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Best Dog Shampoos for Sensitive Skin Summary
- Best Overall Dog Shampoo for Sensitive Skin: Honest Paws 5-in-1 Oatmeal Shampoo and Conditioner
This is our top pick out of all the products as it provides five benefits in a single wash and hydrates your dog’s skin. - Best Medicated Dog Shampoo for Sensitive Skin: Dermabliss Itch & Allergy Relief Medicated Dog Shampoo
With a combination of safflower seed oil and oat extract, this shampoo is great for sensitive and itchy skin. - Best Tearless Dog Shampoo for Sensitive Skin: PET CARE Sciences Tearless Puppy Shampoo and Conditioner
This is a shampoo and conditioner in one bottle that offers moisturizing benefits using natural ingredients. - Best Itch-Relief Dog Shampoo for Sensitive Skin: WAHL Dry Skin & Itch Relief Pet Shampoo for Dogs
This pH-balanced, alcohol and paraben-free shampoo work great on your dog’s coat and skin while providing itch relief. - Best Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoo for Sensitive Skin: Pawfume Dog Shampoo and Conditioner
This dog shampoo is vet-certified and made using a professionally constructed formula that is great for sensitive skin. - Best Disinfecting Dog Shampoo for Sensitive Skin: Douxo S3 PYO Shampoo
This antiseptic shampoo works great for dogs and cats with infections and inflammatory skin conditions. - Best Soothing Dog Shampoo for Sensitive Skin: Tropiclean Oatmeal and Tea Tree Pet Shampoo
In addition to soothing your pet’s coat, this oatmeal shampoo exfoliates, moisturizes, and conditions the skin. - Best Biodegradable Dog Shampoo for Sensitive Skin: Draw it Out® Soothing Shampoo for Dogs with Aloe Vera
This aloe shampoo works great for skin conditions like hot spots, thus making bath time a pleasant experience. - Best Allergy-Relief Dog Shampoo for Sensitive Skin: Paws & Pals 5-in-1 Oatmeal Dog Shampoo
This anti-itch shampoo with five effects features a delicate blend of essential oils, making it ideal for skin-sensitive dogs.
- Cleans, deodorizes, conditions and detangles coat, moisturizes skin.
- It is dye-free, and it does not contain MEA, DEA, sulfates, or parabens.
- This wash uses the hydrating properties of soothing oats and aloe that replenishes the skin’s natural moisture while conditioning the fur.
Do Shampoos for Dogs With Sensitive Skin Work?
Yes, the dog shampoo for sensitive skin works very well. It helps reduce the symptoms of allergies and improves the overall skin & coat health.
If your dog has sensitive skin or is prone to allergies, the vet will recommend a special shampoo. In general, the dog shampoo is made with mild and skin-soothing ingredients such as aloe vera, shea butter, and buttermilk.
To reduce the risk of an allergic reaction, shampoos for sensitive dogs are made with organic or all-natural ingredients.
Do Hypoallergenic Shampoos Work for Dogs With Sensitive Skin?
Yes, hypoallergenic shampoos work great for dogs with sensitive skin. Hypoallergenic shampoos are made with fewer and milder ingredients that are gentle on the dog’s skin. They also help get rid of allergens on the dog’s coat and skin surface.
The Best Dog Shampoos for Sensitive Skin Reviewed
There are dozens of dog shampoos for sensitive dogs. Finding the right choice for your dog’s skin type and condition can be tricky. To help pet owners with the decision, we have reviewed some of the best-selling dog shampoos for sensitive skin.
Summary: This premium dog shampoo and conditioner contains oatmeal which provides a soothing sensation to your dog’s damaged skin. It also contains natural ingredients that are safe and do not cause irritation.
Shampoo Uses: Complete skincare
Key Ingredients: Plant-based surfactants derived from coconut and palm, oatmeal, aloe
Scent: Coconut
- Cleans, deodorizes, conditions, and detangles coat
- Safe, non-irritating, and natural ingredients
- Replenishes the skin’s natural moisture
- Improves skin health
- Anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties
- None reported
Review: This shampoo is great for your dog’s coat as it is able to leave it shining and manageable. It also works great against skin disorders.
Summary: If your dog suffers from flaky, dry, and irritated skin, this shampoo can do wonders. It also helps to counter various skin irritations, including atopic dermatitis that can otherwise make your dog’s life uncomfortable.
