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You know how unpleasant it is when you have itchy, dry skin—so imagine how your pup feels when they’re all dry and uncomfortable (and can’t do much about it themselves). That’s why it’s up to us to help!
Itchy, dry skin is actually fairly common for pets, so luckily we have a lot of options when it comes to shampoo for dry skin on dogs. Essentially you’re looking for products that:
- Help soothe dryness with moisturizing ingredients to hydrate your pup’s skin (you’ll see a lot of oatmeal and aloe vera in products because of their soothing qualities).
- Stimulate the production of natural oils that keep your pup’s coat healthy and happy—and soft! And it’s great for their skin, too.
- Help get the natural pH of your dog’s skin back on track—this is also why you should never use people shampoo on pups, since the soaps are formulated for different pH balances.
- Treat infections, since sometimes dry skin can be caused by fungal or bacterial infections (yuck!), which need to be treated with special shampoo.
Not sure how to tell if your dog has dry skin? The most obvious way to tell is if they’re scratching excessively.
Most dogs spend some of their time scratching, but if you notice they’ve kicked it into high gear, their coat is looking dull, or they’re sporting lovely flakes of dandruff, then it may be time to invest in the best dog shampoo for dry skin that you can find.
Some reasons why your dog might be itchy include:
- Too many baths!
- The heating in your house
- Allergies (sometimes caused by changing seasons)
- Poor diet
- Parasites
- Neutering/Spaying
Are you ready for some solutions? Here are some of our favorite options when it comes to shampoo for dry skin on dogs.
The Best Dog Shampoos for Dry Skin
Boasting a variety of ingredients, fragrances, and prices, these products will help soothe your pup’s skin and coat, and get them ready for all of the cuddles.
1. Pro Pet Works All Natural Oatmeal Conditioner
This shampoo and conditioner is pH balanced for your pup’s sensitive skin, and contains oatmeal, almond oil, and aloe vera—all of which are ideal for treating itchy skin.
Safe for frequent use (and use with flea treatments), this wash also helps detangle fur, making coats a cinch to brush.
Key features:
- No alcohol, sulfates, added colors, harsh chemicals or fragrances
- Great for pups with sensitivities, including allergies to food, grass, and flea bites
- 100% biodegradable and made with recycled materials
- Made in the USA
2. 4Legger Organic Dog Shampoo
Feel like being extra conscientious when it comes to washing your pup? This special shampoo is handcrafted in small batches and uses all plant-based vegan USDA Certified Organic Oils.
These include coconut, jojoba, and olive, along with lemongrass essential oil and aloe vera. It’s also super concentrated, so a little bit lathers right up, and goes a long way—saving you money in the long run.
Key features:
- Contains no synthetic or artificial chemicals
- Biodegradable, sustainable ingredients
- Lemongrass essential oil helps deter fleas naturally
- Made in the USA
3. Earthbath All Natural Pet Shampoo
This popular dog shampoo for dry, itchy skin is soap-free—plus it smells like fresh eucalyptus and peppermint.
Made with all-natural ingredients, this product also keeps coats tangle-free and easy to brush, an added bonus for your now itch-free pup!
Key features:
- 100% biodegradable, and paraben- and phosphate-free
- Comes in a pack of 2 or 6 (if you’re really stocking up)
- Very gentle on sensitive skin
- Made in the USA
4. Critter Concepts Dog Shampoo for Dry Itchy Skin
This itch-reliving shampoo has everything from tea-tree and sunflower oils to shea butter and Vitamins E and B5, all designed to soothe your dog’s dry skin.
Because it’s highly concentrated, you’re going to want to dilute this shampoo (about 4:1) to make it last.
Key features:
- Natural insect repellent
- 98.9% natural ingredients
- Money-back if you’re not satisfied (and if your pup is still dry!)
- Made in the USA
5. Paws & Pals Natural Oatmeal Shampoo & Conditioner
Help soothe hot spots, allergies, and itchy skin with this shampoo for dry skin on dogs that contains oatmeal (to help with itchiness) and other all-natural, soothing ingredients like aloe vera, jojoba, and coconut oils.
Shea butter and rosemary also help moisturize the coat, so it’ll be easy to comb through when it’s time to spruce up your best buddy.
