The Best Dog Shampoo in 2022

Best Dog Shampoo: Buying Guide

Giving your pet pooch a much-needed bath can do a lot more than just maintaining its hygiene and health. It can also be a great way to manage and control common pest problems like fleas and ticks while strengthening the bond between you and your mutt. It is, thus, critical to know which shampoo to use on your dog as some of these may contain ingredients that may bring harm to our pets.

We understand that the subject can be intimidating and confusing, especially to novice dog owners. While there are tons of online resources detailing the whole process of selecting the right product for your pet as well as providing answers to some of the more nagging questions that pet owners may have, we have decided to pool these resources and evaluate them for their intrinsic value, relevance, and validity. Hopefully, towards the end of this section, you will be more enlightened on how you can ensure better care for your pet by being able to choose the best pet shampoo for their needs properly.

Why Use Dog Shampoos and Not Human Products?

Here’s the thing about pet care products – there are too many of them that you don’t know which ones are essential and which you can do without. Unfortunately, many pet owners don’t think a dedicated pet shampoo is necessary, and their human shampoos should already suffice. Unfortunately, this is widespread, especially among individuals who fail to realize the essential differences between human and dog skin. This is where the issue is whether it is safe to use ordinary human shampoo on dogs or not.

The acid mantle

Consider the acid mantle a natural barrier between the external environment and the different structures of the skin. The outer layer of skin is a collection of epithelial cells in various stages of cornification or hardening. The innermost layers are fresher and softer, while the layer we see on our skin is cornified tissues. That is why this is called stratum corneum.

Given that the stratum corneum is made up of hardened skin cells, it would be safe to assume that this is enough to afford our dogs or us the protection we need against external threats. But unfortunately, this is far from the truth. These hardened skin cells can still be attacked by bacteria and viruses that can enter through the rest of the skin layers if there’s a cut or opening in the skin.

As a supporting mechanism to this primary defense barrier, the body produces a very thin layer that experts call the acid mantle. The acid mantle keeps microbial contaminants from invading the skin by providing an acid environment to help neutralize these microorganisms. Moreover, the acid mantle helps reduce evaporation and facilitates more efficient water absorption to keep the skin well-hydrated.

This thin protective layer is inadvertently washed away when we take a bath. That is why many bath soaps and shampoos contain ingredients that will help blanket the skin while it renews its acid mantle. These products also help to moisturize the skin.

So, the acid mantle is a very important protective layer of the skin. Its effectiveness depends on the correct balance of acids and bases on the skin. You know this as pH balance.

Here is where the main difference lies and one of the fundamental reasons you cannot use human shampoo on your pet.

The normal pH of human skin is slightly more acidic, typically between 5.2 and 6.2. You should know that the normal pH of the human blood is between 7.35 and 7.45, which is slightly alkaline if we take the conventional pH standardization of 7.0 as neutral. On the other hand, your dog typically has a normal skin pH of 6.2 to 7.4, which is more on the alkaline side.

Using ordinary human shampoos on dogs can substantially disrupt their acid mantle. This leaves your mutt vulnerable to microbial invasions such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Also, because the moisture from their skin has been essentially stripped away, they develop dry and flaky skin. This can be incredibly itchy, leading to constant scratching and potentially cutting the skin. As we have already said, any loss in the integrity of the skin will result in the entry of pathogenic microorganisms.

That said, you should never use your shampoo on your mutt regardless of how ‘mild’ these products are formulated.

Skin sensitivity

We did mention that our skin’s outer layer is composed of several sub-layers, 5 to be exact. So you are looking at 10 to 15 rows of skin cells when taken together. On the other hand, our canine friends only have 3 to 5 rows of skin cells.

Because their skin is essentially ‘thinner’ than ours, hair wash products containing harsh chemicals or ingredients can easily erode these layers. Again, this leads to skin rashes, drying, flaking, and even intense itching, which you already know what happens next.

