Best Dog Shampoo in 2020

What is the Best Shampoo for Dogs? Top Dog & Puppy Shampoos Review in 2020

Dogs are some of the most playful animals in the planet. Dogs find excitement messing around in puddles, muddy pools, and in some cases, any pile. They savor the feeling of rolling around messy places, which results in them getting dirty in the process.

As much as we would prefer for our furry friends to be a little less messy, there is no denying the fact that this character is one of the things that make them charming. With that said, we can allow our four-legged friends the joy of being themselves with the condition that we take good care of their hygiene regardless of how messy they get.

The skin of a dog is not like that of a human being. Instead, it is like the scalp of a human being as, like the scalp, the coat of a dog is mostly covered with fur. For this reason, regular bathing soap is not an option when cleaning them.

However, there is a popular notion that cleaning your dog using soap regularly strips the coat of its natural oils. As much as this is true, the fact remains that using the right kind of product to clean your dog will eliminate this risk.

Top 5 Dog Shampoo Brands

① Buddy Wash Dog Shampoo & Conditioner **TOP PICK**
② Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Dog Shampoo
③ Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiseptic & Antifungal Shampoo
④ Zesty Paws Oatmeal Dog Shampoo
⑤ Tropiclean Hypo-Allergenic Gentle Coconut Puppy Shampoo

So, what do we use to clean our dogs?

Several companies have come up with a variety of dog shampoo brands that can be used to clean our canine friends. Each brand of dog shampoo is unique from the other as each company tries to outdo the other.

In this article, we look at ten of the best dog shampoo brands in the market.

Best Shampoo for Dogs List

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① Buddy Wash Original Lavender and Mint Dog Shampoo and Conditioner

This is a soap-free shampoo and conditioner blend that is designed to build a rich lather which can be rinsed off easily, leaving the coat of the dog feeling silky soft and shiny. The shampoo is made from a blend of 100% botanical ingredients and natural conditioners the likes of aloe vera, rosemary, green tea, and chamomile. It is a coconut- based liquid with zero alcohol components, made with mint and lavender that make using the shampoo a lovely experience.

As a deodorizer, this shampoo had been manufactured with a tint of wheat protein which has been proven to be safe even when used regularly.

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② Earthbath Oatmeal and Aloe Dog and Cat Shampoo

This product is a soap-free shampoo that is made from oatmeal as well as aloe vera, which are especially suitable for dry and itchy skin. The shampoo works as a re-moisturizer, it heals and soothes skin that has been dry for a while, and it also heals and soothes scratched skin and neutralizes any odors the dog may have.

It is rich in almond and vanilla scent that keeps the dog looking and smelling magnificent. It can work on both dogs and cats that are over six weeks old. It is completely biodegradable and free of any forms of sulfates and parabens.

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③ Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiseptic and Antifungal Shampoo

This shampoo acts as a deodorant that helps to relieve issues like fungal and bacterial infections of the skin the likes of dermatitis and pyoderma. Such conditions of the skin result from allergies, hormonal disorders, weakened immune systems, and other issues. The formula used on this product is 100% parabens-free hence safe for the dog.

It is made with extracts of aloe vera, which helps to fasten the speed of healing for the dog on the areas that have been affected by the conditions mentioned above. To ensure effective results, all you have to do is to shampoo the dog a couple of times in a week until the said condition clears up. Afterward, you can keep shampooing the dog with the product to prevent flare-ups.

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④ Zesty Paws Oatmeal Anti-Itch Dog Shampoo with Aloe Vera and Vitamin E

This is an anti-itch shampoo that is gentle on the skin. It is made from oatmeal which works to relieve the skin and building a protective moisturizing layer on the surface while relieving conditions such as itching. It contains aloe vera which features antifungal and antibacterial properties that can soothe troubled skin.

It also features vitamins E and C, which help in neutralizing hot spots, reducing shedding and improving fur that is brittle. Further moisturizing elements are almond and quinoa that also softens the skin. It has a vanilla scent and conditioning elements that eliminate knots and tangles.

It is suitable for dogs of all ages and types

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⑤ Tropiclean Hypo-Allergenic Gentle Coconut Puppy Kitten Shampoo

This product is made entirely from natural ingredients that can keep the dog cleans, tear-free, and feeling revived. It is formulated to be gentle and mild on pets that may have allergies or sensitive skin. It’s natural and soap free- elements ensures that it does not affect any other kind of skin treatments like flea and tick treatments that you may be using on your pet.

The presence of coconut in the formula of this product allows for cleansing and conditioning of the coat of the pet, leaving it moisturized, healthy, and fresh. It is gentle enough to be used on pets of all ages, including puppies and kittens that are as young as a week old.

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⑥ FURminator DeShedding Ultra-Premium Shampoo for Dogs

This shampoo is designed to eliminate shedding in dogs while promoting healthy skin and coat on the dog. It is rich in omega 3 and omega six fatty acids, calendula extracts as well as extracts of the papaya leaf among other natural ingredients. The combination of natural ingredients assists in protecting the skin against excessive shedding, leaving the skin looking healthy and with a shiny coat.

