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The 10 Best Dog Shampoos, According to Veterinarians and Pet Parents

Burt’s Bees Oatmeal Shampoo washed the competition with silky, itch-free results

Collage of the best dog shampoos, each on a different color background.
Photo:

People / David Hattan

Every dog owner knows the trials and tribulations of bath day. While having treats and dog toys on hand might make the bathing process easier, the shampoo you use on your pooch is the most important factor to consider. Just like human shampoos, dog shampoo formulas target specific concerns to ensure shiny hair and healthy skin.

Experts Say

"Not every dog is the same, and some may require different shampoos and frequency of bathing." — Dr. Hunter Finn, veterinarian and founder of Pet Method Animal Hospital. He recommends pet-safe formulas, ideally from veterinarian-developed brands.

With this in mind, we surveyed 27 pet parents and five veterinarians to see what formulas worked best for a range of dogs, factoring in itchy and sensitive skin, age, coat color and length, and even certain medical conditions. 

These are the picks PEOPLE Tested considers the best dog shampoos of 2024.

What to Know About Dog Shampoo

Your Dog’s Skin Type

While you might see the results of shampoo more clearly in the texture and appearance of fur, it’s the skin that the formula is really working to clean. That’s why your dog’s skin type and any skin conditions are important to factor in when choosing a dog shampoo. With general dryness, you can look for hydrating formulas such as Burt’s Bees Oatmeal Shampoo and Buddy Wash Original Lavender & Mint Dog Shampoo & Conditioner. For particularly itchy dogs, you might want an even more soothing formula like Douxo S3 CALM Soothing Itchy, Hydrated Skin Dog Shampoo.

Dr. Finn recommends “a product that contains antimicrobial and antifungal properties” for skin issues like fungal infections — for instance, Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiseptic and Antifungal Shampoo. He adds that dogs with mild skin infections involving yeast or bacteria will often have a distinct smell, which is a good indicator of something more than just general dryness. It’s also important to rule out allergies, which are different than just sensitive skin. Senior Tail Waggers director and veterinarian Jamie Whittenburg, DVM, tells PEOPLE that while shampoos can “soothe irritated skin and may aid in reducing the allergen load in the fur,” a shampoo alone will not cure allergies. 

That’s why it’s always important to speak to your vet: "Your best bet is to speak with your veterinarian about which shampoo is best for your pet if you believe your dog has any skin concerns,” Zoetis veterinarian Heather Berst, VMD, tells PEOPLE.

Your Dog’s Hair Type and Coat Length

Not all dogs are made the same and their fur and skin have different needs. If you have a long-haired dog with a double coat, you might deal with more tangles than someone with a short-haired breed. Conversely, short-hair breeds tend to have slightly more textured fur and skin exposure, and therefore, need a little TLC with gentle ingredients. 

If you have a short-haired breed, you might consider a moisturizing shampoo that soothes skin. For a long-haired dog, a detangling shampoo, or one to create a shiny coat like OUAI Pet Shampoo, might be better choices. And in terms of shedding, specific shampoos won’t fix this: "Frequent brushing and bathing as needed will remove the loosening hair that is being shed and can reduce the amount of hair left behind in your house,” says Dr. Whittenburg.

Your Dog’s Age

Puppies require more delicate ingredients than adult dogs, so there are certain dog shampoos geared toward this age group. If you have a new puppy, consider Wahl USA Gentle Puppy Shampoo Concentrate. Some brands have adult-only shampoos, and some have hybrid formulas, but most of the brands on our list have adult and puppy options, so you can start with the puppy formula and upgrade as your dog grows.

