7 Best Shampoos for Australian Shepherd (2024 Update)

Australian Shepherds are playful dogs and super agile for their size. These dogs thrive in the great outdoors and make excellent travel companions for most people.

Their colorful coats are a magnet for debris with a double-layer outer cover that’s challenging to detangle. Luckily, these dogs enjoy the water, making bath time a stress-free process.

This list contains the best shampoo for Australian Shepherd emphasizing the need to maintain their natural oils, prevent shedding, and keep their lustrous coats in good health.

Best Overall – PetAg Fresh ‘n Clean

Fresh ‘n Clean is the best overall because it has everything an Aussie Shepherd needs. Firstly, this shampoo is enriched with Vitamin E, and Aloe Vera extracts to moisturize your dog’s coat and keep the hair glossy.

The shampoo is gentle and uses plant-derived cleansing agents to wash off the grime, dirt, and excess fatty oils. The floral scent is mild and lasts up to two weeks after the initial bath.

Interestingly, it’s a famous brand among groomers and contains a conditioner that prevents the dog’s coat from drying out.

I love that this product makes the dog’s coat easy to brush and helps with mats and tangles. Most Aussie Shepherd owners enjoy a couch snuggle, and the scent makes you want to hug your dog for days!

Pros

• Long-lasting scent.
• It helps to manage knotty hair.
• Vitamin E repairs damaged coat.
• Great for adult Aussie Shepherds and puppies.

Cons

• The smell can be overpowering.
• A bit on the pricey side.

Best Premium – Vermont Soap Organics

The brand is Vermont Soap, but this shampoo has no soap inside. It’s designed for dog owners who want to give their Australian Shepherd the VIP treatment.

The shampoo moisturizes the dog’s skin for days thanks to the coconut, olive, and jojoba oils – all ingredients you’ll find in high-quality hair care products for humans.

Besides, it contains rosemary extract that’s amazing for soothing itchy dogs. This shampoo is USDA certified and has zero artificial additives like sulfates, parabens, or phosphates that you find in many regular brands.

It’s the mildest shampoo for allergic dogs, and the lemongrass oil acts as a natural flea and tick repellant.

Pros

• It contains high-quality natural ingredients.
• USDA Certification.
• Great for dogs with sensitive skin.

Cons

• Liquid is thin.
• The smell is unremarkable and doesn’t last long.

Best Budget – Wags & Wiggles

Wags & Wiggles proves you don’t have to rob a bank to buy a dog shampoo that works. This Citronella Dog Shampoo is tailored for Aussie Shepherds that enjoy the outdoors.

It’s easy to use and contains lime, mint, and citronella to soften the dog’s coat and remove stubborn dirt and grime. Moreover, it works well with topical medication and is SLS, DEA, and paraben-free.

The shampoo is pH-balanced for sensitive skin. It comes in six scents: Warm Vanilla, Powder Fresh, Lemon Drop, Tropical Mango, Wild Watermelon, and Very Berry. It’s a moisturizer, deodorizer, and everything you want in a dog shampoo.

Pros

• Gentle on dog’s skin.
• Improves coat texture.
• Has various scents.
• Affordable price.

Cons

• Poor bottle design.
• It doesn’t stop shedding.
• Not excellent at removing stains.

Best for Shedding – Shed-X Shed Control

Australian Shepherds are a dog breed that sheds often. These dogs shed all year, especially during spring, to dispose of their winter coats. However, excessive shedding can cause skin issues and damage the coat. 

This shampoo takes care of your dog’s shedding issues and helps to release the excess hair. It contains Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, including Vitamins A, D, and E. 

The oatmeal extract strengthens the hair, ensuring your dog isn’t releasing furry nuggets all over the house. I also love the pomelo fragrance even though it doesn’t last long after a bath.

Pros

• Controls shedding.
• Lasting fragrance.
• Affordable.
• Moisturizes dog skin.
• Contains vitamins and antioxidants.

Cons

• Fragrance is short-lived.
• Not for epileptic dogs.

Best Organic – 4Legger Organic

Australian Shepherds allergic to artificial ingredients found in many dog shampoos will enjoy using this USDA Certified shampoo. The purpose of its components is to ensure the comfort of the dog through the use of organic nutrients like lemongrass, aloe vera, and coconut oil.

