Dog shampoos

Shampoos for dogs for bathing at home and in the salon: hydrating, deep-cleansing, detangling, for white and dark coats, for sensitive skin and against unpleasant odour.

Start from the coat type – short, long, double, curly or wiry – and add the need. Concentrates are diluted before use and work out more economical for frequent bathing and large breeds. Shampoo and conditioner from the same line are also available as a set with −10%.

For guidance by brand, see the guide Chris Christensen: which line is for what. To work out what a bath at home with a given shampoo costs you, the bath-cost calculator is useful.

How to choose a dog shampoo

A dog shampoo is chosen by two things: the coat type and what you want to achieve – cleaning, detangling, shine or care for sensitive skin. You will find a more detailed guide in the article How to choose a shampoo for your dog, and the shampoo finder picks products by breed, coat and need.

Shampoo for dogs with sensitive skin and itching

Choose a hypoallergenic formula or an oatmeal shampoo, such as TropiClean OxyMed with oatmeal, TropiClean OxyMed Anti-Itch or Chris Christensen SmartWash 50 Hypoallergenic. If the itching does not go away, see a vet – and read why your dog keeps scratching.

Shampoo for dogs against odour

An unpleasant smell usually comes from dirt and oil in the coat. A deep-cleansing shampoo helps, such as Chris Christensen SmartWash 50 Jungle Apple or TropiClean PerfectFur Deodorizing for short double coats. If the smell comes back soon after a bath or comes from the ears or skin folds, see a vet.

Shampoo for white dogs

White and light coats turn yellow and darker from dirt and tears. Whitening shampoos, such as Chris Christensen White on White and SmartWash 50 Whitening, refresh the colour of white, grey and light coats.

Deshedding shampoo

In shedding season, a deshedding shampoo and conditioner loosen the dead undercoat so it comes out with the brush rather than on the sofa. Good choices are iGroom Deshedding + Detangling and Chris Christensen SmartWash 50 Deshed. More tips: how to reduce shedding.

Puppy shampoo

For puppies, choose a mild tearless shampoo and follow the minimum age on the label – it differs from product to product. Groom Professional Tender Puppy Kitty is made for the first baths of puppies and kittens, while TropiClean for puppies and kittens is for 12 weeks and older. See also the guide A new puppy at home.

Dry shampoo for dogs

When a bath is not possible – for an older dog, when you are short of time or between two baths – a dry shampoo or no-rinse foam cleans the coat without water. Good choices are Bugalugs Oatmeal and Chris Christensen OC Magic Foam. How to use it: Dry shampoo for dogs.

Flea shampoo and skin-fold care

Bugalugs Flea & Tick with neem oil helps wash fleas, ticks and other insects out of the coat (for dogs and puppies over 8 weeks). It does not replace the parasite treatment your vet recommends. For skin folds in bulldogs and pugs there is a no-rinse foam with chlorhexidine – Bugalugs Wrinkle No-Rinse; see also skin-fold care.

Frequently asked questions

Can I bathe my dog with human shampoo?

It is not recommended. A dog's skin has a different pH and is thinner than human skin, so human shampoo can dry it out and irritate it. Use a dog shampoo.

How often should I bathe my dog?

It depends on the coat and the breed – from once a week for long silky coats to a few times a year for some double-coated breeds. Breed guidance is in the article How often should you bathe a dog.

How do I dilute a concentrated shampoo?

Follow the ratio on the label – for example, 10:1 means 10 parts water to 1 part shampoo. Dilute it in a separate bottle just before the bath.