This product contains zero parabens, artificial colors, or chemical dyes. While using other de-shedding, you can also use this product as it will enhance the performance of the other tools like oils and brushes.

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⑦ Vet’s Best Allergy Itch Relief Shampoo for Dogs

This product is excellent for dogs that suffer from itchy skin that may be a result of allergies or sensitivity of the skin. The product is designed to wash away allergens that are attached to the fur of our canine friends, relieving their skin from itchiness, and leaving them with a fresh herbal scent that lasts for a while.

The product explores the elements of essential oils and some critical natural ingredients the likes of tea tree oil, oatmeal, and D’Limonene to calm the skin while moisturizing it. It is formulated in such a way that it has no reversing effects on other products like a tick and flea treatment product.

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⑧ Burt’s Bees Tearless Puppy Shampoo with Buttermilk for Dogs

This is a specially designed gentle cleanser that features buttermilk which aids in soothing and softening of the skin. It also features honey that helps to regulate and retain the moisture that is found in the hair while strengthening the follicles to maintain healthy growth of the fur. Using this product does not wash off other treatments being used on the dog.

Its PH balanced formula is specific to dogs because their skin is not as acidic as the human skin. The shampoo helps to prevent excessive drying of the skin, which may result in flakes or redness. The product is 97% natural, with no sulfates or colorants.

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⑨ Douxo Chlorhexidine PS Dog and Cat Shampoo

Douxo Chlorhexidine PS is made from Chlorhexidine and climbazole, which are essential antibacterial and antifungal elements. They help to control the population of fungi and bacteria in the skin of dogs and cats.

This product contains lipid that helps to restore the skin barrier. This is done by moisturizing the skin and leaving a lipo-protidic file deposited on the surface. It helps to regulate associated seborrhea and inflammation.

Using this product leaves a deposit of long-lasting film that is resistant to rinsing and can protect the skin from irritation and moisture loss. It treats itchiness and infections.

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⑩ Nature’s Miracle Supreme Odor Control Oatmeal Dog Shampoo and Conditioner

This is a soap-free shampoo that is safe to be used on pets that are already under treatments for ticks and fleas as it does not wash away the effects of the other treatments. It does not contain any amount of dyes or parabens that are harmful to the skin of dogs. It is ideal for dogs and pets with sensitive skin.

It comes with four main benefits which include; neutralizing a wide range of odors, soothing skin that has been itchy, cleansing the skin as well as the coat and richly conditioning the fur and the skin alike. It is a natural shampoo made from cocoanut extracts that reduce the static electricity of the hair, smoothen the hair, and keeps your pet clean for a long time.

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What to look for in the best shampoos for dogs

A good dog shampoo should have the following factors:

• It should be a natural, organic product
• It should be heavy duty
• It should be a hypoallergenic
• It should be a combination of shampoo and conditioner
• It should be affordable

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How often should we wash our dogs?

The regularity in which we wash our dogs depends on several factors. Such factors include the breed of the dog, the individual lifestyle of the dog owner, and the habits of the dog such as its playfulness. There are those dogs that like to play outside while there are those that are more conservative just like human beings.

For dogs that spend time playing outside in the dirt, you are expected to bathe it regularly. For a more conservative pup that stays indoors majorly, bathing a couple of times in a week is advised. This, however, depends on how often the dog gets smelly as you can forego bathing for as long as two to three months for such dogs.

There are those dogs that are double-coated such as Labs. Such breeds can be bathed every three months or less depending on how soon the dog becomes smelly. Regular washing for such a dog is however ill-advised as their double coats, which are usually oily may get stripped of their natural oil from regular shampooing.

This will result in the depletion of the insulating element, the protective properties, and the waterproofing properties of the coat that appear naturally.

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Will bathing the dog too often result in harm to the dog?

Shampooing too often tends to have a drying effect on the skin, and the fur just like in human beings. Shampooing too often may result in irritation of the skin, scratching, and in extreme cases, it may result in cases of lesions.

Excessive shampooing may also result in the dog’s hair losing its natural shine, causing it to become damaged, more brittle and broken. In other words, it may cause the fur of your dog to appear and feel rough to the touch.

However, there are those dogs that play in the dirt on the regular that may require regular baths. You may be wondering what to do with such dogs to prolong the time between baths. For such dogs, you may want to try keeping them on a leash to prevent them from getting messy.

However, you ought not to do this often as it denies the dog freedom, and this may result in the dog being dull. Another method that can help prolong the time in between baths for your dog is committing to a regular brushing schedule. An alternative to brushing may be using wet wipes on the coat of the dog or using a wet rug.

Even though it is ill-advised to bathe your dog too often, failure to wash the dog completely may also compromise the health of the dog’s skin and the entire coat. Contrary to the human skin, the skin of a dog is packed with allergens that can be absorbed by the skin. Washing the dog regularly using the right kind of shampoo should help to wash away and eliminate the allergens before they can get absorbed into the skin.

