To find the best dog shampoos, our Senior Writer, Rosie Floyd, put many of them to the test with her own dogs, Bella and Gina, as well as her doggy nephew, Teddie. We carefully assessed each shampoo for its scent, how well it lathered up, and how soft and clean the coat felt after use. For the shampoos we haven’t been able to test ourselves just yet, we’ve turned to trusted pet parents online, looking at reviews from real dog owners to ensure they meet the same high standards. All the shampoos featured come from well-known and reputable brands in the dog grooming world, so you can be confident that whichever one you choose, your pup will come out smelling fresh and feeling fabulous.
As a dog mum of three and a dog auntie to one, I know all too well how important it is to keep your pup's coat fresh, which is why having the best dog shampoo for the job is as essential as having the right dog food for your pup to eat and a comfy dog bed for them to sleep on. Between my pack of Gina, Bella and Barney and my doggy nephew, Teddie, that’s a lot of dogs to keep clean. As you can imagine, I’ve had to deal with a lot of muddy paws, smelly dog beards and dirty bottoms over the years and as such, I’ve tried many a dog shampoo until I’ve found the right ones for my pooches. There are so many different options out there these days, so how do you know which one is right for your pup?
Just like us with our hair, different dog breeds and coats have different needs when it comes to bath time. If your pooch is anything like Bella, my Cockapoo who has an unstoppable urge to roll in any fox poo she sets her sights on (why, oh, why do they love it so much?!), a powerful deodorising dog shampoo is a lifesaver for getting that breathtaking stink off your pooch. Then there are dogs like my Cockapoo nephew Teddie, who have sensitive skin and need a gentle, hypoallergenic formula to stop their skin from getting itchy and soothe any soreness they have. Let’s not forget those dogs who would rather do ANYTHING than take a bath (aka Gina, my Yorkshire Terrier cross). You can get dog shampoos that offer a deep cleanse so it can remove all the dirt that has built up while your pooch has avoided the tub. There are also shampoos that cater to individual coat types, like curly hair, double coats, white coats and more with formulas that target specific concerns that are associated with them.
Best dog shampoo at a glance:
Giving your dog regular baths has a lot of benefits for their health and well-being. Of course, scrubbing your pup with the best dog shampoo for their coat needs will help to get rid of dirt, debris and odours but also improve the condition of their skin and coat, so it looks healthy, glossy and fresh. Bathing also offers a good chance to see if they’ve got any skin issues, such as soreness and lumps, and you will also be able to check for any fleas and ticks that have set up camp within your pup’s locks. Bathtime also offers you an opportunity to bond with your pup. As I have multiple dogs, I always see bathing as a good chance to have some one-on-one time with each pup.
If you’re on the hunt for the best dog shampoo to suit your furry friend’s needs, I’m here to help. I’ve done the digging (so your dog doesn’t have to for a change) and rounded up top picks that will not only get rid of dirt and odours but also nourish your dog’s skin and coat. That way, you can spend more time soaking up those doggy cuddles with a squeaky-clean pup. I’ve tested a couple of the shampoos with Bella, Gina and Teddie and the rest come highly recommended by other pet parents online.
Best dog shampoos
If you've ever had the absolute joy of your dog rolling in fox poo either on walks or after roaming around in your garden, you know it's a very distinctive smell that lingers for AGES, even after you've scrubbed your dog within an inch of their life. My Cockpoo Bella is that dog that whenever she sees even a smidge of it in the garden, she'll be rolling and rubbing herself against it until she's covered. That's why Animology Fox Poo Dog Shampoo has become a staple in my house.
It seems to be the only thing that truly gets rid of that awful smell - and believe me, I've tried loads over the years from various different shampoos and washing up liquid to even ketchup after reading some advice online. This Animology shampoo foams up nicely, which is great for a deep clean, though I do find I need to use quite a lot to get her fully fresh again, so with the number of times a month that Bella manages to roll in it, I go through quite a lot of it as you can imagine. Despite needing to use a bit more product per wash, the results are well worth it as I've found it to be the only solution that works to remove that awful, stubborn smell of fox poo. If your dog loves to get down and dirty, this shampoo might just become your new best friend.
Pros
- Truly gets rid of the smell of fox poo and other horrible smells from your dog
- Foams up quite nicely so you can really scrub away at your dog
Cons
- Although it foams up well, I do find that I need to use quite a bit to really get Bella clean
For a gentle skin-loving formula that will leave your puppy or adult dog feeling fresh and fabulous, consider the Faith in Nature Dog & Puppy Shampoo. I tested this shampoo with my Cockapoo doggy nephew, Teddie who is a sensitive little soul. We have to be careful with what we use on his skin because he can be an itchy little pup. However, this Faith in Nature shampoo is infused with calming chamomile so it's not too harsh on his skin while leaving his coat feeling soft and looking healthy. That's why I believe this shampoo is a great option to use on puppies as their skin is quite delicate during puppyhood.
