Best Dog Shampoo: Find the Perfect Wash for Every Pup’s Needs

Tired of dry, itchy dog skin and that funky dog odour that permeates your furniture? Bath time may not be your dog's favourite activity, but choosing the best dog shampoo can help ensure healthier skin and coat and a better smelling pooch.

Let’s be honest: our canine companions can get into some pretty messy situations. Most dogs love rolling around in muddy puddles, wrestling with the neighbor’s pets, or simply doing zoomies around the yard. Without a doubt, dogs know how to have fun—and they often smell like it afterward.

That’s why finding the best dog shampoo for your furry friend is a necessity. 

But with so many dog shampoo choices on the market—from best puppy shampoo formulas to best dog shampoo for itchy dry skin—it can feel overwhelming to choose the right one.

In this article, we have compiled a list of our top 10 favorite shampoos to help keep your dog not only looking fabulous but also smelling fresh and feeling comfortable in their own fur.

10 Best Dog Shampoos

Whether you are bathing your dog routinely as part of a regular grooming routine, spot cleaning an unexpected mess, or are treating an underlying skin issue, the type of shampoo you use will make a difference in their overall skin and coat health.

Choosing the best dog shampoo depends largely on your dog's coat type and their skin health, but you should also consider the reason for bathing them. Dogs that are itchy from allergies or dry skin need a shampoo designed to moisturize and soothe, while dogs that just need to wash the mud off can benefit from deodorizing shampoos.

Check out our top 10 best dog shampoos to help you pick the perfect suds to keep your dog smelling fresh and feeling good.

1. EQyss Premier Shampoo

Best Dog Shampoo for Overall Coat Health

Why we love it:

• • Ultra-gentle formula that won’t strip natural oils.
  • Helps condition the coat without leaving an unpleasant residue.
  • Leaves your pup’s fur feeling soft and smelling fresh.

If you’re searching for the best dog shampoo to bring that show-stopping sheen to your dog’s coat, EQyss Premier Shampoo is a must-try. This shampoo focuses on enhancing the natural shine and vitality of your pup's fur by using gentle, salon-quality ingredients that hydrate without over-drying. 

EQyss Premier Shampoo is perfect for dogs with normal to slightly dry skin, it’s pH-balanced to work in harmony with your dog’s delicate skin.

2. Earthbath Fragrance-Free Oatmeal & Aloe Shampoo

Best Dog Shampoo for Sensitive Skin

Why we love it:

• • Hypoallergenic, fragrance-free formula.
  • Relieves itchiness with oatmeal and aloe vera.
  • Gentle enough for frequent use.

If you’re hunting for the best unscented dog shampoo or simply prefer minimal fragrance, Earthbath has you covered. Earthbath Fragrance Free Oatmeal & Aloe Shampoo is a natural blend of oatmeal and aloe soothes dry, irritated skin, making it a top choice for pups prone to itching or sensitivities. 

The gentle formula ensures you can wash your furry pal regularly without stripping their skin of its natural oils, so your pup remains comfortable and flake-free. Plus, this is a pet parent fave in Canada (and beyond), making it a trusted go-to when looking for the best dog shampoo Canada options.

3. Scrubby Shampoo Mitten

Best Dog Shampoo for Spot Cleaning

Why we love it:

• • Quick and convenient mitten design.
  • Perfect for travel or post-walk cleanups.
  • Gentle, no-rinse formula.

You know those times when your dog manages to get muddy paws or a splash of who-knows-what right before you’re about to hop in the car or head home? Enter the Scrubby Shampoo Mitten. These single-use, no-rinse pet bath mittens are a lifesaver for mid-week cleaning emergencies or quick freshen-ups between full baths.

4. Earthbath Dirty Dog Shampoo (Sweet Orange Oil)

Best Dog Shampoo Deep Cleaning

Why we love it:

• • Natural orange oil helps remove stubborn dirt and odors.
  • Leaves a fresh, sweet citrus scent.
  • Free of parabens and phosphates.

