Selecting the right dog shampoo can make you feel good about the care you’re providing for your dog. Roaming through the aisles, you might even sneak open a few bottles, sniffing for a pleasurable scent—all in the name of caring for your furry friend. A designer shampoo can make you feel like you’re giving your dog extra-special attention. With all the marketing techniques, natural product lines, and well-known brands, these products appeal to your sense of care and concern for your dog’s best interest. You want to take care of him in the best ways possible. Just as you carefully select his dog food, his toys, and his favorite pillow, you’re also concerned about providing the best shampoo for him. But when faced with the variety of shampoos on the shelf, how do you choose the right one?
Assessing Your Dog’s Needs
Start by carefully observing your dog. Feel his coat—does it shine, or is it dull? When you scratch him, do you find his skin cells under your fingernails? Does he scratch himself often? Is he prone to allergies? Understanding your dog’s unique needs is the first step in selecting the best shampoo for him. Since every dog is different, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all shampoo solution.
Dogs with dry skin and those with allergies are likely to scratch just as much, regardless of the underlying cause. Sometimes, dogs suffer from both dry skin and allergies. If your dog has dry skin, you’ll probably notice flakes of doggie dandruff on dark surfaces after scratching him—this isn’t very pleasant, but it’s a common issue. Dogs with dry skin often benefit from specialty shampoos, as washing their fur strips away essential oils, further drying their skin. Some dogs may even require a conditioner to restore those oils, often with an oatmeal base. Oatmeal shampoos and conditioners are highly recommended for dogs with dry skin problems.
Even if your dog has dry skin, try to assess whether allergies might also be at play. While some allergies may only be detectable by a veterinarian, others can be observed by the keen eye of an owner. Start under his chin. Dogs with allergies often rub the bottom of their face, as this is an area that comes in contact with allergens regularly. Redness, cracking, small bloody spots, tiny scabs, or inflammation along the bottom of the chin could indicate allergies. Check inside his ears, too—small, sensitive bumps can also point to allergies, especially in dogs with floppy ears. Redness, remnants of blood along the paws, flaring of the belly, and slight swelling of the genitals can also suggest allergic reactions.
For dogs showing basic signs of allergies, shampoos designed for either dry skin or skin allergies can be beneficial. While not all stores carry shampoos specifically for skin allergies, dry skin shampoo is often a suitable alternative. If your dog seems uncomfortable after a bath, scratching excessively, consider following up with an oatmeal conditioner, whether he has dry skin, allergies, both, or neither.
All dog shampoos aim to appeal to your sense of smell—after all, the main reason we bathe our dogs is to address their natural odor. Replacing his doggy scent with something more pleasant is a natural desire. However, when selecting a dog shampoo, try to avoid those with overly heavy perfumes. These shampoos may encourage your dog to roll around, trying to rub the scent off, and they can leave him with an oily, unnatural feeling.
Natural dog shampoos, made with gentle ingredients, are often the best option. While some 100% organic products might not clean as effectively as others, they’re usually formulated to be as gentle as possible on your dog’s fur and skin.
For dogs with dull or lackluster coats, shampoos and conditioners designed to restore shine and volume can help. Adding more protein to your dog’s diet—especially from sources like salmon—can work in tandem with these shampoos to improve his coat.
Keep in mind that overbathing your dog can lead to dry skin, even if his skin appears healthy at first. Using gentle products every three to four weeks will keep him clean without stripping his skin and coat of essential oils, and it will save you the hassle of excessive bathing.
Take your time when selecting a dog shampoo. Read labels, and compare what different shampoos and conditioners offer versus what your dog’s skin and coat actually need. In most cases, you’ll find the perfect shampoo that’s gentle on your pup. If you purchase a shampoo that doesn’t meet your expectations, don’t hesitate to return it or try something else. Once you find the right shampoo, you’ll likely stick with it unless your dog’s needs change.
