A woman drying up her dog, after a wash.

Best Dog Shampoos for Sensitive Skin (Trusted By Experts)

Dog owners with sensitive-skinned dogs know how challenging it can be to find the right shampoo that will keep their furry friend clean without causing skin irritation. The good news is that there are plenty of dog shampoos formulated specifically for sensitive skin, and we’ve done the research to help you find the best one for your pup.

When it comes to choosing a dog shampoo for sensitive skin, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, look for a shampoo that is free from harsh chemicals and fragrances that can irritate your dog’s skin.

Second, choose a shampoo that is pH balanced to match your dog’s skin, as this will help to keep their skin healthy and moisturized. Finally, consider the type of coat your dog has, as some shampoos are better suited for certain coat types than others.

After researching and testing various dog shampoos for sensitive skin, I have identified the top products that will leave your dog’s coat clean and healthy without causing any irritation.

Whether your dog has dry, itchy skin or is prone to allergies, there is a shampoo on this list that will meet their needs. So, let’s dive in and find the perfect shampoo for your furry friend.

Best Dog Shampoos for Sensitive Skin

Discover a selection of carefully researched and tested dog shampoos tailored for sensitive skin. Formulated with gentle, natural ingredients, they soothe and nourish your furry friend’s skin while effectively cleaning their coat. Unveil my top picks for the best dog shampoos for sensitive skin in this article, ensuring your dog stays clean, healthy, and happy.

*Click any of the links or photos below to purchase on Amazon!

Pro Pet Works All Natural Soap Free 5 in 1 Oatmeal Dog Shampoo and Conditioner

Pro Pet Works All Natural Soap Free 5 in 1 Oatmeal Dog Shampoo and Conditioner

I highly recommend the Pro Pet Works All Natural Soap Free 5 in 1 Oatmeal Dog Shampoo and Conditioner for pet owners looking for a high-quality shampoo that is safe and effective for pets with sensitive skin.

Pros

  • The all-natural plant-based formula is safe and effective for pets with sensitive skin.
  • The shampoo is made with premium quality ingredients and is paraben-free, cruelty-free, sulfate-free, alcohol-free, and soap-free.
  • The shampoo is versatile and can be used on dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, or ferrets.

Cons

  • The shampoo has a mild oatmeal scent that may not be strong enough for some pet owners.
  • The shampoo may not lather as well as other shampoos.
  • The shampoo may not be effective for pets with severe skin issues.

I have used this shampoo on my dog and cat, and I am impressed with the results. The shampoo effectively cleans and conditions their coats, leaving them soft and shiny. The shampoo is easy to use and lathers well, making it easy to rinse off. I also appreciate that the shampoo is made with all-natural ingredients and is safe for daily use.

The unique ingredients in the shampoo, such as aloe vera gel and almond oil, work together to soothe and hydrate the skin, making it a great choice for pets with sensitive skin. Additionally, the shampoo helps to deshed the undercoat, making it a great choice for pets with shedding issues.

Overall, I highly recommend the Pro Pet Works All Natural Soap Free 5 in 1 Oatmeal Dog Shampoo and Conditioner for pet owners looking for a safe and effective shampoo for their pets with sensitive skin.

Burt’s Bees Itch Soothing Shampoo for Dogs

Burt's Bees Itch Soothing Shampoo for Dogs

If you want a natural and effective dog shampoo that can provide itch relief for dogs, Burt’s Bees Itch Soothing Shampoo for Dogs is a great option.

Pros

  • Made with natural ingredients that can soothe dry skin and ease irritation
  • pH balanced for dogs and puppies of all ages
  • Free of sulfates, colorants, and harsh chemicals

Cons

  • Doesn’t have a strong scent or lather due to the absence of artificial fragrances or chemicals
  • May not be as effective for severe skin conditions
  • Some dogs may not like the smell of honeysuckle

I recently used Burt’s Bees Itch Soothing Shampoo for Dogs on my furry friend who has sensitive skin and tends to itch a lot. I was impressed with how gentle and effective it was in calming my dog’s coat. The shampoo lathered well and rinsed off easily, leaving my dog’s fur soft and shiny.

One of the things I like about this dog shampoo is that it’s made with natural ingredients such as honeysuckle, which has been known to soothe dry skin and ease irritation. It’s also pH balanced for dogs and puppies of all ages, making it safe and gentle to use. Another great thing about this shampoo is that it’s free of sulfates, colorants, and harsh chemicals, which can be harmful to your dog’s skin and overall health.

