After shampooing, your dog's coat should be smooth and silky with minimal skin flaking, rather than coarse and knotty. If your dog suffers from a skin issue like seborrhea, yeast infections, or itchy skin, you'll want to look for vet-recommended and tested shampoos, and always talk to your vet if you suspect your dog has a skin condition or infection.
“I like shampoos that dilute easily, clean well, and do not leave behind any residue," Kim Flatley, professional dog groomer and owner of St. Louis-based Fitness with Fido shared with The Spruce Pets. She also recommends finding a dog-safe shampoo made with natural ingredients.
For help in finding the best dog shampoo, we sought feedback from 28 dogs (okay, their owners provided the feedback). We surveyed a wide range of households to find their preferred dog shampoos, while gathering additional data like breed, coat type, and bathing frequency. We also asked them to evaluate their dog's favorite shampoo for factors including lather, rinsability, and scent. You can read more about our polling methodology under the heading "How We Found The Best Dog Shampoos," below.
Best Overall
Isle of Dogs Oatmeal Shampoo
Rinses easily, leaving no residue
Leaves coat hydrated and soft
No sulfate or parabens
Some users noted the fragrance wasn't as strong as they wanted
Our top pick for most dogs is the Isle of Dogs Silky Oatmeal Shampoo. This formula contains coconut and jojoba oils and oatmeal to moisturize and relieve dry, itchy skin. The jasmine and vanilla fragrance isn't too overpowering or strong, which is great for dogs' sensitive noses, and it contains the brand's exclusive odor-neutralizing complex. The shampoo is sulfate- and paraben-free, making it gentle on the skin and suitable for dogs of all ages.
Our survey responder said this shampoo lathers well, rinses easily without residue, and leaves the skin and coat soft, hydrated, and smelling great. The tester also uses Isle of Dogs' conditioner and detangling spray, saying it smells lovely and leaves her dog soft and clean.
Sizes: 16 ounces, 1 gallon | Scents: Jasmine & vanilla | Usage: Puppies and adults
Best for Puppies
WAHL Puppy Shampoo
Lathers well
Rinses well and doesn't leave residue
Leaves the skin hydrated and coat soft
Mild formula without a strong scent
Packaging doesn't have a pump
Puppies are wiggly and the whole bathtime thing can be quite an adventure. When you’re lathering and rinsing and trying to keep your puppy in the tub, it helps to have a gentle, no-tears shampoo in case the suds go everywhere. The Wahl Puppy Shampoo fits the bill in every way.
The formula is pH-balanced, alcohol-free, and paraben-free, making it safe and gentle for delicate puppy skin. Our tester especially likes the mild formula and that it doesn't have a strong scent to ensure she's treating her puppy's skin gently and not using anything that smells like perfume. The tester noted it leaves her puppy incredibly soft and has helped get rid of mild dandruff.
The concentrated formula means you only need to use a little bit each bath, making this a cost-effective product that will last a long time.
Size: 24 ounces | Scent: Cornflower aloe | Usage: Dogs and puppies over 6 weeks old
Best Premium
Aesop Animal Pet Wash
Botanical scent that isn't overpowering
Leaves the coat soft and shiny
Concentrated formula
Can be used as a hand wash for humans
High price point
Lovers of Aesop's human skin and hair care products can now give their pets the same luxurious experience with Aesop's Animal Pet Wash. The mild botanical scent comes from lemon rind, tea tree leaf, and spearmint leaf, and is gentle enough for sensitive skin. The concentrated formula means you won't have to use much to wash your pup—mix a little with water to make it last longer.
Our tester loved this shampoo and said it left her dog very soft, smooth, and shiny (and smelling great). The tester noted that while they received the product as a gift and normally wouldn't spend this much on a pet shampoo, she will repurchase because it's "so good."
Sizes: 16.0 ounces | Scent: Lemon, tea tree, spearmint | Usage: For puppies and dogs 6 weeks and up
Best Budget
Burt's Bees Oatmeal Shampoo
Gentle and moisturizing formula
Great for soothing itchy, flaky skin
Cruelty-free
Some people prefer shampoos with fragrance
At under $8 for 16 ounces, Burt's Bees Oatmeal Shampoo is our pick for the most budget-friendly dog shampoo. Made with colloidal oat flour, honey, and green tea extract, this shampoo is great for dogs with dry, itchy skin in need of something soothing.
Our tester said it's gentle on their golden retriever who gets very itchy and leaves the coat feeling moisturized. It rinses clean and has powered through some scummy park water after a swim in Central Park.
