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Dandruff—those small white flakes of dead skin that emerge from the hair—isn’t just an uncomfortable human problem. It can affect dogs too. And just as people can reach for a bottle of specialized shampoo to deal with the condition, pets can also benefit from the use of dog dandruff shampoos to restore their skin and coat to its normal luster.
We spoke with Dr. Sabrina Kong, DVM, a senior veterinary contributor at WeLoveDoodles, and Dr. Sara Ochoa, DVM, a vet contributor at Hound Games, to learn more about what to look for in a dandruff shampoo for dogs. With their feedback, we compiled a list of the best shampoos for dogs with dandruff to help provide relief for both pet and pet parent.
Not sure where to start? Hop down to our explainer on the causes of dandruff, or read up on what dandruff shampoo actually does.
Best for Sensitive Skin: Vet’s Best Oatmeal Medicated Shampoo
Dandruff happens for a variety of reasons. “Tackling dandruff in our canine friends means understanding what causes it—which could be anything from simple dry skin to more complex issues like allergies or even certain disorders,” says Dr. Kong.
If you’ve determined your pup’s dandruff is a result of sensitive skin, this Vet’s Best shampoo combines medicated and natural ingredients to combat itchy dandruff. The formula combines salicylic acid (a chemical exfoliant) with colloidal oatmeal, tea tree oil, and vitamin B5 to soothe dry skin.
“Look for shampoos containing salicylic acid for skin exfoliation or benzoyl peroxide for its antibacterial benefits,” says Dr. Kong. “Additionally, aloe vera, oatmeal, and essential oils are great for moisturizing and nourishing skin.”
Several pet parents have noted the shampoo’s thin consistency; while that didn’t work for everyone, some reviewers found that the lighter liquid was better at getting under their dog’s hair, allowing it to reach their dog’s skin where it was needed.
What we like about it:
- Powerful combination of medicated and natural ingredients
- Works alongside other treatments like topical flea and tick treatments
- Only needs 3 to 5 minutes on a dog’s skin to work
Best Alcohol-Free: Hartz Groomer’s Best Professionals Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
This affordable, professional-quality shampoo is a top-recommended product, according to Dr. Kong, due to being both gentle and effective. It’s also alcohol-free, which is important to look for in a shampoo formula, according to Dr. Ochoa. “There are some ingredients you’ll want to avoid, like alcohol, fragrances, and sulfates,” she notes. “They strip natural oils from your dog’s skin.”
The gentle formula is powered by salicylic acid, which helps to cleanse and exfoliate, and features a jasmine and citrus scent that both pet parents and their dogs seem to enjoy.
What we like about it:
- Extra-gentle formula with no alcohol or parabens
- 2% salicylic acid helps to exfoliate and reduce dandruff
- Large 32-oz bottle
Best Hydrating: Veterinary Formula Antiparasitic and Antiseborrheic Medicated Shampoo for Dogs
“The trick is figuring out what’s causing your pup’s dandruff so you can pick the right treatment,” explains Dr. Ochoa. “If it’s dry skin, a moisturizing shampoo helps replenish their coat.”
This Veterinary Formula Clinical Care is an antiparasitic and antiseborrheic medicated shampoo intended to treat the root of your dog’s dandruff issues, including seborrheic dermatitis, parasitic and fungal infections, and mange. Due to its hydrating properties, Dr. Kong listed this as another highly recommended shampoo to help with dandruff.
The unique formula was developed by experts and includes coal tar, salicylic acid, and micronized sulfur to relieve itchy and flaky skin, with oatmeal to moisturize it. “Coal tar is also common in these shampoos, helping remove dead skin and reduce itching,” said Dr. Kong.
