The 12 Best Dog Shampoos, According to Dog Experts
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Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Shampoo is our number one pick
People / Brian Kopinski
Bathing is a crucial part of caring for a dog. Besides lathering up regularly, using the right shampoo is vital to ensuring their fur is shiny and their skin is healthy and free of irritation. But which formula is best for your pooch? PEOPLE caught up with veterinarian Dr. Hunter Finn, founder of Pet Method Animal Hospital, for tips.
"Not every dog is the same, and some may require different shampoos and frequency of bathing," says Dr. Finn. But generally, he recommends pet-safe formulas (no human shampoos!), ideally from veterinarian-developed brands. With this in mind, we researched gentle formulas for regular care, sensitive skin, itch relief, odor control, and everything in between.
Scroll down for picks PEOPLE consider the best dog shampoos of 2023.
Best Overall: Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Hypoallergenic Shampoo
Who It's Good For
This ultra-gentle yet effective pet shampoo is suitable for dogs of all breeds and ages, including puppies.
Who It's Not Good For
It's not good for those who like scented formulas.
The all-around best dog shampoo is Veterinary Formula Clinical Care. It calls on coconut-based cleansers to carefully clean, while ingredients like vitamin E and allantoin help soothe, moisturize, and condition your pup's skin and coat. The mild yet effective formula is hypoallergenic, pH-balanced, and unscented to minimize skin and eye irritation. It's also free of dyes, sulfates, and parabens.
This universal pet shampoo is gentle enough for dogs of all breeds, sizes, and ages — even puppies. It’s a favorite of Senior Tail Waggers veterinarian Dr. Sara Ochoa, DVM, for its sensitivity. “This is great for dogs with allergies and skin infections,” she says, including bacterial infections. She adds that if your dog has dry, flaky skin, it can also help moisturize it, too.
"Allergies and sensitive skin are very different conditions,” clarifies Senior Tail Waggers veterinarian director Dr. Jamie Whittenburg, DVM tells PEOPLE. She cautions a shampoo alone will generally not cure allergies, since many are caused by environmental factors and food. That said, it can “soothe irritated skin and may aid in reducing the allergen load in the fur.” It's also worth nothing that it won't wash away any of the treatments. Considering the low price and gentle formula, this option is as good as they come (unless you really want a scented shampoo).
Price at Time of Publish: $12.99
Amount: 16 ounces | Scent: Unscented | Intended Use: Dogs and cats, all breeds and ages
Best Budget: Arm & Hammer Super Deodorizing Shampoo for Dogs
Who It's Good For
This odor-absorbing pet wash cleans thoroughly and smells amazing, making it an ideal choice for budget-friendly bathing.
Who It's Not Good For
It's not ideal for alleviating itchiness or shedding.
Arm & Hammer's Super Deodorizing Shampoo will offer the most bang for your buck. Like all of the brand's products, it's formulated with baking soda, a known odor absorber that helps your pooch smell fresh and clean. The fruity-floral scent doesn't hurt, either. This pH-balanced pet wash is easy on sensitive skin and gentle enough for both adult dogs and puppies. While it doesn't tackle specific issues like itching or shedding, it's a great option for your pet's regular bath routine.
Price at Time of Publish: $4.88 (orig. $6.99)
Amount: 20 ounces | Scent: Kiwi blossom | Intended Use: Adult dogs and puppies
Best Investment: OUAI Pet Shampoo
Who It's Good For
This is the shampoo for those who want to treat their pups (and themselves) with a luxurious bath and a scrumptious scent.
Who It's Not Good For
It's not good for budget shoppers and those who like unscented formulas.
Are you open to spending a little extra to treat your pooch — and maybe yourself too? We highly recommend Ouai Fur Bébé. This fancy pet shampoo promises to gently cleanse without stripping, leaving the skin and coat soft and hydrated. With soothing aloe vera and neutralizing vinegar, it also helps keep irritation and odors at bay. But the best part might be the brand's signature scent, with a citrus base, floral notes, and a hint of musk.
Price at Time of Publish: $32
Amount: 16 ounces | Scent: Citrus-flora-musk | Intended Use: Dogs and cats
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Best for Puppies: John Paul Pet Tearless Shampoo for Puppies & Kittens
Who It's Good For
This extra-gentle shampoo cleanses the delicate skin of puppies without irritation, leaving a light scent in its wake.
Who It's Not Good For
The scent might not be everyone's cup of tea.