Sizes: 16 ounces, 32 ounces | Scent: Unscented | Usage: Puppies and dogs over 8 weeks old
Best for Odor
Arm & Hammer Shampoo for Dogs
Uses baking soda
Affordable
Leaves coat shiny and soft
Odor control lasts for a long time
Somewhat heavy floral scent
Baking soda is a natural way to clean and neutralize smells. This gentle shampoo is made by Arm & Hammer, known for versatile baking soda. It does a deep clean, removing odors for days. The formula is paraben and phthalate-free with no potentially harmful chemicals.
Ingredients include rose, white tea, and kiwi fruit extracts which help with odor control, limit shedding, and leave a floral scent on your dog’s coat. The smell is much better than wet dog, but a little heavy. This shampoo is much more cost-effective than many and comes in a larger bottle (20 ounces) than most other brands.
Size: 20 ounces | Scent: Kiwi blossom | Usage: Dogs and puppies 8 weeks and up
Best Fragrance Free
Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Shampoo
No parabens, sulfates, or phthalates
Cruelty-free
No fragrance
Lathers easily
Lots of different shampoo formulas in the line
Somewhat watery
Some people prefer shampoo with fragrance
Our top fragrance-free dog shampoo pick is Earthbath's Oatmeal & Aloe Shampoo. The formula is made with colloidal oatmeal and organic aloe vera—a particularly effective combo for dry, itchy, and flaky skin. Like all Earthbath products, this pet-safe shampoo is made without parabens, sulfates, phthalates, gluten, or synthetic dyes. Plus, it's cruelty-free and made in the United States.
Among our dog shampoo survey responders, the Earthbath users say it does a good job getting their dog clean and removing any smells without added fragrances. Stregowski says that dogs are much more sensitive to fragrance than humans, so a fragrance-free shampoo is a great option for many dogs. If you would rather have a lightly scented shampoo, Earthbath also makes a vanilla and almond-scented shampoo.
Earthbath products have a satisfaction guarantee too, so if you aren’t happy with the bath time results you can get a refund.
Sizes: 16 ounces, 32 ounces, 128 ounces, 320 ounces | Scent: Unscented, vanilla & almond | Usage: For puppies and dogs 6 weeks and up
Best Waterless
Dandylion Foaming Cleanser
Easy to use
Portable and great for travel
Plant-based ingredients and fragrance free
Formulated for paws only
Sometimes you don’t have time to give your dog the full spa experience or your pup just needs a little freshening up. The Dandylion Clean Paws No-Rinse Foaming Cleanser instantly freshens up dirty dog paws, no water necessary. The foaming formula dispenses onto a silicone brush attachment, letting users easily deep clean dog paws and get the hard-to-reach areas that towels struggle to clean.
This no-rinse cleanser is made with aloe vera juice, coconut oil, broccoli seed oil, and pomegranate extract to gently clean paws. There are no artificial fragrances or essential oils, making this safe for dogs who are sensitive to those ingredients.
Simply dispense a few pumps, rub it into your dog's paws, and wipe clean with a towel.
Size: 5 ounces | Scents: Unscented | Usage: Safe for all dogs
Best Organic
4-Legger Organic Dog Shampoo
Made with USDA-certified organic ingredients
Foams well
Leaves coat soft
Watery
Some users did not like smell
“Looking for natural and organic is always the best way to go,” Dana Youngker, a groomer at Petworking & Co in Cumming, Georgia, told The Spruce Pets. “When products are certified organic, they are less likely to contain ingredients that can damage a dog’s skin.”
There are nine USDA-certified organic shampoos in the 4-Legger line, with an array of ingredients including oatmeal and lavender for dry and itchy skin; peppermint and eucalyptus for conditioning; and an unscented version with aloe vera for sensitive skin. This popular choice features aloe vera, lemongrass, and coconut oil for moisturizing.
All 4-Legger products are USDA certified organic and free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, artificial colors and fragrances, or harmful preservatives. Shampoos are made in the United States and have a money-back guarantee. They’re vegan and cruelty-free.
Size: 2 ounces, 16 ounces, 1 gallon | Scents: Unscented, lemongrass & aloe, cedar & peppermint, lavender & oatmeal | Usage: Puppies and adults
Best for Shedding
Furminator deShedding Shampoo
No parabens or chemical dyes
Contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
Very moisturizing
Added fragrance that may be too strong
Has to sit for 5-10 minutes
Depending on your dog’s coat and the time of year, you might feel like you live in a perpetual cloud of dog hair. If you have a heavy shedder, the secret is “brush your dog more, not bathe your dog more,” Youngker says.
But this FURminator DeShedding shampoo from a company that makes the popular deshedding tools may be able to help at bath time. It has a mix of natural ingredients to promote healthy skin, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids from cranberry, sunflower, and safflower seed oils, as well as aloe vera and vitamin E.
