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Best Shampoos for Dogs With Itchy Skin

By Ross Bentley | February 7, 2023

Two funny wet dogs in bathtub

All products and services featured are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

While it’s nice to enjoy a pleasant-smelling pup, frequent baths can strip essential oils in dogs’ coats, leaving their skin dry and irritated. However, there are plenty of times when bathing your dog is necessary, and it’s important to find the right shampoo for its coat if your pet suffers from itchy, irritated skin. 

Fortunately, there are a variety of skin-sensitive dog shampoos specifically designed for canines that itch. Below, we’ve researched different options to help owners find the best shampoo for dogs with itchy skin. 

10 Best Dog Shampoos for Itchy Skin

 

For Larger Dogs

A gallon jug of Vetoquinol Aloe & Oatmeal Shampoo with a green and white label, indicating it is soap-free and has a coconut fragrance, set against a plain white background.
Courtesy Amazon

Vetoquinol Aloe & Oatmeal Soap-Free Dog & Cat Shampoo

$65.99

With its soap-free formula, this dog shampoo contains several ingredients designed to improve the sheen of your dog’s coat while gently hydrating dry and irritated skin. The formula is also designed to use in conjunction with topical flea treatments.

$65.99 On Amazon

Vetoquinol Aloe & Oatmeal Soap-Free Dog & Cat Shampoo

If you have a larger dog breed and go through shampoo quickly, the manufacturer sells the shampoo in one-gallon bottles to minimize wasted packaging.

What Other Pet Owners Are Saying

“Had taken my puppy to the vet for surgery, got her home in a few days, doing fine…….a week later she is still soft……I had to call the vet to see what shampoo they used on her and found it here, this is great and will last a long time. I will not buy anything else anymore…WE ARE EXTRA SATISFIED!!”—Glennella via Amazon

“Like this shampoo. My dog has a summer itch and she needs a bath every week so this shampoo does not dry out her skin and still gets her clean.”—Janet via Amazon

 

For Puppies

A bottle of TropiClean Hypoallergenic Puppy Shampoo in Gentle Coconut scent, featuring a green and white label with coconut imagery, set against a plain white background.
Courtesy Amazon

TropiClean Gentle Coconut Puppy & Kitten Shampoo

$14.99

If your puppy struggles with itchy skin, consider this specially formulated-shampoo. It uses naturally derived ingredients, such as Avena sativa oatmeal and aloe extract, to clean your pup without stripping its skin of natural oils.

$14.99 On Amazon

TropiClean Gentle Coconut Puppy & Kitten Shampoo

The formula is also free from dyes and parabens and contains no soap. You’ll enjoy a mild coconut fragrance on your puppy after using this shampoo. 

What Other Pet Owners Are Saying

“Our boy (a lab mix) can get super itchy if we use certain shampoos, especially ones that are made for sensitive skin with oatmeal as main ingredient. I was skeptical about this as it does have the oatmeal but I’m guessing not much because he is fine! One of the nice things was this shampoo actually kept the wet dog smell at bay so that alone is worth it! It has been a week and he still smells nice too.”—Spring via Amazon

“I’ve used this on my dogs and cat, and it’s a pretty great shampoo for the price. There’s definitely still a wet dog/cat smell afterwards, even if you shampoo twice. It gets them super clean and fluffy though!”—Emmerson via Amazon

 

For Responsibly Sourced Ingredients

A bottle of Burt's Bees Oatmeal Shampoo for Dogs with Colloidal Oat Flour & Honey, featuring a yellow label with a dog illustration, set against a plain white background.
Courtesy Amazon

Burt’s Bees Oatmeal Shampoo for Dogs

$10.99 $6.52

Gentle but effective, this plant-based and cruelty-free dog shampoo uses a combination of honey, beeswax, and colloidal oatmeal to formulate an ideal pH balance that supports healthy hair and skin. 

$6.52 On Amazon

Burt’s Bees Oatmeal Shampoo for Dogs

The manufacturer also boasts that this pet shampoo is recommended by veterinarians, and the bottle is made of 80 percent post-consumer recycled materials, so you can feel good about your choice. 

