The 6 Best Dog Shampoos of 2021

Best for Sensitive Skin: Pro Pet Works Natural Oatmeal Shampoo and Conditioner

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Dogs, like humans, can have allergies that harsh chemicals or additives can exacerbate. We love the Pro Pet Works Natural Oatmeal Dog Shampoo because it’s totally free of added colors, sulfates, alcohol, and fragrance, making it a great choice for the sensitive pup in your life.

This 17-ounce bottle is a shampoo and conditioner in one. It is made with aloe vera and almond oil, for a totally natural scent that will leave his coat shiny, fresh, and moisturized. Because it’s soap-free, you can bathe your dog as often as necessary without causing irritation, and any pet parent to a curious dog knows just how important that is.

Best Waterless: The Spruce Waterless Pet Wash in Fresh

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Here at The Spruce Pets, we understand that giving your dog a bath can be quite the struggle. You have to get them to stay in the tub, keep them in place as you apply shampoo, and then make sure they don’t escape from the bathroom while still soaking wet. This is precisely why we set out to make bath time a cinch with The Spruce Waterless Pet Wash—our very own no-rinse cleanser!  

The Spruce Waterless Pet Wash features a plant-based, pH-balanced formula that is free of parabens, phthalates, and dyes, and is also Leaping Bunny certified. Our waterless spray-on wash cleanses, conditions, and moisturizes your pup’s coat while removing impurities like dirt, urine, and feces. To give them that clean, just-from-the-groomer scent, our formula—which is available in Lavender (with clary sage), Oatmeal (with fresh mango), and Fresh (neroli, apple, and orchid)—also includes pet-safe natural essential oils. 

When it comes time to freshen up your pup, simply shake the bottle well, spray liberally onto their coat, let it sit for one minute, and then use a soft, clean cloth to wipe them down. Since application only takes a few minutes and they’ll air dry just as fast, it’s a great option for on-the-go pet parents. 

Best for Shedders: Furminator deShedding Ultra Premium Dog Shampoo

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If you own an “ultimate shedder,” you know that it’s a daily battle to keep your home (and your black pants, winter coat, and, well, everything you own) free of pet hair. Tackle the problem at the source with this FURminator deShedding Ultra Premium Dog Shampoo.

This 16-ounce shampoo should be used once a month to help reduce shedding and promote a healthy coat. It’s formulated with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, calendula extract, and papaya leaf extract to help release your dog’s undercoat and keep his skin healthy. The FURminator company offers a line of deshedding products and recommends following each shampoo and conditioning with a good brush-down.

Best Flea: Adams Flea and Tick Cleansing Shampoo

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Fleas are every pet owner’s biggest fear. Adams Flea and Tick Cleansing Shampoo can make the battle against these pests a little easier.

When used in tandem with your pup's regular flea and tick medicine, Adams Flea and Tick Cleansing Shampoo kills flea eggs and stops their life cycle in its tracks. It also works against brown and American dog ticks and lice. The shampoo protects your dog for up to 30 days after every wash, further repelling fleas and ticks.

Best Scented: Fresh 'n Clean Scented Shampoo

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It’s okay to love your dog and still wish he smelled less like a dog at the same time. Fresh 'n Clean Scented Shampoo is made with smelly dogs in mind and leaves behind a clean and appealing scent.

It’s infused with wheat protein, aloe vera, and vitamin E to protect and strengthen Fido’s coat and skin. It also works to remove tangles and mats to make brushing a little easier. The 18-ounce bottle lathers up well and a little goes a long way with this strongly scented shampoo.

Pet owners say that unlike other dog shampoos, Fresh 'n Clean lasts for up to two weeks after a wash. No matter how smelly your pup is, this one works so well it may even earn him a spot in your bed.