We’re glad you found our guide to the best shampoo for dogs with allergies. Like people, dogs can have allergies that can make them sick and irritable. Finding a shampoo that meets their needs is essential to keep their skin healthy and improve their general health.
In this article from Canvas Personalized, we’ll provide you with a list of the 20 best safe, effective, and gentle shampoos for dogs with sensitive skin, along with the best reviews from buyers. Also, when choosing a shampoo, you should consider different things if your dog is dry, itchy, or has other allergic reactions.
Understanding Allergies in Dogs
Dogs, just like humans, can be allergic to various substances. Including:
- Pollen from trees
- Grasses
- Weeds
- Dust mites
- Mold spores
- Certain foods like grains and proteins, flea bites
- Chemicals found in cleaning products
- Grooming tools
To help dogs with allergies and make their surroundings more comfortable, it’s essential to find out why your dog’s skin is itchy to help them. Changing a dog’s diet or environment can help them feel better. Talking to your local vet can help pet owners find the best answer for their pets.
Symptoms of Dogs With Dry Skin And Allergies
Allergies in dogs can manifest in different ways. Dog owners need to notice these signs immediately to get their dogs the proper care and make them feel better.
- Itching and scratching
- Red and inflamed skin
- Rashes or hives
- Hair loss or thinning coat
- Recurring ear infections
- Sneezing or coughing
- Runny or congested nose
- Watery or irritated eyes
- Gastrointestinal issues (vomiting, diarrhea)
- Paw chewing or excessive licking
- Swelling or puffy face
- Changes in appetite or weight loss
- Behavioral changes (restlessness, irritability)
These symptoms may vary in severity depending on the type of allergy and the individual dog. It’s essential to consult a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment if your dog exhibits any of these symptoms.
Skin allergies can be a long-term problem for your dog, making him feel itchy and uncomfortable. Using shampoos for dogs with skin allergies is one of the easiest and most effective ways to help your itching dog.
Importance Of Using The Right Shampoos For Dogs With Skin Allergies
Importance of using suitable shampoos for dogs with skin allergies. Here are some of the reasons why:
Soothing and calming the skin: Dogs often have itching, redness, and irritation. The right allergy shampoo has ingredients that keep the pH level balanced and help repair the skin’s natural barrier, making the skin healthier and reducing itching.
Gentle and hypoallergenic formulas: Allergy shampoos are designed to be gentle on sensitive skin. They don’t have any harsh chemicals, scents, or allergens that can worsen allergies or cause skin problems. Hypoallergenic formulas make it less likely that dogs will have allergic responses.
Cleansing and removing allergens: Dogs can accumulate allergens on their coat, such as pollen, dust mites, or environmental irritants. The right allergy shampoo can clean the coat and eliminate these allergens, making the skin less likely to react again.
Preventing secondary infections: Dogs’ allergies are more susceptible to secondary infections due to constant itching and broken skin. With the right allergy shampoo, you can clean your skin by eliminating germs and fungi that can cause infections.
Supporting overall allergy management: Using the right shampoo is essential to managing dogs’ allergies. It goes along with other treatments vets may recommend, like medicine, special meals, or immunotherapy to help dogs feel better and improve their skin.
Choosing the best shampoo for dogs with allergies is challenging, depending on the different factors. We’ve covered you with the best shampoos for your dog’s allergies and skin conditions, giving you the best benefits and reducing risks.
>>>Check out more essential dog care tips that you can easily do at home for your furry friends!
Top 5 Best Shampoos For Dogs With Allergies, Dry and Itchy Skin
1. HyLyt Hypoallergenic Shampoo: Best Overall
HyLyt Hypoallergenic is our pick for the best shampoo for dogs with allergies. HyLyt is made without soap, so it doesn’t take away your dog’s natural oils and even makes its skin wetter.
It is safe for dogs of all ages to use, which makes it one of the best dog shampoos for dry skin and allergies.
Key ingredients: aloe vera, emollients, coconut oil, safflower seed oil, sodium lactate, fatty acids, and proteins that keep your dog’s skin healthy and hydrated.
What we love:
- The gentle and hypoallergenic formula for pH-balanced
- Moisturizing and nourishing
- A subtle and pleasant fragrance
- Good enough for regular use
2. Veterinary Formula Hot Spot and Itch Relief: Best Value
The Veterinary Formula Hot Spot and Itch Relief is a must-have product for pet owners dealing with dogs experiencing hot spots and itching. Its fast-acting relief, soothing properties, and anti-inflammatory action make it an effective solution for comforting your beloved canine companion.
Key ingredients: aloe vera, colloidal oatmeal, hydrocortisone, and lidocaine work together to soothe the affected areas and promote healing.
