7 Best Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoos (2024 Home Grooming)
You’re lounging on the couch enjoying some downtime with your pooch when out of the corner of your eye, you see your pooch frantically scratching itself and clearly irritated with something. Maybe he might even rub his face on a rough, abrasive surface like the carpet or rug.
While some scratching is normal (who doesn’t like a good scratch every once in a while?), excessive scratching is not. Newsflash! Your dog may have a skin allergy.
Excessive scratching is one of the most common symptoms of a skin allergy in dogs. Dogs may also chew or lick at their skin to try to relieve the itchiness. When left untreated, skin allergies can lead to hair loss, open sores, and secondary infections.
Causes Of Allergies In Dogs
There are a variety of things that can cause skin allergies in dogs. Some of the most common causes include food allergies, contact allergies, and allergies to environmental factors such as pollen or mold.
Food Allergies
Food allergies are often the most difficult to diagnose, as they can be caused by any number of ingredients in your dog’s food. Common culprits are chicken, dairy, beef, soy, and wheat.
If you suspect your dog has a food allergy, it’s important to work with your veterinarian to determine which ingredients are causing the problem. Once you know what your dog is allergic to, you can avoid those ingredients in their food and keep them healthy and happy.
Contact Allergies
Contact allergies are caused by things that your dog’s skin comes into contact with, such as certain fabrics or chemicals. If you notice your dog is itching and scratching more when they’re around certain things, it’s possible they have a contact allergy.
Common culprits are laundry detergents, floor cleaners, soap, and shampoos. Avoiding the irritants is the best way to prevent these allergies from causing problems.
Environmental Allergies
Environmental allergies are caused by things in your dog’s environment, such as pollen or mold. These allergies can be difficult to avoid, but there are some steps you can take to help your dog if they’re affected.
For example, if your dog is allergic to pollen, you can try to keep them inside during peak pollen hours and make sure they’re well-groomed to remove any pollen that’s clinging to their fur.
Best Hypoallergenic Shampoos For Dogs
Regardless of the reason, your itchy-scratchy dog will benefit greatly from a hypoallergenic shampoo that is easy on the skin to prevent aggravating his skin condition.
Hypoallergenic shampoos are made with fewer ingredients than regular shampoos, which can help to reduce the chances of an allergic reaction. You might also want to avoid using any shampoo with fragrances, as these can often be the cause of skin allergies.
If your dog’s skin is particularly dry or irritated, you may want to consider using a moisturizing shampoo to help soothe their skin.
Looking for a hypoallergenic shampoo? Here are our favorites!
1. 4-Legger Unscented Dog Shampoo
Made using a gentle formula and cruelty-free ingredients, the 4-legger hypoallergenic shampoo is a top pick because it is free from sulfates and detergents. This is our top pick since it is certified organic and the natural ingredients reduce the chance of a negative reaction.
4-Legger Aloe Dog Shampoo All Natural and USDA Certified Organic Dog Shampoo - Hypoallergenic and Unscented for Sensitive Skin - USA - 8 ozIn addition, there are no additional scents or artificial thickeners in this shampoo, reducing the risk of a reaction. Eco-friendly shoppers will enjoy purchasing this shampoo as it is biodegradable. Moreover, the consistency is thinner than a traditional shampoo, which is why a little amount will go a long way.
For itchy dogs with sensitive skin, this shampoo is an excellent choice.
Pros
- 100% non-toxic formula.
- Vegan ingredients.
- Lessens dander.
Cons
- The shampoo is not tear-free.
- Can leave a sticky residue.
2. Vet’s Best Hypoallergenic Shampoo for Dogs
Trusted for more than 30 years, Vet’s has one of the best hypoallergenic shampoos for your dog. It is gentle on your furry companion, making it safe for dogs that have hot spots or other allergies.
This shampoo contains four primary ingredients including aloe vera and vitamin E which reduces the risk of reactions and moisturize, soothe, and cleanse your dog’s irritated skin.
This shampoo is slightly thinner than most but that does not affect its ability to smooth out brittle and dry coats. It uses natural ingredients to relieve pet allergies and works perfectly with other treatments like tick control products.
Pros
- Designed by vets.
- Soap-free shampoo.
- It will not interfere with other treatments such as flea meds.
Cons
- The shampoo is watery.
3. Burt’s Bees Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoo
If you are in the market for a good hypoallergenic shampoo that will give you value for money, then Burt’s Bees Dog shampoo is your go-to option. Made using the finest quality ingredients and a pH-balanced formula, this shampoo is free from fragrance, harsh chemicals, colorants, and sulfates.
