The Best Dog Shampoo Brands of 2021

The Best Dog Shampoo Brands of 2021

Are you trying to find a new shampoo for your pooch? Here are the best dog shampoo brands of 2021 to check out this year.

What's that smell? No matter how much you love your dog, it can be more difficult to enjoy petting them when they smell like... well, dog. If you find yourself wrinkling your nose when your pup runs up to greet you, it's probably time for a bath.

With the sheer variety of pet shampoos on the market, though, it's hard to know which one to choose. If your dog has any specific skin concerns or sensitivities, choosing the right shampoo becomes even more important and more challenging.

We did the research for you so you can be sure you're getting the very best. Keep reading to find the best dog shampoo for your dog in particular.

Choosing the Best Dog Shampoo for Your Dog

When your dog needs a bath, it's important to use a dog shampoo rather than one made for humans. Dogs' skin has a higher pH than our human skin. Products that are formulated for our more acidic skin are irritating for dogs.

Even within the world of dog shampoos, not all products will work well for your dog's specific skin and coat. To choose the right shampoo for your dog, you should consider any skin concerns or conditions.

If your dog has fleas, ticks, or a bacterial or fungal skin infection, a medicated shampoo will help combat those issues. If your dog has very sensitive skin, consider a hypoallergenic shampoo or one that is free from alcohol, sulfates, and artificial dyes and fragrances. Puppies have extra-sensitive skin and need extra-gentle shampoo, so consider your dog's age as well.

Best Medicated Dog Shampoo

If your dog is suffering from fleas or a skin infection, a medicated shampoo may help improve their condition. If you're unsure what specific infection your pet has, check with a veterinarian to make sure you're treating it properly.

Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiseptic and Antifungal Shampoo

Veterinary Formula Clinical Care offers research-backed formulas with effective active ingredients. This antiseptic and antifungal shampoo for dogs fights both fungal and bacterial skin infections, including pyoderma and dermatitis.

With active ingredients ketoconazole to treat fungal infections and benzethonium chloride to fight bacteria and odor, this shampoo clears up skin infections quickly. It is also free from parabens and contains aloe vera. This helps prevent irritation as the infection heals.

Veterinary Formula Clinical Care offers other shampoos for other skin concerns, including an effective flea shampoo for dogs. If your dog has fleas, make sure you are taking all the necessary measures to prevent reinfection in addition to using flea shampoo.

Best Dog Shampoo for Grooming

Of course, all dog shampoos are for grooming, but some are formulated to help out a little bit more. If you want to give your dog's looks a little boost, consider adding one of these shampoos to your dog grooming routine.

Furminator deShedding Ultra Premium Shampoo

If you'd like to reduce your dog's shedding, this shampoo is formulated to do exactly that. It is enriched with essential fatty acids which make your dog's hair follicles stronger and healthier, leading to less shedding, while also making your dog's coat shinier.

This shampoo is free of parabens and artificial dyes. Instead, it relies on natural ingredients like papaya leaf, blueberry, calendula, and aloe vera to nourish your dog's skin and coat. In combination with other good grooming habits like regular brushing, Furminator's shampoo should help reduce shedding.

Wahl Whitening Shampoo

If your dog has a white coat, you know how quickly it can get dirty and dull. This whitening shampoo not only removes dirt and debris, it whitens your dog's coat as well. It will enhance other coat colors as well, so your dog will stand out no matter what.

This shampoo's formula is pH-balanced and free from alcohol and parabens. Wahl also advertises higher levels of concentrate than other brands, meaning you could use less shampoo and get the same result.

Best Dog Shampoo for Sensitive or Irritated Skin

It is difficult to know which ingredients will or will not irritate sensitive skin, as each dog is different. In addition to avoiding known irritants, try hypoallergenic, extra moisturizing, and/or natural shampoos to see what works best for your dog.

HyLyt Shampoo

HyLyt Shampoo is hypoallergenic, gentle, and soap-free. Being soap-free means it is not stripping or drying, so your dog's skin and coat should not get too dry or too oily after using this shampoo.

It contains essential fatty acids and natural moisturizing factors to nourish your dog's skin and coat. This shampoo can help with the itchiness and flaking caused by seborrheic dermatitis, and it may assist any topical flea and tick medication you are already using.

4-Legger Dog Shampoo

This USDA certified organic shampoo is hypoallergenic, non-toxic, and biodegradable. 4-Legger Dog Shampoo is also vegan and cruelty-free. If you're looking for a dog shampoo you can feel good about using, this is a good option.

It is free from sulfates, parabens, and detergents, meaning it will be gentle on your dog's skin. Natural ingredients like coconut oil, olive oil, aloe vera, and jojoba oil cleanse and moisturize your dog's coat and skin. Essential oils like lemongrass and rosemary provide a light, natural scent while deterring bugs.

Best Dry Shampoo for Dogs

Maybe your dog hates bath time, making it a difficult and painful experience for both of you. Maybe your dog just gets too dirty in between baths. Either way, dry shampoo is a great option for getting your dog clean without going through the whole bathing process.

Wahl Calming Waterless Shampoo

This shampoo is a foam formula that you use on your dog and then dry off with a towel. There is no need to rinse either before or after applying the shampoo. The lavender and chamomile scents help calm dogs who get nervous about bath time as well.

This shampoo is pH-balanced and free from alcohol and parabens. It's the perfect option for a quick, anytime clean.

Keeping Your Dog Clean

Now that you know the best dog shampoo for your unique dog, you'll want to keep up with other aspects of grooming to keep your dog looking their best. Check out some more dog grooming product reviews to find other useful things to keep your dog's skin and coat healthy and shiny.