Dec 03, 2020 May 13, 2022

Puppies are notoriously playful creatures. Their penchant for rolling in the dirt and mud is legendary. Arguably, keeping puppies clean and sweet-smelling requires the use of shampoo.

But, how do you identify the best brands for Fido? Often, selecting the right shampoo can be downright challenging.

Below, we share our favorite puppy shampoo brands. They contain mild, pleasantly-scented natural ingredients to pamper your favorite baby pooch.

If you’re looking for the best shampoos, use our guide to jumpstart your search. This hassle-free method ensures that you find the best product for your beloved pet.

Best Overall
Our Score 9.8 Out of 10
Check price chewy.com
Best Mid Range
Our Score 9.6 Out of 10
Check price amazon.com
Cheaper Choice
Our Score 9.4 Out of 10
Check price amazon.com
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Our Score 9.0 Out of 10
Check price chewy.com
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Our Score 8.6 Out of 10
Check price amazon.com

Earthbath Ultra-Mild Wild Cherry Puppy Shampoo

Our Score 9.8 out of 10
Earthbath Ultra-Mild Wild Cherry Puppy Shampoo, 16-oz bottle
Earthbath Ultra-Mild Wild Cherry Puppy Shampoo, 16-oz bottle chewy.com Check price

Description
Brand new puppies might play rough and act tough, but they need a gentle cleanser! Earthbath Ultra-Mild Wild Cherry Puppy Shampoo is a tearless, soap-free cleanser pH balanced for puppi...

This shampoo is made from natural ingredients, with purified water being the main one. The inclusion of four essential vitamins makes Earthbath’s offering an outstanding product. It’s very gentle and therefore, a great choice for puppies with sensitive skin.

The manufacturer also excludes harsh chemicals such as parabens and phosphates, making the shampoo an extremely pup-friendly product. 

Earthbath’s shampoo is packaged in a 16oz bottle and offered at a reasonable price. Additionally, this tearless shampoo also contains conditioners and is safe for puppies that are at least six weeks old. It interacts well with various flea treatments without reducing the efficacy of the applications.

Pros
  • Very gentle due to the balanced pH levels
  • Comes with an appealing cherry scent and mild cleansers
  • Contains aloe vera, which soothes itchy skin
  • Tear-free
  • Suitable for young puppies
  • Contains both a conditioner and detangler
  • Free from parabens, sulfates, gluten, DEA, and other harsh chemicals
Cons
  • None

TropiClean Hypo-allergenic  Shampoo

Our Score 9.6 out of 10
TropiClean Gentle Coconut Hypoallergenic Puppy and Kitten Shampoo, 20oz - Gentle Cleansing for Dogs & Cats with Sensitive Skin - Made in the USA - Soap & Paraben Free
TropiClean Gentle Coconut Hypoallergenic Puppy and Kitten Shampoo, 20oz - Gentle Cleansing for Dogs & Cats with Sensitive Skin - Made in the USA - Soap & Paraben Free amazon.com Check price

GENTLE CLEANSING – TropiClean Gentle Coconut Hypoallergenic Puppy Shampoo is perfect for puppies, kittens and pets with allergies or sensitive skin, as it gently cleanses and moisturizes their skin...

This shampoo is packaged in a 20oz or 2.5-gallon bottle and helps reduce itching on both puppies and kittens. The product contains a luxurious cleanser that produces a rich lather, making the washing process a breeze. 

Other essential ingredients in the shampoo are aloe vera extracts and vitamins. The tropical scent will leave the puppy’s skin well-moisturized and deliciously sweet-smelling.

Pros
  • Fresh coconut scent
  • PH balanced
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Gentle on the skin
  • Won’t cause irritation and interfere with flea and tick treatments
  • Contains organic ingredients
Cons
  • None

Hartz Groomer's Best Tearless Extra Gentle Puppy Shampoo

Our Score 9.4 out of 10
Hartz Groomer's Best Tearless Puppy Shampoo
Hartz Groomer's Best Tearless Puppy Shampoo amazon.com Check price

Mild, tearless formula specially formulated for the delicate skin and coat of puppies without being harsh or drying
Includes 18 fluid ounces of extra-gentle, jasmine scented shampoo
Suitable for al...

This Hartz formula contains gentle ingredients, eradicating the risk of irritation or inflammation. The product, which is packaged in an 18oz bottle, won the 2018 Women's Choice Award for America’s most recommended puppy shampoo. The moisturizing ingredients promote silky and soft coats.

Like the previous brands, the manufacturer also excludes harmful chemicals, alcohol, and parabens to prevent any damage to a puppy’s skin. 

