9 Best Dog Shampoos 2024 | UK Veterinarian Reviewed
Dogs come in all shapes, sizes and fur types, so while some will benefit from natural shampoos, some may need something whitening or medicated, and others may need hypoallergenic shampoos to cater for dry or sensitive skin. To ensure your pup gets the best scrub for their needs, we’ll talk you through the options and share our recommended buys from Amazon. Moreover, we have partnered with veterinarian Natalia Ramírez for reviewing and fact-checking the article to deliver you the best information.
Quick List - Top Dog Shampoos
Natalia is a veterinarian with 10 years of experience, specialising in topics related to responsible pet ownership, preventive animal health and nutrition issues that she is currently deepening in her master's studies. She also helps new pet parents by delivering all the necessary information from their arrival at home to different stages of their life.
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Fact-Checked & Approved by Veterinarian Natalia Ramírez
Natalia is a veterinarian with 10 years of experience, specialising in topics related to responsible pet ownership, preventive animal health and nutrition issues that she is currently deepening in her master's studies.
She also helps new pet parents by delivering all the necessary information from their arrival at home to different stages of their life.
How to Choose a Dog Shampoo in the UK
- Select the Right Formula for Your Dog's Specific Needs
- Check if the Shampoo is Puppy Safe
- Choose a Natural Formula for Allergy-Prone Pets
- Check That the Shampoo is Suitable for Your Dog's Skin Type
Select the Right Formula and Ingredients for Your Dog’s Specific Needs
Standard Deodorising and Detangling Shampoos Are the Simplest Option for Carefree Dogs
Before rushing to buy a shampoo for your dog, it is important to find out what you really need: ingredients, type of coat, hair loss, allergies, and skin problems, among others.
They’re best for pups that love nothing more than writhing around in muck or splashing about in any pool of stinky water they can find, or who don’t really have any specialist skin conditions or requirements outside of needing a good wash every month or so.
Whitening Shampoos Keep Light-Coloured Fur Gleaming; Just Make Sure to Check the Ingredients if Your Pooch Has Sensitive Skin
If your snowy pal has other skin and fur requirements aside from just looking glamorous, make sure to check that the shampoo won’t exacerbate any sensitivities, and that it is still going to be of benefit to them. For instance, some whitening shampoos may also contain extra moisturisers for dryness or dandruff, or some may contain ingredients you’d both like to avoid.
Oatmeal Shampoos Are Wonderful for Itchy and Dry Skin, Especially When Paired With Soothing Aloe
Go for this type if your dog suffers from itchy, dry skin, but don’t worry if you’ve got more than one pup needing a wash, as this gentle ingredient is fine for use on normal or greasy skin types too.
Aloe vera is often used in conjunction with oatmeal as it’s also known for it’s healing, soothing properties, and on top of that it’s fantastic at adding gloss and shine to your pup’s coat. Look out for oatmeal shampoos with this additional plant-based wonder if you’re parent to a very itchy canine who tends to scratch ’til they’re sore.
Medicated Shampoos Should Only be Used When Needed, So Talk to Your Vet Before You Buy
They can be made of pretty harsh ingredients, so should only be used sparingly and not continually as a regular shampoo after your dog’s condition has cleared up. It’s best to go and seek your vet’s advice if you notice any changes in your pup’s skin or coat, as they will be able to recommend exactly how to treat whatever it is that ails them.
Check out some of our vet-reviewed options for cleaning sensitive spots like the ears and teeth.
Dry Shampoo Can be Used as a Freshener Between Washes, or for Dogs that Aren’t Keen on the Bath
We know there are also plenty of water-hating dogs out there who kick up a big fuss when you attempt a bath, so grab a bottle of this variety if it’s you that can’t face the ordeal!
Check if the Shampoo Is Puppy-Safe or Choose One That’s Specifically Designed for Puppies, if Required
To eliminate any potential adverse reactions, you may want to opt for a product specifically designed for puppies. Puppy shampoos will also usually have a 'no tears' formula – helpful if you’ve got a bit of a wriggler!
There are also some gentle shampoos that may be suitable for both adult dogs and puppies, which could also be handy if you want to wash both mum and her little ones. Just ensure your puppy fits into the age range stated on the bottle.
Go for a Natural Formula Without Parabens, Artificial Fragrances and SLS if You Have an Allergy-Prone Pet
If your dog struggles with any allergies or sensitivities, you could consider natural dog shampoos, which exclude chemical ingredients that could worsen troubled skin. Plant-based products will also appeal to those owners that prefer to keep harsh chemicals out of their lives in general.
The main culprits that can irritate or set off allergies are parabens, artificial fragrances and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS). Check if a shampoo contains any of these if you’d like to avoid them by scanning the ingredients list, although most natural brands will also state this information on the front of the bottle.
Just as capable of cleaning, scenting and nourishing as their chemical counterparts, look out for plant-based ingredients such as naturally moisturising oatmeal or coconut oil, or skin-soothing aloe vera.
Check That the Shampoo Is pH Balanced and Suitable for Your Dog’s Skin Type ― Larger Breeds Typically Have Oilier Skin Whereas Smaller Ones Lack Moisture
Depending on the breed and other factors such as where they live or spend most of their time, the skin of your dog could also be oily or dry. Larger outdoor breeds tend to have oilier skin to protect them from the elements, so if you introduce a particularly oily shampoo it could result in rashes and spots.