However, I did notice that this itch relief shampoo doesn’t have a strong scent or lather due to the absence of artificial fragrances or chemicals. Also, while it worked well for my dog’s mild skin condition, it may not be as effective for severe skin conditions. Additionally, some dogs may not like the smell of honeysuckle.

Overall, I highly recommend Burt’s Bees Itch Soothing Shampoo for Dogs if you’re looking for a natural and gentle dog shampoo that can provide itch relief for dogs.

Honest Paws Dog Shampoo and Conditioner

Honest Paws Dog Shampoo and Conditioner

If you’re looking for a shampoo that is safe, natural, and effective for your dog’s sensitive skin, Honest Paws Dog Shampoo and Conditioner is worth considering.

Pros

  • The formula is all-natural and safe for dogs with sensitive skin.
  • The shampoo is a 5-in-1 product that cleans, moisturizes, conditions, detangles, and deodorizes your dog’s coat.
  • It is suitable for all breeds and ages of dogs.

Cons

  • The shampoo is slightly expensive compared to other dog shampoos in the market.
  • The lather is not as rich as other shampoos, so you may need to use a bit more to cover your dog’s coat.
  • The scent may not be strong enough for those who prefer a more fragrant shampoo.

I have been using the Honest Paws Dog Shampoo and Conditioner on my dog for a few weeks now, and I have noticed a significant difference in his coat’s texture and shine. The shampoo’s all-natural formula has been gentle on his sensitive skin, and it has not caused any irritation or itching.

The shampoo’s 5-in-1 formula has made bath time a breeze. It is a one-step process that cleans, moisturizes, conditions, detangles, and deodorizes his coat. This has saved me time and money as I no longer need to buy separate products for each of these purposes.

The shampoo is suitable for all breeds and ages of dogs, which is a bonus. I have used it on my senior dog, and it has worked well for him too.

However, the shampoo is slightly expensive compared to other dog shampoos in the market. Also, the lather is not as rich as other shampoos, so you may need to use a bit more to cover your dog’s coat. Lastly, the scent may not be strong enough for those who prefer a more fragrant shampoo.

Overall, I would recommend Honest Paws Dog Shampoo and Conditioner to dog owners looking for a safe, natural, and effective shampoo for their dog’s sensitive skin.

TropiClean Coconut Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoo

TropiClean Coconut Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoo

I highly recommend TropiClean Coconut Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoo for anyone looking for a gentle and natural shampoo for their furry friend with sensitive skin.

Pros

  • The shampoo is derived from natural ingredients such as mild aloe and vitamin E that will leave the coat feeling silky soft.
  • The coconut scent is subtle yet long-lasting.
  • Suitable for use on dogs and cats 12 weeks or older.

Cons

  • The shampoo may not lather as much as other shampoos due to its natural ingredients.
  • The scent may not be strong enough for some pet owners.
  • The shampoo may not be effective for dogs with severe skin conditions.

I have used this shampoo on my dog who has sensitive skin and it has worked wonders. The shampoo is gentle enough for puppies and kittens, making it a great option for pet owners with younger animals. It also provides gentle relief to sensitive skin against seasonal allergies and irritations.

What I love most about this shampoo is that it is paraben, dye, soap, and cruelty-free, making it a feel-good choice for pet owners. Additionally, the shampoo is made in the USA, giving me peace of mind about the quality of the product.

Overall, TropiClean Coconut Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoo is a great choice for pet owners looking for a gentle and natural shampoo for their furry friend with sensitive skin.

Burt’s Bees Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoo

Burt's Bees Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoo

I highly recommend the Burt’s Bees Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoo for pet owners who are looking for a natural and gentle shampoo for their dogs.

Pros

  • The shampoo is made with natural ingredients such as shea butter and honey that moisturize and soften the skin and coat of your dog.
  • It is hypoallergenic and free of harsh chemicals, fragrances, and sulfates, making it safe to use for dogs with sensitive skin.
  • The shampoo is pH balanced and tearless, making it perfect for puppies and dogs of all ages.

Cons

  • The shampoo does not have a strong scent outside of the main ingredients, so it may not provide a long-lasting fragrance for your dog.
  • The shampoo is thin and watery, so you may need to use more than usual to get a good lather.
  • The shampoo may not work well for dogs with very oily or dirty coats.