I've tried a couple of the Faith in Nature shampoos (as you will see further down this article) and out of all of them, I found this one to be the thickest consistency which means a little goes a long way when you're bathing your pup. The ingredients in this shampoo are 99.5% natural origin, vegan, and cruelty-free. Plus, the formula is free of parabens, SLS, SLES and silicones so you know that there are no harsh chemicals included that could cause your pup to have itchy skin. I found that it doesn't have as much of a long-lasting smell compared to other shampoos I've tried but in some cases, it can be the fragrance of a shampoo that causes your pup to have itchy skin so this is probably the best option for Teddie. Overall, this shampoo is a great choice if you're after a gentle formula to use on little puppies or dogs who are a bit more sensitive.
Pros
- Contains ingredients that have 99.5% natural origin, which are also vegan and cruelty-free, plus it's made without parabens, SLS, SLES and silicones so there are no harsh ingredients that could irritate sensitive skin
- Has a thick consistency compared to other Faith in Nature dog shampoos so a little goes a long way
Cons
- Doesn't have a long-lasting fragrance like other dog shampoos I've tried with my pups
Another good option for dogs with sensitive skin is the John Paul Pet Oatmeal Shampoo. It contains soothing ingredients like oatmeal, aloe and chamomile which calm and moisturise dry and itchy skin. My favourite thing about this shampoo is that it smells absolutely delicious, it's the first thing I noticed when I was trying it out on Bella, my Cockapoo. It has an almond-like, marzipan scent, which I think is reminiscent of a child's birthday cake that's covered in a thick layer of fondant icing. I personally love a strong, sweet-smelling dog shampoo but I know that might not be everyone's cup of tea.
The consistency of this shampoo means that a little goes a long way and with two pea-sized amounts in my hand, I was able to cover the whole of Bella's body, even through that thick curly coat of hers. Despite it having a good coverage, it doesn't foam up as well compared to other shampoos so you won't really see a lot of lather unless you use a lot of it. However, if you're after a shampoo that smells great while also being gentle on your furbaby's skin and coat, you can't really go wrong.
Pros
- Contains soothing ingredients like oatmeal, aloe and chamomile which is great for dogs with more sensitive skin
- Smells delightful, with an almond-like, marzipan scent
Cons
- I found that it didn't foam up as well as other shampoos I've tried with my dogs
Bathing your dog isn't always a walk in the park and some dogs truly despise it, like my Yorkshire Terrier cross, Gina. Since Gina isn't a fan of getting wet or being in the tub, I don't like to put her through it very often so I need to use a shampoo with her that can easily get rid of a build-up of grime and dirt in her coat and Faith in Nature Dog Shampoo for Dirty Dogs does just that. It's a plant-based, cruelty-free formula designed to tackle even the muddiest paws and grubbiest fur.
The pump bottle is a lifesaver for when I'm trying to keep Gina in the tub as I can use just one hand to dispense the shampoo and use the other one to stop her from trying to jump out the minute my back is turned. It lathers up well, rinses out easily and leaves Gina's coat soft, shiny and super clean. The strong lavender fragrance is divisive, with some pet parents loving the fresh, calming aroma it has, while others (myself included) find it a little too medical-smelling, but there's no denying it leaves your dog smelling clean and fresh for days, stripping away the dirt and leaving fur silky soft, which is a win when your pup just isn't fond of frequent bath times.
Pros
- Great for stripping away the dirt and grime out of your dog's fur and leaving it feeling and smelling fresh and clean
- Pump bottle means you can dispense it with one hand while your other one keeps your dog in the tub
Cons
- Some pet parents (myself included) found the lavendar scent a bit medical-smelling
For dogs who have a curly coat, like my Cockapoo Bella, the Faith in Nature Coconut Dog Shampoo for Curly Coats will keep their curls bouncy, clean and oh-so-soft. It's specially formulated with curly coats and those coats that are more prone to tangles in mind as it's made with organic coconut oil, which will help to hydrate, condition and detangle your pup's fur. It's also pH-balanced so it's gentle on skin and contains vitamin E to help promote a shiny coat.
One thing I noticed is that the formula is thinner compared to other shampoos I've tried but actually the runniness was ideal for working through Bella's double coat of curls, so I was able to easily scrub through the layers. Despite its thinner consistency, it also foams up nicely. Bella's not a large dog but I think if you had a larger curly-haired dog, such as a standard poodle, you may end up using a lot of shampoo at once due to it being a bit thinner and runny compared to other dog shampoos. The scent is more subtle than I expected but it does leave your dog smelling fresh without being too overpowering. After a few washes, I've noticed that Bella's coat, especially on top of her head, seems curlier and more defined than usual but is also less knotty so it's easier to get her Cockapoo hairbrush through it.
