Best Dog Shampoo for Sensitive Skin 2024 – 10 Top Picks Reviewed

Is your dog showing any telltale signs of sensitive or dry skin such as weeping, flaky, dry, or red rashes? If yes, you may find it challenging to keep him comfortable and happy.

At the first sign of irritated skin, you need to treat your family pet accordingly with the best dog shampoos for sensitive skin. You may as well consider making changes to the grooming routine and diet.

For any dog with skin irritation or similar discomfort, regular shampoos just don’t cut it at bath time.

Yet, with natural dog shampoos for sensitive skin, you can use bath time as an opportunity to help your pet heal and stay happy. We did extensive research to find some of the best dog shampoos. And our top pick for most cases will be Vet’s Best Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoo. It’s natural, affordable, and works on all dogs regardless of their skin type or issues.

The Best Dog Shampoo for Sensitive Skin 2024

Our list of best dog shampoos for sensitive skin is a simple yet highly effective solution to clear up skin irritation.

Why Do You Need Purpose-Made Shampoo for Sensitive or Dry Skin?

• It is the most reliable option to give long-lasting and soothing relief from dry, itchy skin.
• It contains a formula of natural and safe ingredients.

Calming a dog’s skin that’s irritated or damaged demands immediate attention to cut the risk of long-term discomfort. And it stays true regardless of the dog’s breed or age. There are other steps to reduce the discomfort, like switching your dog’s diet. But you should get quality shampoos for sensitive skin as well.

The best professional-grade or homemade dog shampoo for sensitive skin is relatively easy to use. After as little as several applications, your dog will start feeling much more comfortable.

Here, we have shortlisted and reviewed the best dog shampoo for sensitive skin. You can even use some of these options for dry and itchy skin or any skin type.

Best Dog Shampoo for Sensitive Skin Reviews 2024

The Hypo-Allergenic Dog Shampoo by Vet’s Best is an entirely natural remedy to relieve all signs of itching skin and brittle, dry coats. The key components in this shampoo are vet formulated and include vitamin E and Aloe Vera.

Even though this shampoo is made to work on sensitive dog skins, you can still use it much like a regular shampoo. It means that frequent applications will not dry out your dog’s skin.

It’s also a nice smelling dog shampoo. After washing your dog, you’ll notice that aside from a very soft coat, they’ll also have a pleasant fur scent.

Product Highlights

• Easy to rinse off
• Lathers in great
• Mild shampoo to avoid irritating the already damaged skin
• Gentle enough for every skin type
• Very fresh and clean scent to leave the coat soft

This Oatmeal Dog Shampoo by Particular Paws is a perfect all-natural solution for dogs with sensitive skin.

It is created with natural ingredients like rosemary to encourage hair growth. Honey extract regenerates skin tissue, and chamomile is anti-inflammatory. Finally, Aloe Vera is a powerful moisturizer to soothe the dog suffering from rashes, hives, redness, scratchy, and itchy skin.

Use this hypoallergenic shampoo to give long-lasting protection from future allergies and soothing the skin and coat. This shampoo is safe to use for the entire family with absolutely no unnecessary ingredients like chemicals or toxins.

It is a natural,  soap free solution that makes it easy to wash sensitive skin, injuries, or other damaged areas.

A regular application of this dog shampoo will increase the likelihood of avoiding rashes, hives, or a similar skin condition.

Product Highlights

• Creates a soothing and thick lather
• Great smell that lasts
• Very affordable price
• Can double as a cat or even human shampoo
• All-natural formula with soothing oatmeal aloe vera and chamomile
• Practical for dogs at all ages, from puppies to seniors

This Honeydew Dog Shampoo utilizes natural ingredients to help clear up your pet’s skin and avoid irritation.

