Your guide to choosing the right dog shampoo

Tips on keeping your canine healthy, clean and cute.

Factors in choosing the right dog shampoo.

• Your dog’s skin: Humans think of shampoo as haircare, but with dogs it’s really a skin care product. And like humans, dogs come with lots of different skin conditions. Shampoo for a dog with dry and itchy skin will be all wrong for a dog with more greasy or oily skin.
• Your dog’s coat. Is your canine covered in coarse curls or silky-fine fur? Are tangles a problem? You’ll want to pick a dog shampoo that matches the character, color and luster of your pup’s coat.
• Fragrance. While you may appreciate an aromatic shampoo, your idea of what smells great may not match your dog’s. Some pets have skin sensitivities so fragrance-free options might be the best choice for those pets.

Types of dog shampoo.

• All-purpose shampoos provide basic cleaning for dogs with healthy skin and coats.
• Deshedding shampoo is made with ingredients that help loosen and remove undercoat during bathing, allowing the fur to be brushed out more easily.
• Hypoallergenic shampoo – dog shampoo for allergies – is free of ingredients that are known to cause allergic reactions in dogs.
• Antimicrobial shampoos are medicated dog shampoos that your veterinarian may recommend and are available for dogs with certain skin conditions. Examples of these shampoos include anti-microbial or anti-seborrheic.
• Anti-itching shampoos relieve itching and inflammation due to insect bites, allergies and other conditions.
• Moisturizing shampoos help rehydrate and soften skin.
• Anti-seborrheic shampoos treat flaky, scaly skin by breaking down the buildup of dead skin cells.
• Tick and flea shampoo for dogs helps to treat persistent infestations.
• Waterless shampoo or dry shampoo for dogs can help alleviate certain skin conditions while making it easier to clean your pup more often.
• Deodorizers breakdown foul orders at the molecular level.
• Conditioners may make it easier to comb through a dog’s hair after bathing.
• Puppy shampoo is specially formulated for the sensitive skin and eyes of young dogs. Ensure you choose the product that is labeled for the age of your puppy. Just like babies, puppies have different shampoo needs. Some dog shampoos are labeled for puppies that are a few weeks old, while others are labeled for dogs that are several months old or adults.

Tips on choosing the best shampoo.

1. The best dog shampoo is actually a shampoo for dogs. It seems obvious, but shampoo for humans is designed for human skin, while dog shampoo is formulated for the very different pH levels of a dog’s skin. Using your personal shampoo on your dog will upset the balance of oils in its coat, dry out its skin and may even cause some skin conditions to worsen.
2. Avoid unsafe ingredients. All dog shampoos are not created equal. Pay attention to the ingredients of the shampoo you choose and avoid artificial colors and fragrances, as well as sulfates, parabens and phthalates. For those pets with sensitivities, choosing hair care products made with natural ingredients may be the safest.
3. Don’t scrimp. There’s a significant difference in pricing for shampoos, and it may be tempting to go with a bargain. But you don’t bathe your dog that often, choosing a high-quality but more expensive product won’t cost you much more in the long run.
4. Look for vet-approved products. Endorsements by veterinary or pet care organizations can help guide you to trusted products.
5. It never hurts to ask. If you’re overwhelmed by the many choices for dog shampoo – and we understand why you might be – you can always ask for advice from your veterinarian or from a trained PetSmart associate or Pet Stylist.

FAQs