December 22, 2022, 9:38 am | Read time: 11 minutes

Dogs are true family members and live as closely with their owners as few other pets do. It’s only understandable that the four-legged friend should smell good. However, dogs often emit a very specific odor, which you can manage well with the right diet and regular coat care. PETBOOK reveals which dog shampoo is suitable for a pleasantly scented, well-groomed dog coat and presents eight products.

Does my dog need to shower or bathe regularly?

Should dogs bathe regularly at all? Opinions differ on this. Some dog owners swear by regular showers for their dogs, claiming they dive into the water with enthusiasm. Other dog lovers completely avoid showering their dogs because they are afraid of water.

In general, for dogs, less is more! Unlike humans, dogs should not shower or bathe regularly, as this can harm their skin. The dog’s coat protects the skin from drying out, so too frequent cleaning can lead to a shift in pH balance. Dogs with very sensitive skin or allergies should avoid regular showers. It’s different if your dog is infested with parasites or has rolled in dirt. In this case, you should at least shower them thoroughly from time to time. More often is not necessary, as dogs naturally have a self-cleaning coat with a kind of “natural impregnation.” The dog’s skin is protected by sebum and fat, which makes the coat dirt-repellent.

Too frequent washing and bathing can attack this natural protective barrier, leading to insufficient protection from external damage. After bathing, it can take weeks for the dog’s skin to fully regenerate. This is important because, without the natural protective layer of its coat, your dog is more susceptible to skin diseases. If your dog is infested with parasites, suffers from eczema, or has itching, showers and baths can act like therapy and be part of the treatment. To ensure the procedure has no health consequences for your dog, you should use special care shampoos.

Also interesting: How to properly care for your dog’s coat

Can I use regular shampoo for my dog?

Why buy shampoo for the dog when you already have some in the bathroom? You may have asked yourself this before. But before you hastily reach for your shampoo bottle, we must stop you: the skin and hair of dogs and humans have completely different needs, which is why human shampoo is not suitable for your dog. In the following dog shampoo comparison, we present eight worthwhile shampoos for your dog’s various needs.

The eight best dog shampoos compared

Which shampoos are worthwhile and for which dogs they are suitable:

Antifort Shampoo for Dogs (500 ml)

This care shampoo is tailored to particularly sensitive dog skin and works with its natural oils against itching and dry skin. The shampoo, made from natural ingredients like cold-pressed neem oil and neem extract, combined with soothing tea tree oil, is suitable for all coat types. This makes the coat easier to comb and shiny. This dog shampoo was developed by expert veterinarians and animal practitioners. Due to the natural ingredients, the shampoo can quickly become cloudy; the effect remains unaffected.

Material information at a glance

• natural ingredients
• suitable for all coat types
• effective against itching
• adjusted pH value of 7.4
• 15.99 euros

Glückstier Universal Shampoo (250 ml)

The Glückstier dog shampoo not only makes your dog happy but also other animals: it is vegan and tailored to the specific needs of sensitive dog skin. The shampoo contains re-fattening agents that are supposed to ensure shine and combability of the coat. It has an adjusted pH value of 6.9. Since Glückstier shampoo is very economical, a small amount applied to your dog’s back is enough. Harmful ingredients like silicones, mineral oil, and paraffins, which can irritate the animal’s skin, are completely avoided here. The shampoo is suitable for all coat types, from short to long hair.

Material information at a glance

• natural ingredients
• suitable for all coat types
• vegan
• adjusted pH value of 6.9
• 5.99 euros

Beaphar Shampoo for White Coats (250 ml)

A shampoo tailored to the specific needs of West Highland Terriers, Maltese, and Poodles is the Beaphar Shampoo for White Coats. The care shampoo removes even heavy dirt after a short exposure time, provides moisture, and ensures a shiny coat. The acid mantle of your dog’s skin remains undamaged, as the pH value is adjusted to your four-legged friend.

Material information at a glance

• with Aloe Vera
• specifically developed for dogs with white coats
• provides moisture and makes the coat easy to comb
• 3.49 euros

Lila Loves Shampoo “Shine & Comb” (250 ml)

The “Shine & Comb” shampoo, with its natural ingredients like argan and lavender oil, ensures well-groomed, healthy dog skin and silky shiny fur. The shampoo is supposed to work against dry fur and provide moisture. The pH value of the shampoo is adjusted to the dog’s skin, so it does not suffer any damage. The shampoo smells pleasant and is said to have a calming effect on sensitive dog noses.

Material information at a glance

• with Aloe Vera, argan, and lavender oil
• developed with veterinary advice
• certified quality
• 16.90 euros

Fellea Dog Shampoo for Odor (250ml)

Dog owners know it: you can love your dog as much as you want, but sometimes their smell can be bothersome. Especially in rainy weather and humidity, the dog coat quickly develops unpleasant odors. What helps then is the Fellea Dog Shampoo for Odor. The coat care works with natural ingredients like Aloe Vera, olive oil, and herbs. Irritating perfumes are completely avoided, instead relying on the natural scent of wild herbs and plant aromas–a smell your dog will also like.