What we like about it:
- PH balanced specifically for dogs
- Free of parabens, dye, and soap
- Comes in both 16-oz and 128-oz (one gallon) sizes
Best for Multi-Skin Issues: Pet MD Benzoyl Peroxide Medicated Shampoo
“Pet MD Benzoyl Peroxide Medicated Shampoo is a strong contender for tackling various skin issues,” explains Dr. Kong. It’s a medicated shampoo that contains benzoyl peroxide, micronized sulfur, and salicylic acid and can help treat flaky skin caused by mange seborrhea or pyoderma.
Even with all those powerful ingredients, many reviewers praised the scent of the shampoo—and they liked how it worked even more. Some pet parents dealing with dog dandruff saw a huge difference in just one wash.
“It’s important to understand that these shampoos aren’t one-size-fits-all solutions,” says Dr. Kong. “The best choice will depend on the specific condition of your dog’s skin and coat. If dandruff persists or is accompanied by other signs of discomfort, a consultation with a veterinarian is recommended to rule out any serious health issues.”
What we like about it:
- Gently cleans, deodorizes, and relieves dandruff
- Citrus scent
- Free of parabens and soap
Best Soap-Free: Pro Pet Works Organic 5-in-1 Oatmeal Dog Shampoo
This hypoallergenic, soap-free formula is another gentle option for dogs with sensitive skin. “For allergies, go hypoallergenic to reduce irritation,” advises Dr. Ochoa. Dr. Kong recommends this gentle shampoo due to its natural and soothing ingredients, which include aloe vera gel, almond oil, and vitamins A, D, E, and B12.
Along with soothing your pet’s skin and coat by helping to restore natural oil production, this shampoo helps conditioner your dog’s fur or hair to make it easy to brush. Reviewers mentioned this shampoo lathered up well and left behind a pleasant scent after bath time.
What we like about it:
- Hypoallergenic, soap-free and alcohol-free
- Made in the USA
- Cruelty-Free
Best Lather: Rocco & Roxie Supply Co. Soothe Oatmeal Dog Shampoo
If you’re looking for a dandruff shampoo that provides an easy lather for washing without skimping on the soothing ingredients, this oatmeal-based shampoo is an excellent option. It’s made with olive oil, aloe, shea butter, and oat extract to help soothe irritated and itchy skin.
And though this shampoo might provide some relief, it’s important to watch how much you bathe your pup. “Regular baths with the right shampoo can help control dandruff, but how often you should do this depends on your dog’s individual needs and your vet’s advice,” recommends Dr. Kong.
With a subtle mango scent, many reviewers mentioned they liked the smell and that it wasn’t overpowering. Many also remarked how soft and silky their dog’s fur was after using it and that it helped reduce scratching.
What we like about it:
- Mango fragrance
- Free of alcohol, dyes, and parabens
- Cleanses and hydrates irritated skin
Best for Deodorizing: Honest Paws 5-in-1 Dog Wash and Conditioner
If your pup needs a shampoo that helps relieve dandruff and odor (too much fun playing in the rain?), reach for this 5-in-1 dog wash that conditions and deodorizes. This non-irritating dog wash is good for dogs over 12 weeks old and uses natural, hydrating ingredients like oats and aloe vera to nourish your dog’s skin and coat.
And while dandruff happens, if your pup’s dandruff is persistent and new, it’s always a good idea to have them checked out by a vet to determine the cause, as shampoo may not be enough. “I always recommend having your vet take a look at any dog with dandruff,” said Dr. Ochoa. “They can get to the bottom of what’s causing it and suggest personalized care.”
What we like about it:
- Paraben, dye, and sulfate-free
- Made in the USA
- Good for all dogs over 12 weeks old
Best Bar Dog Shampoo: WashBar Natural Dog Soap Bar
If you’re looking for a more sustainable option, WashBar makes all-natural dog soaps in a convenient bar form. This cuts down on the use of plastic packaging, making it an eco-friendly option for your dog’s bath time. While there are no medicated ingredients in this soap, the gentle formula, made with coconut and tea tree oils, promises natural itch relief for mild allergies and dry skin.