Shampoo Uses: Anti-itch & allergy relief
Key Ingredients: 1% Pramoxine, oatmeal, safflower seed oil
Scent: Fresh scent
- Veterinary formulated product
- Contains no dyes, sulfates, or parabens
- Perfect for skin irritation, rashes, and allergens
- Softens the inflamed skin of your pooch
- Restores the skin’s natural oils
- Cannot be used on puppies less than 12 weeks old
Review: This dog shampoo for sensitive skin contains Pramoxine which numbs the skin of your dog. This provides them with itch relief.
Summary: This specially made tearless shampoo is exactly what you need in your arsenal of dog grooming products. Additionally, it is great for sensitive skin and for dogs who are more prone to allergies.
Shampoo Uses: Cleaning & conditioning
Key Ingredients: Oatmeal, aloe, coconut
Scent: Coconut
- Tearless formula preferred by groomers
- Efficient sensitive skin shampoo
- Cruelty-free formula
- Antiseptic properties
- Perfect for irritated skin
- Some owners dislike the coconut scent
Review: This dog shampoo for sensitive skin has a professional-grade formula. It contains coconut, which is able to nourish your dog’s skin by hydrating it.
Summary: This oatmeal shampoo is great if your pet suffers from various skin conditions like hot spots. It is pH balanced, alcohol-free, and paraben-free. Additionally, it offers an itch-free formulation that is great for your dog’s skin.
Shampoo Uses: Dry skin relief
Key Ingredients: Oatmeal, coconut oil, lime, aloe, and lemon verbena
Scent: Oatmeal
- One of the top products on Amazon
- Generates excellent lather
- Natural dog shampoo
- Helps to cure your doggy’s dandruff
- Solves most common skin issues
- Often out of stock due to high demand
Review: In addition to itch-relief, this dog shampoo for sensitive skin is able to moisturize and deep-clean your dog’s coat.
Summary: This premium dog shampoo and conditioner are a great addition to your dog grooming kit. The product has deodorizing and moisturizing properties giving your dog a softer and healthier coat.
Shampoo Uses: Conditioning, deodorizing,& moisturizing
Key Ingredients: Salon-grade botanicals and premium conditioners
Scent: White lily, powdery musk, and amber
- Veterinarian certified dog grooming product
- Guarantees a softer and healthier coat
- Does not remove topical flea applications
- Perfect gift for dog owners
- pH-balanced formula
- Some owners and dogs dislike the scent
Review: This shampoo works great in most cases. However, the brand is not very transparent about the ingredients it uses.
Summary: This shampoo can disinfect your dog’s skin in just seven days, thanks to its unique formulation. This product offers allergy relief and improves the health of the dog’s coat by nourishing it from within.
Shampoo Uses: Dry skin management
Key Ingredients: Ophytrium, chlorhexidine
Scent: Citrus
- Leads to supple and hydrated skin
- Proven to disinfect, hydrate, and support the skin
- Does not contain soaps, sulfates, parabens, and dyes
- pH-balanced formula
- Reduces yeast counts in 7 days
- The fragrance might not suit some dogs
Review: This shampoo contains ophytrium, which is a purified natural ingredient that helps to improve the quality of your pet’s coat.
Summary: This medicated shampoo is great for pets that have sensitive skin and are prone to allergens. It contains various natural ingredients that help to keep the dog’s coat in top condition. Plus, it is moisturizing and ensures quick itch-relief.
Shampoo Uses: Itch relief
Key Ingredients: Mild coconut cleanser, colloidal oatmeal, hydrolyzed wheat protein, tea tree oil, chamomile, aloe, pomegranate, kiwi, yucca, papaya Extract, vitamin E
Scent: Oatmeal and tea tree
- Exfoliates, moisturizes, and conditions
- Soap-free formula
- Made with naturally derived ingredients
- Soothes dry, itchy, and irritated skin
- Provides long-lasting itch relief
- Fragrance might not work for some dogs
Review: This shampoo is perfect for your dog’s sensitive skin and can be paired with a waterless shampoo in some cases.
Summary: This soothing shampoo contains the goodness of lavender and is great for the environment. It has a mild formula and therefore reduces the chance of an allergic reaction in your dog. The formula is free from harsh chemicals and artificial additives.