Smaller and indoor dogs tend to have drier skin that would appreciate additional moisturiser, as well as low-lather shampoos that won’t leave as much soapy residue, which could end up drying them out even more. Dry skin can also be indicated by visible dandruff or rough coats.
9 Best Dog Shampoos in the UK
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Pro Pooch Oatmeal Dog Shampoo | | An Excellent All-Rounder for Every Breed | |
2 | Groom Professional Baby Fresh Shampoo | | A Great Value Bulk Buy for Sweet-Smelling Pups | |
3 | Vet’s Best Hypo-Allergenic Shampoo | | A Scentless Hypo-Allergenic Shampoo | |
4 | Cooper & Gracie Dry Dog Shampoo Spray | | A Natural Dry Shampoo With Added Vitamins | |
5 | Wahl No Rinse Foam Dry Shampoo | | No Drama Dry Shampoo for a Quick Clean | |
6 | Cooper & Gracie White Dog Shampoo and Conditioner | | Ideal for Eco-Conscious Owners With Light-Coloured Pooches | |
7 | BUGALUGS Oatmeal & Aloe Vera Dog Shampoo | | An Economical Shampoo for Dry Skin | |
8 | Animology Flea and Tick Shampoo | | Total Flea Elimination That's Quick to Rinse Out | |
9 | Pet Head Puppy Fun Tearless Shampoo | | Hypoallergenic, pH Balanced and Free From Artificial Fragrance |
An Excellent All-Rounder for Every Breed
You’ll also be shopping with a conscience, as there are zero harmful ingredients, it’s cruelty-free and UK made, and the company donates some of their profits to a charity for dogs in need.
A Great Value Bulk Buy for Sweet-Smelling Pups
There are also various other sizes available, including a supersized 4-litre bottle, which could save you even more money in the long run. Lastly, it deep cleanses but does not irritate the skin and contains aloe vera to soothe and nourish the skin. Aloe vera also acts as a natural hair conditioner to promote hair growth and reduce dandruff. It is suitable for all breeds and coat types, especially puppies.
A Scentless Hypo-Allergenic Shampoo
This hypo-allergenic shampoo is made with natural ingredients aloe vera and allantoin to protect sensitive skin. For optimal results, make sure to rub this into your dog for around 5 minutes and rinse well.
There are also specialised variants if your pooch suffers from fleas or particularly severe allergies and all of Vet's Best products are veterinarian formulated to give you peace of mind.
A Natural Dry Shampoo With Added Vitamins
Great for a touch up between baths or grooming sessions, and like the brand's entire range, it is completely free of parabens, artificial fragrances, and never tested on animals.
No Drama Dry Shampoo for a Quick Clean
There’s chamomile, aloe and tea tree extracts to cleanse, soothe and scent, and it will make your dogs’s fur very soft and fluffy after use.
Cooper & Gracie White Dog Shampoo and Conditioner
Ideal for Eco-Conscious Owners With Light-Coloured Pooches
Including lavender for anxiety and fur health, antibacterial frankincense and aloe for calming itchy skin, it would be wonderful for any pooch, including puppies. It’s also a great deal for a large size that you need only use sparingly.
An Economical Shampoo for Dry Skin
This vegan shampoo is made to soothe dry and itchy skin and is gentle enough for puppies over 8 weeks. Various available sizes make this a very cost-effective solution to keep your pup clean and pH balanced.
It is fragranced with a gentle coconut and lime scent with a 10:1 dilution rate making this perfect if keeping costs down is at the top of your list. Paraben-free, this oatmeal shampoo with aloe is made with water from the Lake District. It removes dirt and grease, leaving the coat soft and shiny with a long-lasting fragrance.
Total Flea Elimination That's Quick to Rinse Out
There are a few additives some might like to avoid, but it’s definitely not as harsh as some medicated shampoos! It’s also low-foam so won’t take long to rinse out if bathtime is a bit of a nightmare.
Hypoallergenic, pH Balanced and Free From Artificial Fragrance
It’s also pH balanced and hypoallergenic, so could be a good choice not only for puppies but for sensitive adult dogs, although it does contain lots of natural oils that could add to already oily skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Should You Shampoo Your Dog?
This can vary between breeds but you’ll want to shampoo your dog every 4-6 weeks. It will help to keep their skin and coats clean without unnecessarily stripping away any of the natural oils that protect them. However, you may clean your dog between washes with just water if you’ve had a particularly muddy day out.
Can You Use Human Shampoo on Dogs?
You should not use human shampoos on your dog as they are designed to work with the acidic pH of human skin and not the neutral pH of a dog. However, if you find yourself out of dog shampoo you can always mix a solution of distilled white vinegar and water to spray onto their coat.
Will Dog Shampoo Kill Fleas?
This will depend on the properties of the shampoo you have purchased. Some will have flea-killing ingredients that will remove the flea and their eggs as well as prevent them from coming back. You should avoid using the dish-soap method as this can dry out your dog's skin.
Written and researched by Natasha Dziubajlo
Why Trust Us
Our ranking has been compiled by the writing team at mybest UK via careful evaluation of the points made in the buying guide and thorough research of each product and comparing multiple verified customer reviews across the EC sites used.
Top 5 Dog Shampoos
No. 1: Pro Pooch｜Oatmeal Dog Shampoo
No. 2: Groom Professional ｜Baby Fresh Shampoo
No. 3: Vet’s Best｜Hypo-Allergenic Shampoo
No. 4: Cooper & Gracie ｜Dry Dog Shampoo Spray
No. 5: Wahl ｜No Rinse Foam Dry Shampoo
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.