos targeting dry or flaky skin not only cleanse but also deeply hydrate, promoting a healthier skin barrier and reducing the likelihood of recurring dryness.

Shampoos by Coat Type

Just like your dog’s skin, their coat type plays a big role in determining the best shampoo for them. Different coats require different care, and using a shampoo designed for your dog’s specific coat type can help maintain their texture, shine, and overall health.

For dogs with double coats, such as Huskies or Golden Retrievers, you'll want a shampoo that helps to detangle and lift the undercoat without stripping natural oils. Shampoos formulated for double coats often include nourishing ingredients that keep the coat thick, shiny, and tangle-free. 

Dogs with short coats, like Beagles or Dachshunds, generally benefit from shampoos that provide a gentle yet effective cleanse without weighing down their fur. Look for shampoos that offer shine and hydration to leave their coat sleek and glossy. 

Wiry-coated breeds, such as Schnauzers and Terriers, need shampoos that help preserve the natural texture of their coats without softening them too much. Shampoos for wiry coats often contain ingredients that enhance the coat’s rough texture while conditioning the skin underneath. 

Curly-coated dogs, like Poodles or Bichon Frises, require special attention to ensure their coats stay tangle-free and fluffy. Look for shampoos that hydrate the coat and keep it soft and bouncy without weighing down the curls. 

Giulia notes, “I love a shampoo that has an extra detangling for the Doodles as it really helps work the matting out.”

Specialty Shampoos

Sometimes, your dog’s grooming needs go beyond the basics, and specialty shampoos offer targeted care for specific concerns.

For dogs with skin conditions like dermatitis, hot spots, or infections, a medicated dog shampoo may be necessary. These shampoos contain active ingredients like chlorhexidine or ketoconazole, designed to treat fungal infections, bacterial issues, and soothe irritated skin. They help relieve itching, reduce inflammation, and support healing, making them ideal for dogs with chronic skin problems or infections.

If you have a dog with a light-colored coat, like a white or cream breed, whitening shampoos can help restore its natural brightness. These shampoos contain optical brighteners or ingredients like lemon extract to remove yellowing and stains. They gently enhance the coat’s whiteness, keeping your dog looking fresh without damaging their fur.

For dogs that roll in dirt or have persistent odors, deep-cleaning odor-control shampoos are a must. These formulas help neutralize odors using ingredients like activated charcoal, zinc, or essential oils. They also provide a deep cleanse that reaches beneath the surface to remove dirt, oils, and build-up, leaving your dog smelling fresh and clean.

Key Ingredients in Dog Shampoos: What to Look For and Avoid

When looking at dog shampoos to decide which is best, considering the ingredients themselves is key. Giulia points out that we should use, “Natural ingredients (as much as possible) ex: aloe vera, oatmeal, lavender.”

Best Ingredients

Here are the ingredients to look for when picking the best dog shampoo and conditioner for your pup. 

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is well-known for its soothing properties. It's perfect for dogs with dry, itchy, or irritated skin, as it helps to hydrate and calm inflammation. Aloe vera also has natural healing properties, making it great for soothing hot spots or minor skin abrasions.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a gentle, natural ingredient often found in shampoos for dogs with sensitive or itchy skin. It acts as a moisturizer, forming a protective layer on the skin and preventing dryness. Oatmeal shampoos are ideal for dogs with allergies or conditions like eczema, offering relief from itching and irritation.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a fantastic moisturizing agent that nourishes both the skin and coat. It contains fatty acids that help strengthen the skin’s barrier, locking in moisture and preventing dryness. Coconut oil also has antimicrobial properties, which can help reduce skin infections or irritation caused by bacteria and fungi.

Essential Oils

Many shampoos include essential oils like lavender, chamomile, or eucalyptus for their calming and antiseptic properties. These oils help to relax your dog, reduce itching, and promote a shiny coat. But it's important to choose shampoos with pet-safe oils, as some oils can be toxic to dogs.

Ingredients to Avoid

As much as it’s important to look for certain ingredients, it’s also important to avoid others. As Giulia says, “Just like us, parabens, sulfates, artificial coloring, and scent in certain grooming products can have a negative impact on the overall health of the dogs.”

• Parabens are preservatives used to extend shelf life, but they can cause skin irritation and even disrupt hormonal balance in both dogs and humans. 
• Sulfates are often found in shampoos as cleansing agents and can strip the dog’s skin of natural oils, leaving it dry and vulnerable to irritation.
• Overpowering fragrances & dyes may make the shampoo look and smell pleasant, but harsh chemicals can lead to allergic reactions, dry skin, and other skin problems. 

These synthetic ingredients can be especially harsh for dogs with sensitive skin or pre-existing conditions like eczema or dermatitis. 

Additionally, never use human shampoo on your dog as human skin is more acidic than dog skin so it can irritate your dog.

Top Picks for the Best Shampoo for Dogs

So what shampoo should you go for? Here are the best shampoos for each coat type. 

Best Short Coat Shampoo

Earth Rated’s Short Coat 3-in-1 Dog Shampoo is a great choice for short-coated dogs due to its unique combination of features designed specifically for their coat type. Keep your short-haired pup looking sleek with this 3-in-1 Dog Shampoo, formulated with argan oil to help moisturize the skin. This shampoo helps lift away loose hair to tackle shedding.

The triple-action formula not only cleans and hydrates but also offers odor-control. The rich lather is easy to rinse off, and the deep-clean nozzle ensures that the shampoo reaches all areas, providing a thorough wash. 

