Choosing the Right Shampoo for your Dog

Every dog has its own unique needs when it comes to picking the right shampoo for them. The experts at The Dog Buzz have compiled their knowledge to share what the best option for your dog might be based on their breed, coat type/texture, and any specific skin needs they might have. 

When choosing the right shampoo for your dog, there are several basic factors to consider. Always look for a shampoo that is pH balanced for dogs, and this goes hand in hand with choosing a shampoo that is made for dogs–we recommend not using human shampoo for your dog as it can throw off their pH and irritate their skin. 

Short haired dogs with single coats do not need to be bathed as often as dogs with thicker, longer coats. When choosing a shampoo for your short haired dog, consider if they have any skin sensitivities, such as itchy or flaky skin, in which case it might be best to visit your vet to check for any underlying health conditions. Your vet may prescribe a medicated shampoo, such as an antifungal, anti-itch, antibacterial, antiseptic, or allergy relief shampoo. 

Whether suffering from dry skin or not, the best option when looking for an extra moisturizing shampoo is one containing oatmeal, aloe vera, vitamin E, vitamin B, coconut oil, and other natural ingredients. A soap-free shampoo can be great if you are looking for a shampoo that will not strip away the natural oils on your dog's skin, soothe irritation and support a healthy skin barrier. However, keep in mind that these shampoos will not produce a lot of lather while washing your dog.

For double-coated dogs, it is important to choose a shampoo that can penetrate through to the dense undercoat. A deshedding shampoo and conditioner can be beneficial, especially if you are dealing with a lot of shedding. We always recommend a shampoo that is free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and dyes, as these ingredients can be harmful and harsh for your dog’s skin. 

If you run into a flea or tick problem, or you live in an area where these pests are an issue, a flea and tick shampoo can be great to use as a preventative as well as for treatment. Most flea and tick shampoos will require letting the product stay on your dog for 5-10 minutes. 

Lastly, we know that skunks happen, so there are specialized de-skunking shampoos that are great for acting as the first line of defense against prolonged skunk odor. If your dog gets skunked, we recommend not wetting your dog until they are getting a bath with de-skunking shampoo, as getting wet before this can serve to lock in the smell and make it last longer. Most de-skunking shampoos will also require letting the product stay on your dog for 5-10 minutes so that the shampoo can really penetrate and neutralize the smell. If you find that the first de-skunking bath does not effectively remove all of the odor, you can give your dog a second follow up bath. 

Picking a shampoo for your dog can be daunting at first, but we hope that these tips will help you be more confident when making the choice. We wish you luck with finding the perfect shampoo for your furry friend!