What Other Pet Owners Are Saying

“This is truly the only shampoo I will use on my dog, she deals with severe itchyness and this is the only shampoo I have found that doesn’t make flare up. The scent is very mild and smells good, and it goes a long way.”—Zoe via Amazon

“My sheltie loves this shampoo also. It really doesn’t have a scent which is nice. It is a gentle soap and works well with the sheltie coat. I knew that I couldn’t go wrong with a Burts Bees product.”—Suzan via Amazon

 

For Fungal and Bacterial Infections

A bottle of Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiseptic & Antifungal Medicated Shampoo for Dogs & Cats, featuring a white and silver label with orange and black accents, set against a plain white background.
Courtesy Amazon

Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiseptic & Antifungal Shampoo

$12.99 $9.85

This vet-recommended medicinal topical solution targets fungal and bacterial infections when used consistently and according to directions. The pH-balance, soap-free ketoconazole and benzethonium chloride shampoo to combat skin infections while providing relief from symptoms caused by allergies, bacterial pyoderma, dermatitis, endocrine diseases, hair loss, lesions, mange, pustules, ringworm, skin folds, thin coats, yeast, and other such ailments. 

$9.85 On Amazon

Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiseptic & Antifungal Shampoo

Clinical Care Antiseptic & Antifungal Shampoo also works well for a variety of species, including dogs, cats, and horses. 

What Other Pet Owners Are Saying

“Although I still get monthly allergy shots for my dog, this stuff makes a world of a difference in his skin! Gets rid of the occasional yeast infection from food allergies & leaves his skin so so soft. Love this stuff.”—DeWitt via Amazon

“My French bulldog was losing her hair. We think it was the weather change. I bought this and after the second wash her hair and skin were looking so much better! Needless to say she’s back to normal. I highly recommend especially with this kind of breed. They’re extremely sensitive but this shampoo works!”—Stephanie via Amazon

 

For Flaking and Scaly Skin

A bottle of Sulfodene Medicated Shampoo & Conditioner for Dogs, featuring a red and white label with benefits such as relieving flaking and scaling, conditioning with soothing aloe, and deep cleaning, set against a plain white background.
Courtesy Amazon

Sulfodene Medicated Dog Shampoo & Conditioner

$13.99

The primary itch-fighting agent in this medicated dog shampoo consists of 2% sulfur, which is ideal for dogs with hot spots or itchy skin due to allergies. It also contains aloe vera extract, which leaves your dog’s hair and skin feeling shiny and lustrous. 

$13.99 On Amazon

Sulfodene Medicated Dog Shampoo & Conditioner

Although this product is clinical in nature, it offers a pleasant green apple scent and is gentle enough for regular use. 

What Other Pet Owners Are Saying

“I bought this stuff along with the medicated ointment they sell, works great!… Healed my dog up in about 2 weeks. Hes almost back to 100%! He had a nasty rash from an unknown source and this stuff worked. Smells great too! Reminds me of how dr teals smells. Great value for the price!”—Ciara via Amazon

“I try to wash my two dogs weekly, small Boston terriers, 15#. You have to apply a reasonable amount and keep adding water for a good sudsing, then rinse well. One dog’s dander has disappeared mostly. They both tend to dry itchy skin. Not sure this has helped with that thru the week. Overall I like this product.” —Beebop via Amazon

 

For Relaxation

Maxbone Calming Shampoo for Dogs & Cats
Courtesy Saks Fifth Avenue

Maxbone Calming Pet Shampoo

$18

This hypoallergenic, cruelty-free, soap- and paraben-free dog and cat shampoo from Maxbone uses nano-encapsulated vitamins, aloe, and oatmeal to soothe and refresh itchy, scaly, and sensitive skin. The mild tropical scent to make your dog smell pleasant and relaxed at the same time.

$18 On Saks Fifth Avenue

Maxbone Calming Pet Shampoo

The gentle, natural-ingredient formula is vet-recommended and safe to use in combination with topical flea treatments.  The shampoo’s aloe vera and oatmeal emollients also make up a considerable portion of the formula to treat and soothe a dog’s itchy skin for days after bathing.  

