The 18 Best Dog Shampoos in Every Category, from Waterless to Medicated

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• Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.

Looking for the perfect dog shampoo for your pup, but overwhelmed by the number of products on the market? It can be tricky to find the right dog shampoo for your dog’s coat, whether for regular maintenance or for particularly sticky (and stinky) situations. We’ve rounded up some of the best dog shampoos for all types of breeds and rolling habits.

Best Spray-On Dry Shampoo: Begley’s Waterless Pet Shampoo

Dry shampoos are a popular pick for spot cleaning, fast full-body baths, and dogs who just really hate water. You can find options for multiple coat and skin types, and even regular application shouldn’t dry out your dog’s skin.

To use most dry dog shampoos, all you need to do is apply, massage in, and wipe off with a towel. Spray dry shampoos are good for dogs with short coats, while longer or thicker coats tend to benefit from foaming dry shampoos that offer a deeper clean.

Our favorite spray-on dry shampoo is Begley’s Waterless Pet Shampoo because it works well on most coat types (we tested several spray-on shampoos on short, long, and poodle coats). For the longer coats, Begley’s brings out the shine and provides a thorough spot-clean. For the short or poodle coats, this dry shampoo is ideal for a full waterless bath. It has a pleasant odor, is easy to use indoors or out, and gives a satisfying clean without any residue. If you plan to bathe a large dog with a long coat, you can still get a few baths out of one bottle of Begley’s.

Key Features:

• Good for all coat types, but fantastic for short coats
• Leaves no residue
• Pleasant scent
• Safe for use indoors or out

Consider:

• Brush out long coats after bath for best results

Best Foaming Dry Shampoo: Vet’s Best Waterless Dog Bath

After testing several foaming dry shampoos, our favorite is Vet’s Best Waterless Dog Bath. We found that this shampoo produced a cleaning effect that was akin to a real bath. For this shampoo, our tester was Ruby, a Bernese Mountain Dog with a very thick and luscious coat. After a shampoo with this, her coat shone.

We also like that this shampoo is good for sensitive skin. Its ingredients include aloe vera, oatmeal, and neem oil, which prevent itchiness. The foam is light and does not leave moisture on your dog’s coat, so there’s no need to towel dry. A good brush, however, will bring out the shine!

Key Features:

• Ingredients include aloe vera, oatmeal, and Neem oil
• Leaves dog’s coat shiny and residue-free
• Easy to use and no towel-dry needed

Consider:

• Brush coat after use to maximize shine

Best Shampoos for Poodles and Doodles: Friday’s Dog Oodle Doodler

Most poodle or doodle parents love their dog’s unique fur for its low-shed and low-allergen qualities. However, those great coats can also hold dirt and odors. Fear not: There are special lines of dog shampoos specially formulated for poodles and poodle mixes. These shampoos work to bring out the quality of the poodle coat while deep cleaning to clear out dirt and odors. And because many poodles have sensitive skin, they’re usually mild.

Our favorite is Friday’s Dog Shampoo, which we product tested on Sabine, a Bernedoodle whose daily hobbies fluctuate between two extremes: upside-down lounging with tongue hanging out and rambunctious romps in compost piles, deer poo, or mulch. She pursues both passions with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind.

Friday’s Dog Shampoo is specially formulated for poodle coats and includes a deodorizer, which Sabine’s household appreciates. Poodle coats can become coarse as they get older, but this shampoo helps to soften the coat and bring back some of that new puppy sparkle. The deodorizing effect lasts for several days, and the shampoo is mild enough for frequent use. One bottle lasts for several baths.

Key Features:

• Long-lasting deodorizer
• Mild enough for frequent use on poodles and doodles
• Good price point and quantity
• Leaves coat soft and smooth

Best Shampoos for Double Coats: Tropiclean Perfect Fur Dog Shampoo

If your dog has a double coat, finding the right shampoo can be critical to ensuring a thorough cleaning, including bringing some of that undercoat under control. Shampoos for double coats often have a deshedding function by helping to pull loose hair away from the skin while strengthening hair follicles. You can multiply this deshedding effect by giving your dog a good brush afterwards.

We like Tropiclean’s Perfect Fur Dog Shampoo because it works to loosen trapped dirt and debris while promoting your dog’s natural shedding in the bath, versus on the carpet. This shampoo is also formulated for quick drying.

Key Features:

• Helps promote natural shedding cycle
• Loosens trapped dirt and debris from undercoat
• Formulated for quick-drying
• Great for Shepherds, Akitas, Corgis, Huskies, Newfoundlands, Pomeranians, and many more!

