As a pet parent, you need to find the best dog shampoo. It’s very important that you maintain the hygiene of your furry friends to prevent illnesses and discomfort. With the many different types of shampoo in pet stores, it can be tough to find the right formula for your dogs.
The following three shampoos are highly recommended for dogs and a couple of the formulas are also recommended for cats and small animals such as rabbits and ferrets.
Best Dog Shampoos: A Closer Look
1. Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Medicated Shampoo
If your dog is dealing with serious skin issues, this shampoo is one of the better formulas to consider. Compared to most other medicated formulas, this shampoo is fast-acting and assists with more serious conditions such as parasitic infections and bacterial skin infections.
Features
- Medicated Formula
It’s likely you won’t reach for the Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Medicated Shampoo unless your dog is dealing with serious skin concerns. It is designed to offer antiparasitic and antiseborrheic treatments for your pets. You will also find that it helps to resume healthy coat growth after mange or bacterial infections.
- Soothing Properties
With the combination of colloidal oatmeal and allantoin, your dog’s skin will be soothed and hydrated so that it can begin healing. You’ll also appreciate the salicylic acid, coal tar, and micronized sulfur which treats skin scaling and severe skin irritation.
- Fast Acting Formula
After the first wash, you are likely to notice a drastic improvement in your dog’s skin. The formula will immediately target greasy skin, skin rashes, bald spots, flaky skin, and more. It’s recommended you use the shampoo two to three times per week until you begin to see improvements.
- Veterinarian Recommended
The Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Medicated Shampoo is highly recommended by vets as an at-home treatment for your pets. It does not remove topical treatments, such as tick treatments. It is also paraben-, soap-, and dye-free.
- pH Balanced
In an effort to help your dog’s skin heal, the shampoo is professionally pH balanced to alleviate the discomfort associated with dry skin. This formula is only recommended for dogs.
Pros:
- Easily used with other medications
- Shows drastic improvements after two weeks
- Assists with severe dandruff
- Ideal for dogs with mange
Cons:
- Doesn’t lather easily
- Has an unappealing smell
2. Curaseb Chlorhexidine Shampoo
As another type of medicated shampoo for your dogs, this formula is designed to offer assistance with fungal and bacterial skin infections. You might be interested in Curaseb Chlorhexidine Shampoo for ringworm, pyoderma, and regular allergies. As an easy-to-use at-home treatment, it could be ideal for your pet.
Features
- Targets Skin Issues
This shampoo is designed to handle plenty of skin conditions. The combination of chlorhexidine and ketoconazole fights bacterial and fungal infections including yeast, pyoderma, and ringworm.
- Gentle Cleansing
One of the best features of this shampoo is that it gently cleanses the skin while working on irritating skin conditions. In addition, it helps to deodorize your pets so that they smell and feel cleaner than ever before. It has a cucumber melon smell.
- Made in the USA
Each bottle is manufactured in the USA so you can guarantee the ingredients have been tested and approved. Furthermore, the formulas are developed in regulated laboratories so your pet will get the best possible treatment at home.
- Dog and Cat Approved
Not only can you use this shampoo on your dogs, but it is also highly recommended for cats. This is ideal for pet owners who are looking for an all-in-one solution for all their pets. It also means the formula isn’t as heavy as other medicated shampoos.
Pros:
- Stops scratching immediately
- Leaves fur soft and supple
- Assists with hair growth
- Easily clears up yeast infections
Cons:
- Requires bathing four times weekly
- Very watery
3. Pro Pet Works All-Natural Oatmeal Shampoo
An all-natural dog shampoo is a fantastic option for pets that have sensitive skin, especially if you typically use shampoos with synthetic ingredients. This particular formula is said to be veterinarian recommended and is ideal for dogs, cats, rabbits, and ferrets.
Features
- Vet Recommended
If you’re concerned about trying a new shampoo on your own, you’ll surely want to consider a brand that has been used by veterinarians. According to Pro Pet Works, their all natural shampoo has been tested and reviewed by vets.
- Ideal for Sensitive Skin
The formula of this shampoo is professionally pH balanced for sensitive skin. It doesn’t feature any harmful chemicals that will cause irritation, redness, or itchiness on your pet’s skin.
- Chemical-Free
As mentioned, the Pro Pet Works All Natural Oatmeal Shampoo is entirely chemical-free. It does not contain sulfates, added colors, or artificial fragrances. With the addition of natural oatmeal, it helps to soothe your pet’s skin after the first wash.
- Moisturizing and Nourishing
Making sure your dog’s coat is sufficiently nourished helps it to grow long and healthy. With the combination of aloe vera, vitamin E, almond oil, and oatmeal, this shampoo works as a conditioner as well, moisturizing the skin.
- Detergent-Free
One of the largest irritants in most shampoos is soap or detergent. This formula is 100% soap-free, which helps to make cleaning up after bathing your pet simpler. You’ll also find that brushing through their coat after a wash is easier.
Pros:
- Has a pleasant scent
- Assists with treating skin conditions
- Deeply penetrates the coat
- Leaves coats glossy and soft
- Helps to prevent itching
Cons:
- May leave residue
- Doesn’t lather easily
- May resume itching after one day
The Verdict
When choosing the best dog shampoo for your pet’s skin conditions, there are several things to consider. You’ll want a formula that targets their respective issue and leaves them smelling pleasantly fresh. Our recommendation for the most appealing scent is the Pro Pet Works All Natural Oatmeal Shampoo, but it’s useful for slight to moderate skin conditions only.
If you’re looking for a medicated treatment, we recommend the Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Medicated Shampoo. It might not smell as pleasant as the Pro Pet Works formula, but it targets far more serious skin conditions. With the combination of the veterinarian-approved ingredients, your pets will be able to stop itching almost immediately.