I recently used the Burt’s Bees Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoo on my dog who has sensitive skin, and I was impressed with how gentle and effective it was. The shampoo is easy to apply and rinse off, and it left my dog’s coat feeling soft and smooth. I appreciate that the shampoo is made with natural ingredients and does not contain any harsh chemicals or fragrances that could irritate my dog’s skin.

One thing to note is that the shampoo does not have a strong scent, which may be a pro or con depending on your preference. Additionally, the shampoo is quite thin and watery, so you may need to use more than usual to get a good lather. However, I found that the shampoo still worked well despite its thin consistency.

Overall, I would definitely recommend the Burt’s Bees Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoo to other pet owners who are looking for a natural and gentle shampoo for their dogs. It is a great choice for dogs with sensitive skin or allergies, and it is pH balanced and tearless, making it safe for puppies and dogs of all ages.

Burt’s Bees Oatmeal Dog Shampoo

Burt's Bees Oatmeal Dog Shampoo

I highly recommend Burt’s Bees Oatmeal Dog Shampoo for pet owners who want to keep their dogs clean and healthy. This product is made with natural ingredients that are gentle on sensitive skin and provide a deep clean without any harmful chemicals.

Pros

  • Soothes and softens dry, itchy skin
  • Made with high-quality ingredients like colloidal oatmeal and honey
  • Suitable for all dogs and puppies

Cons

  • Light lather may not be as satisfying as other shampoos
  • May require more product for a thorough clean
  • Bottle size may not be ideal for larger dogs

I love how this shampoo leaves my dog’s coat feeling soft and moisturized. The natural ingredients help soothe any dry or itchy skin, and the gentle formula is perfect for dogs with sensitive skin. Plus, the fact that this product is made with 80% post-consumer recycled bottles makes it a great choice for environmentally conscious pet owners.

When using this shampoo, I found that it didn’t have a strong scent outside of the main ingredients, which was a plus for me since I prefer a more natural smell. The formula is also free of fragrances, sulfates, colorants, and harsh chemicals, which gives me peace of mind knowing that I’m not exposing my dog to any harmful substances.

Overall, I highly recommend Burt’s Bees Oatmeal Dog Shampoo to anyone looking for a natural, gentle, and effective way to keep their dog’s coat clean and healthy.

Pet Honesty Chlorhexidine Shampoo

Pet Honesty Chlorhexidine Shampoo

If you’re looking for a shampoo that can help treat skin issues and smells great, then Pet Honesty Chlorhexidine Shampoo is worth considering.

Pros

  • Effectively helps treat skin issues
  • Veterinary strength formula promotes healing + smells great
  • Made with aloe for gentleness

Cons

  • The scent may not last very long
  • May not work for all dogs
  • The price may be higher than some other shampoos

I recently tried this shampoo on my dog who has sensitive skin and is prone to allergies. I was impressed with how effective it was in treating his skin issues, and it left his coat looking and feeling great. The shampoo has a light cucumber melon scent that helped combat any smelly skin issues.

One of the things I really like about this shampoo is that it’s made with veterinary strength formula that promotes healing and is gentle on the skin. It’s also great for dogs with irritated and sensitive skin. The addition of soothing aloe helps calm bothered skin issues brought on by an array of unwanted nuisances.

Another thing I appreciate about this shampoo is that it comes in a 16 oz bottle with a pump for easy use. I used 4-6 pumps per washing to help effectively remove dirt and give my dog’s fur a clean scent while soothing his skin and providing purifying and hydrating properties.

Overall, I would definitely recommend Pet Honesty Chlorhexidine Shampoo for anyone looking for a high-quality shampoo that can help treat skin issues and smells great.

Natural Dog Company Sensitive Skin Shampoo

Natural Dog Company Sensitive Skin Shampoo

If you’re looking for a dog shampoo that’s gentle on sensitive skin, Natural Dog Company Sensitive Skin Shampoo is a great choice.

Pros

  • Provides relief for dry and itchy skin
  • Suitable for all ages, sizes, and breeds
  • Made with plant-based ingredients like manuka honey, argan oil, aloe vera, and chamomile

Cons

  • May not be effective for severe skin conditions
  • Some customers reported issues with the scent
  • May not lather as well as other shampoos

I recently used this shampoo on my dog who has sensitive skin and I was impressed with the results. The shampoo is paraben and sulfate-free, which is great for dogs with allergies. It helped reduce shedding and itching while promoting healthy skin and coat. The oatmeal formula is specifically formulated to help soothe irritated skin and provide relief from dandruff.