You might think this is bull since dogs can easily go anywhere without hurting or damaging their skin. This is where their coat comes in. Unlike the hair follicles in humans that grow as individual hair, the hair follicles in canines typically grow in clusters, providing ample protection for the skin beneath it. Unfortunately, if they do get a bath, moisture can easily get under this cluster of hair follicles, somehow trapping them in the process. This is also why it is much more difficult to dry their hair after getting wet.

Giving your mutt a bath using your shampoo can lead to more severe skin irritation primarily because they have more sensitive skin.

Should you use your shampoo on your dog? The straightforward answer is NO. If you’re not convinced, try bathing your mutt with your hair wash product, and you will see that the odor is not that pleasant. Unfortunately, many pet owners tend to repeat the washing, believing that doing so will help remove the nasty smell. Unfortunately, it only worsens because the acid mantle has already been severely disrupted, and bacteria are already wreaking havoc on your pet’s skin. If you don’t mind the smell, sooner or later, your mutt will be scratching incessantly, and you’ll be wondering if it has fleas or ticks. Sadly, most pet owners will never think that their pet’s use of human shampoo is causing the itching.

How to Choose the Best Dog Shampoos

Based on what we have already discussed, it is important never to use human shampoo on your pet, no matter how ‘mild’ these products are being aggressively marketed. The important thing to do next is to understand how to choose the right canine shampoo. Here’s how.

Determine the type of skin that your pet has

One of the best ways to help you choose the right product for your pet dog is by taking a closer look at its skin. If you are unfamiliar with identifying the type of skin your pet has, your veterinarian can help you.

If your pup has dry, itchy, and flaky skin and is accompanied by a rather dull coat, you may choose a product that has a more gentle formulation. It should not be harsh to help prevent the worsening of the skin irritation. Similarly, a gentle hair product can aid in the restoration of moisture into your pet’s coat and skin, leading to less dry and less itchy skin.

If the main issue is sensitive skin, gently formulated shampoos containing natural substances like oatmeal, vitamin E, and honey can help relieve the intense itching of hypersensitive skin. Gentle shampoos also have a soothing effect on your mutt’s skin and coat.

Check if your mutt has fleas or ticks

Pets with flea or tick problems can benefit from a product with certain ingredients to kill these ectoparasites. Unfortunately, these pests bring various canine health problems such as fever, pest bite dermatitis, anemia, and many more. If your pet happens to have any of these problems, it is often wise to choose the best flea shampoo for dogs. However, it is important to note that this should not be the only method of eradicating these pests. Environmental control and administering other flea medications and collars should also be considered.

Choose age-appropriate canine shampoos

Just like humans, you need to choose pet shampoos that are appropriate to your pet’s age. For example, get only a specially formulated shampoo for puppies if you have a puppy. These have different formulations relative to their adult versions to cater to the even more sensitive skins of pups. These lead to a reduction in the risk of skin irritations as well as eye irritations.

Check if you need waterless dog shampoo or dog wipes for instant baths

You may not need it now, but you will sooner or later. Some products are specially designed for on-the-go and instant cleaning your beloved furry pal without needing a bathtub or shower hose. You can use these waterless shampoos for everyday cleaning, especially in certain parts of your furry pal. For example, these are often used to clean the eyes, ears, teeth, paws, and bottoms. These are excellent and convenient options if you’re traveling or need to give your furry friend a good cleaning.

See our round-up of best dog wipes for a complete list of our favorite options.

Evaluate if your pet has skin conditions

If your pet has skin problems, like redness, blotching, flaking, or even excessive dryness, you may want to buy a medicated shampoo for dogs. Like products specially formulated for fighting fleas and ticks, medicated products can contain substances geared specifically toward managing the different signs of the skin problem. For instance, these can have antimicrobial properties, such as what an antifungal canine shampoo provides. Some products contain anti-inflammatory substances to help reduce any skin inflammation and redness. Some shampoos come with antibacterial ingredients to help rid the skin of these pathogenic organisms and help reduce irritation and itching.

Consider products that help you control shedding

Shedding is a natural phenomenon experienced by all living organisms with hair. Human hair, for example, undergoes a cycle of growth and shedding. While most hairs are growing, others are resting or are shedding. The same is true with our canine friends. They do shed.