John Paul Pet Tearless Shampoo is the best option for puppies. Designed with delicate skin in mind, it leans on coconut-based surfactants for extra-gentle cleansing without irritation. The formula also features a blend of soothing ingredients, like aloe vera, oatmeal, and chamomile. Just a heads up, this shampoo contains fragrance. It's a very light, clean scent, but some puppy owners may prefer unscented formulas.
Price at Time of Publish: $8.99 (orig. $15.99)
Amount: 16 ounces | Scent: Clean | Intended Use: Puppies and kittens
Best Dog Shampoo and Conditioner: Buddy Wash Original Lavender & Mint Dog Shampoo & Conditioner
Who It's Good For
This conditioning shampoo is good for not only cleaning but also moisturizing and softening your dog's coat.
Who It's Not Good For
It's not recommended for puppies.
If you're looking for something that not only cleans but also moisturizes and softens your dog's coat, Buddy Wash is an excellent choice. The soap-free formula is a two-in-one blend of shampoo and conditioner that lathers nicely, then rinses entirely clean. It leans on natural conditioners and calming ingredients, like aloe vera, green tea, and chamomile, while wheat protein tackles odors. The result? A fresh-smelling pup with soothed skin and silky fur.
Price at Time of Publish: $13.50
Amount: 16 ounces | Scent: Lavender-mint, rosemary-mint, green tea-bergamot | Intended Use: Adult dogs
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Best Anti-Itch: Zesty Paws Itch-Soother Dog Shampoo
Who It's Good For
This calming shampoo is formulated to moisturize and soothe itchy skin while gently cleansing the coat.
Who It's Not Good For
Puppies may need a different formula.
When your fur baby can't stop scratching, Zesty Paws Itch-Soother is your best bet. This dog shampoo soothes and moisturizes the skin with a calming blend of oatmeal, aloe vera, and vitamin E. “If your dog is itching from seasonal allergies or fleas, this shampoo can help,” says Dr. Ochoa.
For pets dealing with a particularly severe case of the itch, you might want to wash, rinse, and repeat. Also, while this shampoo is suitable for adult dogs of all breeds, it's not recommended for puppies. Dr. Whittenburg notes that while shampoos can soothe itchiness, it’s more important to get to the root cause of the itching.
Price at Time of Publish: $15.47
Amount: 16 ounces | Scent: Fresh | Intended Use: Adult dogs
Best Odor-Control: Wahl Odor Control Shampoo
Who It's Good For
This shampoo cleans your dog's coat, conditions their skin, and leaves them smelling oh-so-fresh.
Who It's Not Good For
If you don't like a thick concentrate, look for an alternative.
If a fresh-smelling dog is the goal, Wahl Odor Control Shampoo won't let you down. The pH-balanced formula deeply cleanses and deodorizes your pet's coat, no matter how thick, long, or curly. Whether you choose eucalyptus-mint or coconut-lime, you really can't go wrong with the scent. Beyond making your dog smell good, this shampoo also moisturizes and conditions their skin. But bear in mind it's a concentrated formula, so a little goes a long way.
Price at Time of Publish: $8.99
Amount: 24 ounces | Scent: Eucalyptus-spearmint, coconut-lime | Intended Use: Adult dogs
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Best Oatmeal Dog Shampoo: Burt's Bees Oatmeal Shampoo with Colloidal Oat Flour & Honey for Dogs
Who It's Good For
The naturally soothing formula is ideal for dogs dealing with dry skin, itchiness, and irritation.
Who It's Not Good For
This shampoo isn't intended for puppies.
Burt's Bees Oatmeal Shampoo is just the thing for dry skin. The hero ingredient is colloidal oat flour, which moisturizes while soothing itchiness and irritation. It also contains coconut-based cleansers and glycerin, plus honey to nourish the skin and promote a shiny coat.
“When a dog is very itchy or has dry flaky skin this is one of my go to shampoos to recommend,” says Dr. Ochoa. “The oatmeal will help moisturize your dog’s skin and coat and make it soft and shiny.”
While this is a gentle dog shampoo, it's not intended for puppies. “There is a puppy version of this shampoo, however, and that’s what I use on my 10-month-old golden retriever,” says PEOPLE senior commerce writer Madison Yauger. “Goldens are known for skin issues, and this soothing shampoo thoroughly relieves my dog’s dry skin.”
