The 8 Best Dog Shampoos of 2021

Best Overall: Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Pet Shampoo

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There are so many different formulas and scents that there’s sure to be an Earthbath shampoo perfect for you and your dog. The Oatmeal and Aloe is a good place to start. It’s fragrance-free with colloidal oatmeal and organic aloe vera to moisturize dry, itchy skin. Like all Earthbath products, it’s made without parabens, sulfates, phthalates, phosphates, and dyes. All items are cruelty-free and made in the United States.

Ask Earthbath fans and so many of them will have a favorite shampoo ranging from deodorizing to hot spot relief, shed control to conditioning. Natural scents include mango, peppermint, vanilla, and lavender. There’s also a popular vanilla and almond version of this oatmeal and aloe shampoo if you want something with a little scent. 

Earthbath products are guaranteed so if you aren’t happy with the bath time results, they’ll refund your money.

Best Natural/Organic: 4-Legger Organic Dog Shampoo

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“Looking for natural and organic is always the best way to go,” says professional groomer Youngker. “When products are certified organic, they don’t contain ingredients that can damage a dog’s skin.” 

There are nine USDA-certified organic shampoos in the 4-Legger line, with an array of ingredients including oatmeal and lavender for dry and itchy skin, peppermint and eucalyptus for conditioning, and an unscented version with aloe vera for sensitive skin. This popular choice features aloe vera, lemongrass, and coconut oil for moisturizing. 

All 4-Legger products are USDA certified organic and free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, artificial colors and fragrances, or harmful preservatives. Shampoos are made in the United States and have a money-back guarantee. They’re vegan and cruelty-free.

Best for Sensitive and Dry Skin: Rocco & Roxie Calm Sensitive Skin

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This gentle formula has aloe vera extract for moisturizing and soothing skin and chamomile for calming and cleansing. Rosemary helps protect and promote healthy skin growth. This shampoo is targeted toward dogs and puppies with sensitive skin and has a mild coconut and honey fragrance. 

There are two other Rocco & Roxie shampoos: Soothe Oatmeal has shea and almond butter for dogs with dry, itchy skin and Shine Conditioning has vitamin A and argan oil for a shiny, glossy coat. All three formulas are free of paraben, phthalates, mineral oil, formaldehyde, artificial colors, dyes, and other additives. They’re pH balanced so they’re safe and comfortable for a dog’s skin.

Best for Odor: Buddy Wash Original Lavender & Mint Dog Shampoo & Conditioner

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This two-in-one conditioning shampoo has a soothing lavender and mint scent created by a mix of essential oils and essences including chamomile, sage, and rosemary extract. The fresh fragrance should help erase the wet dog smell that brought you and your pup to the bathtub in the first place. 

The product is soap-free and alcohol-free and is built on a coconut base. It lathers well and is easy to rinse out, leaving a smooth coat behind. Buddy Wash is made in the United States and hasn’t been tested on animals. It’s safe for use on people in case bath time is tough and it’s just easier to wash your pup in the shower with you!

Best for Shedding: Furminator deShedding Ultra Premium Dog Shampoo

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Depending on your dog’s coat and the time of year, you might feel like you live in a perpetual cloud of dog hair. If you have a heavy shedder, the secret is “brush your dog more, not bathe your dog more,” says Youngker. 

But this FURminator DeShedding shampoo from a company that makes the popular deshedding tools may be able to help at bath time. It has a mix of natural ingredients to promote healthy skin, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids from cranberry, sunflower, and safflower seed oils, as well as aloe vera and vitamin E. 

The key is to wet your dog’s skin well, leave it on for 5 or 10 minutes, and then ideally follow up with the brand’s conditioner (view on PetSmart). There should be clumps of hair in the tub and then even more when you finish up with a brush or Furminator rake (view on PetSmart).

Best Waterless: The Spruce Waterless Pet Wash in Lavender

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Sometimes you don’t have time to give your dog the full spa experience or your pup just needs a little freshening up. Our waterless pet wash makes the whole experience so much easier on you and your pup. 

Featuring a plant-based, pH-balanced formula, The Spruce Waterless Pet Wash has no parabens, phthalates, or dyes, and it’s Leaping Bunny certified. To use, shake the bottle, spray your dog’s coat well, wait for one minute, and then use a soft, clean cloth to wipe them down. It cleans, conditions, and moisturizes, while removing dirt and other debris. 

It comes in three scents—lavender (with clary sage), oatmeal (with fresh mango), and fresh (neroli, apple, and orchid)—made with natural essential oils.

Best Flea Shampoo: Richard's Organics Flea & Tick Shampoo

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Flea shampoos often have harsh chemicals that can irritate your pet’s skin and trigger a reaction. Even those with safer, natural essential oils only kill the fleas that are on your pet. Because your house and yard still have the pests, your dog will quickly get reinfected, so it’s important to have another effective means of flea control like monthly chewables or spot-on treatments prescribed by your vet. 

That said, this is a good way to rid your pup of resident fleas. It doesn’t have parabens, dyes, or soap, and it’s gentle so it won’t wash away topical flea and tick treatments. It has vitamin E, lanolin, and other moisturizers to help soothe irritated skin. Instead of added fragrance, the scent comes from cinnamon, clove, cedar wood, peppermint, and rosemary oils.