Got a dog who’s always finding new and “interesting” scents to roll in (think dead leaves, muddy puddles, or even worse)? Earthbath’s Dirty Dog Shampoo is here to save the day (and your nose). This formula uses sweet orange oil, a natural degreaser, to cut through stubborn dirt and stinky odors.

We especially love it for dogs who seem to excel at seeking out foul smells—the refreshing citrus scent is powerful enough to combat even the worst doggie odor. Not only is the pet shampoo arguably the best dog shampoo that smells good, but it also leaves your pup’s fur squeaky clean. Win-win!

5. Tropiclean Hypoallergenic Waterless Shampoo

Best Waterless Dog Shampoo

Why we love it:

• • No-rinse foam formula—perfect for water-averse pups.
  • Hypoallergenic and gentle.
  • Coconut-scented for a tropical twist.

We’ve all known that a dog who acts like bath time is the end of the world (or maybe your pup is that dog!). If the sound of running water sends your furry friend straight under the bed, consider trying a best waterless dog shampoo option like Tropiclean’s Hypoallergenic Waterless Shampoo.

This dreamy, coconut-scented foam is easy to massage into your dog’s coat—no rinsing required. It’s ideal for cleaning and deodorizing in between regular baths or for dogs who don’t tolerate water well. And since it’s hypoallergenic, it’s a safe bet for pups with sensitive skin.

6. Skout's Honor Probiotic Puppy Shampoo

Best Puppies Shampoo

Why we love it:

• • Probiotic formula supports healthy skin and coat.
  • Gentle enough for young puppies.
  • Shampoo and conditioner combo to streamline bath time.

Bath time with a puppy can be a fun (and slippery) adventure, so choosing the best puppy shampoo is crucial. Skout’s Honor Probiotic Puppy Shampoo goes above and beyond by including probiotics that help combat bad bacteria on your pup’s skin. 

The natural ingredients soothe irritation while encouraging a healthy, balanced coat—and because it’s a 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner, you can get the job done in half the time!

7. Kin + Kind Itchy Dog Shampoo (Tea Tree & Grapefruit)

Best Dog Shampoo for Itchy Skin

Why we love it:

• • Made with tea tree and grapefruit oils for natural relief.
  • Plant-based ingredients, cruelty-free.
  • Soothes chronic itchiness, hot spots, and minor irritations.

Does your dog seem to be constantly scratching? Then Kin + Kind Itchy Dog Shampoo could be your new go-to. Powered by tea tree and grapefruit essential oils, this formula helps calm irritation and dryness while naturally deodorizing.

As the best dog shampoo for itchy dry skin, it works wonders to provide that soothing relief your pup desperately needs.

8. Vet's Best Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoo

Best Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoo

Why we love it:

• • Created by veterinarians specifically for sensitive dogs.
  • Gentle formula helps moisturize dry, brittle coats.
  • Great option for pups with seasonal or food allergies.

Vet's Best Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoo not only cleans without stripping vital oils, but it also locks in moisture to keep the coat feeling soft. If you’ve been searching high and low for the best hypoallergenic dog shampoo, this gentle, vet-approved product is definitely worth a try.

9. Naturvet Hemp Deodorizing Shampoo

Best Deodorizing Dog Shampoo

Why we love it:

• • Infused with hemp for extra conditioning.
  • Deodorizes stubborn doggy smells.
  • Leaves the coat shiny and manageable.

Some dogs just have that “doggy smell,” no matter how many baths you give them. Naturvet’s Hemp Deodorizing Shampoo attacks that problem head-on. It uses hemp, known for its moisturizing and soothing qualities, to keep your dog’s coat healthy while fighting off lingering odours.