What we like about it:
- All natural, vegetable-based ingredients, including neem oil, lemon-scented tea tree oil, manuka oil, and neem leaf
- Convenient, no-spill bar soap that’s easy to use
- One bar equals a 20-oz bottle of liquid shampoo
Best Leave-In Conditioner: Warren London Hydrating Butter Leave-In Pet Conditioner
If you’ve determined your dog’s dandruff is due to dry skin, this leave-in conditioner provides additional hydration for all coat types. Since it’s a leave-in conditioner, rub it on your dog’s dry coat (the manufacturer’s instructions recommend brushing it through as well), with no rinsing required.
The formula contains aloe vera, along with guava fruit and mango-peel extracts that leave behind a tropical scent. The smell can be overpowering, so it’s recommended to do a patch test first before applying it all over your pup’s coat.
We’ve tried this conditioner and agree the scent is powerful—but our testers also thought the smell was great and the shine afterward was impressive.
What we like about it:
- Made in the USA
- Non-oily formula
- Also available in pomegranate and unscented options
What Causes Dandruff in Dogs
With all the fur, we don’t always think about the skin hidden underneath our dogs’ coats. Dandruff is often the first visible sign that your dog is experiencing skin discomfort.
For dogs with dark hair, dandruff is easy to spot. The dead skin appears as white flakes, often making their coat appear dusty or dull. Dandruff is often more difficult to detect in light-colored dogs, but certain behaviors can point to its presence. Excessive scratching or licking indicates that your dog is uncomfortable. You may also find traces of dandruff dust on carpets or furniture.
Dandruff is bothersome, but it’s not harmful by itself. More concerning is that it’s a symptom of dry or irritated skin. Dog dandruff can occur due to environmental factors or even be a sign of something more serious such as illness, infection, or poor nutrition. “As a vet, I’ve seen dandruff crop up in dogs for all kinds of reasons,” said Dr. Ochoa. “Dry skin is probably the most common cause. Allergies, parasites, hormonal changes—they can all make those flaky flakes appear.”
Some of the causes for your dog’s flaky skin may include:
- Bathing a dog too often or with harsh soaps
- Poor diet
- Localized fungal infections like ringworm and yeast dermatitis
- Extreme hot and cold temperatures and dry air
- Allergies
- Seborrheic dermatitis
- Bacterial infections such as pyoderma
- Parasites like fleas and mites
- Obesity
With such a wide range of potential reasons for your dog’s dandruff, it’s always a good idea to have a veterinarian check them out, especially if you notice a lot of flaking and other symptoms like red, scaly sores, or if your dog’s behavior has changed in any way.
A vet will be able to rule out or recommend treatment for any serious conditions and also provide advice on the best course of action to soothe your dog’s dry skin. Those recommendations may include using a humidifier, a change in diet, and, of course, using a dog dandruff shampoo.
How Dog Dandruff Shampoos Work
Dog dandruff shampoos come in various formulas to treat both dandruff and its causes. Ingredients like oatmeal, aloe vera, and glycerin soothe and moisturize dry, irritated skin. Some dandruff shampoos are medicated to exfoliate the skin and to kill the organisms that cause infections. Pet parents should always consult a vet for a diagnosis before using a dandruff shampoo, as choosing the wrong products can make things worse and aggravate already sensitive skin.
Read shampoo labels carefully to select a formula that will work for your dog’s unique issues and to learn how to use the product correctly too. For maximum effectiveness, many medicated shampoos require that you lather and wait for several minutes before rinsing.
How We Chose
The products featured here were selected based on a combination of our own hands-on testing, a comprehensive look at customer reviews across a wide variety of retail platforms, and interviews with veterinary experts, including Dr. Sabrina Kong, DVM, a senior veterinary contributor at WeLoveDoodles, and Dr. Sara Ochoa, DVM, a vet contributor at Hound Games. We prioritized gentle and moisturizing qualities. We’re also guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated pets, who are never stingy with their feedback.