Best Dog Shampoo 2021: Leave Your Dog Smelling Amazing

Are you tired of your dog being dirty? Coming inside with matted hair? Or mud stuck to their paws? The best pooch is one that is healthy, happy, and clean. Many dog owners know how important it is that we wash our hair and just because our dog isn’t human doesn’t mean that he doesn’t need his fur washed too.

In case you did not know, you can’t use shampoo for humans on your dog. This is because our pH level and theirs are different and if you use shampoo for humans on them, you may cause skin irritation and more. Remember, it is possible for dogs to have sensitive skin too.

Below, we will discuss our top choices for the best dog shampoo and we think that you will definitely find one that works for your dog. As you do choose a shampoo, keep in mind any skin or health conditions that your dog may have that may be affected by the shampoo. If wet shampoo isn’t your thing then we also look at the best dry shampoos.

Note: Check out the best dog bathtubs that your dog will absolutely love.

Best Dog Shampoos: Our Picks

Animology White Wash Dog Shampoo

If you have a white dog, Animology White Wash Dog Shampoo is a wonderful choice. Not only is the formula mild and on-irritating, it removes stains that commonly appear on white dogs, especially around the eyes. This shampoo also features optical enhancers that are mild on your dog’s skin, so you never have to worry about your dog’s natural oils bring stripped away.

This award-winning formula comes in a signature scent that is made from natural ingredients to ensure irritation does not occur. This shampoo is suitable for all dogs, 6 weeks old and older and can be purchased in a 250 ml bottle or a 5 L bottle. This is a great natural dog shampoo.

Wahl Dog Shampoo

Wahl Dog Shampoo is a unique choice and makes the list because of its convenience to you as a dog owner. This is a no-rinse foaming shampoo that is perfect for those dogs who do not like baths or for those individuals who may struggle to provide their dog with a bath.

This shampoo will freshen and revitalise your dog’s coat without leaving any harmful chemicals behind. Since this is a no-rinse formula, you only need to apply the foam and then leave it on.

The cleansers in this shampoo are gentle enough for even the most sensitive dog and you will find that it removes dirty patches and any mud or debris that may be stuck in your pooch’s coat. One important thing to note about this shampoo is that it contains tea tree oil, aloe vera, and chamomile to strengthen and condition your dog’s coat.

ProGroom Natural Oatmeal Dog Shampoo

If they suffer from dry, itchy, or flaky skin, allergies, hot spots, or dandruff, then ProGroom Natural Oatmeal Dog Shampoo is a wonderful option for them. This oatmeal shampoo is made with colloidal oatmeal, which helps to increase the water and oil binding capabilities in your pup’s coat. In addition, the shampoo comes packed with minerals, essential oils, vitamins, and antioxidants that will soothe their skin.

This shampoo is designed to truly moisturize your pooch’s skin and is safe to use on both puppies and adult dogs. One thing that is of importance is this shampoo does include organic neem oil, which works to fight against parasites and will remove and protect against lice, mites, fleas, and ticks. This doesn’t mean its a dog flea shampoo to get rid of them, but it will help to stop them.

ProGroom is committed to providing pet owners with a safe and effective shampoo product that can be used on their dogs and provide a luxurious, soft coat.

Groom Professional Baby Fresh Shampoo, 1 Liter

Are you in love with the fresh baby powder scent? If so, your dog can sport this scent with the Groom Professional Baby Fresh Shampoo. While the scent is wonderful, this shampoo provides them with a deep and gentle clean to ensure his or her coat is free from dirt and his or her skin is left moisturized.

The shampoo contains aloe vera in it to soothe and nourish the skin while removing and reducing dandruff that may exist. This product can be used on puppies 8 weeks and older and comes in a 1-litre bottle. It is the best puppy shampoo on this list.

Groom Professional Baby Fresh Shampoo, 250 mL

If you want your dog to smell baby fresh, choose the Groom Professional Baby Fresh Shampoo. This professional dog shampoo comes in a 250 mL bottle that features an easy to open and close the lid. The product does contain aloe vera to help smooth and condition the skin while reducing the appearance of dandruff.

You will find that this shampoo dilutes at a 20:1 ratio and is suitable for dogs with all types of coats.

Pet Head Dirty Talk Deodorising Shampoo

If you have a pooch who loves to roll around in the dirt, you need a shampoo that will tackle the dirt and stink at the same time. Pet Head Dirty Talk Deodorising Shampoo is a great choice. This shampoo features an orange scent that will ensure your dog does not hang on to the smell of outside.

The formula used in this shampoo is gentle, yet very effective when it comes to cleaning your dog’s coat. Baking soda is used to neutralize strong scents and vegetable proteins in the shampoo help to restore your dog’s skin elasticity.

Each one of the Pet Head shampoos is made free from DEA and petroleum and they come manufactured to meet their pH levels.

Johnsons Tea Tree Soothing Shampoo for Dogs

If your dog suffers from skin irritation, you want to make sure you choose a shampoo that is formulated to help him. Johnsons Tea Tree Soothing Shampoo for Dogs is made with tea tree oil for a wonderful scent and aloe vera to help calm the skin and prevent irritation.