It’s designed for sensitive, itchy skin and helps with dandruff and flakes. More importantly, this shampoo has no sulfates. It’s an excellent choice for eco-conscious dog owners and leaves the dog’s coat in fantastic condition.

Additionally, vets trust this shampoo because of its simple, effective ingredients that work. Many dog shampoos claim to be natural, but this product is the real deal. Besides, you don’t need an advanced chemistry degree to know the bottle’s contents!

Pros

• Organic, natural ingredients.
• Reliefs itching for sensitive skin.
• USDA certification.
• Recommended by vets.

Cons

• The lemongrass scent isn’t for everyone.
• Not tear-free.

Best Everyday  –  Isle of Dogs

Not to be mistaken for the Isle of Dogs, the movie Isle of Dogs Pet Shampoo is a mild and gentle product designed to keep the dog’s coat soft, silky, and shiny. The fragrance is mild, unlike other products that tend to overpower the nostrils.

Moreover, it’s an effective, deep cleanser, and I was surprised by the amount of dirt this shampoo was able to rinse. It doesn’t cause flaking or itching, and the signature jasmine and vanilla smell fantastic.

It also features ExtenScent, a natural deodorizer that keeps the Aussie Shepherd coat smelling fresh days after bathing. All you need is a little amount in your hands and work it into the skin to remove the excess oils. It’s a shampoo that removes the toughest stains in a heartbeat.

Pros

• Smells fabulous.
• Deep cleansing formula.
• For sensitive irritable skin.

Cons

• Not sulfate-free.
• The liquid is slightly thin.

Best Antiseptic – Veterinary Formula Clinical Care

Australian Shepherds love the outdoors, and there’s a high chance of contacting dirty surfaces that can cause skin issues like bacterial and skin infections. This shampoo combats all sorts of skin infections like crusty skin, skin rashes, inflamed scalp, and dandruff.

Active ingredients like coal tar relieve seborrheic dermatitis, while salicylic acid combats flaking and scaling. The shampoo has a balanced pH great for dogs and is paraben-free to improve pet health.

Besides, the shampoo will not wash off topical treatments for fleas or ticks, and the micronized sulfur is excellent for soothing inflammation. This shampoo may not smell like fresh roses, but it’s a powerful formula that gets the job done.

Pros

• Powerful shampoo for severe skin infections.
• Relieves itchy skin.
• It doesn’t contain parabens.
• It has oatmeal extract to enhance coat health.

Cons

• Not for pups.
• The smell is unpleasant.

Best Shampoo for Australian Shepherd Buying Guide

There are many dog shampoos, but the type to opt for depends on your pet’s needs. Before pulling the trigger, consider the factors below.

Alcohol-Free

Alcohol is commonly found in human and dog shampoo, and the ingredient can irritate your Australian Shepherd. Ensure you purchase a product that won’t cause harm to your dog in the form of added chemicals.

Natural Ingredients

Organic ingredients like coconut oil, jojoba oil, aloe vera, and oatmeal promote dog health. More importantly, avoid artificial components like dyes and synthetic fragrances.

Look for shampoos with essential oils like tea tree oil, eucalyptus, and citrus because these oils smell nice and act as a natural insect repellent.

Dog Age

You can find a product that works for dogs of all ages but if your Aussie Shepherd is a puppy, go for a brand specially designed for puppies. These shampoos use a milder formula that doesn’t irritate the eyes.

Odor

Australian Shepherds are adventurous and will nose their way into the garbage, dirt, and other yucky substances. A deodorizing shampoo is essential to eliminate these awful odors to ensure your dog looks clean and smells clean too!

Luster & Color

Factors like ill health can dull a dog’s shine. Still, you can restore its coat by using a shampoo with Vitamin E, omega fatty acids, and other essential minerals packed with proteins. Moreover, some shampoos contain whiteners to prevent fading and yellowing while improving coat health.

Skin Sensitivity

Some Australian Shepherds have more sensitive skin than others. Buy an anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, or antiseptic shampoo if your dog suffers from skin conditions like rashes, bumps, or dandruff.

Conclusion

The best shampoo for the Australian Shepherd is PetAg Fresh ‘n Clean. It reduces dog itch, moisturizes the skin, and repairs damaged coats. The only issue is the high price which is a small price to pay for your doggo.

The other shampoos on this list are the absolute top dogs in their respective categories. They are sure to keep your faithful furry friend happy and healthy! If you want to see a list of the best food for them, you can find that by clicking here!