It contains ingredients like colloidal oatmeal, lavender extract, and jojoba to ease your pet’s discomfort and prevent future flare-ups. This formula isn’t aggressive, so it won’t affect the production of natural oils. Yet, it cleans well and leaves your dog’s skin and fur soft and fragrant. No harsh ingredients other shampoos rely on! The lavender essential oils will make even the smelliest dog clean and fluffy like a snowflake. 

The formula is vet recommended and clinically-tested. It’s also soap free, so it is safe to use around your dog’s eyes and nose as well.

Product Highlights

• All-natural ingredients like lavender and colloidal oatmeal
• Vet-recommended
• Fragrant
• Satisfaction guarantee

This Natural Dog-Shampoo and Conditioner by Paws & Pals works great on the itchy, dry coat and skin of your dog. This shampoo and conditioner is 100% natural. It contains zero toxic ingredients and provides deep moisturization.

The primary active ingredients include coconut oils, jojoba, and Aloe Vera. They will clear up all signs of itchy and painful skin associated with dryness, dandruff, and fleas.

The rosemary addition is great to moisturize and smoothen the coat, leaving your dog happy, healthy, and clean. Applying it is quick and comfortable in a shower or tub.

For best results, make sure to apply the shampoo from head to tail. It is a tear-free, soap free formula that will not inflame or cause irritation to your dog’s nose or eyes at bath time.

Product Highlights

• Very easy to apply to the dog’s coat
• Organic shampoo gentle enough for all skin conditions
• Leaves the dog’s skin and coat fresh and shiny
• Wonderful moisturizing effect
• No harsh chemicals
• Quick to wash out and leaves no residue

The Oliver’s Choice Oatmeal Shampoo is a high-quality solution to detangle, condition, deodorize, moisturize, and clean your four-legged friend. Oatmeal and aloe vera, as well as shea butter, give a gentle, deep clean perfect for dogs with sensitive skin. It’s gentle enough for puppies as well.

Plus, the ingredients are paraben-free and non-toxic, allowing you to avoid exposing the dog to harsh chemicals.

Pet owners can rely on this shampoo to give an all-inclusive wash that moisturizes the skin, deodorizes away odors. It also detangles hair, cleanses the coat, and alleviates irritation associated with dry skin.

This shampoo also does not contain any synthetics, making it better for the environment. Need we even mention how we love cruelty free products?

Product Highlights

• No harsh chemicals
• Hypoallergenic
• Does not irritate the pet’s skin, ears, or eyes while bathing
• Great fresh and clean smell
• Practical for all types of fur and all ages
• Biodegradable and cruelty free

The Natural Dog by DakPets shampoo is made with a veterinary grade formula to treat the dogs’ sensitive coat and skin.

Every ingredient included in this dog shampoo comes from an entirely natural source.

Palm oils, coconut oils, and aloe help relieve and soothe the itchy and irritated skin issues caused by sensitivity and allergies.

Plus, this is a hypoallergenic dog shampoo to avoid inflaming or irritating the dog’s skin, nose, or eyes. A regular wash will soon return the health and shine of a dog’s worn or matted coat.

The formula will help you with nearly everything you need when grooming your canine. You won’t need to buy multiple products to moisturize, detangle, deodorize, condition and shampoo the pet.

Product Highlights

• Eliminates the wet doggy smell
• Biodegradable and eco-friendly formula
• Complete 5-in-1 product
• Mild ingredients to soothe the most brittle and dirty coat or flaky skin
• Odor-free solution
• A single wash gives long-lasting relief from itching

This 5-in-1 Dog & Puppy Shampoo by PET CARE Sciences is a fast, effective, and reliable solution to treat dogs with sensitive skin. After a wash with this shampoo, your pet will smell wonderful. Grooming will also be so much easier!

For complete safety, this professional-grade shampoo features a formula of natural ingredients. These include palm oil, omega 9, omega 3, and coconut oil.

This ph balanced shampoo for dogs only contains the very best ingredients with no phosphates, parabens, or sulfate. Apply it much like any other shampoo. Simply wet the dog’s coat and apply a fair amount of shampoo. Gently rub into your dog’s coat to create a thick lather.