Consider:

• For dogs older than 12 weeks

Best Shampoos for Sensitive Skin: Pro Pet Works Organic Oatmeal Pet Shampoo and Conditioner

If you have a pet who has chronic sensitive skin (allergies, itchiness, and hot spots) choosing the right mild shampoo can be extra tough. If your dog suffers from allergies, look for mild products that are safe for frequent use and contain natural ingredients. While dog shampoos don’t have a standard for what is considered “natural,” ingredients like aloe, oatmeal, and almond oil are signs that a shampoo is likely to be mild. Many dogs who have sensitive skin respond well to soap-free shampoos.

Pro Pet Works’ soap-free hypoallergenic shampoo and conditioner combo is a great choice for dogs with sensitive skin or allergies. It contains oatmeal, almond oil, and aloe vera to soothe skin and is mild enough for frequent use. This shampoo also works great as a detangler and can be used to assist with combing out thick fur.

Key Features:

• Soap-free and hypoallergenic
• Shampoo and conditioner combo
• Great for detangling
• Contains oatmeal, almond oil, and aloe vera to soothe skin

Best Shampoos for Puppies: Burt’s Bees All-Natural Tearless Shampoo for Puppies

Puppies have special needs for their coats and skin, so it’s important to look for shampoos that are specially formulated just for them. Puppy shampoos are typically milder, are pH balanced for sensitive skin, and have mild (if any) fragrance. Look for ingredients that you recognize (such as buttermilk or oatmeal), and only use a small amount of shampoo.

If you’re looking for a gentle puppy shampoo that soothes and softens your pup’s coat, look no further. Made with buttermilk and linseed oil and pH balanced for your puppy’s sensitive skin, this formula will leave your pup feeling and smelling fresh. Plus, it is completely free from sulfates, colorants, and fragrances.

Key Features:

• Specially formulated for puppies
• Free from sulfates, colorants, and fragrances
• Contains buttermilk and linseed oil

Best Shampoos for Dandruff: Hartz Groomer’s Best Professionals Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Dandruff can be a problem for dogs, just like for humans. If your dog suffers from dandruff, chances are their skin is sensitive and itchy. Shampoos formulated to reduce dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis) usually contain salicylic acid and mild ingredients to help soothe skin. When looking for a dandruff shampoo, look for one that helps to eliminate recurrences and is mild enough for frequent use (it may take a few washes to see the full effect).

Hartz Best Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is formulated with salicylic acid to help reduce flaky skin and eliminate dandruff. It contains no parabens or alcohol. This shampoo leaves your dog with a fresh jasmine and citrus scent and is mild enough to use twice a week. It is suitable for dogs of all ages and with all coat types.

Key Features:

• Helps to treat and prevent recurrence of dandruff
• Has a mild and fresh jasmine and citrus scent
• Suitable for dogs of all ages and coat types

Best Natural Shampoo: 4-Legger Certified Organic Dog Shampoo

This dog shampoo with aloe and lemongrass works up a great smelling soapy lather to get your pet extra clean. While there is no standard for “all natural” dog shampoos, this shampoo is detergent-, paraben-, and sulfate-free. The formula is safe, non-toxic, and made in small batches. We like that the ingredients are sustainably sourced—and that just a little bit of shampoo goes a long way.

Key Features:

• Certified organic
• Detergent-, paraben-, and sulfate-free
• Sustainably sourced
• Includes lemongrass and aloe

Best Smell: Vermont Soap Pet Shampoo

There’s nothing better than having an awesome-smelling dog to snuggle with. And though we recognize scent is subjective, it’s hard to imagine disliking this pleasant and lemony-fresh scent from Vermont Soap Organics—the first USDA-certified organic pet shampoo. It’s made from organic coconut, olive, and jojoba oils with organic aloe vera and essential oils. Its mild formula gently cleanses your dog’s coat and soothes dry skin, leaving your pup smelling lemony fresh. It may be a bit on the pricier side, but fans of the shampoo swear by it.

Key Features:

• Fresh lemony scent
• Organic and mild
• Soothes dry skin
• Made with coconut, olive, and jojoba, and essential oils

Consider:

• Pricey, but highly rated

Best Smell Runner-Up: Pets Are Kids Too Premium Pet Oatmeal Shampoo

If you’d rather your pup smell like an oatmeal cookie than a citrus fruit, look no further. This shampoo and conditioner two-in-one formula relieves itching, prevents allergies, hydrates the skin, and removes odor to leave your dog feeling and smelling their best. It’s made with natural ingredients in an organic oatmeal-, baking soda-, and aloe vera-based formula that’s good for dogs with sensitive skin.