The addition of jasmine promotes a refreshing and calming bath. Meanwhile, the extra-gentle formula is very effective in hydrating the skin. The shampoo also comes in four other scents: cherry blossom, buttermilk, green apple, and tropical breeze.

Pros
  • The best shampoo for all dog breeds and ages
  • Comes with a puppy bathing guide
  • Contains pleasant fragrances which will keep your puppy fresh-smelling
  • Very gentle on the skin
Cons
  • None

Burt's Bees Tearless Puppy Shampoo With Buttermilk for Dogs

Our Score 9.0 out of 10
Burt's Bees Tearless Puppy Shampoo with Buttermilk for Dogs, 16-oz bottle
Burt's Bees Tearless Puppy Shampoo with Buttermilk for Dogs, 16-oz bottle chewy.com Check price

Groom your pet with gentle ingredients that help him stay fresh naturally. Burt's Bees Tearless Puppy Shampoo with Buttermilk for Dogs is made with some of nature’s finest ingredients for your peac...

Burt's Bees has been producing high-end, eco-friendly products for 30 years. This renowned puppy shampoo contains a diversity of natural ingredients.

The manufacturer also offers a 2-in1 tearless puppy shampoo and conditioner featuring buttermilk and linseed oil. The nourishing ingredients are essential in promoting moisturized, healthy skin. You can find both shampoos in 16oz bottles. 

Pros
  • Nourishing ingredients
  • Veterinarian-recommended
  • 99% natural ingredients
  • Balanced pH making it suitable for puppies and dogs
  • Absence of harsh chemicals; all formulas are free of sulfates, parabens, fragrances, and colorants
Cons
  • None

Pet Pleasant Lavender Oatmeal Puppy Shampoo

Our Score 8.6 out of 10
Cleansing Dog Shampoo for Smelly Dogs - Refreshing Colloidal Oatmeal Dog Shampoo for Dry Skin and Dog Bath Soap - Moisturizing Dog Shampoo Oatmeal Lavender Formula for Great Smelling Dog Wash
Cleansing Dog Shampoo for Smelly Dogs - Refreshing Colloidal Oatmeal Dog Shampoo for Dry Skin and Dog Bath Soap - Moisturizing Dog Shampoo Oatmeal Lavender Formula for Great Smelling Dog Wash amazon.com Check price

Dog Oatmeal Shampoo - Try one of the best dog shampoo formulas handcrafted to cleanse and moisturize dry skin and fur for a pet shampoo for dogs that’s a dog grooming supplies and pet bath staple
D...

This lavender puppy shampoo is soothing, pleasant-smelling, and has a moisturizing effect on the skin. 

Colloidal oatmeal is hypoallergenic and promotes a relaxing bath experience. If your puppy enjoys rolling in the mud and dirt, the natural deodorizers will eradicate any unpleasant smells. The exclusion of harsh products and chemicals makes the shampoo an optimal choice for puppies and very young dogs. 

Finally, the inclusion of lavender oil provides a therapeutic, calming influence on a dog’s senses.

Pros
  • Contains essential oils with moisturizing properties
  • Absence of harsh chemicals
  • Soothing ingredients
  • Vet-recommended product
  • Revitalizes dry skin
Cons
  • None

How to Pick the Best Puppy Shampoos

Puppy skin is quite sensitive, so vets usually recommend using a mild shampoo. Finding a product that can be customized to your puppy's needs is important. 

Some pups struggle with itchy, dry skin and thus, require a good moisturizer with essential oils. Meanwhile, others suffer from skin allergies and are sensitive to environmental pollutants and synthetic ingredients. 

Our guide will provide insights on what to consider when purchasing a shampoo for your puppy's needs.

Ingredients

All puppy shampoos aren’t made equal. Some contain several obscure ingredients. Meanwhile, others contain a multiplicity of complex or unfamiliar ingredients. Selecting a product with minimal and naturally sourced ingredients is recommended.

Make sure the product you choose has anti-inflammatory properties, a pleasant scent, and essential, moisturizing oils. 

In addition, the product should be free from harsh chemicals such as sulfates, colorants, or parabens. Chemical-free products mitigate the risk of damaging your pup's delicate skin.

How the Shampoo Caters to Sensitive Skin

Some puppies have sensitive skin. Like a human baby, a juvenile canine has soft, fragile skin.  But, how do you know if your puppy has the condition? Look for constant scratching, bald patches, and excessive hair loss.