Unfortunately, most pet lovers are worried about the danger accompanying the shedding, as these small particles can easily get airborne. If you don’t have any airway hypersensitivity or allergies to dander, then it’s not a big issue. However, a heavily shedding dog can be bad news if you have a family member who is hypersensitive to such particles.

Getting a canine shampoo that contains antioxidants, amino acids, and healthy oils can help reduce the amount of shedding in your pet. These pet care materials can also help improve your mutt’s coat by making it healthier and shinier.

Determine if your mutt’s coat requires some untangling

If you have a pet that is more prone to tangling of its coat, you can use a combination of the best dog conditioner and shampoo to help restore the moisture in your pet’s hair and skin. This will also make combing and brushing your mutt’s coat much easier. If your pet has frizzy locks or stubborn tangles, you can choose a separate conditioner to be applied after shampooing. This will help replenish the natural oils in your mutt’s coat while also aiding in detangling.

Consider getting a conditioner

You might think that only humans need conditioners. On the contrary, our pet mutts also deserve a specially formulated dog shampoo and conditioner to help restore the moisture in their coats and replenish the natural oils that are often removed or washed away during shampooing. In addition, these hair care materials’ active ingredients cover and seal the hair shaft. This can help reduce the incidence of tangled hair, making it a lot easier to brush or comb.

Dog Shampoo Ingredients to Avoid

We have already said that one of the key factors you need to consider when choosing the right pet shampoo is its safety profile. Unfortunately, some brands contain harsh ingredients that can cause various health concerns. To steer clear of these products, it is important to know which pet shampoo ingredients to avoid. Here, we will share with you 4 groups of ingredients you need to watch out for in your choice of the best shampoo.

Preservatives

Most of us consider preservatives as important ingredients in lengthening the shelf life of many things we use and consume. These substances are inherently useful in preventing the premature spoilage of many things, including food. Sadly, research has shown that these substances can lead to various health issues in the long run.

One of the most common preservatives used in many applications today is formaldehyde. This substance has been shown to create brain and spinal cord problems. Moreover, it is a known carcinogen. It can also produce skin rashes.

Unfortunately, you will not see ‘formaldehyde’ written on the labels of many items. Instead, you will see various chemicals known to release or form formaldehyde. You may need to watch out for the following substances:

Diazolidinyl urea
Imidazolidinyl urea
2-brono-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol or bronopol
Sodium hydroxymethylglycinate
DMDM hydantoin
Quaternium-7, -15, -31, -61
Another preservative that you may want to be especially cautious is parabens such as methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben. The major issue in parabens is that they are very potent estrogen disruptors which can adversely affect the reproductive functioning of affected canines. In addition, these ingredients are also known to produce certain types of cancers.

Sodium benzoate is a popular preservative that is relatively safe when given by itself. However, if this substance is mixed with Vitamin C, ascorbic acid, or even citric acid, the resulting chemical reaction leads to benzene formation. This is where the problem lies, as benzene is known as a major risk factor in the development of leukemia as well as other disorders of the blood.

Sulfates

These ingredients make shampoos and other personal and pet care products bubbly. There is this notion that the more bubbles an item produces, the better it is when cleaning and washing away dirt, grime, and other particles. In addition, these are ingredients that are useful in making your pet’s hair shinier as these are effective in enveloping oil and grease for easier removal from the hair.

While you can easily identify these ingredients by looking at the word ‘sulfate,’ such as sodium Laureth sulfate, ammonium laureth sulfate, and sodium lauryl sulfate, some products don’t explicitly label their formulations with sulfates. Instead, you may read ‘coconut-based cleaners,’ ‘coconut-based surfactants,’ ‘naturally extracted from coconuts,’ or even ‘vegetable-based cleaners.’ So, be on the lookout for these ‘ingredients’ regardless of how ‘natural’ their manufacturers claim the item to be.