What we love:
- Fast-acting relief
- Soothing and healing properties
- Anti-inflammatory action
- Moisturizing and hydrating
- Suitable for all dog sizes and breeds.
3. Virbac Epi-soothe: Best choice
Virbac Epi-soothe is not the cheapest, but it is a remarkable one that provides gentle and effective care for dogs with sensitive and irritated skin. It has no soap, and its main ingredient is all-natural oatmeal.
With its fragrance and suitability for routine use, Virbac Epi-Soothe is a go-to option to keep your dog healthy.
Key ingredients: all-natural oatmeal and spherulites help soothe, moisturize, and protect the skin.
What we love:
- The mild and hypoallergenic formula ensures a gentle yet thorough cleanse.
- Pleasant fragrance and pH balance
- Soothing and moisturizing
- Anti-inflammatory action
- Suitable for routine use.
4. TropiClean Hypoallergenic Puppy Shampoo: Best For Puppies
TropiClean Hypoallergenic Puppy Shampoo is a fantastic product specially formulated to meet the unique needs of puppies with sensitive skin. This shampoo is made from all-natural, soap-free chemicals and is gentle and hypoallergenic.
It can be used on puppies with sensitive skin at least 12 weeks old.
Key ingredients: all-natural, including oatmeal and coconut, and a mild, tearless formula to provide soothing and moisturizing benefits.
What we love:
- The tearless formula ensures a gentle bathing experience for puppies
- Hypoallergenic and pH balanced
- Soap-free and paraben-free
- A subtle and pleasant fragrance on the puppy’s coat.
5. Vet’s Best Allergy Itch Relief
Vet’s Best Allergy Itch Relief is a trusted solution for soothing and relieving dog allergies and itching. By bathing your dog regularly with Vet’s Best, you can stop itching and remove allergens that could cause a reaction from your dog’s hair.
Key ingredients: aloe, d-limonene, lavender, essential oils, tea tree oil, chamomile, and vitamin E, known for their soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
What we love:
- Formulated to provide quick relief from itching and discomfort caused by allergies, insect bites, and hot spots.
- All natural ingredients
- Non-stinging formula
- Easy to use
- Effective against multiple irritants.
6. Burt’s Bees Itch Soothing Shampoo with Honeysuckle
Burt’s Bees Itch Soothing Shampoo with Honeysuckle is cruelty-free and made with 97% natural ingredients. It is one of the best shampoos for dogs with skin allergies, with an honest and soothing solution to alleviate itching and irritation.
Key ingredients: natural ingredients, including coconut oil, avocado oil, honey, and oat flour, help your dog’s coat stop itching and strengthen.
What we love:
- Natural soothing properties are known for calming itchy and irritated skin.
- Gentle and safe for dogs of all ages and skin types.
- Hydrating, nourishing, and pH-balanced
- No sulfates or artificial colors.
7. Vetoquinol Aloe and Oatmeal Shampoo
Vetoquinol Aloe and Oatmeal provide the perfect combination of soothing, moisturizing, and gentle cleansing for your dog’s skin and coat. Most people found that it lathered well and rinsed off well, leaving behind a smell that wasn’t too strong.
Key ingredients: aloe vera and oatmeal in this shampoo help to calm and relieve itching, irritation, and dryness in your dog’s skin.
What we love:
- Soothing properties: The combination of aloe vera and oatmeal
- Moisturizing and hydrating
- Gentle cleansing without stripping away the natural oils, maintaining a balanced and healthy coat.
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Pleasant fragrance.
8. Zesty Paws Itch Soother Dog Shampoo
Zesty Paws Itch Soother Shampoo is a good choice that addresses itchiness and irritation in dogs. Its natural ingredients, gentle formulation, and moisturizing properties make it the best shampoo for dogs with allergies. Give your dog the relief they deserve with this exceptional itch-soother shampoo.
Most dog owners liked how well this shampoo lathered, how easy it was to rinse off, and how nice it smelled.
Key ingredients: natural ingredients such as oatmeal, aloe vera, and tea tree oil, known for their soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
What we love:
- Formulated to soothe and calm itchy skin, relieving dogs suffering from allergies, hot spots, or dryness.
- Gentle and safe for regular use on all dog breeds and coat types without causing any irritation or dryness.
- Moisturizing and hydrating
- Pleasant scent.
9. 4-Legger Organic Hypoallergenic Lemongrass and Aloe Shampoo
Organic hypoallergenic lemongrass and aloe shampoo might give your dog a luxurious and soothing bathing experience. The organic ingredients, gentle formulation, and environmental commitment make it a fantastic choice for your pet’s well-being and the planet. Given that this product is more expensive, that’s a big plus.