Burt's Bees Oatmeal Shampoo with Colloidal Oat Flour & Honey for Dogs
PHOTO: Amazon
Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    4.5/5
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Hydration
    4/5
Star Qualities
  • Gentle formula works well for most dogs

  • Moisturizing ingredients soothe itchy skin and other irritations

  • Recommended by pet parents and veterinarians

Red Flags
  • Not intended for puppies, but there is a puppy version available

Burt’s Bees Oatmeal Shampoo is the most popular dog shampoo for good reason — veterinarians and pet parents both love this gentle formula for a variety of dogs. Dr. Finn recommends a “soothing and non-medicated product [like Burt’s Bees] for general cleaning and removing things like pollen, dirt, and debris.”

It's ideal for dogs with dry skin since it uses colloidal oat flour to soothe itchiness and irritation. It also contains coconut-based cleansers and honey. “When a dog is very itchy or has dry flaky skin, this is one of my go-to shampoos to recommend,” veterinarian Sara Ochoa, DVM, tells PEOPLE. “The oatmeal will help moisturize your dog’s skin and coat and make it soft and shiny.” 

Our pet parents agreed. The dogs who used this shampoo both have a double coat and itchy skin. One is younger with long hair and allergies, while the other is older with a short coat and some skin infections. The shampoo creates a good lather and washes out well. Both pet parents found that the Burt’s Bees shampoo left their dogs with clean, soft fur and overall, less itchiness. One said it even got the dirty water smell out of her dog’s fur following an impromptu swim in the Central Park Conservatory pond.

Burt’s Bees Oatmeal Shampoo works well for most dogs, is available at many retail locations, and is extremely budget-friendly. Though the shampoo is intended for adult dogs only, there is a puppy version as well.

Amount: 16 ounces | Scent: Oatmeal-honey | Key Ingredients: Oatmeal, honey, coconut cleansers, glycerin | Intended Use: Adult dogs

Buddy Wash Original Lavender & Mint Dog Shampoo & Conditioner
PHOTO: Amazon
Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Hydration
    4/5
Star Qualities
  • Leaves your dog soft and smooth

  • Easy to rinse, even with squirmy dogs

  • Includes hydrating ingredients

  • Available in a larger, more economical size

Red Flags
  • Has a prominent lavender fragrance

If you’re on the hunt for a good value, Buddy Wash Original Lavender and Mint Shampoo and Conditioner is a high-quality product for a low price. One pet parent we surveyed has used Buddy Wash for over four years for her two middle-aged dogs. The dogs have smooth, long double coats, and their mom appreciates how well the wash lifts dirt from their fur and reduces seasonal itchiness. One dog is particularly squirmy, but it’s still easy to rinse this wash out of the dog’s long fur. The dog’s mom said she loves its natural ingredients and wouldn’t change anything about this wash.

Amount: 16 ounces, 1 gallon | Scent: Lavender, mint | Key Ingredients: Coconut, aloe vera, tea tree oil, chamomile extract | Intended Use: Puppies and adult dogs

Best for Shiny Coat

Ouai Fur Bébé Pet Shampoo

Ouai Fur Bébé Pet Shampoo
PHOTO: Amazon
Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    4/5
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Hydration
    5/5
Star Qualities
  • Pleasant scent lasts for hours post-bath

  • Left dog’s fur feeling super soft

  • Creates a nice lather

Red Flags
  • Costly compared to other dog shampoos we tried

Whether your dog has long or short hair, it’s always nice to see a little shine after a bath. Ouai Fur Bebe Pet Shampoo is packed with nourishing ingredients like aloe vera and rambutan seed extract to leave fur soft and smooth. 

The pet parent who recommended this shampoo has used it for her dog, Beau, for around three years. She likes the fragrant scent and how easy the formula is to rinse out. Plus, the hydrating ingredients don’t leave the dog’s fur feeling dried out after cleaning. Beau’s mom said his short coat feels and looks so nice when she uses this shampoo, and no other shampoo has made the fur feel as soft. Plus, the signature Ouai scent of lemon, rose, and jasmine lasts so your dog will smell great all day. 