Key Features:

• Fantastic oatmeal cookie smell
• 2-in-1 formula
• Made with oatmeal, baking soda, and aloe vera
• Good for dogs with sensitive skin

Best Smell Runner-Up: Earthbath Oatmeal and Aloe Shampoo

We included a third fabulous-smelling shampoo because as dog parents, we feel very strongly about good-smelling dogs. The light vanilla and almond scent of this dog shampoo lingers wonderfully after your pup’s bath. Formulated to relieve dry, itchy skin, it’s 100% biodegradable and cruelty-free. Your dog will be left smelling fresh while enjoying the soothing and moisturizing benefits of oatmeal and aloe.

Key Features:

• Highly-rated for its super smell: light vanilla and almond
• Helps relieve dry and itchy skin using oatmeal and aloe
• 100% biodegradable and cruelty-free

Best Shampoo-Conditioner Combination: Wahl Four-in-One Shampoo and Conditioner

There are several shampoo-conditioner combos out there, which can be great if your dog’s coat could benefit from the conditioning—not all dogs need them. But if you have a longer-haired dog who is prone to tangles, a conditioner can help with grooming.

We tested this shampoo and conditioner combo on Ruby, a Bernese Mountain Dog. Her thick coat is long and responds well to a conditioning shampoo. The Wahl Four-in-One left her coat easy to brush out and with a deep shine. The lavender scent was not overpowering but left her with a fresh-from-the-groomer smell. This shampoo is highly concentrated, so you only need a small amount to achieve a nice lather. Best of all, this formula is great for dogs with sensitive skin.

Key Features:

• Pleasant scent
• Great for long, thick coats
• Conditioner helps with detangling and grooming
• One bottle lasts a long time

Best Shampoo for Skunk Smell Removal: Nature’s Miracle Skunk Odor Removal

We’re sorry. If you’re reading this section, you probably have a big, smelly problem on your hands. The good news is the science of skunk smell removal has improved over the years, and there are some products out there that work really well. If you are looking for a product to eliminate skunk odor, the first thing you should look for is a shampoo that treats the odor by neutralizing it, rather than just masking it with a perfume. Some products can also double as a clothing cleaner, but be sure that the primary purpose is to treat the dog!

The name alone on this product is confidence-building—we all know it might indeed take a miracle to remove skunk odors, and the brand has built an impressive reputation for tackling pet messes. This formula works to neutralize odor, and although it also has a pleasant lavender scent, it is not a perfume to mask smells. This product is safe to use around children, and it can double as a cleaner for clothing and carpets. It also carries a guarantee.

Key Features:

• Safe to use around children
• Neutralizes—doesn’t cover up—odor
• Has a fresh, lavender scent

Consider:

• Be sure to read and follow directions

Best Anti-Fungal Shampoo: Veterinary Formula Critical Care Anti-Septic and Anti-Fungal Shampoo

If you think you might need an anti-fungal or antiseptic shampoo, first consult your vet for advice. The specifics of your pet’s condition will dictate which ingredients to look for in one of these medicated shampoos. In general, if your dog suffers from flaky or scaly skin, patchy hair loss, pustules, greasiness, or skin with discharge, you may want to consider an anti-fungal shampoo, which contains ingredients to relieve these symptoms. After you check in with your vet, consider which formula might be right for you.

This formula is one of the best selling products on the market and contains both antiseptic and anti-fungal ingredients. It can be used to treat skin infections, including bacterial and yeast infections. The formula is fast-acting and helps to quickly relieve uncomfortable symptoms, such as redness, scaly skin, drainage, hair loss, and greasiness. This affordable and vet-recommended shampoo should only be used on dogs over 12 weeks old.

Key Features:

• Can treat a variety of skin infections
• Fast-acting to relieve uncomfortable symptoms
• Vet recommended

Consider:

• Always consult a vet when considering a medicated shampoo
• Follow directions closely
• For use on dogs over 12 weeks old

Best Medicated Shampoos: Tropiclean Oxymed Medicated Anti-Itch Dog Shampoo

Medicated shampoos can treat a variety of minor skin conditions, including itchiness, redness, hotspots, eczema, and dandruff. If you are unsure whether or not your dog needs a medicated shampoo, consult your vet. Most medicated shampoos contain mild ingredients that soothe skin and may also be used in combination with soothing sprays.