Key ingredients: organic and natural ingredients, including lemongrass and aloe vera, to alleviate itchiness, reduce inflammation, and promote a healthy coat.
What we love:
- Organic and hypoallergenic for dogs with sensitive skin or allergies
- Free from harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances, and artificial dyes, ensuring a safe and gentle cleansing experience for your furry friend.
- Moisturizing and conditioning
- Environmentally friendly by using biodegradable and eco-friendly packaging and supporting animal welfare initiatives.
10. Earthbath Oatmeal and Aloe Fragrance-Free
Earthbath Oatmeal and Aloe Fragrance-Free offer a gentle and nourishing bathing experience for dogs with sensitive skin. This product is great for people with sensitive noses and their dogs because it has no smell.
The combination of oatmeal and aloe vera provides soothing relief, while the fragrance-free formula ensures a mild and comfortable grooming session. Treat your furry friend to the best care with Earthbath.
Key ingredients: oatmeal and aloe vera, known for their soothing and moisturizing properties, help relieve itchiness, dryness, and irritation, leaving the coat and skin nourished and healthy.
What we love:
- Formulated to be gentle on the skin and free from overpowering fragrances, making it suitable for dogs with sensitivities.
- Soap-free and pH-balanced shampoos ensure gentle and effective cleansing without stripping the natural oils from the dog’s coat.
- All-natural and safe with biodegradable and cruelty-free ingredients.
11. Douxo S3 PYO Shampoo
Douxo chlorhexidine is the best shampoo for dogs with allergies or other skin infections. Its powerful antimicrobial action and gentle and hydrating properties make it an excellent choice for promoting skin health and relieving discomfort.
Vets suggest this shampoo for dogs because it has no soaps, sulfates, parabens, dyes, or nanoparticles.
Key ingredients: phytosphingosine and 3% chlorhexidine work together to provide powerful antimicrobial action.
What we love:
- Antimicrobial action
- Gentle hydrating with moisturizing agents helps hydrate and nourish the skin, promoting healing and restoring its natural balance.
- Help soothe itching and inflammation
- pH-balanced and hypoallergenic.
12. Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiparasitic and Antiseborrheic Medicated Dog Shampoo
When combating parasitic infestations, seborrheic dermatitis, and fungal infections, Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiparasitic and Antiseborrheic Medicated Shampoo is a reliable dog shampoo for itchy skin.
Its effective formulation, soothing properties, and veterinarian endorsement make it the best shampoo for dogs with allergies. Give your dog the care it deserves with this exceptional medicated shampoo.
Key ingredients: tea tree oil, oatmeal, coal tar, salicylic acid, and micronized sulfur, which provide soothing relief to irritated skin and help hydrate and moisturize it, promoting healing and restoring a healthy coat.
What we love:
- Effective against parasites and seborrheic dermatitis
- Soothing and hydrating
- Antifungal properties with tea tree oil and oatmeal
- No dyes, soap, or parabens
- Gentle and pH-balanced.
13. Natural Dog Company Sensitive Skin: Best Smelling
If your dog has sensitive skin that requires extra care, Natural Dog Company Sensitive Skin shampoo is a great dog shampoo for itchy skin. Its gentle and nourishing formula and soothing properties make it an excellent option for dogs with delicate skin.
It is safe for all kinds of dogs. Treat your furry friend to a spa-like experience while keeping their skin healthy.
Key ingredients: aloe vera, argan oil, coconut oil, colloidal oatmeal, lavender oil, mango butter, and vitamin E.
What we love:
- Gentle, hypoallergenic, free from harsh chemicals, and designed to minimize the risk of irritation.
- Moisturizing and nourishing with natural ingredients
- Soothing to help relieve itching, redness, and irritation, providing much-needed comfort to dogs with sensitive skin.
- Environmentally friendly with sustainable and responsibly sourced ingredients, ensuring a positive environmental impact.
14. Dermabliss Itch & Allergy Relief Medicated Dog Shampoo For Itchy Skin and Redness
Dermabliss Itch & Allergy Relief Medicated Dog Shampoo can be a game-changer if your dog struggles with choosing the best shampoo for dogs with allergies. This product is good for dogs of all ages and won’t remove natural oils from their coats while avoiding redness and dry skin. Say goodbye to itchiness and discomfort and give your dog the comfort they deserve with this dog shampoo for itchy skin.
Key ingredients: active ingredients such as hydrocortisone, lidocaine, aloe vera, and oatmeal are known for their anti-inflammatory and itch-relieving properties.