Amount: 16 ounces | Scent: Lemon, rose, jasmine, white musk | Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, rambutan seed extract, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, panthenol | Intended Use: Not specified, so we would recommend for adult dogs

Douxo S3 CALM Soothing Itchy, Hydrated Skin Dog & Cat Shampoo
PHOTO: Chewy
Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Hydration
    5/5
Star Qualities
  • Soothed skin, reduced redness, and lessened irritation

  • Active ingredient strengthens the skin barrier

  • Leaves behind no residue, just hydrated, clean skin

Red Flags
  • Our survey respondents couldn’t find any cons

You should always check with your vet first to understand the cause of your dog’s itchiness, but some common reasons include allergies, environmental changes, the food going into their dog bowl, and certain skin infections.

We’ve found that Douxo S3 Calm Soothing Itchy Hydrated Skin Shampoo soothes itchy skin. The pet parent we surveyed who uses it has a middle-aged dog with a short, wire-haired coat and lots of skin issues (allergies, frequent itchiness, and some skin infections). The dog’s mom says the shampoo is easy to rinse and never leaves behind residue. It does have a light, sweet fragrance, but that didn’t seem to affect the dog’s skin at all. The formula;s active ingredient is Ophytrium, which works to soothe and strengthen the skin barrier.

The results were impressive because the shampoo reduced most of the redness on the dog’s skin and seemed to hydrate it. It removed excess oils while also soothing irritation. Our respondent tells PEOPLE that when she uses this shampoo, she’s able to bathe her dog less frequently because the dog isn’t itching as much in between baths. The price is mid-range among those we’re recommending, but this pet parent says it’s worth the cost because it “actually works.”

Amount: 6.7 ounces | Scent: Coconut, vanilla | Key Ingredients: Ophytrium 0.75% (active) | Intended Use: Adult dogs

Best for Puppies

WAHL Puppy Shampoo

WAHL Puppy Shampoo
PHOTO: Walmart
Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    4.5/5
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Hydration
    5/5
Star Qualities
  • One pet parent said this shampoo made their puppy “ridiculously soft"

  • Gentle formula made from cornflower and aloe

  • Thick lather makes it easy see it’s all rinsed out

Red Flags
  • Bottle doesn’t come with a pump

Puppies require a more delicate touch when it comes to ingredients, and Wahl USA Gentle Puppy Shampoo is so gentle. One pet parent tells PEOPLE they bought this shampoo for their newly adopted puppy and love it. Originally, they chose it for the natural ingredients, gentle formula, and fragrant scent. The puppy has a smooth, short coat, and this shampoo makes him “ridiculously soft” after baths.

His owner says the shampoo lathers well so it’s easy to make sure it’s all rinsed out. The puppy is quite squirmy during baths, so his owner thinks it would be better if the bottle had a pump to easily grab product without getting too much since it is a concentrated formula. That said, when rinsed out, it doesn’t leave any residue behind. It also significantly reduced the puppy's dandruff.

While this product is designed for puppies, Wahl also has an adult dog shampoo that one of our teammates uses for her dog, Cleo. “I was looking into different dog shampoos because my dog's breed is prone to skin issues like allergies and she had been especially itchy as of late,” PEOPLE senior editor Erika Reals says. “We can confidently say it has reduced how much she has itched and I have also noticed a lot less flakes stuck on her coat on a day-to-day basis,” says Reals. “Plus, it makes her smell so good and her coat is extra soft after drying. And you can't beat the price!”

Amount: 24 ounces | Scent: Cornflower aloe | Key Ingredients: Cornflower, aloe | Intended Use: Puppies

BioSilk Therapy Whitening Dog Shampoo
PHOTO: Amazon
Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Hydration
    5/5
Star Qualities
  • Cleans and brightens fur

  • Ingredients soften fur and make it feel silky

Red Flags
  • Bottle is hard to squeeze as it starts to run low

Keeping a white dog's fur looking pristine can be a challenge. One pet parent we surveyed swears by the BioSilk Therapy Whitening Dog Shampoo because it keeps their dog’s coat “so white” and “feeling extra soft and silky.” After using this shampoo for over four years in weekly baths (in combination with a Johnson and Johnson product), the dog’s owner says this shampoo never irritates the dog’s sensitive skin

They note that it’s easy to rinse out and brightens the dog’s hair — he’s a Havanese, so he has hair and not fur. Though the dog has both black and white areas of hair, the white sections tend to get the dirtiest, and this shampoo cleans them effectively. The only complaint is the shape of the bottle — it’s curvy and thin so it becomes harder to squeeze once the shampoo runs low. 

