Dog Shampoo

A dog's coat and skin do a lot of work, and the wrong wash undoes it. Strip the natural oils and you get flaking, scratching and a dog that smells worse a week later than before the bath.

The shampoos here are made for dogs rather than people, including probiotic and coconut oil deodorising formulas as well as combined shampoo and conditioner options for quick, thorough washes.

Matching a Shampoo to Your Dog

Think about coat and skin first. Long or double coats benefit from a conditioning formula that helps a comb glide through afterwards. Dogs that roll in everything suit a deodorising wash. Itchy or sensitive skin usually does better with a gentle, lightly fragranced product, and probiotic style formulas appeal to owners looking to support the skin's natural balance. Always check the label suits your dog's age, since young puppies need a puppy specific product. Skip human shampoo entirely, because the pH is wrong for dogs and it is a common cause of dull coats and irritation.

Getting the Most From a Wash

Brush the coat out first so water and product reach the skin instead of sitting on knots. Wet thoroughly with lukewarm water, dilute the shampoo a little in a jug for even coverage, and massage it right down to the skin. Leave it for a minute or two before rinsing, then rinse until the water runs completely clear, because most bathing problems come from under rinsing. Towel dry well, keep your dog warm until they are properly dry, and do not wash more often than the coat needs. Persistent itching, hair loss, scabs or a strong odour deserve a vet visit rather than another bath.

Team it with dog grooming supplies for the brush out, puppy wash gear for the litter, and a deshedding brush for heavy coats.

Ready for a better bath? Explore the RPBA collection of dog shampoos and find the formula that suits your dog's coat.