All versions of the sulfates can cause skin dryness, severe itching, and redness. These three substances are also highly reactive to dioxane and ethylene oxide, known carcinogens. Ethylene is also toxic to the normal growth and development of tissues and the immune system. It is also a well-known allergen.

Ethanolamines

If you see three-letter combinations that end in ‘-ethanolamine,’ stay away from these as these can be easily broken down into nitrogenous compounds known as nitrosamines. These carcinogenic substances have displayed considerable developmental, reproductive, and organ system toxicity.

You need to watch out for the three common mono-, di-, and tri- ethanolamines, more popularly known for their 3-letter acronyms MEA, DEA, and TEA, respectively.

Artificial colorings and fragrances

Just because you bought the best-smelling shampoo doesn’t mean it’s already safe for your pet. Unfortunately, many products in the market are filled with artificial fragrances and colorings.

A very common ingredient you will not likely see on product labels is phthalates. These substances are used to bond the different molecules of fragrances together. Without phthalates, there’s no way your shampoo will remain as fragrant as the first day you opened it. Regrettably, phthalates are known hormone disruptors.

Artificial colorings, on the other hand, are mainly synthesized from petroleum products. These are believed to be factors in the development of allergic reactions, congenital disabilities, organ damage, and even cancer.

How Often Should I Bathe my Dog?

One question that always pops out in pet grooming discussions is the frequency of bathing dogs. It is a question that can have a variety of answers. Ask any vet, and they will tell you that it depends on the most compelling reason behind the activity.

Bathing too often can irritate your mutt’s skin. It can also damage your pet’s hair follicles. And if worse comes to worst, the risk for bacterial and fungal infections can also be increased. Bathing infrequently, on the other hand, can also lead to the development of health concerns.

So, how often should you bathe your mutt?

The consensus is that bathing every week is beneficial as the process can help augment the natural grooming behaviors of canines. If your pet ventures into a filthy area, you can easily clean the contaminated parts with waterless shampoo or wipes. If your canine friend happens to have short hair and is relatively clean, bathing it once a month should suffice.

How to Wash Your Dog Properly

Admit it. Bathing your pup is a very time-consuming process, not to mention a struggle, especially if your furry pal happens to detest the idea of you bathing it. Canines are not afraid of water. Unfortunately, their earlier experiences can play a significant role in forming an aversive or avoidant behavior. Here are some tips for washing your dog properly and making the experience less threatening and fun.

Engage your furry friend in active play. Take it for a run. Play catch or fetch. The point is for you to tire it and drain it of excess energy so it will be much easier to bring to the bathtub.

Give your furry pal a good brushing of its coat. Suppose you can remove any tangles, even before hitting the water. As much as possible, remove any matting as this can trap water irritating your pet’s skin.

Protect the ears from the possible entry of water. Insert a cotton ball inside the ear canals to help keep water out while preventing ear irritation and infection.

Check the temperature of the water. It should be lukewarm, neither cold nor hot. If it’s too hot, you risk burning your dog’s skin. If it’s too cold, it might shiver. However, if your pet happens to be a large breed, you can use slightly colder water.

Calm your pet. Use a reassuring voice in encouraging it to go to the bath. Most canines will eventually learn that the whole bathing process is not a means of torturing them.

Always use the best soap for dogs. Never use human shampoo, even if it is for babies.

Don’t forget to rinse well. Any residue can irritate the skin. A good rule of thumb is to rinse your pet’s hair at least three times.

Air-dry your pet after the bath, or you can use a specially designed blow-dryer for canines. Resist the temptation of using your hair dryer as this can be extremely hot for your pet, even if you put it on the lowest speed and temperature setting.

Always reward your pup right after bathing. Praise it, pet it, or even play with it, so your dog learns that bathing is a pleasant experience that brings about many positive things.

You may also like our guide on the Best Bath Tubs for Dogs.

This information and our list of the sixteen best shampoos for dogs should help you better understand the importance of bathing and grooming dogs.

Sources:

1. Can You Use Human Shampoo on Dogs? Maintaining Your Dog’s Skin pH, PetMD