This formula promotes overall healthy skin and a beautiful coat for your dog. One of the nice things about this shampoo is that you can choose from a 125 mL bottle, 200 mL bottle, or 400 mL bottle and it is very economically priced without sacrificing the quality of the ingredients.

Johnson Vet Manuka Honey 2-in-1 Shampoo

Johnson’s Manuka Honey 2-in-1 Shampoo is made to help soothe and condition your dog’s coat and skin. You will find that this shampoo also contains a conditioner within it and is ideal for coats of all types. This shampoo will leave your dog’s coat soft, fresh, and glossy.

Once applied, this formula will condition the skin underneath and deodorize the coat from any smells that may linger. One of the nice things about this shampoo is that it does not irritate the skin and is designed with sensitive skin in mind. It is especially ideal for dogs who suffer from greasy skin and fur.

You can choose from a 200 mL bottle or a 400 mL bottle and this shampoo is extremely affordable.

Animology Fox Poo Shampoo

If you have a dog who enjoys rolling around in the dirt, then you know the smells he or she can pick up and how dirty he or she will look. Animology Fox Poo Shampoo is designed to tackle the dirt and order on the spot. In fact, this shampoo is made from a unique formula that will remove faeces and urine odours from your dog’s coat. Whether they have rolled around in it or had an accident, this shampoo is where you want to turn.

The formula is mild but will clean deep down into the skin to ensure a smooth coat and conditioned skin. With a pH balanced formula, you have nothing to worry about. The shampoo features built-in conditions and vitamin B5.

This award-winning formula is one of the best on the market and can truly clean deep and eliminate ANY odour that they may be carrying along with him.

Wahl Dirty Beastie Pet Shampoo

When you want a shampoo that will be gentle on your dog’s skin and coat, turn to Wahl Dirty Beastie Pet Shampoo. This shampoo is formulated to provide them with a deep clean without the harsh chemicals. In fact, this shampoo will deodorise your dog instantly and leave him or her smelling as fresh as can be. The natural fragrance is a mix of kiwi, passion flower, peach, and pear.

Dirty Beastie shampoo is ideal for use on dogs who have matted, thick, dirty, or smelly coats. One of the best things about this shampoo is that it comes ready to use and will revitalise your dog’s coat.

If your dog doesn’t enjoy a wet bath, then why not try using some dry shampoo if they are not that dirty.

So, You Mean I Can’t Use My Own Shampoo?

No. You never want to do this. The skin on your dog is more sensitive than our skin and it is vital that you do not use chemicals or ingredients intended for humans on them. There is an acidic top layer of skin on your dog and this layer helps to protect the other layers of the skin from bacteria and viruses. This is partly why your dog can roll around in the dirt and not pick up a disease. This top layer is also responsible for making sure that your pooch is hydrated.

Dog-specific shampoos are made with this layer of skin in mind and it does not strip it away. In fact, dog shampoos help to moisturize the skin and restore the natural oils in it.

When you are ready to choose a shampoo for your dog, you can start your search on your own or if you have any questions about your dog’s health, you should inquire with his veterinarian.

Sometimes, you will find that there is a trial and error process when it comes to choosing the right shampoo. Some shampoos may dry out your dog’s skin while others may leave the hair too oily. You can avoid this by looking at the ingredients and choosing a breed specific shampoo if needed.

Another thing you need to keep in mind before you bathe your dog is that they do not need to be bathed often. In fact, most breeds only need to be bathed every other week or once a month. Bathing your pooch too much can strip the natural oils from their skin and lead to skin infections, irritation, and more.

Since you only need to use the shampoo once or twice per month, you should consider a high-quality brand. If you choose a cheap product or product that is not made with the best ingredients, it can lead to rashes, dry or flaky skin, and skin issues.

Your dog’s skin will absorb anything that you put on it and as a responsible dog owner, you want to make sure that you choose the best. One thing to keep in the back of your mind too is that you want to limit your choices to shampoos that do NOT contain artificial scents or colours.

Dog Shampoo Ingredients You Want to Avoid

There are some ingredients you want to avoid when you choose a shampoo for your dog. These ingredients often lead to skin irritation or other problems, so it is best to choose an option without them. Let’s take a look at which ones should be on the no-no list.

DEA or DEA Cocamide

This ingredient is used in shampoos to help increase the amount of foam generated, but it is known to act as a carcinogen and should be avoided.

Parabens

These have been linked to breast cancer and they also imitate the effects of estrogen, so when possible, avoid using them.

Sodium Laurel Sulfate or Sulphate

You will often see this ingredient used in shampoo for humans and you want to make sure that it is NOT in your dog’s shampoo. This ingredient is known to cause eye irritation and is responsible for the pain you feel when shampoo gets into your eyes.

In addition, if your dog licks or swallows shampoo with this ingredient in it, he or she may experience an upset stomach.

Mineral Oil from Petroleum

Mineral oil from petroleum is another ingredient that you want to avoid in your dog’s shampoo. This ingredient can cause skin irritation and strip the natural oils from your pooch’s skin.