Although your dog will groom themselves, they do need a hand to stay clean and healthy. Use the best dog shampoo you can find on your dog, and notice the difference in their clean coat.
Giving your dog a good bath every now and then is important so their coat stays clean, shiny, soft, and comfortable. And they smell better!
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Do You Need to Use Dog Shampoo on Your Dog?
Even an inside dog needs to be cleaned thoroughly whenever possible. When you bathe your dog, water alone won’t always cut it, so you need to use some of the best dog shampoo for their particular needs.
It’s important that you realize that you can’t use standard human shampoo or soap to clean a dog. A dog must maintain a very specific pH level, and by using the wrong shampoos, you can throw this off. This will cause your dog discomfort and can also cause rashes on their skin.
How to Choose the Best Dog Shampoo For Your Dog
Dog shampoo is specifically formulated to be compatible and comfortable for dogs.
When you’re picking out a dog shampoo, you want it to be something that boasts comfort, with things such as “no tears” and “hypoallergenic” on the label. This will help to ensure that your dog won’t experience any discomfort with the shampoo when you’re using it.
Preferably, the shampoo should be made with natural ingredients, since chemicals can harm your dog’s skin. When you run a bath for your dog, you want to ensure that the water level is low, and the temperature is warm.
The shampoo should lather up well and let you get their coat clean all over. It should be comfortable for them, and preferably good smelling so they smell fresh whenever they come to play with you afterwards.
What Are the Benefits of Bathing Your Dog?
Bathing your dog is very important because even if it’s not obvious, they pick up a lot of debris and dirt over the weeks. These can cause bad smells, slight discomfort, and can even carry disease.
Just think of all the dirt you get on your shoes by walking around. They get that all over their bodies constantly. If your dog likes going outside, running through grass or rolling around in dirt they can get all kinds of small bugs caught up in their fur. So it’s important that you clean them up well.
After a good bath with the right shampoo, your dog should be looking clean, smelling clean, and feeling comfortable.
A good shampoo will keep their coat in good condition, which will also prevent hair loss later on in life. Some dogs have fur that looks clean, but a good bath with a shampoo product will ensure that below the coat, their skin is well taken care of.
Best Dog Shampoo for Itchy Skin
Pro Pooch Oatmeal Dog Shampoo
Many dogs have dry or itchy skin, unfortunately. It is a condition that is annoying for both you and your dog. It can also cause your dog pain if left untreated, due to excessive scratching.
You can find some good premium dog shampoos that don’t cost the earth. This shampoo is a good solution for your dog’s itchy skin but is still affordable.
Best Dog Shampoo for Odor
Baby Fresh Dog Shampoo
We all have smelly dogs sometimes. Just because your dog loves to roll in something smelly, doesn’t mean the odour has to stay! This is the shampoo that we use and it certainly works for Poppy – who is a big fan of rolling in anything smelly.
Try this sweet-smelling shampoo for a more fragrant dog. I tied the smaller bottle first to make sure we liked it, then bought the 4 litre container which I just decant into a smaller bottle. Poppy is 8 and we are probably about three quarters of the way down the container. But she does have a lot of baths!
For days when I just want to sweeten her up, I use this fragrance which I love.
Best Dog Shampoo for Sensitive Skin
SOAPYPUPS Dog Shampoo – Lavender Scented Dog Shampoo Sensitive Skin
If you are looking for a natural shampoo, or your dog has sensitive skin then this shampoo is a great choice.
It’s cruelty-free and eco-friendly and is gentle enough to use on pets of all ages.
Best All-round Dog Shampoo
Petwash Vegan Dog Shampoo
This is a natural shampoo that can be used on dogs and cats. It is a good all-round shampoo if your pet doesn’t have specific washing requirements.
I like that it is safe for frequent use as my dog has a lot of baths in the wet months.
Best Dog Shampoo for Fleas and Ticks
Animigo Flea and Tick Shampoo for Dogs and Cats
This shampoo works on dogs and cats though good luck shampooing a cat!
It is non-toxic, natural and cruelty-free.
The anti-itch formula will also help with any irritations.
Best Waterless Dog Shampoo
Vet’s Best Waterless Dog Bath | No Rinse Dry Shampoo for Dogs
If you have a dog that hates baths, or you just want to refresh your dog then Waterless shampoo can be a good choice.
Easy to use as you just pump and massage the soothing no-rise, leave-in foam into fur,
Buying shampoo for your dog can be very difficult and stressful because you want the best for them.
I hope that this article has helped you to decide which shampoo you are going to use. And don’t forget, you can buy more than one.
I have 2 different shampoos for Poppy. She has one for more frequent baths, then the waterless one when she needs a freshen-up rather than a deep clean!
These are our recommendations. And I have a dog who loves nothing more than to lie in a dirty puddle. Or roll in something unspeakably smelly.
Are there any dog shampoos that you and your dog love? Let us know in the comments and we will check them out.