Ingredients such as honey and shea butter moisturize and give your pet’s coat a perfect shine. The all-natural shampoo is ideal for sensitive dog skin and will relieve itchiness.
Pros
- Offers quality ingredients at an affordable price.
- It is gentle and mild, making it perfect for sensitive skin.
- pH balanced formula specifically to meet canine needs.
Cons
- Does not lather well.
4. Rocco & Roxie Calm Shampoo
With a 4.5 star rating, Rocco & Roxie Calm dog shampoo is ideal for puppies or dogs that have EXTREMELY sensitive skin. Made using a natural formula and with safe, top-quality ingredients, this hypoallergenic shampoo will calm, clean, and restore your dog’s coat.
It offers a no-tear blend along with unmatched moisture and softness. Creamy shea butter, aloe vera, oat extracts, and olive oil come together to provide a calming effect. In addition, aloe vera gives a soothing impact and fights dry skin.
This easy-to-use shampoo does not have paraben, phthalates, or mineral oil, reducing the chance of negative reactions.
Pros
- The formula is easy to shampoo in and rinse out.
- It is perfect for puppies and dogs with epidermis conditions.
- Cleans away smelly grime and muck without causing irritation to the skin.
Cons
- It is not fresh-scented.
5. Earthbath Oatmeal and Aloe Shampoo
5th on the list is the famous Earthbath Oatmeal and Aloe Dog Shampoo, the perfect choice for pooches who have sensitive, dry, and itchy skin. Oatmeal and aloe vera blend together to promote healing, soothe irritated skin and rehydrate dryness.
Affordably priced, this Earthbath shampoo will moisturize and revitalize the coat, reducing dryness and maintaining the shine. This chemical-free shampoo is also pH balanced that soothes irritated skin. We love that this shampoo is cruelty-free, vegan, and biodegradable!
Pros
- Made with all-natural 100% organic ingredients.
- Reduces the urge to scratch.
- It has a pleasant smell given the natural formula.
- Moisturizes and heals the skin.
Cons
- The natural scent is not for everyone.
- It is NOT a tearless formula.
6. Nature’s Miracle Oatmeal Dog Shampoo
Ideal for sensitive skin, the Nature’s Miracle Oatmeal Shampoo is soap-free and will soothe itchy skin. This dog shampoo comprises honey, oatmeal, and sage that cleans the dirtiest of dogs and improves fur softness. Honey and sage make it a great smelling shampoo that works into the coat easily.
You can use this shampoo with flea and tick products without irritating your pup’s skin. This hypoallergenic shampoo offers 4-in-1 benefits including cleansing the coat, neutralizing odors, and soothing skin.
The soap-free formula ensures that the tick and flea medication doesn’t wash away. Your dog will love the soothing effect this product has on the skin. Moreover, the shampoo will not leave an overpowering smell.
Pros
- Comes in a large 32-ounce bottle.
- Safe to use with flea products.
- Smells great and has a long-lasting effect.
Cons
- Doesn’t rinse well.
7. Fieldworks Moosh Natural Dog Shampoo
Looking for cruelty, preservative, and sulfate-free dog shampoo? The Moosh Natural Dog shampoo offers the perfect blend of aloe vera, nutmeg, argan oil, and bentonite clay which enhances the coat’s silkiness and shine.
These all-natural ingredients will fully moisturize the coat and will calm any hot spots, while the bentonite clay will prevent itchiness, eliminate fungal infections, and naturally promote healing in the skin.
Argan oil, shea butter, and aloe vera work together to remove flakey skin and improve dryness. With this toxin-free shampoo, your dog can safely groom itself without fear of toxicity, in addition to enjoying smooth, clean skin!
Pros
- Itchy skin clears up with this shampoo.
- The shampoo smells fresh and cleans out nicely.
- It is an eco-friendly shampoo that rinses out easily.
- Herbal formula repels ticks and fleas.
Cons
- Some might find the fragrance of all the essential oils intense.
Final Thoughts
If you have ever had an incessant itch, you’d know that is no fun at all. Excessively scratching is enough to turn the most amicable pooch into an irritated, moody mess, not to mention the potential infections and skin complications that come with it.
With these shampoos, we hope that we have helped minimize your pooch’s discomfort as well as reduce the risk of any further aggravation to a skin condition. Good luck!