Tropiclean’s Oxymed shampoo is designed for dogs with red, itchy skin or hot spots. The shampoo uses a soothing formula of vitamins and aloe to achieve quick results. The shampoo can also help with dry or flaky skin, dandruff, and scaling. Tropiclean makes a variety of related products that can be used in conjunction with the shampoo, including ear wash, oatmeal treatment, and soothing spray. When in doubt, always ask your vet.

Key Features:

• Relieves dry and itchy skin quickly
• Uses a soothing formula with vitamins and aloe
• Can help with a variety of skin conditions

Best Medicated Shampoo to Treat Flea Bites: Espree Medicated Dog Shampoo

This popular medicated shampoo for dogs promotes healing and quickly reduces redness and itchy skin. It is made with 100% organic aloe vera and helps to eliminate many skin problems, including flea bites, hot spots, and irritations. Best of all, it is vet-recommended. (And if you are unsure about which medicated shampoo is best for your dog, we recommend you ask your vet.)

Note that this doesn’t remove fleas—for that, you’ll need a flea-killing shampoo or an oral medication.

Key Features:

• Treats flea bites and other skin irritations
• Made with 100% organic aloe vera
• Promotes healing and reduces uncomfortable symptoms

Best for Wiry Hair: CHI Keratin Conditioner for Dogs

Wiry-haired dogs can be a challenge to groom. Their hair can appear coarse and can retain the odors from your dog’s environment. Fortunately, there are a lot of products out there that help to smooth, shine, and manage coarse, wiry hair. Humans know the magic of keratin for our own wayward locks. Believe it or not, keratin conditioner is also available for dogs (and at an affordable price).

CHI’s keratin dog conditioner can help to manage wiry dog fur and help to create a smoother texture. It also works well for damaged or stressed hair. This formula is suitable for both dogs and puppies, and is pH balanced for you dog’s skin.

Key Features:

• Smooths wiry and stressed dog hair
• pH balanced for dog’s skin
• Suitable for puppies and dogs
• Helps with grooming

Best Dog Whitening Shampoo: BioSilk for Dogs Whitening Shampoo

If your dog’s white coat is looking dingy, a whitening shampoo can help to return it to its former glow. White dogs, like white furniture, can show the dirt. Additionally, dog saliva can turn white hair reddish or brown. Particularly if your white dog tends to lick or drool, you might find a quick clean with a whitening shampoo will do the trick. Similarly, if your dog has multi-colored hair, using small amounts of whitening shampoos to clean up their belly or chest can do wonders.

BioSilk for Dogs cleans deeply and brightly whitens light or white fur. This shampoo is safe and 100% paraben- and sulfate-free. This formula is meant for dogs over eight weeks old, is pH balanced for pets, and is suitable for all dog breeds and hair textures.

Key Features:

• Easy and safe to use
• pH balanced for your dog’s skin
• Paraben- and sulfate-free
• Works on all dog breeds and hair textures

Consider

• Only for use on dogs older than eight weeks

No Dog Shampoo? What To Do Instead

If you’re in a pinch and are plumb out of dog shampoo, it can be tempting to reach for your own shampoo to get yourself out of a sticky (and smelly) situation. It’s important to remember that your dog’s skin is different from yours, and a shampoo that is pH balanced for a human isn’t right for a dog. If you need some at-home options, consider the following remedies.

Baby shampoo

Baby shampoo is mild, often soap-free, and can be an appropriate one-time substitute for dog shampoo. However, make sure that this doesn’t become your go-to option, as baby skin is still not dog skin (though they are both equally as kissable). Baby shampoo is probably the most effective and easiest solution to the no-shampoo dilemma.

Pet wipes or baby wipes

In a pinch, a baby wipe or two (preferably the water-based ones) can be used to spot clean your dog safely. A pet-specific wipe is even better.

Baking soda or cornstarch

Baking soda is a great odor neutralizer that can be used to clean your dog’s coat and freshen their scent. Simply dust your dog’s coat with the baking soda and brush out their coat. No water needed! Don’t have baking soda? You can use corn starch in a similar way for a moderate cleaning effect.

How We Chose

The dog shampoos 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. We prioritized quality ingredients, mild formulas, and versatile options. We’re also guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated pups, who are never stingy with their feedback.

Further Reading

• 8 Best Whitening Dog Shampoos to Keep Your Pup’s Coat Sparkling
• 11 Dog Conditioners to Keep Your Pet’s Coat Shiny
• The 11 Best Dog Shampoos for Skin Allergies
• The 7 Best Dry Dog Shampoos for Stress-Free Bath Time