Shampoo Uses: Soothing irritated skin
Key Ingredients: Lavender oil, aloe vera, geranium oil, castor oil, and chamomile
Scent: Chamomile
- Biodegradable formula
- Sulfate and soap-free
- Has a calming effect by reducing anxiety
- Anti-inflammatory benefits
- Provides long-lasting itch relief
- More expensive than similar products
Review: The ingredients of this dog shampoo for sensitive skin have anti-inflammatory benefits and provide soothing relief to damaged skin.
Summary: This shampoo contains all-natural ingredients, including argan oil and aloe vera that offer a soothing effect on your dog’s skin. It is also biodegradable and has hydrating, healing, and protecting properties.
Shampoo Uses: Complete skincare
Key Ingredients: Oatmeal, sweet basil, turmeric
Scent: Oatmeal
- Made with naturally derived ingredients
- Soothes dry, itchy, and irritated skin
- Provides long-lasting itch relief
- Exfoliates, moisturizes, and conditions your pet’s skin
- Soap-free formula
- Often out of stock due to high demand
Review: This dog shampoo for sensitive skin works great against most skin infections. It is free from harsh chemicals and supports overall skin and coat health.
What is the Best Dog Shampoo for Sensitive Skin?
Honest Paws 5-in-1 Oatmeal Shampoo and Conditioner is our top pick when it comes to the best dog shampoo for sensitive skin. This is because of various factors that put this product into our good books.
This shampoo cleans, deodorizes, conditions and detangles coat, and moisturizes your dog’s skin. Additionally, it is made from pet-safe and natural ingredients.
Here are some factors to consider when shopping for the best dog shampoo for sensitive skin:
- Type of Shampoo. First, you need to decide on the type of shampoo. In general, there are two types – regular liquid shampoos and waterless (non-rinse) shampoos.
- Natural Ingredients. The pet shampoo should be made with natural ingredients with skin-soothing properties like aloe, coconut oil, shea butter, etc.
- No Harsh Chemicals. Shampoos formulated for sensitive skin must be free from chemicals (sulfates, phthalates, parabens, MEA, DEA) and artificial ingredients (dyes, fragrances).
- Fragrance. Pet shampoos come in various scents. You need to choose one that will suit both you and your cat. If you dislike fragrances, get an unscented shampoo.
- Ease of Use. For convenience purposes, the shampoo should be of the right consistency and lather easily. It should also come in a bottle that is easy to handle.
- Brand. A reliable brand will be transparent about its ingredients and manufacturing practices. It should also be cruelty-free. It is a good idea to read reviews from other pet owners.
What Ingredients Should Not be in a Dog Shampoo for Sensitive Skin?
Harsh chemicals and artificial additives can aggravate the dog’s sensitive skin. Here are some of the ingredients that should not be in a dog shampoo for sensitive skin:
- Sulfates. Sulfates are cleaning agents that help create lather. Sulfates are harsh and associated with exacerbated skin symptoms and skin irritation.
- Parabens. Parabens are chemical preservatives used to extend the shampoo’s shelf life. These ingredients get absorbed and accumulate in the body, causing hormonal disorders and cancer.
- Formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is another hazardous preservative. It works by triggering the immune system, which results in itchiness and scaling of the skin.
- Phthalates. Phthalates usually hide under the term fragrances. They are used to improve the scent of the shampoo. However, they may cause hormonal disorders.
- Artificial Additives. Artificial dyes and fragrances are linked with health issues such as allergic reactions, cancer, organ failure, and birth defects.
How Often Should You Bathe a Dog With Sensitive Skin?
It is recommended to bathe a dog with sensitive skin once every 3-4 weeks. However, it is best to consult a vet before you move ahead with a treatment solution for your dog’s skin troubles.
This is because dogs with sensitive skin may experience temporary relief from the baths and need frequent bathing sessions. However, bathing more than necessary can lead to another problem – disrupting the production of natural skin oil and aggravating the skin condition.
How Fast Does a Dog Shampoo for Sensitive Skin Work?
A dog shampoo meant for sensitive skin usually works right from the first wash. However, it only provides temporary relief. It can take upwards of 4-6 weeks before your dog shows signs of full recovery.