Key features:
- Tear-free and soapless—won’t irritate your dog’s eyes, nose, or skin
- Long-lasting, clean smell
- 20 oz. bottle made of certified recycled materials
- Made in the USA
6. Wahl Dry Skin & Itch Relief Pet Shampoo
It’s splish-splash time with this dog shampoo for dry, itchy skin that’s a good value. Specially formulated for sensitive pups, this product includes plant-derived ingredients and is alcohol-free, paraben-free, and pH balanced for dogs.
Plus, Wahl has been serving professional vets and groomers for over 50 years, and has a loyal following when it comes to their dog grooming products—seems like they know what they’re doing?
Key features:
- No artificial chemicals included
- Contains oatmeal, coconut, lime, aloe, and lemon verbena to soothe skin
- Lathers up nicely
- Made in the USA
7. TropiClean Oatmeal & Tea Tree Pet Shampoo
This shampoo contains oatmeal and Vitamin E to keep your pup’s itchiness at bay. along with a combination of salicylic acid and tea tree oil to help with any flakiness you’re battling.
Reviews also say that the scent is, “subtle and natural and not heavily perfumed and chemical-smelling like many others on the market,” which is always a plus in my book.
Key features:
- 70% organic formula
- Detergent- and soap-free
- Won’t mess with your pup’s flea or tick medication
8. Mighty Petz 2-in-1 Oatmeal Dog Shampoo and Conditioner
The formula for this shampoo is super gentle on irritated skin, plus it’s pH balanced, biodegradable, and alcohol- and paraben-free.
With only seven ingredients it’s easy to understand what exactly you’re putting on Fido’s fur, and its organic oatmeal, organic lavender, and aloe vera fragrance give your pup a fresh, clean scent.
Key features:
- 100% purely natural ingredients
- Contains only 7 ingredients
- Gentle on canine eyes and noses
- Made in the USA
9. Bodhi Dog All Natural Anti Itch Oatmeal Shampoo for Dogs
Formulated for dry, itchy skin, this shampoo uses natural ingredients (such as oat proteins, aloe vera, coconut, vitamins A, D, E, and fruit extracts) to soothe your pup.
This shampoo also includes baking soda as a natural pet deodorizer and features a fresh apple scent that also helps neutralize smells.
Even better? Since this company is a small, family-owned business, you can feel good about offering your support.
Key features:
- 100% detergent- and alcohol-free
- Locally sourced and sustainable ingredients
- 100% satisfaction guaranteed (or you’ll get your money back!)
- Made in the USA using socially responsible practices
10. Pets Are Kids Too Anti-Itch Shampoo & Conditioner
This premium oatmeal shampoo is intensely focused on itch relief for your pup!
Complete with organic oatmeal, baking soda, aloe vera, and coconut, this product is packed with ingredients that are ideal for soothing dry, itchy skin and hot spots.
Another plus? Once your bottle arrives, you’re given the option to send in a photo of your pet; if you do, this company will donate a portion of its profits to a pet with cancer (which you’ll then receive a photo of)! Very sweet.
Key features:
- Plant-derived ingredients are gentle on ears and eyes
- Naturally deodorizing so you’ll be happy to give your canine a cuddle
- 100% harmful chemical-free
- Made in the USA, and cruelty-free
11. Burt’s Bees Oatmeal Dog Shampoo
Known for their range of quality beauty and grooming products for people, Burt’s Bees also makes dog shampoo that many pet parents swear by.
Crafted from natural ingredients such as honeysuckle extract, colloidal oatmeal powder, and beeswax, the shampoo is gentle on your dog’s skin and smells great, too.
Key features:
- Ph balanced and safe for all dogs and puppies
- No sulfates, artificial fragrances, or colorants
- Cruelty-free and not tested on animals
We hope this helped you find the best dog shampoo for dry skin for your pup—now, happy washing!
Further Reading
- The Best Dog Shampoos for Dogs with Allergies
- 20 Best Dog Shampoos for Sensitive Skin
- Our Favorite Treatments for Dry Dog Skin: Butters, Salves, and Oils, Oh My!
Need Dog Grooming?
Does your dog need a fresh trim? A groomer can now come to your house! Rover offers dog grooming in Seattle, Austin, and Denver. To learn more, please check out our page here.