Pros
- Made with organic coconut oil to hydrate, condition and detangle your pup's fur to make it easier to manage
- The formula is thinner compared to other shampoos I've tried but the consistency is ideal for scrubbing clean those curly dogs with double coats
Cons
- As the formula is a bit thinner and runnier compared to other shampoos, you may find you go through a lot of it if you're shampooing a larger curly haired dog, like a standard poodle
Best flea shampoo for dogs
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Combine pest control with a pamper session for your pooch with the Animology Flea and Tick Dog Shampoo. This powerful yet gentle formula is packed with natural ingredients like tea tree and neem oils that will banish bugs while soothing irritated skin to leave your pup feeling refreshed and itch-free. Customers online appreciate that while it's strong enough to kill off pests, it still does a good job of leaving your pup's fur in a soft and healthy condition. That's because the formula has a built-in conditioner and it's also enriched with pro-vitamin b5 to keep your dog's coat lovely and luscious.
The results are mixed with some customers saying they've noticed the fleas immediately falling away when they've washed their dog while others note that their dog has still had fleas after using it and it's required more than one wash to get rid of the pests completely. You may still need to treat your pup with a medicated flea treatment if you've got a particularly stubborn infestation happening but if you're after a solution that will keep the fleas at bay with regular washing, the Animology Flea and Tick Dog Shampoo is a solid choice that cleanses deeply and leaves your dog's coat looking and feeling fresh.
Pros
- Powerful yet gentle formula that can get rid of bugs while soothing irritated skin
- It's designed to deeply cleanse fur but as the formula has a built-in conditioner, it'll still keep your dog's coat in a lovely and luscious condition
Cons
- While some reviewers have noted fleas falling away immediately after using this shampoo, it's worth noting that it's not a substitute for a medical flea treatment
Best luxury dog shampoo
Even our furry friends deserve the very best when it comes to pampering, so why not treat them to the OUAI Fur Bébé Dog Shampoo? You may know OUAI for their range of high-end hair care products for humans, but they now have a version for your pets. It's infused with notes of Italian lemon, Turkish rose, jasmine sambac and white musk so this isn't like a regular dog shampoo - you can tell it's a luxury product. It also contains aloe vera to keep fur in tip-top condition, rambutan seed extract to protect your pup's coat from environmental pollution and panthenol, which will give your pooch's hair a shiny, glossy finish.
Thanks to this shampoo, you can say goodbye to the Eau de dirty dog smell that may be lingering in your pup's fur and welcome in a coat that smells divine with a light, fresh scent. Dog owners online appreciate that this shampoo has a gentle formula that doesn't cause irritation. Some reviewers have found the packaging very similar to the human range though, so just be careful you don't end up reaching for the doggy shampoo when you're having your own bath if you use OUAI products yourself. The price point may be on the higher side for a pet shampoo but if you're looking to give your VIP (that's Very Important Pooch) a salon-worthy experience at home, it's worth the splurge.
Pros
- Formula is gentle so it won't cause your pup any irritation
- Packed full of luxurious ingredients so your dog's coat will smell divine with a light, fresh scent
Cons
- Packaging is very similar to the human range so be careful not to reach for the doggy shampoo if you also use OUAI products
Best dog shampoo for white coats
For those pet parents who have a pooch with a white coat, you know all too well how hard it is to keep your pup's coat clean and bright. This is where Bugalugs Maxi White Dog Shampoo shines. Purple in colour, it's designed to work much like a human shampoo for grey hair, specifically formulated to brighten and enhance the natural colour of your dog's white fur coat. Of course, your pup doesn't have to have just white fur for this shampoo to use its magic as it will leave coats of all colours soft, shiny and clean as it will hydrate and refresh your dog's coat while removing dirt and stains.
With its pineapple and passionfruit fragrance, customers think this Bugalugs shampoo smells delightful but what they rave about the most is how it revives their dog's white fur, with many noting how much brighter their pet's coat looks after just one wash. On the downside, a few customers mention it's a bit watery compared to other brands, but if you're looking to give your pup's fur a little bit of extra sparkle, Bugalugs Maxi white is sure to bring out the best in their coat.
Pros
- Formulated to brighten and enhance the natural colour of white coats while removing dirt and stains to improve the overall apperance
- Many customers have noticed an improvement in the brighteness of their dog's coat after just one wash
Cons
- Some customers note this shampoo is a bit watery compared to other brands
Best dry shampoo for dogs
Did you know that you can get a dry shampoo for dogs? The Earth Rated No-Rinse Dog & Puppy Shampoo is ideal for dogs that hate baths or need a freshen-up in between trips to the groomer. This waterless, foam-based formula makes cleaning your dog quick and easy so it's less stressful for both you and your pup. You just need to lather it up in your hands, massage the foam into your dog's coat from head to tail (avoiding their face) and then towel dry to remove any excess, brush through thoroughly and you're good to go. It's free from harsh chemicals like parabens and sulfates so it's gentle on the skin while the white tea and basil scent keeps the dog odours at bay.