Amount: 12 ounces | Scent: Unscented | Key Ingredients: Hawaiian white ginger, papaya leaf extract, lemon extract, silk protein | Intended Use: Any dog 8 weeks old or older

Best for Sensitive Skin

Dandylion Cleansing Dog Shampoo

Dandylion Soothe Gentle Cleansing Dog Shampoo
PHOTO: Dandylion
Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Hydration
    5/5
Star Qualities
  • Moisturizing and gentle formula

  • Natural ingredients give it a fresh scent without added fragrance

  • Hydrating formula

Red Flags
  • None reported

If your dog has sensitive skin, finding products that won’t irritate it can be daunting. One dog parent we surveyed relies on Dandylion Soothe Gentle Cleansing Dog Shampoo for this reason. Her young dog has a smooth, short, double coat and gets a bath every few months to remove dirt and oils. She chose this shampoo because of the natural ingredients like aloe vera juice and cucumber fruit extract but loves it because of the results. 

There’s no added fragrance and the alcohol-free formula doesn’t cause her dog’s skin to dry out or flake. It gently cleans the dog, leaving his skin moisturized and his coat “fluffy” and “glossy.” This dog mom loves how easy it is to rinse out, as well as the natural scent, a mix of botanical fragrances derived from its natural ingredients. The dog’s owner tells PEOPLE it’s the “best dog shampoo I’ve ever used” for her dog’s sensitive skin.

Amount: 16 ounces | Scent: Unscented | Key Ingredients: Aloe vera juice, cucumber fruit extract, coconut oil, glycerin | Intended Use: Not specified, so we would recommend for adult dogs

Douxo S3 SEB Odor-Control Seboregulating Dog & Cat Shampoo
PHOTO: Chewy
Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Hydration
    5/5
Star Qualities
  • Reduces skin irritation

  • Restores microbes and builds up skin barrier

  • Nice fragrance helps control odors

Red Flags
  • Costs a little more

Dandruff — or as it’s formally called, seborrheic dermatitis — causes scaly patches and flaky skin, according to The Mayo Clinic. It can be caused by excess oils or a certain type of yeast. If you think your dog has dandruff, check with your veterinarian before trying any medicated products. 

The same pet parent who used the other Douxo product also uses S3 SEB Odor-Control Seboregulating Shampoo and found it super effective at targeting seborrheic dermatitis. The formula is designed to combat dandruff by restoring the microbes that prevent this skin condition. One of the key ingredients, Ophytrium, helps build up the skin barrier and lessen excess oils and other buildup. In tandem with the other Douxo product, the pet owner has seen a drastic improvement in their dog’s skin — with less redness and irritation overall. 

Amount: 6.7 ounces | Scent: Cocoa, vanilla | Key Ingredients: Ophytrium, Seboliance | Intended Use: Adult dogs

Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiseptic and Antifungal Medicated Shampoo for Dogs & Cats
PHOTO: Chewy
Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Hydration
    4/5
Star Qualities
  • Fragrance-free

  • Available in a 16-ounce or one-gallon size

Red Flags
  • Not as hydrating as other formulas

Fungal dermatitis might sound intimidating, but it’s a treatable skin fungus. One pet owner we surveyed has a middle-aged dog that often suffers from allergies, itchy skin, and skin infections. The dog also has a long, double coat with a curly fleece. The dog’s owner has been using this shampoo weekly for a few months and has seen good results.

