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September 4, 2023

No one knows better than a professional groomer that a dog’s coat and overall hygiene plays an important role in its well-being and appearance. So if you groom dogs for a living, you probably don’t take the decision of which shampoo to use lightly.

Along with aspects like your attention to detail and the cleanliness of your space, your choice of dog shampoo can affect your customers’ overall experience. Opt for a formula that effectively cleans, smells nice, and leaves behind a shiny coat, and you’ll be more likely to gain return clients.

Dog shampoo isn’t one-size-fits-all, and you can invest in a few formulas to customize your services to each dog’s needs. While one dog may benefit from a deep-cleaning shampoo others may have sensitive skin that calls for a gentler option.

To help you narrow down your selection, we’ve researched and tested various dog shampoos, curating a list of outstanding products. Whether you are a professional groomer or a pet owner grooming your beloved companion at home, you can look to this list for recommendations that cater to a range of coat types, skin sensitivities, and other grooming needs.

• Suitability for skin conditions: Different dogs have different skin conditions. You should have a shampoo on hand that’s suitable for addressing specific skin conditions like allergies, sensitivities, or dermatitis.
• Hypoallergenic and sensitive skin formulations: Some dogs have sensitive skin that can react to harsh chemicals or fragrances in shampoos. Consider hypoallergenic options or shampoos specifically designed for sensitive skin to minimize the risk of reactions.
• Conditioning Properties: A dog shampoo should not only clean but also help maintain the coat’s health and appearance. Look for shampoos with conditioning properties that leave the coat soft, shiny, and manageable.
• Scent and fragrance: While fragrance can enhance the grooming experience, it’s important that the scent isn’t too overpowering or irritating for the dogs. Opt for shampoos with mild scents.
• Cost-Effectiveness: While quality is important, you should also consider the cost-effectiveness of the shampoo, especially if you deal with a high volume of dogs.

The best dog shampoo for groomers:

Best moisturizing formula: Pupper Dog Shampoo

Pros:

• Leaves fur soft
• Discounted subscription option

Key ingredients:

Colloidal oatmealGreen tea extractHoney

Pupper Dog Shampoo contains moisturizing ingredients and is designed to clean and deodorize without completely stripping dogs of their natural oils. That means that the dogs you bathe can return to their parents with soft, shiny fur. This dog shampoo is free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates, and leaves behind a light oatmeal scent.

Best deep-clean shampoo: kin+kind Dog Shampoo

Pros:

• Contains aloe for softer skin
• Multiple scent options

Cons:

• Some reviewers find that it doesn’t lather

Key ingredients:

Activated charcoalAloe

This shampoo is free from sulfates, and instead has activated charcoal and a coconut-based cleanser to clean and eliminate odors. The product is hand mixed at Kin+kind’s facilities in New Jersey using non-GMO, organic ingredients. This deep-clean blend is naturally fragranced with patchouli essential oil, but you can also stock up on unscented and almond and vanilla versions.

Best scent: Big Bentley Premium Pet Shampoo for Dogs

Pros:

• Island mist scent
• Made with ingredients sourced from the U.S.

Cons:

• Few customer reviews

Key ingredients:

Rosemary oilWitch hazel

Big Bentley Premium Pet Shampoo for Dogs was formulated with odor control in mind, so you can rely on it to freshen up any dogs that arrive to you in a smelly state. The island mist-scented shampoo contains aloe vera and witch hazel, which are associated with anti-inflammatory properties, making them useful for soothing inflamed skin. Big Bentley sources its ingredients from the U.S., and produces its products in Kentucky.

Best for itching: NaturVet Septiderm-V Skin Care Bath Wash for Dogs & Cats

Pros:

• Made in the U.S.
• Soothing ingredients

Key ingredients:

Alkyldimethylbenzyl Ammonium ChlorideTetradecyl Trimethyl Ammonium Bromide

Return policy:

Non-returnable

This shampoo is intended to soothe hot spots, dermatitis, flea bites, and the like so you can have it on standby for dogs that have skin concerns. It’s formulated to rinse easily, which can reduce how long baths take. Reviewers have been impressed by the formula. “Best anti itch shampoo ive ever used, I am a dog groomer so im always looking for the next best thing and this is by far it! all my yeasty and itchy dogs do soo much better after this and my own dogs as well!” one person wrote.

Best 2-in-1: Hartz Groomer’s Best Professionals 6-in-1 Dog Shampoo and Conditioner

Pros:

• Calming lavender scent
• Low cost per ounce

Cons:

• May not be as moisturizing as using a separate conditioner

Key ingredients:

Panthenol

Hartz Groomer’s Best Professionals 6-in-1 Dog Shampoo and Conditioner has a long-lasting, lavender mint scent that your customers will likely appreciate. It can address a range of concerns, as it’s designed to clean, fight odor, and condition, detangle, moisturize, and strengthen dogs’ fur. The product doesn’t contain alcohol, dyes, sulfates, or parabens. Since it eliminates the need for a conditioner, it can contribute to efficient baths.