What Other Pet Owners Are Saying

“This shampoo leaves my dogs smelling so fresh and clean! Using the shampoo and then the smell good spray after was the perfect combo! Will absolutely be making this my go to dog shampoo now!”—Krystin M. via Maxbone

“I love the smell and leaves the coat very soft.”—Jen L. via Maxbone

 

For Waterless Baths

A bottle of Pure + Good Foaming Shampoo for Pets with Blue Cypress and Neroli, featuring a white label with blue text and illustrations of a dog and cat, set against a plain white background.
Courtesy Macy’s

Pure + Good Blue Cypress + Neroli Foaming Shampoo

$18.00

This cruelty-free waterless shampoo is effective but mild and formulated for safe use on all animals—not just canines. Pure + Good’s foaming pet shampoo is plant-based, soap-free, and features a pet-safe blend of essential oils to gently moisturize your dog’s skin and coat.

$18.00 On Macy’s

Pure + Good Blue Cypress + Neroli Foaming Shampoo

The application is simple—just pump a generous dollop of the foaming shampoo into your palm and gently massage it into your pet’s coat. Once finished, wipe them down with a clean towel.

What Other Pet Owners Are Saying

“This is the BEST fragrance I have ever, ever, yes ever smelled for dogs. I have been in the dog business for over 20 years – and I have never smelled a fragrance like this WOW. I almost want to wash my own hair with this – love love love it. Client service was great, delivery was super fast and the product left me speechless…”—Vondra via Pure + Good

“As a groomer, I’m in love with this shampoo. It is perfect on stinky beards and slimy dogs. I cannot say enough positive things…”—Anonymous buyer via Pure + Good

 

For Odor Control

A bottle of Nature's Miracle Oatmeal Shampoo for Dogs, featuring an oatmilk and aloe scent, with a white and beige label and a red cap, set against a plain white background.
Courtesy Amazon

Nature’s Miracle Oatmeal Dog Shampoo & Conditioner

$19.99 $15.15

This oatmeal-based canine shampoo and conditioner works well for dry and irritated skin. Its four-in-one versatility helps with neutralizing odors, soothing itchy skin, cleaning the skin and coat, and leaving your dog’s hair with a rich conditioning layer. 

$15.15 On Amazon

Nature’s Miracle Oatmeal Dog Shampoo & Conditioner

You can also choose between a 16-ounce bottle and a 32-ounce bottle to care for breeds of all sizes. 

What Other Pet Owners Are Saying

“This is seriously the ONLY shampoo that will take the stink out of my pup. I’ve tried everything but she is one stinky mother! Natures Miracle is really a miracle and knocks the onerous odor from her skanky self.”—Alicia via Amazon

“I had never tried this brand but I ordered it because of having a dog who can be super sensitive to stuff she is a large fluffy Great Pyrenees so I also wanted it to be great with the long fur. This shampoo was super easy to lather onto the dog and created a great amount of suds for a small amount of it. Another big bonus because with larger dogs it tends to take more and I was able to not use as much as some other brands.”—Ash via Amazon

 

For Antiparasitic Use

A bottle of Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiparasitic & Antiseborrheic Medicated Shampoo for Dogs, featuring a white and silver label with purple and black accents, set against a plain white background.
Courtesy Amazon

Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiparasitic & Antiseborrheic Shampoo

$8.96

This powerful but gentle shampoo is intended for dogs of all breeds and ages, harnessing the benefits of micronized sulfur, salicylic acid, and allantoin to function as an antiparasitic and antiseborrheic. You can also use it with other flea and tick treatments, as it’s formulated not to wash other products out of your dog’s skin and hair. 

$8.96 On Amazon

Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiparasitic & Antiseborrheic Shampoo

If your dog’s skin condition requires potent ingredients and a lot of care, this specialized shampoo is worth considering. 

What Other Pet Owners Are Saying

“Before this product. My dogs skin started turning a purple tint, and he would always itch. No matter how many oatmeal baths I would give him. I started using this stuff on him, about 2 weeks ago. His skin is coming back to the normal color.”—Dawn via Amazon

“This shampoo is excellent! It smells pleasant, lathers well, and helps with certain skin conditions your dog may be suffering from. My little guy had seasonal allergies, and it cleared him right up. I love the pleasant smell it leaves, and it didn’t irritate his skin. Will be purchasing again!”—Alaina via Amazon

 

For Flea and Tick Control

A bottle of Pure + Good Flea + Tick Shampoo for Pets with Citronella and Lemongrass, featuring a white label with blue text and illustrations of a dog and cat, set against a plain white background.
Courtesy Macy’s

Pure + Good Pet Flea + Tick Shampoo

$16

This cruelty-free Flea + Tick pet shampoo by Pure + Good is specially formulated without harsh chemical insecticides. Instead, it uses a potent blend of citronella and lemongrass oils which actively repel fleas and ticks. The shampoo also contains aloe, provitamin B-5, and coconut oil to gently relieve itching, moisturize, and resolve issues like flea-based dermatitis.