The formula is fragrance-free, easy to rinse out, and is currently used as an ongoing treatment for the dog’s skin infections. Since it’s a medicated shampoo designed to target fungus, the formula is not as hydrating as others on our list (the dog’s owner uses a conditioner right after to ensure the skin stays hydrated). She says that it would be great to have a bigger bottle, so we want to note that it is available in a one-gallon size

Amount: 16 ounces, 1 gallon | Scent: Unscented | Key Ingredients: Active benzethonium chloride, aloe vera, ketoconazole, lanolin | Intended Use: Any dog 12 weeks of age or older

Aesop Animal Pet Wash
PHOTO: Aesop
Our Ratings
  • Ease of Use
    5/5
  • Effectiveness
    5/5
  • Hydration
    5/5
Star Qualities
  • Includes soothing botanical ingredients

  • Concentrated formula means you don’t have to use much

Red Flags
  • None noted

If you want to pamper your pooch with a spa-like grooming treatment, we suggest Aesop Animal Wash. It includes lemon rind, tea tree leaf, and spearmint leaf for a truly aromatic experience. The pet owner who suggested this product uses it for their middle-aged dog, Penny. She has a double coat, yet her owner can get a good lather going with this shampoo, and it doesn’t leave behind any residue. 

Penny’s owner says it thoroughly cleans her and leaves her fur “so soft and shiny” with a smooth texture. Since it’s a concentrate product, a little goes a long way, so you won’t use as much as you might with a drugstore find — which helps alleviate the higher price point.

Amount: 16.9 ounces | Scent: Lemon, fresh | Key Ingredients: Lemon rind, tea tree leaf, spearmint leaf | Intended Use: Not specified, so we would recommend for adult dogs

Add to Cart

While you’re shopping for dog shampoo, consider adding the following PEOPLE-Tested favorites to your cart. We’ve dubbed them winners for their respective categories, so we feel confident you’ll love them, too.

Other Dog Shampoos We Tried

  • DOG By Dr. Lisa Natural Gentle Cleanser: The shampoo comes in a sleek minimalist bottle that looks good on any shower shelf. While it’s a bit pricey, you’re paying for a cleaner formula that will last you a long time. PEOPLE shopping editor Madison Yauger swears by it for her golden retriever.
  • Veterinary Formula Hypoallergenic Shampoo: This universal pet shampoo is gentle enough for dogs of all breeds, sizes, and ages — even puppies. It’s a favorite of Dr. Ochoa’s for its gentleness. “This is great for dogs with allergies and skin infections,” including bacterial infections, she says. She adds that if your dog has dry, flaky skin, it can also help moisturize it, too.
  • Zesty Paws Dog Shampoo: When your fur baby can't stop scratching, Zesty Paws Itch-Soother is another good anti-itch dog shampoo, according to Dr. Ochoa. This dog shampoo soothes and moisturizes the skin with a calming blend of oatmeal, aloe vera, and vitamin E. “If your dog is itching from seasonal allergies or fleas, this shampoo can help,” says Dr. Ochoa. Though it’s great for adult dogs, this shampoo is not suitable for puppies. 
  • Adams Plus Flea & Tick Shampoo: “If your dog has fleas and ticks, this is a great shampoo that can help,” says Dr. Ochoa. “While many times your dog may also need flea and tick medications, this can be used for small dogs and kittens who are not yet old enough for the medications." While there are several hard-to-pronounce ingredients designed to kill fleas and flea eggs, this shampoo is quite gentle on dogs (even those with sensitive skin) and includes soothing aloe, oatmeal, and coconut extract.