Price at Time of Publish: $11.99
Amount: 16 ounces | Scent: Oatmeal-honey | Intended Use: Adult dogs
Best for Shedding: Nature's Miracle Shed Control Shampoo for Dogs
Who It's Good For
Formulated to fortify the fur and moisturize the skin, this shampoo helps prevent year-round fallout.
Who It's Not Good For
It's not good for pet owners who prefer fragrance-free shampoo.
It's normal for dogs to shed in the spring and fall. “For most dog breeds, shedding is a normal process,” says Dr. Whittenburg. She says there isn’t a product that will eliminate shedding, but a good hygiene routine goes a long way. "Frequent brushing and bathing as needed will remove the loosening hair that is being shed and can reduce the amount of hair left behind in your house," she adds.
But no matter the season or reason, Nature's Miracle can help keep it at a minimum. This shampoo works to moisturize and condition the skin to prevent fallout from occurring in the first place. The formula also deeply cleanses your pet's fur and strengthens with keratin while neutralizing odors and promising "no wet dog smell." Instead, it leaves a citrus or plum-hibiscus scent in its wake.
Price at Time of Publish: $10.99
Amount: 16 ounces | Scent: Citrus, plum-hibiscus | Intended Use: All dog breeds
Related:The 11 Best Pet Hair Vacuums for Sucking Up Fur, Dander, and Kibble
Best for Fleas: Adams Plus Flea & Tick Shampoo with Precor
Who It's Good For
This medicated shampoo is good for any pet suffering from an infestation of fleas, ticks, or lice.
Who It's Not Good For
Since it’s medicated, we don’t recommend this as a regular shampoo, and it’s not intended for pets under the age of 12 weeks.
You can have the cleanest environment possible around your dog and still not be able to control whether your dog gets fleas — but fear not, you can treat these pesky itch-inducers with medicated dog shampoo like Adams Plus Flea and Tick Shampoo.
“If your dog has fleas and ticks this is a great shampoo that can help,” says Dr. Ochoa. “While many times your dog may also need flea and tick medications, this can be used for small dogs and kittens who are not yet old enough for the medications."
While there are several hard-to-pronounce ingredients designed to kill fleas and flea eggs, this shampoo is actually quite gentle on dogs (even those with sensitive skin) and includes soothing aloe, oatmeal, and coconut extract. It conditions your dog's fur and produces a silky coat like any regular shampoo would. Plus, a little goes a long way so this dog shampoo will last.
Price at Time of Publish: $18.99
Amount: 12 fluid ounces | Scent: Coconut | Intended Use: For cats, kittens, dogs, and puppies over the age of 12 weeks (with fleas)
Best Vegan: Dog by Dr. Lisa Dog Wash
Who It's Good For
This plant-derived biodegradable formula is perfect for those who only want to use sustainable and vegan products on their pets.
Who It's Not Good For
It won’t work for those with a lower budget or who don’t like fragrances.
Celebrity veterinarian Dr. Lisa Chimes tells PEOPLE that you should rarely wash your dogs because their skin is super sensitive and actually designed to self-clean. So the less you wash them, the cleaner their fur will look and stay (short of getting super muddy, then it’s bath time!).
That said, when it’s time to bathe your dog, Dr. Lisa designed a line of products that are super gentle on your pet and made from all plant-derived and vegan ingredients like lavender oil, aloe vera, chamomile extract, coconut oil, and more — so they will soothe your dog’s skin rather than cause irritation.
The shampoo comes in a sleek minimalist bottle that looks good on any shower shelf. While it’s a bit pricey, you’re paying for a cleaner formula (in addition to being a celebrity line of products) that will last you a long time. “I’ve also used this shampoo on my dog and it’s lasted a while because I only bathe her once or twice a month,” says Yauger. “You can definitely smell the lavender and chamomile notes, which I love because it makes me feel like I’m giving my dog a spa bath, but the natural fragrance might be too much for those who prefer unscented products.”
Price at Time of Publish: $42
Amount: 16.9 fl oz./ 500 ml | Scent: Lavender and chamomile | Intended Use: For dogs and puppies
Best for Sensitive Skin: Rocco & Roxie Calm Sensitive Shampoo
Who It's Good For
This hypoallergenic and calming formula is designed for puppies or dogs with super sensitive skin.
Who It's Not Good For
The natural fragrance might be too strong for those who don’t like scented products.