Material information at a glance

• against unpleasant odor
• with natural ingredients like Aloe Vera, olive oil, and herbs
• without irritating perfumes
• suitable for all coat types
• 18.99 euros

Hyponic Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoo (300 ml)

For the sensitive ones: Hyponic’s hypoallergenic shampoo is perfect for sensitive dog skin. Specifically tailored to the needs of sensitive skin, the shampoo cleans and maximizes the volume of the coat with cotton blossom extract. Hyponic is particularly suitable for Poodles, Bichons, and other dog breeds where a voluminous mane is desired. The shampoo lifts the hair and makes it appear more voluminous. It is particularly skin-friendly and even certified.

Material information at a glance

• provides volume
• skin-friendly and certified by the German Dermatological Research Institute
• free from harmful chemicals
• 29.40 euros

Roqsy Natural Dog Shampoo (500 ml)

The gel-like natural dog shampoo from Roqsy is produced without animal suffering: vegan and with natural ingredients for sensitive dog skin, it works against odor and is also supposed to help against parasites. The shampoo is suitable for the sensitive skin of puppies and works effectively against itching, fleas, and other parasites. After washing, the coat is noticeably softer and shinier. The shampoo has a pH value around 7 and smells pleasant. It is free from silicone oils, parabens, mineral oils, polyethylene glycols (PEGs), and microplastics. Additionally, the shampoo is PETA-certified and biodegradable.

Material information at a glance

• pH value over 7 for healthy dog skin
• Made in Austria: produced in Tyrol with Tyrolean mountain spring water and regionally, organically grown plant ingredients
• 19.71 euros

Trixie Shampoo (1000 ml)

This caring shampoo from the Trixie brand ensures soft, silky fur for dogs and cats. The neutral shampoo cleans particularly gently and, thanks to its re-fattening effect, ensures healthy skin while reliably removing unpleasant odors. The pH value is between 6.5 and 7.5.

Material information at a glance

• pH value between 6.5 and 7.5 for healthy dog skin
• 5 – 15% anionic surfactants, less than 5% nonionic surfactants, preservatives
• 8.99 euros

Also interesting: This basic equipment is needed for dogs at the beginning

How often should you wash your dog?

For your dog, bathing is far less fun than it is for you–so you should only wash them when absolutely necessary. It’s best to bathe your dog in the evening; this way, the coat has time to dry thoroughly overnight. In winter, you should avoid bathing your dog altogether, as they particularly need the protective fat layer on their coat now. Additionally, dog fur dries very slowly, so your dog can quickly become hypothermic in the cold.

If you still need to bathe your dog in winter, for example, because your dog is infested with parasites or has gotten very dirty, make sure to dry them thoroughly afterward. A gentle, well-tolerated dog shampoo protects their sensitive skin. As with humans, every dog has individual needs. What is too much care for one may be just right for another.

More on the topic

Tips Dirty Dog in Winter? Less Stress During Bath Time

0

Against Cold and Wet Conditions The Best Raincoat for Your Dog – 11 Products Compared

What to do if the dog doesn’t want to bathe

Is your dog particularly water-shy? In that case, it helps to approach the situation playfully and with a few treats. Before putting your dog in the tub, make sure the temperature is not too hot or too cold. Many dogs also find the slippery bottom of the bathtub uncomfortable, as they quickly lose their footing. What helps here is a towel or a non-slip mat. If you lay this on the bottom of the bathtub, your four-legged friend can stand better in the water.

Once your dog is in the water, talk to them soothingly, pet them, and reward them with a treat if they stay still. Then start gently rubbing your dog with dog shampoo. Avoid the face, as the eye and ear areas are very sensitive. Always remain patient, as this conveys confidence to your dog and the feeling that they are in safe hands with you.

Conclusion

Dog fur needs care to feel good and not smell unpleasant. In coat care, you should primarily rely on brushing and combing and only bathe your dog occasionally, as dogs, unlike humans, can be harmed by shampoos and water. When washing the coat, you should definitely use a dog shampoo and not a shampoo you use yourself. Dog shampoos are tailored to your four-legged friend’s skin and have a correspondingly higher pH value. With the range of shampoos available for your dog, you can choose from a wide selection of vegan shampoos, shampoos for sensitive skin, etc.

Since the shampoo is applied directly to the skin and could cause irritation on sensitive dog skin, you should not skimp on the shampoo purchase. Especially if you use the dog shampoo more frequently because you have a dog with white, very high-maintenance fur, or your dog is infested with parasites, investing in a more expensive, quality product is worthwhile. What your dog likes is ultimately a matter of individual taste. In general, you should not bathe your dog too often and take precautions on wash day, such as laying a towel on the floor. This ensures that the dog does not slip and panic in the bathtub or shower. This way, bathing is guaranteed to be less stressful for the dog.