Our Favourite Dog Shampoos for Sensitive Skin
Dog Products Shopping GuideCopy: Serena Faber-Nelson Photography: As Listed
If you've ever had a dog with sensitive skin, you know how important a good shampoo is. Shampoos filled with chemicals and synthetic fragrances may smell nice and lather well, but they could be making your dog's skin worse with every wash. So we've rounded up our five favorite dog shampoos for sensitive skin that will leave your pup with a shiny, healthy coat and itch free skin. If scratching is the main worry, these dog shampoos for itchy skin are worth a look too.
A quick, caring word before you shop. Several shampoos below are scented with essential oils. In a well made shampoo they are heavily diluted, but concentrated oils on a dog's coat or skin can make them unwell, and some dogs react even to small amounts. If your dog's skin is very reactive, or you share your home with cats, an unscented wash is the gentler choice. This guide to dog itchy skin home remedies explains which oils to keep well away from your pup. Whatever you choose, rinse until the water runs clear, so nothing is left on the coat to lick off.
Kin + Kind Healing Clay Shampoo
This hand mixed, USDA certified organic shampoo is perfect for when your dog's skin and coat needs a little extra love. A mix of olive and coconut oils cleanses and removes allergens while the soothing bentonite clay relieves irritation, all while keeping your dog's natural oils intact. It is lightly scented with bergamot, lime and ho wood essential oils, so if your pup is sensitive to fragrance, try it on a small patch first and rinse very well. There are absolutely no sulfates or parabens, and it restores your pup's fur back to a shining, healthy coat in no time. (And it doesn't have the luxury price tag either!)
> Shop Kin + Kind Healing Clay Shampoo
Dr Zoo Natural Calming Shampoo
Dr Zoo knows all about skin irritation with dogs. Their brand actually came to life because so many people were using their parent company's cult favorite anti-itch 'Moo Goo' products on their pets. This Dr Zoo shampoo uses a combination of six gentle coconut and glucose based cleansers rather than just one detergent to fully cleanse the skin and coat without stripping it. Added ingredients of aloe vera and colloidal rice bran help soothe and calm the skin, leaving your dog itch free. For more persistent hot spots and irritations you can also follow up with their Irritable Skin Cream.
The brand formulates its products to be lick-safe, choosing ingredients that are safe if a curious tongue sneaks a taste, with no parabens, benzoates or pesticides. Shampoo is still meant to be rinsed away, though, so wash out every trace and gently discourage licking during bath time.
> Shop Dr Zoo Natural Calming Shampoo
Essential Dog Sensitive Skin Range
The Essential Dog brand has been a favorite of ours for a number of years now and for good reason. Their Sensitive Skin range features not only a shampoo but a leave-in conditioner, dermal scratch spray and balm to keep your dog's skin fresh and irritant free. The shampoo blends certified organic plant extracts such as chamomile, calendula and comfrey, and is lightly scented with chamomile, sweet orange and rosewood essential oils, kept under one percent of the formula. The shampoo and conditioner combo is perfect for bath time, while the spray and balm are great for soothing the skin and leaving a protective layer in between washes. All are pH balanced, with no parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, soap, silicones, DPG or phthalates, vegan and not tested on animals. Try saying that 3 times in a row!
> Shop Essential Dog Sensitive Skin Range
Cider & Basil Wild Lavender & Geranium Leaf Shampoo
This natural shampoo is blended with pure lavender and geranium essential oils for a soft floral scent, and it is free from sulfates, parabens and artificial fragrances. Because its fragrance comes from essential oils, it suits dogs with mildly sensitive skin rather than very reactive skin, and a thorough rinse is a must. This gorgeous shampoo comes as part of a whole range including a matching conditioner, pet sprays and a coat oil.
> Shop Cider & Basil Wild Lavender & Geranium Leaf Shampoo
Moosh Natural Dog Shampoo
The hundreds of raving reviews on Amazon can't be wrong. Moosh is a cult favorite for owners of sensitive skinned doggos. Made with no sulfates or preservatives, Moosh is formulated with bentonite clay, which helps draw dirt and grime away from the skin. Argan oil, shea butter and aloe vera then moisturize and soften the skin and fur, leaving your pup's coat extra shiny. It is scented with lavender essential oil, so the same rinse-well rule applies. Cruelty free and eco friendly, it's a winner in our books.
> Shop Moosh Natural Dog Shampoo
GENTLE BATH TIME FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
The right shampoo is only half the story. Lukewarm water, a thorough rinse and drying your pup properly all help sensitive skin stay calm, and this step-by-step guide on how to bathe a dog at home walks you through each one. If itching, redness or flaky patches carry on after a gentle wash, it is time for a chat with your vet.
Happy washing!
For more on how essential oils affect pets and what to do after an accidental exposure, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center explains it clearly in its guide to essential oils and pets.
Sources
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, Is the Latest Home Trend Harmful to Your Pets?
- ASPCA Pro, Are Essential Oils Dangerous to Pets?
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