Lastly, simply rinse well, and your dog will feel immediate relief from itchiness or dry skin.

Product Highlights

• Easy to use and quickly rinses
• All-natural and safe ingredients
• Safe for all dog breeds, from a Beagle to a Labrador Retriever
• Contains a pleasant and refreshing smell

This Anti-Itch Shampoo & Conditioner by Pets Are Kids Too is made for dry, itchy, sensitive skin conditions. It includes organic, natural ingredients that calm down irritation, like soothing oatmeal and baking soda. While it’s excellent for dogs, you can also use it on cats.

It has a very light scent of oatmeal, but that’s about the only thing you’ll feel. Despite this, it does a pretty good job at clearing odors. Not by masking them, mind you – it really cleans!

Plus, it also has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. These are essential for a complete anti-itch treatment. There are absolutely no toxic chemicals, making it suitable for dogs with allergies and sensitive skin.

Product Highlights

• No artificial scents
• Antibacterial and antifungal
• 100 natural shampoo and conditioner
• Gets rid of itchiness and dandruff

This All Natural Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoo by Mika Pets is a great all-around moisturizing and deodorizing solution. It’s equally good for puppies and adult dogs.

The all-natural ingredients can help relieve the discomfort associated with itchy and dry skin.

This grooming shampoo is created using aloe vera juice. Hence its anti-inflammatory properties and oatmeal for the best moisturizing effect.

To leave your family pet smelling great after a bath, this dog shampoo has a warm and refreshing coconut scent. This hypoallergenic shampoo is so soothing that it will not trigger existing allergies or even dry out the skin.

Whether you have a skinny Dalmatian or a long Dachshund, this oatmeal and aloe shampoo is an excellent choice for a happy and content dog. You can use this shampoo on any pet – from dogs or cats to ferrets, hamsters, and horses!

Product Highlights

• Soothing ingredients won’t irritate the dry or itchy skin
• Hypoallergenic formula
• Super safe ingredients with no phosphates or sulfates
• Refreshing scent
• Great for all breeds and any pet

This Shampoo For All Dogs by Rocco & Roxie Supply Co is a calm, hypoallergenic blend created with high-quality and natural formula.

Chamomile helps to improve the elasticity and texture of the skin. Aloe Vera is very moisturizing and soothing. On the other hand, the rosemary extract helps promote healthier skin.

This shampoo is entirely free of harmful components such as parabens and formaldehyde.

This shampoo’s all-natural formula means there are no drying alcohols or masking dyes that would harm the dog’s coat’s health over the long term. It also won’t trigger a dog’s existing allergies.

This sensitive shampoo and conditioner is very easy to use. Simply work into the dog’s coat to create lather and gently massage in. It rinses out very quickly.

Regardless of the dermal condition, the shampoo’s regular application will give your canine relief.

Product Highlights

• Lathers in and rinses out very easily
• Excellent for puppies
• Delightful light and refreshing smell
• Very soothing shampoo that will not irritate the dog’s skin
• Gives long-lasting protection between each bath time

Things to Consider When Buying a Sensitive Dog Shampoo

There are a variety of reasons why puppies and adult dogs develop sensitive skin issues. A few of the most typical reasons include:

• Environment – the actual living space for your dog is one of the most common issues. The air in your home might be too dry. If that’s the case, try using air humidifiers and see if things get better.
• Infections – this may relate to a fungal or yeast infection. If you notice any weird patches of skin, take your dog to the vet for an examination.
• Neurogenic – your dog may not even have an issue with sensitive skin. Still, they may tend to scratch and bite themselves. We don’t often consider our pets prone to mental health issues. But that can happen too!  
• Allergic – an external reaction to something your dog comes into contact with regularly is a standard issue. It may even be a cleaning product, such as a dog urine remover, or other items like dog collars, dog toys, or a dog grooming brush. Be careful what you introduce in your home. And make it a habit always to observe your pet’s reactions.
• Parasitic – many dogs that are subject to lice or fleas can develop sensitive skin. A single tick or flea bite can make a mess in the long run!
• Nutritional – the daily serving of dog food may not be at a high enough standard to meet your dog’s dietary needs. Alternatively, your dog can also be allergic to something in their foods. It is one of the most common causes of skin allergies.

