A good dog shampoo cleans the coat without stripping the natural oils from your dog’s skin. Human shampoo is not suitable, because dogs’ skin has a different pH from ours, and a dog shampoo formulated for them keeps the coat healthy and comfortable. The right choice depends on your dog: a puppy, a dog with sensitive skin and a mud magnet all need something different.
We have compared five dog shampoos currently available on Amazon UK, covering sensitive skin, puppies and muddy walkers. We explain who each is best for, what we like and what to watch out for, to help you choose the right bottle for your dog.
Quick Comparison Table
Product | Best For | Price Range | Rating |
Animology Dirty Dawg Pup No-Rinse Spray | Quick clean | £4-£6 | 4.5/5 |
Wahl Oatmeal Essence Shampoo | Sensitive skin | £7-£9 | 4.6/5 |
WildWash Sensitive Shampoo | Itchy skin and puppies | £14-£16 | 4.5/5 |
Burt’s Bees Tearless Puppy Shampoo | Puppies | £10-£12 | 4.5/5 |
BUGALUGS Oatmeal & Aloe Vera Shampoo | Dry skin and smelly dogs | £11-£13 | 4.6/5 |
Our Top Picks
Animology Dirty Dawg Pup No-Rinse Shampoo Spray
Best for: a quick, no-rinse clean for muddy walkers
Animology is one of the best-known UK dog grooming brands, and this no-rinse spray is a quick way to clean your dog between baths. You spray it on, rub it in and towel dry, so there is no need for a bath.
It is useful for muddy walkers, puppies and dogs that dislike bath time. It is not a substitute for a proper wash, but it makes a real difference between them.
It costs around £5 and averages 4.5 out of 5 across more than 2,600 ratings.
What we like:
- No rinsing needed
- Trusted UK brand
- Very cheap
Worth knowing:
- Not a full replacement for a bath
- Fragranced
Specifications:
- Type: no-rinse spray shampoo
- Size: 250ml
- Best for: puppies and quick cleans
- Brand: Animology
Wahl Oatmeal Essence Sensitive Skin Dog Shampoo
Best for: sensitive skin, with a concentrated formula
Wahl is a well-known grooming brand, and its Oatmeal Essence shampoo is designed for sensitive skin. It is a concentrated formula, so a little goes a long way, and it is gentle enough for regular use.
Oatmeal is a traditional ingredient for soothing dry, itchy skin, and this shampoo is a very popular choice for owners of sensitive dogs.
It costs around £8 for 500ml and averages 4.6 out of 5 across more than 850 ratings.
What we like:
- Concentrated, so it lasts
- Gentle formula
- Good price
Worth knowing:
- Concentrate needs diluting
- Not medicated
Specifications:
- Type: concentrated shampoo
- Size: 500ml
- Best for: sensitive skin
- Brand: Wahl
WildWash Sensitive Shampoo for Dogs
Best for: itchy skin and puppies, from a premium brand
WildWash is a premium British brand that makes its shampoos with natural ingredients. The Sensitive shampoo is designed for dogs with itchy or allergy-prone skin, and it is gentle enough for puppies.
It is fragrance-light, and it has a good reputation among groomers and owners with tricky dogs.
It costs around £15 for 300ml and averages 4.5 out of 5 across just over 100 ratings.
What we like:
- Gentle, natural formula
- Suitable for puppies
- British brand
Worth knowing:
- More expensive than mass-market shampoos
- Smaller bottle
Specifications:
- Type: sensitive skin shampoo
- Size: 300ml
- Best for: itchy skin and puppies
- Brand: WildWash
Burt’s Bees Tearless 2-in-1 Puppy Shampoo and Conditioner
Best for: puppies and quick washes
Burt’s Bees is well known for natural personal care, and its pet range follows the same approach. The tearless puppy shampoo and conditioner combines two steps into one and is gentle on the eyes.