Failure to wash your dog may also result in the dog picking up bugs like lice and flees that if left to hang around in the skin of the dog may cause irritation to the skin causing the dog to feel uncomfortable.

While most dog owners would like to bather their dogs the required number of times, one thing that may result in having to wash the dog regularly may be the dog getting smelly too often. Many are the times when not washing the dog properly may be the reason why you are forced to bathe your dog more often than necessary.

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How should you wash your dog?

• Before bathing, you ought to brush your dog to remove any tangles that may have formed on the hair as well as debris that may be caught up in the hair. There are those times that brushing will do the trick and you won’t have to wash the dog after brushing.
• After brushing, you need to prepare your room for bath time. Many are the times when we start bathing our canine friends then realize that we failed to acquire an essential tool and end up forgoing the tool regardless. Prior preparation will help to eliminate these cases as you will know what you need and assemble it beforehand.
• You also need to ensure that before bathing the dog, you have removed its collar and lead. In cases where you need to keep the dog restrained during bath time, then you can opt for a muzzle or a specialist bathing tether instead.
• The water that you use for bathing your dog should always be lukewarm. The place from which you bathe your dog should also be comfortable and safe. This means that you will need a non-skid mat that the dog won’t slip over.
• Most dogs are not fond of bathing; when it comes to bath time, they become unruly and throw tantrums. It would help a great deal if you introduced the dog to the water slowly. You can do this by spraying the water on their backs at low pressure and hose power until a point where they are used to the sensation.
• When shampoos or water jet is sprayed on the face of the dog, it may result in irritation in the eyes. To prevent this, you can apply a small amount of petroleum jelly around the eyes of the dog or placing cotton balls in the dog’s ears to prevent them from exposure to chemicals.
• When lathering the dog, you ought to use a soft brush in the direction in which the hair grows. The aim is to prevent the formation of tangles and knots that may form if the coat if brushed in the opposite direction from which the hair is growing. After lathering the hair, then you can gently clean the paw using pads or wipes.
• After cleaning the dog, then you need to thoroughly rinse it off by wetting the head and the face first before working your way down to the rest of their body. Keep rinsing until the water running becomes completely clear.
• After rinsing, then you can opt for a specialist dog conditioner. This is, however, optional. The aim is to seal the cuticles of the hair of the dog and to keep the coat full of moisture and shine.

For conditioning, you need to follow the same steps as shampooing to make sure the conditioner does not get into the eyes and ears of the dog as the chemicals in its formula may cause harm to the dog.

• Once you have made sure that all the shampoo, as well as the conditioner, has been rinsed off, you can get your dog out of the bath and wrap it in an absorbent towel. While doing so, avoid rubbing the dog as it can result in tangles and knots. Some dogs would instead shake themselves off as opposed to having them dried with a towel.
• For younger dogs or those smaller breeds, it is essential that you keep them warm until they are completely dry. You can do this by wrapping them in a towel. The larger breeds would rather be left on the sun to dry.

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Why human products should not be used on dogs

Many are the time when we might get tempted to use regular human products on dogs instead of the dog shampoo products. Even though using human products may not have adverse effects on the dog when used on rare occasions, regular use may lead to major harm to the dog. The effects on the skin on and the coat may not be inviting.

Some of the reasons why using human shampoo on dogs may be harmful include:

• The difference in PH levels

Regular shampoo made for human use tends to be marginally acidic as the skin requires a PH that is between 5.2 and 6.2. Dogs, on the other hand, have an alkaline akin with a PH that goes up to 7.5. For this reason, using acidic human shampoo on a dog would result in breaking down of the mantle of the skin, making the dog vulnerable to parasites and bacterial conditions.

• The different levels of sensitivity between a dog and a human

As compared to human beings, dogs are more sensitive. The reason is that dogs have only 3-5 layers on their skin while human beings have layers that range from 10-15. Therefore, the skin of a dog will receive harsher effects from products that are harsh and chemicals that are damaging.

In other words, the skin of dogs is more prone to irritation that may lead to dryness, itchiness, and abrasions as compared to the skin of human beings.

In those cases where you have no other option but to use human products on the dog, it is advised that you use those that are mildly formulated such as those that are used on babies and children that are below the age of five. Such products will have lesser effects on the dog.

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Conclusion & What is the Best Dog Shampoo

Even though every item on the reviews above is a magnificent product, we found the Buddy Wash Original Lavender and Mint Dog Shampoo (CHECK BEST PRICE HERE) to be the most impressive. It is a soap-free shampoo that does not have any adverse effects on the dog.

It is made 100% from natural products and natural conditioners like aloe vera and sage; it is coconut-based and free from any alcohol contents and other chemical contents that may harm the skin and the coat of the dog. It combines the effects of a shampoo, and a conditioner hence moisturizes the skin and hair eliminating dryness and itching. It is gentle on the skin hence can be used on dogs of all ages as well as other kinds of pets like cats.

Above it all, it is affordable. Get your pup the Buddy Wash Original Lavender and Mint Dog Shampoo and conditioner for the best bathing experience.