The key is to wet your dog’s skin well, leave it on for 5 or 10 minutes, and then ideally follow up with the brand’s conditioner. There should be clumps of hair in the tub and then even more when you finish up with a brush or Furminator rake.
Size: 16 ounces, 128 ounces | Scent: Papaya | Usage: Dogs and puppies over 6 weeks old
Best for Shine
Ouai Fur Bébé Pet Shampoo
Iconic Ouai scent
Leaves coat shiny and soft
Unique scent for dog shampoo
Only one size
If you love the iconic scent and shine of Ouai (pronounced "way") shampoo for humans, you can now share that shine factor with your dogs with Ouai Fur Bébé Pet Shampoo. This shampoo features their Mercer Street scent, with notes of lemon, rose, jasmine, and musk. The shampoo hydrates, cleanses, and adds shine to your dog's coat.
Our tester loves the way this shampoo smells and says it cleaned their dog very well. They say it left the coat feeling smooth and hydrated and noted that other shampoos haven't made their dogs' coats feel as smooth.
Sizes: 16 ounces | Scent: Ouai Mercer Street | Usage: All life stages
Best for Fleas
Adams Plus Flea & Tick Shampoo
Kills adult fleas, eggs, and larvae
Also kills ticks and lice
Contains aloe vera, lanolin, and oatmeal to soothe skin
Lasts for up to 28 days
Thick lather can take a while to rinse
This lightly scented flea and tick shampoo kills adult fleas and their eggs and larvae, while also tackling ticks and lice. The active ingredient is pyrethrins, which are natural pesticides found in chrysanthemums. It also has aloe vera, lanolin, and oatmeal to help moisturize and soothe irritated, dry skin. They also help keep your dog’s coat soft and manageable.
The shampoo lasts for nearly a month and typically only has to be reapplied about every 28 days. The lather can be thick and it can take some effort to totally rinse it out. It has a coconut scent and is safe to use on dogs and puppies that are at least 12 weeks old. Products with pyrethrins are not safe to use on cats.
Size: 6 ounces, 12 ounces, 24 ounces, 1 gallon | Scent: Coconut | Usage: Dogs and puppies over 12 weeks
Best Bulk Buy
Buddy Wash Lavender & Mint Shampoo & Conditioner
Rinses easily with no residue
Cruelty-free
Concentrated formula lasts a long time
Smell might be overpowering for some
The Buddy Wash Original Lavender and Mint Dog Shampoo and Condition is a soap-free, 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner made with a coconut base. It's a gentle shampoo formulated with wheat protein extract, which acts as a natural deodorizing agent, as well as lavender and mint oils for a spa-like fragrance. It's a very concentrated formula that when mixed with water, goes a long way and lasts a long time.
Our tester has been using this shampoo for many years and says it does a great job getting the dirt out of their dogs' coats and alleviating itchy skin during the spring months. They like that the shampoo rinses clean, even from squirmy dogs, and find the smell very pleasant.
Sizes: 16 ounces, 1 gallon | Scent: Lavender and mint | Usage: Safe for puppies and dogs
Best with Hemp Seed Oil
HEMPZ Strawberry Limeade & Hibiscus Tea Herbal Shampoo
Hemp oil softens and soothes skin
Great for dry and sensitive skin
Cruelty-free and vegan
Strong fragrance
The HEMPZ Petz Strawberry Limeade & Hibiscus Tea Herbal Gentle & Deodorizing Shampoo is made with hemp seed oil, which provides hydration for the skin and coat with vitamin E, antioxidants, and amino and omega acids. The scent is long-lasting and fruity.
Our tester said this shampoo rinsed easily, gave a good clean, and left their dog's coat hydrated, soft, and smelling great. If you or your pup is sensitive to smells, this shampoo might be too heavily fragranced.
Sizes: 17 ounces | Scent: Strawberry limeade & hibiscus tea, sweet pineapple & honey melon | Usage: All life stages
Best Whitening
BioSilk Whitening Dog Shampoo
Removes all stains from the coat
Safe for sensitive skin
Doesn't need to sit on the coat for brightening agents to work
Leaves hair soft and silky
Packaging shape makes it hard to squeeze as product runs out
The BioSilk Therapy Whitening Dog Shampoo is our favorite shampoo for white and light-colored dogs. The shampoo brightens and whitens the hair, eliminating any yellow hues or overall dinginess. The formula is moisturizing and safe for sensitive skin and use with topical flea and tick treatments.
Our tester used this shampoo on a Havanese whose white spots are on the areas that tend to get dirtiest, like the feet, belly, tail, and muzzle. Just a few drops of this shampoo in the bath water and then some directly on the white patches brightened the hair right up. This shampoo doesn't have to sit on the hair for too long to work, so it's perfect for dogs who don't like spending too long in the bath.