It uses buttermilk and linseed oil and is designed to be kind to young skin. It is a great choice for puppies, and it works for adult dogs with sensitive skin as well.
It costs around £11 and averages 4.5 out of 5 across more than 30,000 ratings, an extraordinary record.
What we like:
- Tearless formula
- 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner
- Huge number of ratings
Worth knowing:
- Not suited to heavily soiled coats
- Fragranced
Specifications:
- Type: 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner
- Best for: puppies
- Feature: tearless
- Brand: Burt’s Bees
BUGALUGS Oatmeal and Aloe Vera Dog Shampoo
Best for: smelly dogs and dry skin
Bugalugs is a UK grooming brand favoured by many owners. The Oatmeal and Aloe Vera shampoo is designed to soothe dry skin, and it has a pleasant fragrance that tackles doggy smells.
It is an all-round shampoo for regular use, and it leaves the coat clean and soft.
It costs around £12 and averages 4.6 out of 5 across more than 4,400 ratings.
What we like:
- Soothing oatmeal and aloe
- Pleasant scent
- Very well reviewed
Worth knowing:
- Fragranced, so not ideal for very sensitive dogs
- Mid-range price
Specifications:
- Type: oatmeal and aloe shampoo
- Best for: dry skin and smelly dogs
- Brand: Bugalugs
- Use: regular bathing
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Dog Shampoo
What to Look For
Look for a shampoo made specifically for dogs, with a gentle formula and a pH balanced for canine skin. Natural ingredients such as oatmeal and aloe are soothing, and a tearless formula is helpful for puppies.
Check for ingredients that may irritate sensitive skin, such as strong fragrances and harsh detergents. If your dog has a skin condition, ask your vet for a medicated shampoo.
Types of Dog Shampoo
Standard shampoos are for regular bathing. Sensitive-skin shampoos are gentle and often fragrance-free. Puppy shampoos are tearless and mild. No-rinse sprays and foams give a quick clean between baths. Medicated shampoos are for particular skin conditions and are usually prescribed.
For most dogs, a gentle standard or sensitive-skin shampoo is the best option.
Size Guide
A 250 to 300ml bottle is enough for a small dog. Larger dogs and frequent washers need a 500ml or bigger bottle, and concentrated formulas last longer because you dilute them.
If you have several dogs, a big bottle is better value.
How Much Should You Spend?
A good dog shampoo costs £5 to £15. Premium brands cost more, and they often use natural ingredients. Most owners will find a good shampoo in the £8 to £12 range.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I wash my dog?
Most dogs need a bath every four to eight weeks, unless they get very dirty. Washing too often can dry out the skin, so use a no-rinse spray in between.
Can I use human shampoo on my dog?
No. Human shampoo has a different pH from dog skin and can cause dryness and irritation. Always use a shampoo made for dogs.
What shampoo is best for sensitive skin?
Look for a gentle, fragrance-free or oatmeal-based shampoo, such as the Wahl Oatmeal Essence or WildWash Sensitive. If your dog has a skin condition, ask your vet.
Is a puppy shampoo different?
Puppy shampoos are milder and often tearless. They are a good choice for young dogs, and for dogs with sensitive skin.
How do I bathe my dog?
Brush the coat first, wet your dog with warm water, apply shampoo, lather and rinse thoroughly. Dry with a towel, and keep your dog warm until they are dry.
Conclusion
For most owners, the Bugalugs Oatmeal and Aloe Vera shampoo is a good all-rounder, and the Wahl Oatmeal Essence is the best pick for sensitive skin at a very low price. The Burt’s Bees tearless shampoo is ideal for puppies, and the WildWash Sensitive is a premium option for itchy skin.
For a quick clean between baths, the Animology no-rinse spray is a cheap, useful addition. Whichever you choose, rinse thoroughly, and ask your vet if your dog has any skin problems.
This roundup is part of our Pet Grooming Tools: The Complete Guide.