What we love:
- A medicated formula helps soothe irritated skin and reduce itching, providing much-needed relief for dogs suffering from allergies.
- Gentle cleansing without stripping away essential oils or causing further irritation
- Moisturizing and conditioning with ingredients like aloe vera and oatmeal
- Antibacterial and antifungal action.
15. K9 Pro Aloe and Oatmeal Cucumber Melon
K9 Pro Aloe and Oatmeal Cucumber Melon is a fantastic product that tackles allergies while providing a refreshing bathing experience for your furry friend. Its soothing and moisturizing properties, delightful scent, and gentle cleansing action make bath time pleasant.
Say goodbye to allergy-related discomfort and give your dog the relief they deserve with this best shampoo for dogs with allergies.
Key ingredients: aloe vera, oatmeal, cucumber, and melon are renowned for their soothing and moisturizing properties.
What we love:
- Formulated to address dogs’ allergies, relieving itchiness, irritation, and inflammation associated with allergic reactions.
- Soothing and moisturizing with aloe vera and oatmeal
- The fresh and invigorating scent creates a refreshing and long-lasting fragrance
- Gentle yet effective cleansing without stripping away natural oils or causing dryness.
16. Honeydew Pet Shampoo Lavender Oatmeal
Honeydew Pet Shampoo Lavender Oatmeal is a top-notch dog shampoo for itchy skin that combines the soothing properties of lavender and oatmeal to provide a relaxing and beneficial bathing experience for your dog.
Treat your pet to the relaxation and benefits of the best dog shampoo for itchy skin and enjoy the fresh lavender scent lingering on their coat. And many buyers loved how clean their dogs smelled and how good the products were.
Key ingredients: lavender essential oil, oatmeal
What we love:
- Calming lavender scent
- Oatmeal for skin relief helps alleviate itching, redness, and dryness, promoting healthier and more comfortable skin
- Gentle and moisturizing without stripping away natural oils. It helps maintain your pet’s coat’s moisture balance, leaving it soft, shiny, and hydrated
- Free from harsh chemicals, parabens, and sulfates
- Suitable for dogs of all breeds and sizes.
17. Wahl Dry Skin and Itch Relief Shampoo
This oatmeal-lime shampoo is a trusted and reliable product that relieves dogs’ dry, itchy skin. This shampoo has a high foaming power, so you don’t need to use it much to get a clean and soft coat.
Its natural formula, coconut-derived cleansers, and plant-derived ingredients provide relief and promote healthier skin. Keep your dog’s coat clean, moisturized, and free from itching with this high-quality shampoo from Wahl.
Key ingredients: aloe vera, oatmeal, and chamomile extract.
What we love:
- A natural formula that is gentle on your pet’s skin
- Coconut-derived cleansers that effectively remove dirt and allergens from your dog’s coat without drying out the skin
- Suitable for all coat types: a short, long, curly, or double coat.
18. Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo
If your dog has trouble with allergies, Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal is one of the best shampoos for dogs with skin allergies.
Its colloidal oatmeal, moisturizing formula, natural ingredients, hypoallergenic properties, and pH-balanced formula make it a reliable option for relieving itching and maintaining a healthy coat. Even the most sensitive noses will like it.
Key ingredients: colloidal oatmeal
What we love:
- Colloidal oatmeal helps alleviate itching, dryness, and inflammation, making it perfect for pets with sensitive or irritated skin
- The moisturizing formula provides deep hydration and nourishment to your pet’s coat
- Free from harsh chemicals, dyes, and parabens
- Hypoallergenic and pH-balanced.
19. BEXLEY LABS Chlorhexidine Shampoo
An excellent choice for pet owners looking to address skin infections, allergies, or irritations in their dogs. Its effective antimicrobial action, gentle formula, soothing ingredients, moisturizing properties, and user-friendly nature make it the best dog shampoo for itchy skin.
Give your dog the care they deserve with this exceptional shampoo from Bexley Labs.
Key ingredients: chlorhexidine, aloe vera, and glycerin
What we love:
- Effective antimicrobial action
- The gentle yet potent formula provides effective cleansing and disinfecting properties
- Soothing and moisturizing properties
- Easy to use, making bath time a breeze for you and your pet.
20. Pro Pet Works Organic 5 in 1 Oatmeal Dog Shampoo
Pro Pet Works Organic 5-in-1 Oatmeal dog shampoo is a reliable and versatile choice for owners prioritizing natural and organic products.
Its nourishing ingredients, multiple benefits, gentle formula, and delightful scent provide your beloved pet with an enjoyable and practical grooming experience.
Key Ingredients: Aloe vera gel, organic almond oil, oatmeal, and vitamins A, D, E, and B12.