Because of the sensitivity of a puppy’s skin, many puppy shampoos include soothing ingredients like aloe vera, shea butter, jojoba oil, Vitamin E, and special herbal extracts. You’ll want to avoid shampoos with chemicals, alcohol, phosphates, and parabens. 

You’ll also want to avoid ingredients your pet may be allergic to. For example, many mild puppy shampoos contain colloidal oatmeal, which veterinarians say are great for pets with sensitive skin. However, if your puppy has an oat sensitivity, an oatmeal-based shampoo may do more harm than good.

The Size of the Bottle

A 16oz bottle is the ideal size for puppies. If this is your first time buying a puppy shampoo, we recommend purchasing the smallest bottle size available. 

Then, if you’re satisfied with the shampoo, you can pick a larger bottle the next time you place an order. However, if you have several puppies, you may opt for a larger bottle with your first order.

The Fragrance of the Puppy Shampoo

Most pet owners bathe their puppies to ensure that they smell great. Choosing a shampoo with floral, fruity, or herbal scents can make for a pleasant bath experience. 

You can also choose to select a shampoo with a dominant scent. If you like the smell of lavender, opt for a shampoo with the fragrance. Other sweet-smelling choices include cherry, coconut, jasmine, rose, or papaya.

PH-Balanced Shampoo

How important is pH balance in a puppy shampoo? Puppy skin, unlike yours, is less acidic. So, human shampoo can have an irritating effect on a puppy. Opting for a pH-balanced shampoo safeguards your puppy’s delicate skin.

Highly acidic shampoos can also have a drying effect on your puppy's skin. This will cause itchiness and redness.

The Age of Your Puppy

The age of your puppy is something you probably overlook when purchasing a shampoo. Nevertheless, age is a critical factor when deciding which product to buy. Look for age specifications on products. If there’s none, the shampoo may be suitable for all ages.

That said, many experts recommend not shampooing puppies until they’re at least three months old. The reason is that your puppy’s sebaceous glands won’t be fully mature until that age. So, shampoos (especially those with harsh chemicals) can have a drying effect on its skin.

The Shampoo’s Compatibility With Flea Medication

Flea infestation is likely to happen at any age. Be sure to ask your vet about the right flea medication and the age the treatment can be safely administered to your pup.

When considering a shampoo, it’s important to select one that won’t minimize the effectiveness of the treatment. Most brands clearly state how the shampoo will interact with flea medication.

Tearless Product

A puppy shampoo should be tearless. During the bathing process, there’s a high possibility of the shampoo getting into the puppy's eyes. 

A tearless shampoo contains gentle ingredients that will minimize irritation to the eyes.

Conditioner or Detangler Properties

A detangler is crucial in a puppy shampoo. For double-coated puppies (like St.Bernard’s, Akitas, and Malamutes), the detangler helps prevent the incidence of hair knots. 

Thus, a product with a conditioner and detangler is essential for grooming. For pups with shorter hair, the detangler is generally unnecessary.

The Concentration of the Shampoo

Some brands offer natural and organic shampoo concentrates, necessitating dilution before using. If the product you purchase is in concentrate form, be sure to dilute it as instructed to avoid damaging your pup's skin. Above all, observe hygienic practices to avoid contaminating the shampoo concentrate.

One benefit of shampoo concentrates is its cost-effectiveness. A gallon, for example, can last a long time. Conversely, other products are ready to use, and you can apply it directly to your pup. 

The Brand of the Shampoo

Brand reputation is crucial when selecting the ideal shampoo. Some brands are well known for offering sustainably sourced, hypoallergenic products

Meanwhile, other brands have a reputation for offering products of substandard quality, which may pose a health risk to your puppy. 

When purchasing in the digital space, carefully read the reviews and customer testimonials. A brand with many positive reviews is a safer bet than one with few or negative reviews.

Customized Options for Your Pup 

The shampoo you choose will depend on your puppy’s breed, age, coat type, or skin sensitivity. As a pet parent, you have a deep understanding of your puppy’s needs. Puppies with especially sensitive skin may need shampoos containing herbal extracts like aloe vera, chamomile, and rosemary.

If your puppy is allergic to certain ingredients, avoid buying products that contain it. For puppies with dry skin, purchase products with moisturizing properties.

Choosing the Best Shampoos for Your Pup Is a Labor of Love

If you feel overwhelmed by the diversity of choices on the shelves, the above guide simplifies the tedious process of identifying an ideal puppy shampoo. 

Above all, if your puppy's needs are your main focus, you’ll want to choose accordingly.

All of the above shampoos come in various bottle sizes, with affordable price tags. Selecting from reputable brands guarantees a high-quality product that will ensure your pup’s continued wellbeing.

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