Why It’s Best To Avoid Using Human Shampoo On Dogs

Dogs and humans are similar in that they have an acid mantle that covers the skin. It is also referred to as the skin’s relative pH balance. But, the pH levels are entirely different for dogs and humans.

The pH range for dogs is in the region of 5.5 to 7.5. It’s an alkaline concentration, while humans have a slightly acidic range from 5.2 to 6.2.

Because of this variation in pH levels, it is essential to avoid using a human shampoo to clean your dog after getting dirty in the park. It would affect the skin’s pH balance, leading to the itchy and dry coat. Dogs are similar to humans in many ways. Still, our organisms have considerable differences! And dog parents should never forget that.

Also, by potentially disrupting the pH levels, there is the risk of creating a more favorable environment for parasites and bacteria.

Homemade Moisturizing Dog Shampoo

If you want, you can make the dog shampoo at home. Not only will it help you to save some cash, but it will also give great care to your beloved dog. However, you need to be extra careful with it. Do some study before making homemade moisturizing dog shampoo at your home. You shouldn’t rush into the process and opt for just about any recipe.

Check out the following video, which might help you in this process:

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you know if your dog has sensitive skin?

Do you see your dog constantly scratching, but they don’t have fleas? They may have sensitive skin. It is a good idea to take them to the vet. If that’s the case, you’ll need to put more thought into choosing any hygiene product. Also, you may need to change your grooming routine, tools, and habits!

What causes skin allergies?

Food sensitivities are one of the classical causes of itchy, sensitive skin. True enough, food doesn’t contact your dog’s skin directly. But any sort of allergy to the ingredients in your dog’s food will often result in itching.

This itching can then lead to secondary infections, which leads to more itching. That’s why it is essential to treat your pet’s itchy skin as well as change their diet. A single scratch may not be a reason to freak out. But if your pooch is doing it all day (or even worse, all night), it’s definitely a red flag.

There are also a few other reasons for dog allergies, which we discussed above.

How can I help my dog with sensitive skin?

First of all, dogs with sensitive skin need a good shampoo. It needs to be mild enough so that it won’t irritate the skin further. In other words, the fewer chemicals, the better! Organic solutions are always the right choice. If you opt for just about any shampoo, it may cause a problem with your dog’s allergies, causing a flare-up and making their itchy skin worse.

Make sure to get a hypoallergenic shampoo, in case that’s what causes the skin issues.

Apart from choosing a good shampoo, you should also try to groom your dog regularly. You don’t need to bathe him or her every day. Still, regular grooming will get rid of dirt, tangles, and mats. In turn, it will help their skin breathe. As we always say, grooming is not (just) about beauty. It’s about hygiene and general health too!

The more of a slob your dog is, the more regularly you should groom them. If you shudder at the thought of giving them regular hairdos at the salon, no worries. You can always skip the hairdo and groom your pooch at home. A few quality tools, some patience and practice, and boom! Your dog will be healthy and beautiful, and it won’t even bother him or her very much.

Conclusion

The best dog shampoo for sensitive skin comes with a variety of valuable benefits for the all-round health and well-being of your dog. Deciding on the right product is sure to relate to the type of skin condition or allergy your dog is suffering from.

Some shampoos are more effective than others. Whether your dog is suffering from irritated skin or has oily or dry skin that leads to plenty of scratching, there is a high-quality dog shampoo with the ability to soothe and relieve all signs of discomfort.

Last update on 2024-08-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API