What we love:
- Natural and organic formula with no harsh chemicals or artificial fragrances
- Powerful five-in-one mix
- Soothing oatmeal helps to calm irritation and moisturize the coat, leaving it soft and manageable
- Gentle and tear-free on your dog’s eyes and skin.
How to Properly Bathe A Dog With Allergies
How often you take a bath depends on how bad the allergy is. In general, you only need to bathe the dog once a week. In more severe cases, however, the vet may suggest bathing the dog daily until the allergy medicine starts to work and the dog feels better.
After bathing your dog, watch for any signs of pain or allergies. If your doctor tells you to use something, like a medicated cream or moisturizer, do so. Keep a regular plan for bathing your dog to help with their symptoms.
Before you start giving a dog with allergies a bath, talk to your vet first. Based on your dog’s condition, they can give you specific directions and suggest other treatments or precautions keep their skin healthy and comfortable.
When Do Dogs Need Allergy Shampoo?
If a dog has allergies or skin irritations, it may need dog shampoo for itchy skin. Here are some times when you might need allergy shampoo:
Allergic reactions: If your dog has itching, swelling, rashes, or hives because of an allergy, an allergy dog shampoo can help relieve these symptoms.
Environmental allergies: Dogs can be allergic to environmental factors such as pollen, dust mites, or certain grasses. An allergy shampoo can help if your dog shows signs of seasonal allergies or reacts to certain things in the environment.
Food allergies: Some dogs develop allergies to certain ingredients in their diet. Even though the best shampoo for dogs with allergies can’t cure food allergies directly, it can help soothe skin irritations caused by food allergies when used with the right diet.
>>>Learn more about the good dog food for skin allergies you can easily find with the best reviews!
Flea allergies: A dog allergic to flea bites may get very itchy and have skin problems. Flea allergies can be treated with shampoo for dogs with skin allergies that are made to keep fleas away or kill them.
Contact allergies: Certain substances, such as certain fabrics or cleaning products, can cause contact allergies in dogs. The best dog shampoo for itchy skin can help remove these allergens from your dog’s fur and soothe its skin.
It’s important to remember that using the best shampoo for dogs with dry skin and allergies is just one part of a complete plan for dealing with dog allergens. If your dog’s symptoms last for a long time or are serious, you should consult a vet to determine what’s causing the allergies and devise a treatment plan.
Factors to Consider When Choosing A Dog Shampoo For Itchy Skin
Choosing the correct shampoos for dogs with skin allergies is crucial to improving their overall skin health. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a dog shampoo for itchy skin:
Hypoallergenic formula: Opt for a hypoallergenic shampoo free from common irritants and harsh chemicals. This helps minimize the risk of further skin irritation and allergic reactions.
Moisturizing properties: Oatmeal, aloe vera, or coconut oil are two things that can help soothe and reduce itching and dryness in your dog’s skin and should be in the shampoo.
Anti-itch properties: A shampoo is formulated to address itchiness. Look for ingredients like tea tree oil, chamomile, or hydrocortisone, which can help alleviate itching and inflammation.
Gentle and pH-balanced: Ensure the shampoo is gentle on your dog’s skin and has a pH level suitable for dogs to maintain the natural skin balance and prevent further irritation.
No harsh chemicals: The shampoo has no harsh chemicals like parabens, phthalates, sulfates, DEA, or MEA.
Fragrance: There are different scents of shampoo for dogs with allergies, and some don’t have any smell at all. Consider the one that you and your dog both like the most.
Vet recommendation: If your dog’s itching persists or is severe, consult your veterinarian for guidance. They can recommend specific shampoos tailored to your dog’s needs and provide additional treatment options.
Consider your dog’s breed, type of coat, and condition: Certain dog breeds are prone to skin issues, so consider their unique requirements when selecting a shampoo.
Brand: Last, learn about the name and buy from an honest brand that doesn’t test on animals. Also, look at the reviews.
>>>Further reading:
- Say Goodbye to Dog Hair Everywhere: 15 Best Anti Shedding Dog Shampoo Ideas
- Best 10 Natural Antifungal Dog Shampoos For Dog’s Skin Healthy
- 13 Dog Hair Loss Home Remedies: Grow A Dog’s Hair Back Fast
It’s crucial to ensure your dog is healthy and comfortable, especially if they have allergies. Using the best shampoo for dogs with allergies can help their sensitive skin feel better and get what it needs. Don’t forget to talk to your vet if your dog’s issues worsen. Take the time to look through our top-rated suggestions from Canvas Personalized that will work best for your dog. Say goodbye to allergies and hello to a healthier and happier dog!