The deodorizing white tea and basil fragrance also helps to combat unwanted odors, leaving your dog smelling fresh. Best of all, it’s free from harsh chemicals like parabens, sulfates, and alcohol, making it gentle on your dog's skin while still delivering excellent results.

Best Curly Coat Shampoo

Earth Rated’s Curly Coat 3-in-1 Dog Shampoo is the perfect solution for maintaining your pup’s curls. It’s designed to tackle tangles and mats while promoting a healthy, bouncy coat. Curly and wavy coats require special care, and this shampoo excels at hydrating and restoring the natural texture of your dog’s fur. 

Its triple-action formula cleans, hydrates, and deodorizes all in one step, making bath time quick and effective.

This shampoo helps tackle tangles and mats, leaving the curls soft and defined. The rich lather is easy to rinse off, and the deep-clean nozzle reaches into the curly coat to work through tangles with ease. 

The gentle formula is also free from harsh chemicals like parabens, sulfates, and alcohol, ensuring your pup’s coat stays healthy and shiny.

Best Double Coat Shampoo

Earth Rated’s Double Coat 3-in-1 Dog Shampoo is the perfect choice for breeds with thick, dense fur, like Alaskan Malamutes or German Shepherds. 

Double coats often require special attention to maintain balance between the dense undercoat and the longer outer layer, and this shampoo is formulated to do just that. The triple-action formula cleans, moisturizes, and deodorizes, making it a one-stop shop for keeping your dog's coat in top condition.

This shampoo is designed to lift away loose hair, helping to reduce shedding and prevent mats from forming in the undercoat. The rich lather is easy to rinse off, and the deep-clean nozzle ensures thorough coverage, reaching under the thick layers of fur to cleanse deeply. 

The deodorizing white tea and basil fragrance helps eliminate odors, leaving your dog smelling fresh and it's free from harsh chemicals. And it's specially formulated with jojoba seed oil to moisturize the coat.

Best Waterless Shampoo

Earth Rated’s No-Rinse Dog Shampoo is a convenient and effective solution for all coat types, perfect for a quick refresh without the need for a full bath. Ideal for busy pet parents or pups who aren’t fond of water, this foam helps combat odors and hydrates the skin and coat in a matter of minutes. 

It’s a gentle formula that works to deodorize with a refreshing fragrance, leaving your dog smelling fresh and clean.

This no-rinse shampoo is designed for easy application—just massage the foam into your dog’s coat, brush through, and towel-off any excess product. The formula is not only effective at eliminating odors but also helps maintain hydration without the hassle of rinsing.

How to Properly Shampoo Your Dog at Home - in 7 Steps

If you’re just getting started as a dog parent or need a refresher on proper bathtime techniques, here’s how to shampoo your dog at home.

1. Prepare Your Supplies

Before you begin, gather all the necessary washing supplies: 

• Dog shampoo
• Towels 
• Brush
• Cup or gentle shower head for rinsing

2. Brush Your Dog’s Coat

Before wetting your dog, brush through their coat to remove tangles, mats, and loose fur. This will make the bath easier and help prevent tangling during the washing process, especially for dogs with longer or curly coats. Brushing also helps to distribute natural oils and promote a healthier coat.

3. Get Your Dog’s Coat Wet

Use lukewarm water to wet your dog’s coat thoroughly. Avoid using hot water, as it can be uncomfortable for your dog and dry out their skin. A gentle shower head or cup is ideal for wetting your dog, as it gives you better control and makes sure the water doesn’t get into their eyes or ears.

4. Shampoo Your Dog

Pour a small amount of dog shampoo onto your hands or directly onto your dog’s coat. Gently massage the shampoo into their fur, working from the neck down to the tail. Be sure to lather thoroughly, paying attention to areas that may need extra cleaning, like under the legs or around the paws. Avoid getting shampoo into your dog’s eyes, ears, and nose.

5. Rinse Thoroughly

Make sure to rinse your dog’s body thoroughly with lukewarm water, leaving no shampoo residue behind, as this can irritate their skin. 

6. Dry Them Off

Once the rinse is complete, use a towel to gently blot off excess water from their fur. If your dog tolerates it, you can use a blow dryer on a low, cool setting to dry their coat fully.

7. Brush Your Dog Again

When your dog is completely dry, brush them again to remove any mats or tangles that formed during the wash. Be sure your dog is completely dry before brushing to avoid skin irritation.

Reward with treats & lots of snuggles.

When Should You Shampoo Your Dog? How Often?

How often you should shampoo your dog really depends on a few things like their coat type, activity level, and skin health. 

• Active dogs: If your dog loves the outdoors or tends to get dirty a lot, they may need to be bathed every 4 to 6 weeks to keep their coat fresh and clean.
• Sensitive or dry skin: Bathe a dog less often if they have sensitive skin as too many baths can strip away their natural oils and cause irritation.
• Short-coated dogs: Giulia recommends bathing short-haired dogs every 3 to 4 months. Since their coats don’t trap dirt as much as longer coats, they stay cleaner for longer. 
• Long or curly-coated dogs: Breeds like Poodles or Spaniels, tend to need more regular baths. Giulia recommends washing these dogs every 4 to 6 weeks, to keep their coats from matting or tangling.

The Bottom Line

Looking carefully at dog shampoos before buying is crucial for maintaining their coat and skin health. The right shampoo can help prevent skin irritation, reduce shedding, and keep their coat shiny and clean, all while providing a refreshing scent. 

Earth Rated’s grooming line is one of the best options on the market because it’s formulated with ingredients that help target different needs, and is free from harsh chemicals like parabens and sulfates.