Behind the Scenes

To determine the best dog shampoos, we reached out to our network of pet experts: veterinarians and pet parents. We interviewed the veterinarians to gauge their recommendations for this product category and sent out surveys to 27 pet owners to learn about the tried-and-true dog shampoos they use at home. We chose winners based on:

  • Ingredients: We looked for gentle formulas with natural and hydrating ingredients such as oatmeal, botanical extracts, and aloe vera. We also considered whether fragrance added to or impeded a shampoo’s intended purpose, and judged each accordingly.
  • Function: In our survey, we asked pet parents to share the primary function they needed from their pet’s shampoo. While some just needed general cleaning to lift dirt and debris from the skin and coat, others had specific concerns like shedding, itchy skin, fungal infections, and more. 
  • Effectiveness: Our team considered how well each shampoo lathered and cleaned, as well as how easily it was washed out from a variety of dog fur types — long hair, short hair, double coat, etc. We also asked our respondents how long they had been using the various shampoos to gauge long-term effectiveness, and those that had been used for several years with consistent results were favorable.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How often should you bathe your dog?

    Every vet has a slightly different opinion on this, but the consensus is: not as often as you think. “Of course, you do need to bathe your dog when they get dirty or smelly, but in general, I say not to give them a bath more than one to two times a month,” says Dr. Berst. Since dogs’ skin is more sensitive than ours, “overbathing can cause it to dry out and cause irritation.”


    Celebrity veterinarian Dr. Lisa Chimes agrees, telling PEOPLE you should rarely wash your dogs because their skin is designed to self-clean. So the less you wash them, the cleaner their fur will stay. Pet wipes can provide a refresh between baths.


    Dr. Finn sometimes recommends an every-other-day bath routine for pets with skin infections for up to three weeks. "On the other hand, some dogs may only need to be bathed once or twice a year, and of course, many dogs fall somewhere in between," he says. There are no set rules when it comes to dog baths, so we recommend you ask your veterinarian about your specific dog.


  • What shampoo do vets recommend?

    All of our experts agree that a gentle formula is the way to go unless you’re addressing a specific medical concern. "The biggest deal to me is to use a pet-safe shampoo," says Dr. Finn. In other words, don't use your own shampoo or whatever soap you have lying around at home. "I am a huge fan of veterinary-founded pet product companies," Dr. Finn adds. "But always discuss with your vet if you have questions about how you can optimize your pet's skin and coat health."


  • Should I use conditioner on my dog?

    You can use a conditioner for extra hydration, especially if your dog is prone to dry skin. That said, the other part of grooming that leads to a silky coat is brushing your dog’s hair. Dr. Berst advises brushing your dog’s coat “before the bath to get out any hair mats or excess dirt.”

Why Trust PEOPLE?

Madison Yauger is a shopping editor for PEOPLE who’s tested hundreds of lifestyle products across all categories. She's also a dog mom to a 2.5-year-old golden retriever, Stevie. For this story, she spoke to Heather Berst, VMD; Sara Ochoa, DVM; Jamie Whittenburg, DVM; Hunter Finn, DVM; and celebrity veterinarian Dr. Lisa Chimes. Madison used our survey’s insights, veterinarian recommendations, and her own experience as a pet parent to determine the best dog shampoos of 2024.

Our Expert Panel

  • Dr. Hunter Finn is a veterinarian and the founder of Pet Method Animal Hospital in McKinney, Texas. He has a TikTok following of 2.1 million and frequently gives advice answering common questions from pet parents.
  • Dr. Sara Ochoa is an associate veterinarian at the Animal Hospital of West Monroe in Louisiana. She is also a veterinary consultant for Scruffy Paws Nutrition.
  • Dr. Jamie Whittenburg is the veterinarian director at Senior Tail Waggers and the director of Kingsgate Animal Hospital in Lubbock, Texas.
  • Dr. Lisa Chimes, better known as Dr. Lisa, is a celebrity veterinarian based in Australia. She’s starred in the TV shows Bondi Vet and Dr. Lisa to the Rescue and is the founder of DOG By Dr. Lisa and CAT By Dr. Lisa.
  • Dr. Heather Berst is a veterinarian based in Asheville, North Carolina, and the senior medical lead at Zoetis, an animal health company.

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

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