Sizes: 12 ounces | Scent: Classic BioSilk scent | Usage: For puppies and dogs 8 weeks and up
Best for Skunks
Skunk-off Pet Shampoo
Can be used on pets, carpeting, cars, clothes
Doesn’t mask skunk smell; it removes it
Mild formula
Strong smell
Has to sit for several minutes
Hopefully, your dog will never get sprayed by a skunk, but you’ll be happy to have this shampoo on hand if you need it. Some skunk treatments just try to cover up the smell. This one is made by Thornell, a company that provides odor-control products to veterinarians. It’s a blend of essential oils that work to erase the smell.
The shampoo is watery, so you’ll need to massage deeply to work up a lather. Be sure to get often-overlooked spots like between the toes and the face and focus on the spot where your pup was sprayed. Let sit for 3-5 minutes. It’s safe enough to use on puppies over 8 weeks old, but be sure to rinse thoroughly and then air dry.
Sizes: 8 ounces, 32 ounces, 1 gallon | Scent: Neutral | Usage: Puppies and dogs over 8 weeks old
Best for Itchy Skin
Douxo S3 CALM Soothing Itchy, Hydrated Skin Shampoo
Veterinarian recommended
Effective for skin allergies
Active ingredients
Price is on the higher end
Our pick for itchy, allergy-prone skin is the Douxo S3 CALM Soothing Itchy, Hydrated Skin Dog and Cat Shampoo. The formulation contains the active ingredient ophytrium, which supports the skin's barrier, keeps microbes on the skin in balance, and soothes red, itchy, and irritated skin that develops from a triggered immune system.
Our tester says this product has worked wonders on their dog's skin allergies, reducing redness and irritation and significantly hydrating the skin. The tester noted that it's much more cost-effective than medications they've tried and has had to use it less frequently over time.
Sizes: 6.7 ounces, 16.9 ounces | Scent: Coconut vanilla | Usage: Adult dogs
Best for Seborrhea
Douxo S3 SEB Odor-Control Seboregulating Shampoo
Vet recommended
Effective at removing excess sebum and odor
Contains active ingredients
Packaging sometimes leaks
If your dog suffers from seborrhea, they can find relief with the Douxo S3 SEB Odor-Control Seboregulating Dog and Cat Shampoo. Seborrhea is a condition where the skin produces too much sebum and can make the skin scaly or flaky, oily, and in some cases smelly. This shampoo helps to remove the excess sebum, oils, and flaky buildup while reducing odors and deodorizing the skin.
As mentioned above with the other Douxo product, this shampoo contains ophytrium, making it an effective treatment for skin conditions. Our tester is thoroughly impressed with these products and how they have controlled the redness and itchiness of their dog's skin allergies.
Sizes: 6.7 ounces, 16.9 ounces | Scent: Coconut vanilla | Usage: Adult dogs
Best for Fungal Dermatitis
Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiseptic and Antifungal Medicated Shampoo
Veterinarian recommended
Contains active ingredients
Helps with many different skin conditions
Has to sit on the skin for 5-10 minutes
Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiseptic and Antifungal Medicated Shampoo for Dogs & Cats is an over-the-counter shampoo designed to help with many skin issues, including fungal dermatitis. With the active ingredients ketoconazole and benzethonium chloride and aloe vera and lanolin, this shampoo can help with a myriad of skin concerns, bacterial, and fungal skin infections or allergies.
Our tester said that this shampoo especially helps with cleaning all dirt from their dog's coat and is very helpful for allergies. They use the accompanying conditioner to leave the coat soft and smooth.
Sizes: 16 ounces, 1 gallon | Scent: Neutral | Usage: For adult dogs
Isle of Dogs Silky Oatmeal Shampoo is our pick for best overall. The gentle formula rinses easily and leaves the coat soft, hydrated, and smelling great. It is free from sulfates, parabens, and added dyes, and is made with jojoba and coconut oils for dry skin relief. Another great choice is 4-Legger Aloe Vera, Lemongrass & Organic Coconut Dog Shampoo. It's USDA-certified organic, lathers well, rinses easily, and leaves fur soft and silky.
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.
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Can I wash my dog with human shampoo?
When your pup needs a bath, you might be tempted to grab the human shampoo right out of your shower. But your dog’s skin is more sensitive than yours and it has a completely different pH balance. Human skin is more acidic, while dog skin is more neutral. Human shampoo can irritate the protective layer that keeps skin safe from bacteria and viruses and keeps it moisturized. Dog shampoo is made particularly for sensitive dog skin.
But in case of emergency—if your dog rolled in something awful and you have no dog-specific shampoo handy—opt for baby shampoo.
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.