The 10 Best Dog Shampoos for Odor, Dry Skin, Shedding and More
Leave your pup smelling like vanilla and almond — not wet dog.
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If your pet shampoo has been leaving your pup smelling like, well, a wet dog, then it's time for an upgrade. However, finding the right dog shampoo isn't as easy as it sounds. As you may have figured out, many dog shampoos promise more than they can deliver. "The FDA does not regulate grooming aids (pet cosmetics) unless they are a drug, meaning they are intended for medical purposes," explains Birnur Aral, Ph.D., Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Health, Beauty and Environmental Sciences Lab. "Therefore, the barrier to entry into this market is even lower than that for cosmetics, which in short are defined as products intended for beautifying and cleansing of human skin, hair and nails. This has recently led to an explosion of pet grooming brands, for that matter dog shampoo products, in the market."
Basically, you should be looking for the same thing in dog shampoos that you look for in human shampoos — to remove dirt and oil. Also, a vet's recommendation doesn't hurt. "When choosing a dog shampoo, we recommend that consumers rely on their veterinarians for guidance or use products from established brands," says Aral. "After all, a shampoo’s main function, whether for humans or pets, is to clean hair and underlying skin. Clean hair and coat will be shinier when there is no dirt and oil which are known to dull the appearance of the hair fibers." To keep your four-legged friends happy and clean, here are the best dog shampoos to buy.
Adams Flea and Tick Cleansing Shampoo, 12-Ounce
If your dog has fleas, then you have fleas — and you don't want fleas. Adams Flea and Tick Cleansing Shampoo eradicates fleas on contact (and flea eggs, to prevent your problem from coming back). For up to 30 days after your dog's wash, they'll be protected from flea infestation. Plus, it also protects again ticks and lice — a must-have if your dog spends a lot of time in the great outdoors.
Oliver's Choice Dog Shampoo with Oatmeal, Aloe, and Shea Butter
If your dog is always itchy and scratching/rubbing up against the furniture, it's probably due to dry skin beneath their coat of fur. In addition to making your dog smell fresh and clean, the soothing oatmeal, aloe and shea butter in this shampoo will provide some much needed relief to your dog's flaky, irritated skin.
Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiparasitic & Antiseborrheic Medicated Dog Shampoo
For skin issues that go beyond the pale of a little itchiness, this is a stronger shampoo that can take on more complex problems. The specially formulated shampoo is ideal for combatting dermatitis-induced greasy or waxy skin, red skin rashes, bald spots or flaky skin, in addition to treating fungal and bacterial skin infections and skin scaling caused by seborrhea.
Burt's Bees for Pets Burt's Bees Dog Shampoo for Puppies
Working as a shampoo and a conditioner, the ultra-gentle, pH-balanced buttermilk and linseed oil formula will cleanse your pups skin without irritation.
Earthbath Natural Oatmeal & Aloe Itch Relief Dog & Cat Shampoo
Stop that stinky dog smell in its tracks with this paraben and phosphate-free shampoo. The formula neutralizes any strong odors that your dog may have picked up, leaving them with a fresh and clean vanilla-and-almond scent.
Furminator deShedding Shampoo for Dogs and Cats
Using this omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, calendula extract and papaya leaf-infused shampoo once a month will promote a healthy coat, and therefore prevent excess shedding.
Wahl 4-In-1 Calming Pet Shampoo
Dull, dirty fur is no match for this shampoo. The four-in-one formula cleans, conditions, detangles and moisturizes your dog's fur with every wash, leaving their coat as healthy and shiny as ever.
As an Editorial Fellow for Good Housekeeping, Katie covers health, beauty, home, and pop culture. Outside of the office, you can find her killing it on the karaoke machine or listening to true crime podcasts.
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