For pet owners looking for a fuss-free option for keeping their pup clean, the Earth Rated No-Rinse Dog & Puppy Shampoo is just the ticket. Reviewers with dogs that do anything to dodge bathtimes are relieved to have found this product as it's an easy way to keep your dogs clean. It is worth noting that it won't do as thorough a job as giving your pup a full bath, with a few customers mentioning that it doesn't completely eliminate strong odours. However, if your pup needs a refresh without the drama of a full bath, the Earth Rated No-Rinse Dog & Puppy Shampoo is paw-fect for those in-between moments.
Pros
- No water involved so ideal if your dog hates baths as you can freshen them up inbetween grooms
- Free from harsh chemicals like parabens and sulfates so it's gentle on the skin
Cons
- Not a substitute for an actual bath as a few customers noted that it doesn't get rid of strong odours completely
Best 2-in-1 dog shampoo
Combining both a shampoo and conditioner in one step, the Pet Head Quick Fix 2-in-1 Dog Shampoo and Conditioner makes bath times quick so it's more enjoyable for both pooch and paw-rent. It's designed to gently cleanse the fur while also hydrating and smoothing the fur, thanks to the argan oil included in the formula, so your pup's hair is both fresh and soft using just one product. It also has a peach scent so you won't be able to resist giving them a good sniff when you go in for a cuddle.
Many customers online have said their dogs' coats have never looked shinier or felt softer since using this product. Plus, the peach scent makes it all the more sweeter, although some wished it lasted longer. If your dog has a thick coat, the conditioning effect may not be as powerful compared to using it on a dog with a thinner coat. For a two-in-one product that both cleanses and conditions, the Pet Head Quick Fix 2-in-1 Dog Shampoo and Conditioner is a popular pick.
Pros
- Two-in-one shampoo and conditioner so it cleanses while conditioning the fur too
- Has a peach scent so your pooch will smell deliciously fruity
Cons
- Some reviewers felt that if you had a dog with a thicker coat, the conditioning effects wouldn't be as powerful compared to a dog with a thinner coat
Best dog shampoo: FAQs
How do I choose the right dog shampoo?
When it comes to choosing the best dog shampoo for your pup's needs, you'll want to carefully consider their coat type and any skin sensitivities they might have to begin with.
If they have dry, itchy or sensitive skin (like my doggy nephew Teddie), choose a gentle, hypoallergenic shampoo that contains soothing ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile or oatmeal.
Every dog's coat is different and has different needs. Dogs with long or thick fur may benefit from having a moisturising or detangling dog shampoo to keep their coat soft and tangle-free. If you have a dog that's a heavy shedder, an anti-shedding shampoo can help reduce loose hair around your home. And if you have a white or light-coloured dog, a brightening shampoo can help to enhance their natural colour and keep their coat looking vibrant and glossy.
You may also choose a shampoo based on a specific concern you're trying to target. If your dog loves rolling in things they shouldn't, a deodorising shampoo that will neutralise the nasty smell is a MUST (trust me, I'm speaking from experience of having to bath Bella on a weekly basis due to rolling in fox poo). If fleas are a concern, you can also get shampoos to help get rid of the pests as well as medicated shampoos for pups with specific skin conditions, but I'd always recommend checking with your vet before using one.
Can I use human shampoo on my dog?
As tempting as it is to just use human shampoo on your pooch, it's a big no-no. Dog shampoos are specifically designed for the skin and coats of our pooches and as such, human shampoos can be way too harsh for their skin and disrupt their natural pH balance, which can cause your pup to have some pretty nasty skin conditions to deal with.
How often should a dog bathe?
How often a dog should have a bath will depend on their breed, coat type and lifestyle but generally, most dogs need a bath every four to six weeks. Dogs that get particularly dirty, like my Bella who likes to get down and dirty on her walks, may need more frequent washes, while short-haired or law-maintenance breeds can go longer between baths.
You may not think it but you can actually bath your dog too much. Overbathing can strip your dog's coat of their natural oils, which can then make their skin dry, sore and itchy.
Rosie Floyd is a Senior Home & Pets Product Writer for Yours, specialising in home appliances, décor and furnishings, as well as all things dogs. After completing her Journalism & Media degree from Coventry University back in 2015, she started her career writing about must-visit holiday destinations, moving on to creating content around outdoor living and garden buildings, before joining the team at Bauer.