This calming dog shampoo is one of the most gentle formulas we’ve come across. It’s infused with a ton of soothing ingredients like rosemary, chamomile, and aloe vera to moisturize your pup’s coat, stimulate collagen production, and calm any irritation. The shampoo also doesn’t have any common irritants like parabens, alcohol, dyes, or artificial colors. You’ll definitely notice a botanical scent of rosemary and chamomile, but it’s all natural from the included ingredients, so it won’t cause any upset like an artificial fragrance might.
Rocco & Roxie is also a small, family-owned business and part of their guarantee is if your dog has any issues with this shampoo, or if it doesn’t work for their sensitive skin, you can send it back and get a full refund.
Price at Time of Publish: $16.97
Amount: 16 fl ounces | Scent: Rosemary and chamomile | Intended Use: For puppies and dogs with sensitive skin
How to Pick the Right Dog Shampoo
Go With a Gentle Formula
According to Dr. Finn, gentle formulas are ideal for dogs of all shapes, sizes, and breeds. Gentle shampoo prevents irritation or allergic reactions. "For general cleaning and removing things like pollen, dirt, and debris, I would recommend a soothing and non-medicated product," he says. Products like Burt's Bees Oatmeal Shampoo are great, hydrating picks that won't irritate your dog's skin.
Consider Your Pet's Skin Condition
If your pet is dealing with a specific condition, such as dry skin, itchiness, or abnormal shedding, consider getting a shampoo formulated to address the issue. Nature's Miracle Shed Control Shampoo is specifically made for dogs experiencing excess shedding, so it's a great example of a specific shampoo made for a specific condition. For other skin issues, look for helpful ingredients in the formula. "For a dog who has a mild skin infection with yeast or bacteria — and more than likely a more pungent smell — I would recommend a product that contains antimicrobial and antifungal properties," says Dr. Finn. And, of course, always speak to your vet: "Your best bet is to speak with your veterinarian about which shampoo is best for your pet if you believe your dog has any skin concerns,” Zoetis veterinarian Heather Berst, VMD tells PEOPLE.
Check the Intended Use
Many shampoos are intended for adult dogs only, while others are specifically formulated for the more delicate skin and sensitive eyes of puppies. There are also universal options that can be used on dogs of all ages and breeds, as well as cats and other furry pets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What shampoo do most dog groomers use?
A groomer aims to get your dog looking, feeling, and smelling clean, fresh, and healthy. They'll typically use higher-end formulas and concentrated cleansers that go deep into the fur to tackle odors and deliver a shinier, fluffier coat. It varies among groomers, but yours might use a conditioning formula like Buddy Wash or a deodorizer like Wahl Shampoo.
That said, the other half of the grooming process, which leads to a silky coat, is brushing your dog’s hair. “Be sure to brush your dog’s coat before the bath to get out any hair mats or excess dirt,” says Dr. Berst.
What shampoo do vets recommend?
"The biggest deal to me is to use a pet-safe shampoo," says Dr. Finn. In other words, don't use your personal shampoo or whatever soap you have lying around at home. Dr. Finn also tends to go with gentle formulas. "I am a huge fan of veterinary-founded pet product companies," he adds. "But always discuss with your vet if you have questions about how you can optimize your pet's skin and coat health."
How often should I bathe my dog?
Every vet has a slightly different opinion on this, but generally the advice is: not as often as you think. “Of course, you do need to bathe your dog when they get dirty or smelly, but in general, I say not to give them a bath more than one to two times a month,” says Dr. Berst. She explains that dogs’ skin is more sensitive than ours and “overbathing can cause it to dry out and cause irritation.” If you want a refresh between baths though, she recommends pet wipes.
For pets with skin infections, Dr. Finn sometimes recommends an every-other-day bath routine for up to three weeks. "On the other hand, some dogs may only need to be bathed once or twice a year, and of course, many dogs fall somewhere in between."
So the general recommendation is to ask your vet about your specific dog, since there are no hard and fast rules with dog bathes.
Take Our Word for It
Theresa Holland is a freelance commerce writer specializing in skincare, haircare, and lifestyle. For this story, she interviewed veterinarian Dr. Hunter Finn for buying tips, then researched gentle yet effective pet shampoos both for general cleaning and addressing specific skin conditions. Madison Yauger is a senior commerce writer for PEOPLE who’s tested hundreds of lifestyle products across all categories. With a background in news and lifestyle journalism, she has a wide network of expert sources and a penchant for accuracy. For this story, she spoke to Dr. Heather Berst, VMD with Zoetis, researched the market tests, and used her own dog’s experience with shampoos to determine the best dog shampoos of 2023.
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