Best Dog Shampoos (Recommended by Dog Groomers)
Choosing the right shampoo for your dog is essential for maintaining their skin and coat health. Unlike human shampoos, dog shampoos are specifically formulated to cater to their unique needs. Whether your dog has sensitive skin, an oily coat, or requires specialized care, using the right shampoo can make a noticeable difference in their overall well-being.
In this guide, we will explore some of the top shampoos recommended by professional dog groomers, because these professionals have extensive experience working with different dog breeds and coat types. We’ve also listed factors to consider when selecting the ideal shampoo for your dog.
Importance of using the right shampoo for dogs
Human shampoo is not made for dogs. Dogs possess unique skin types that require more specialized and gentle care to preserve the natural balance of their skin and coat.
Dog shampoo should be gentle to the skin – devoid of potential irritants, including harsh chemicals, fragrances, and dyes to avoid any skin irritation.
Safety for dogs: Using a shampoo specifically designed for dogs ensures that the ingredients used are safe for ingestion in case your dog ingests small amounts while licking themselves.
Top shampoos recommended by dog groomers
Bark2Basics Citrus Plus Dog Shampoo
Bark2Basics Citrus Plus Dog Shampoo is a high-quality dog shampoo that has gained popularity among professional dog groomers due to its effectiveness in cleaning and its gentle nature on dogs’ skin, all at a cost-effective price. This shampoo is formulated with natural ingredients that help to cut through dirt and grease for a deep clean without causing any harm to the dog’s skin or coat.
One of the key ingredients in Bark2Basics Citrus Plus Dog Shampoo is d-Limonene. This is a natural compound that is extracted from citrus fruits, and it is known for its strong cleaning properties. It helps to dissolve dirt and grease, leaving the dog’s coat looking clean and shiny. Additionally, d-Limonene has been found to be effective in controlling fleas and ticks, which makes this shampoo an excellent addition to a flea and tick control regimen.
The Coat Handler Clarifying Shampoo
Highly regarded among professional dog groomers and pet stylists, The Coat Handler shampoo range is widely loved for their exceptional clarifying abilities and its ability to restore the natural integrity and beauty of a dog’s coat. It works especially well for dogs with oily coats.
Their clarifying shampoo is formulated with high-quality ingredients that prioritize the well-being of your dog’s skin and coat. One of their main ingredients including Amphoteric Surfactant, which is mild and gentle, designed to deeply cleanse and remove build-up, residue, and impurities, leaving dog’s coats fresh and brighter in color.
Tropiclean Spa Shampoo Fresh Shampoo for Pets
The Tropiclean Spa shampoo range is another loved shampoo used by groomers, fusing freshness, cleansing power, and nourishment for your dog’s coat. With its ability to brighten and revitalize, naturally derived ingredients, and delightful scents like Oatmeal & Lavender, this shampoo stands out from the rest
The Tropiclean Spa shampoos leave a mild, lingering fragrance when used on dogs. With scents such as Cucumber & White Tea, and Oatmeal and Lavender, dog groomers (and owners) have commented on how fresh dogs smell after bathing them using the shampoo.
Tropiclean shampoo is suitable for dogs aged 12 weeks and older, and is a cruelty-free, USA-made product.
Factors we considered when researching dog shampoos
We researched selected dog shampoos from dog groomers against a number of criteria deemed essential when purchasing the dog shampoo for your needs. This includes:
Dog’s skin type: Does your dog have sensitive skin which may need a hypoallergenic shampoo, or does your dog have oily skin? These factors are important when considering a shampoo that will be regularly used, and suitable for dogs skin.
Purpose: Is the shampoo for routine cleaning, or does your dog have a specific condition, such as dry skin or fleas, that requires a specialized shampoo?
Ingredients: Look for shampoos with natural ingredients that are gentle on your dog’s skin and won’t cause irritation or allergic reactions.
Age: Puppies may have different shampoo needs than adult dogs as their coat is still developing, gentler shampoos are recommended. Senior dogs may have a thinner coat and more fragile skin, which can be more prone to dryness and irritation. We considered shampoos that would be suitable for majority of ages.
Brand reputation: Choose a reputable brand with a good track record for producing high-quality, safe, and effective dog shampoos.