One of the things I love about this shampoo is that it’s suitable for all ages, sizes, and breeds. It’s also hypoallergenic, which is great for dogs with allergies. The plant-based ingredients like manuka honey, argan oil, aloe vera, and chamomile provide gentle cleansing and itch relief for dogs.

While this shampoo may not be effective for severe skin conditions, it’s a great option for dogs with sensitive skin. Some customers reported issues with the scent, but I didn’t have any issues with it. The shampoo may not lather as well as other shampoos, but it still gets the job done.

Overall, I would recommend Natural Dog Company Sensitive Skin Shampoo to anyone looking for a gentle shampoo for their dog. It’s made in the USA and is a great choice for dogs with allergies or sensitive skin.

Vet’s Best Hypo-Allergenic Shampoo for Dogs

Vet's Best Hypo-Allergenic Shampoo for Dogs

If you’re looking for a gentle, soap-free shampoo for your dog’s sensitive skin, Vet’s Best Hypo-Allergenic Shampoo for Dogs is a great option. It relieves itching, helps to smooth dry, brittle coats, and is made with natural, plant-based ingredients like Aloe Vera and Vitamin E to comfort sensitive skin and relieve your pet’s allergies.

Pros

  • Relieves itching and helps to smooth dry, brittle coats
  • Made with natural, plant-based ingredients like Aloe Vera and Vitamin E to comfort sensitive skin and relieve your pet’s allergies
  • May be used as often as necessary to remove allergens without drying out your dog’s skin

Cons

  • Some customers have reported that the shampoo is too runny
  • The company does not disclose a complete list of ingredients
  • May not work for all dogs with sensitive skin

I recently tried Vet’s Best Hypo-Allergenic Shampoo for Dogs on my own dog who has sensitive skin and was pleased with the results. The shampoo lathered well and rinsed out easily, leaving my dog’s coat feeling soft and clean. I also appreciated that it did not have a strong scent.

One thing to note is that the shampoo is quite runny, so be careful when pouring it out of the bottle. Additionally, the company does not disclose a complete list of ingredients, which may be a concern for some pet owners.

Overall, if you’re looking for a gentle, natural shampoo for your dog’s sensitive skin, Vet’s Best Hypo-Allergenic Shampoo for Dogs is definitely worth considering.

Buying Guide

When choosing a dog shampoo for sensitive skin, there are a few important factors to consider. As a responsible dog owner, I want to make sure that I am using a product that is safe, effective, and gentle on my pet’s skin. Here are some key features to look for when selecting a dog shampoo:

Ingredients

The first thing to consider when choosing a dog shampoo is the ingredients. Look for products that are made with natural, non-toxic ingredients that are safe for your dog’s skin. Avoid shampoos that contain harsh chemicals, fragrances, or artificial colors, as these can irritate your dog’s skin and cause allergic reactions.

pH Balance

Another important factor to consider is the pH balance of the shampoo. Dogs have a different pH balance than humans, so it’s important to choose a product that is specifically formulated for dogs. Look for shampoos with a pH balance between 6.5 and 7.5, which is the ideal range for dogs.

Type of Coat

Different dog breeds have different types of coats, so it’s important to choose a shampoo that is appropriate for your dog’s coat type. For example, if your dog has a long, thick coat, you may want to choose a shampoo that is designed to help detangle and condition the hair. If your dog has a short, smooth coat, you may want to choose a shampoo that is designed to help clean and refresh the skin.

Fragrance

While it’s important to choose a dog shampoo that is free from harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances, some products do contain natural fragrances that can help to keep your dog smelling fresh and clean. Look for shampoos that contain natural fragrances like lavender, peppermint, or chamomile, which are gentle and soothing for your dog’s skin.

Packaging

Finally, consider the packaging of the dog shampoo. Look for products that are easy to use and store, with clear instructions for use. Consider the size of the bottle, as well as the type of dispenser, to ensure that the product is easy to apply and doesn’t waste any shampoo.

By considering these key factors when selecting a dog shampoo for sensitive skin, I can ensure that I am using a safe, effective, and gentle product that will keep my pet’s skin healthy and clean.