Everyone wants their dog to smell good at all times. So, what do you do when you realise your dog has a funny smell and there is no pet shampoo at home?
Dog shampoos are formulated in a special way to keep the dog’s skin and fur healthy and shiny.
Although there are many house items you could use to clean your dog, you should stick to pet shampoo.
Avoid DIY bathes and get the right shampoo for your dog to keep his skin healthy.
In this blog post, I will give you details about some of the best dog shampoos I’ve used on my dogs and how effective they have been.
The Recommended Dog Shampoos
I own three dogs and keeping them clean and fresh has always been my number one priority.
I love seeing their coat looking shiny and healthy, and there is no better way to do that than washing them with the right shampoo and spraying them often.
Most dog breeds out here are okay with a bath every month or a couple of times if you live in an area where collecting dirt and dust is easy.
The type of shampoo you use on your dog will make a huge difference in how they look and feel.
Below are different categories of my favourite dog shampoos:
1. Gentle Dog Shampoos
One reason most people don’t like gentle soaps is that they don’t clean tough messes thoroughly.
I also noticed that the fresh smell on my dogs doesn’t last long.
On the opposite side, they protect your dog’s skin from irritation, which can greatly harm them.
Gentle soaps are especially good if your dog has sensitive skin because they don’t have harsh chemicals.
Some of the best gentle soaps include:
- Eye Envy – the producing company manufactures all-natural pet cleaning products.
They have glycerine–enriched dog shampoo with an antibacterial cleanser but no detergent.
The shampoo from Eye Envy conditions softens and shines your dog’s coat.
- EarthBath – the shampoo is chemical-free and made out of moisture, water, and oatmeal, with other natural cleansers.
- Burt’s Bees – their dog shampoo should be gentle on your dog’s skin, but it’s very effective at cleaning any dog breed.
It will also moisturise the skin and give the coat lust.
- Isle of Dogs – this is one of the top-leading dog shampoo companies, and they offer a plethora of cleaning products.
They have a variety of gentle soaps, including a chemical-free oatmeal shampoo.
2. Waterless Shampoos
You should get a waterless dog shampoo for spot cleaning if you don’t want to bathe the dog.
Waterless shampoos are also perfect if you’re travelling with your dog, and bathing them may not be possible.
I have also noted that my dogs don’t like water, so instead of bathing them now and then, I always use my waterless shampoo to clean them in between the month.
This shampoo is also good for dogs that are being pot-trained and in cases of accidental expression of their anal glands.
The only disadvantage is that it won’t get rid of all the dirt, and some will remain in the dog’s coat, which might leave some smell.
3. Hypoallergenic Shampoo
Some dogs have reactive skin and constantly get rashes, while others have dry skin, which predisposes them to different skin allergies.
If your dog lies in this category, the best option is to get them a hypoallergenic shampoo.
One of the best shampoos is the Vet’s Best.
It has aloe vera, which is known to moisture and soothes dogs’ skin, and it has no chemicals, so your dog won’t react.
Another option is the DVM pharmaceuticals shampoo.
This shampoo is perfect if your dog has flaky skin and other allergic conditions.
4. Medicated Dog Shampoo
Medicated shampoos are great for various skin disorders like yeast infections, bacterial infections and allergies.
Veterinarians prescribe these shampoos, and they’re specially formulated to cure different skin issues.
Unlike the usual bathing process, you have to follow a few rules with medicated shampoos.
You have to apply the shampoo on a clean wet coat for starters.
Therefore, you should pre-clean your dog using lukewarm water before applying the medicated shampoo.
If the vet recommended a leave-in conditioner, you could apply it once you’ve washed away the medicated shampoo.
5. Shampoos for Smelly Dogs
As dog’s age, they get dirtier and smelly because they go out more.
On days when your dog has a funny smell, gentle shampoos won’t get the job done.
That’s why I always use odour-eliminating shampoo whenever any of my dogs has a funny smell.
The first brand I would recommend is Nature’s Miracle.
This company has a Supreme Odour Control shampoo and conditioner, which leaves the dog smelling clean and fresh for a long.
Another alternative is Skunk-Off, and just like the name sounds, it gets any dirt off your dog, leaving them smelling good.
Conclusion
So, there you have it, all the best dog shampoos perfect for different dog breeds.
Here are the different categories of dog shampoos:
- Gentle shampoos
- Waterless shampoos
- Hypoallergenic shampoos
- Medicated shampoos
- Shampoos for Smelly Dogs
Before picking a specific shampoo, ensure you know what you’re looking for.
For instance, if your dog has allergic skin, remember to get a hypoallergenic shampoo.
Hopefully, you have a better idea of the best dog shampoos on the market and what to avoid.