10. Burt's Bees Calming Shampoo (Lavender & Green Tea)

Best Calming Dog Shampoo

Why we love it:

• • Mild lavender scent to help calm anxious pups.
  • pH-balanced for dogs.
  • Free of sulfates, colorants, and harsh chemicals.

Ah, Burt’s Bees—trusted for human skin care and now beloved in the pet world. Burt's Bees Calming Shampoo is a gentle, plant-based shampoo that uses lavender and green tea extracts to impart a calming aroma that can help reduce stress during bath time. If your dog gets anxious or overstimulated in the tub, this might just help make the experience a little more peaceful for everyone involved.

Plus, Burt’s Bees is known for its commitment to natural, clean ingredients. It’s free of sulfates and harsh chemicals, so it can also double as a quality best dog shampoo for mildly sensitive pups.

Finding the Best Dog Shampoo for Your Pup

When it comes to picking the best dog shampoo—whether you want the best dog shampoo that smells good, best puppy shampoo, or best dog shampoo for itchy dry skin—the “right” answer depends on your dog’s specific needs. 

Some doggos might thrive with a gentle, fragrance-free formula (like Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe), while others benefit from a more targeted solution like Vet’s Best Hypoallergenic Shampoo or Kin + Kind Itchy Dog Shampoo.

Always remember that a little planning goes a long way. Keep a waterless shampoo or Scrubby Shampoo Mitten on hand for quick fixes, and don’t forget a comfy towel and plenty of treats to make the experience as stress-free and positive as possible for your dog. After all, a happy dog (and CLEAN dog) makes for a happy home!

Find the Perfect Shampoo for Your Pup at Homes Alive Pets! Keep your dog clean, healthy, and smelling fresh with our top-rated shampoos. Shop Now and make bath time a breeze!

For tips on how to bathe your dog, check out our DIY Dog Grooming Guide for Beginners. 

Frequently Asked Best Dog Shampoo Questions

What dog shampoo is best for dogs with itchy skin?

If your dog is constantly scratching or has seasonal allergies, choose a shampoo formulated for sensitive or itchy skin. Kin + Kind Itchy Dog Shampoo with tea tree and grapefruit oils is an excellent choice, as it’s specifically designed to soothe irritation and reduce redness. Earthbath Fragrance Free Oatmeal & Aloe is another fantastic option for calming inflammation.

What dog shampoo is best for smell?

Looking to banish that wet dog odor? Earthbath Dirty Dog Shampoo is a standout for its powerful yet natural sweet orange oil formula. It effectively cuts through stubborn grime and leaves behind a refreshing citrus scent. Naturvet Hemp Deodorizing Shampoo is also great for more persistent doggy odors.

Can I use regular human shampoo on my dog?

Generally, no. Dogs have a different skin pH level than humans, so using regular human shampoo can dry out their skin and cause irritation or itching. It’s best to use shampoos specifically formulated for dogs, like those mentioned above, to maintain a healthy skin and coat balance.

How often should I bathe my dog?

Bathing frequency depends on your dog’s breed, lifestyle, and skin condition. As a rule of thumb, once every four to six weeks is common. However, dogs with oily coats or who get dirty often might need more frequent baths. Just be sure to use a gentle, best dog shampoo that won’t strip their natural oils if you’re bathing them more regularly.

Is waterless dog shampoo effective?

Yes! Tropiclean Hypoallergenic Waterless Shampoo (and even quick solutions like the Scrubby Shampoo Mitten) can be highly effective for in-between baths or for dogs who dislike water. While these products may not replace a full bath for heavily soiled dogs, they’re fantastic for quick freshen-ups and mild deodorizing.

Which dog shampoo is best for puppies?

For gentle, puppy-safe formulas, Skout’s Honor Probiotic Puppy Shampoo is a top pick. It’s designed especially for young dogs and also doubles as a conditioner, making bath time shorter and sweeter for your wiggly little fur-bundle. Always look for labels that specify “puppy” to ensure the formula is mild enough for delicate puppy skin.