$16 On Macy’s

Pure + Good Pet Flea + Tick Shampoo

This shampoo is also safe enough for daily application and vet-approved for use on dogs, cats, and horses.

What Other Pet Owners Are Saying

“Love this shampoo! Started fostering dogs from a local rescue and this has been great for getting the dogs flea free! Love the spa like smell from the essential oils.”—Ashley H. via Pure + Good

“I like it but it doesn’t seem to lather as well…But the scent is great and I feel like my dog is protected from ticks.”—Michelle via Verishop

 

What to Look for in Shampoo for Dogs With Itchy Skin

If your pup’s skin isn’t reacting well to your shampoo, you’ll want to read the label and consider how you’re using the product. Below, we’ve outlined some of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the best shampoo for dogs with itchy and irritated skin. 

Ingredients

Colloidal oatmeal, aloe vera, and vitamin E are common ingredients found in dog shampoos designed to soothe dry, irritated skin. Tea tree and lavender essential oils are also commonly used to curb odors, and honey may be used to soften your dog’s coat. 

Some prescription-strength dog shampoos may contain micronized sulfur or concentrated pyrethrins. These products are designed to treat ticks and fleas in your dog’s coat and are able to remove parasites. Although you don’t need a veterinarian’s prescription to obtain some of these dog shampoos, it’s worth consulting with your veterinarian first for specific recommendations. 

Scent

A subtle coconut fragrance is common in many dog shampoos, but other products are advertised as “unscented.” Stronger shampoos that use sulfur or antifungal agents may give off a slight “clinical” odor after bathing your dog, but this odor usually subsides in a matter of hours or days after your pup is dry. Other dog shampoo scents include lavender, bergamot, and green apple. Dog shampoos, especially those designed to treat itchy skin, may also promise a “no-wet-dog-smell.”

Conditioners

It’s not uncommon to find two-in-one dog shampoo and conditioners, but not all of these products are intended for irritated and itchy skin. Dog owners often see the best results when they combine separate shampoo and conditioner products from the same manufacturer, especially if two-in-ones have previously irritated their dog’s hair and skin. 

Deodorizing

All dog shampoos should deodorize your dog to an extent, but if your pet likes to jump in the water, roll around in dirt, or just comes home as a mess, you should consider a heavy-duty dog shampoo with potent deodorizing agents, such as wheat protein extract.

Quantity

Shampoo for dogs with itchy skin usually comes in 16-ounce and one-gallon bottles. Two-gallon bottles are also available for certain products, but they’re not as common. If you have a bigger dog, consider purchasing shampoo in bulk or larger bottle sizes, especially if you’ve had success using that product.

 

Our Recommendation

If you’re combatting odor along with itchiness, our top pick is Nature’s Miracle Oatmeal Dog Shampoo & Conditioner due to its long-lasting deodorizing properties. For overall versatility and a gentle clean, we recommend Burt’s Bees Oatmeal Shampoo for Dogs due to its high-quality, responsibly sourced ingredients and 99.7% natural, four-in-one formula. 

However, note that our top recommended shampoos for dogs with itchy skin may not be the right products for your dog’s hair and skin type. It’s important to visit a veterinarian and thoroughly examine your dog to identify the cause of its itching. Using their recommendations, you can find dog shampoo products that contain the ingredients your dog’s skin needs.

 

How We Chose the Top Shampoo for Dogs with Itchy Skin

We’ve vetted hundreds of products to help you select the top premium pet products for your furry family member.

Before recommending any pet products, we’ve analyzed and reviewed them based on the following factors:

Our data points and review content are regularly updated to account for shifts in customer consensus, product availability, and overall quality.