Are you looking for the best shampoo for puppies that are going to make your dog’s coat shine? Have you ever felt disappointed after giving your dog a bath because his coat doesn’t feel as soft as it does when a professional groomer does the job?
We can all agree that dogs look fabulous after you take them to a professional groomer. It’s almost as if those people use some sort of a magic spray to make the dog smell heavenly for days. Imagine you could achieve that effect at home!
The truth is, you can get the same results at home, as long as you are using the best professional dog grooming shampoo. However, choosing the right product isn’t that easy, which is why we’ve put together this guide to help you make your decision!
How to Choose a Dog Grooming Shampoo
Choosing the right supplies is a challenging task that requires testing and taking risks. Today’s market is filled with hundreds of dog grooming shampoos and, as great as it is to have multiple options, this truly makes the task more difficult.
When it comes to choosing the best professional dog grooming shampoo, you are going to have to rely on several important factors. The first factor is the brand of the product. Naturally, you should only use high-quality products that are 100% safe for dogs.
The quality of the product is only guaranteed when you shop from reputable brands and manufacturers. Therefore, don’t settle for shampoos made by unknown brands, as they are often cheaper and lower in quality.
Another important factor you should keep in mind is your dog’s skin. While the breed of the dog doesn’t affect the choice in shampoos, its skin condition does. If your dog has any skin-related issues and displays symptoms such as aggressive scratching, you should talk to a vet before using any new products.
Some products are simply not suitable for dogs with skin health issues. Therefore, make sure the shampoo you’re interested in meets proper medical requirements in case your dog suffers from skin-related issues.
How To Use a Dog Grooming Shampoo
Once you find the best shampoo for puppies, you need to learn how to use it correctly. Even though bathing a dog sounds simple, skipping several steps might cause some negative consequences.
Once you finally catch your dog and take him to the bathroom (which is often the most difficult part of the process), prepare a clean towel, two cotton balls, and the shampoo. Before you get started, put the cotton balls into the dog’s ears to protect them from the water.
Always check the water temperature before using it on the dog, as it might be too hot or too cold for their skin. When you find the right, warm temperature, wet the dog’s coat entirely.
Before applying the shampoo, make sure to dilute it according to the specific instructions on the package. The dilution ratio is often stated on the bottle of the shampoo.
This will make the shampoo cut through the coat more easily and it will be much easier to rinse it out. Then apply the shampoo evenly on all parts of the dog, except for its eyes, ears, and snout.
Rub the shampoo in until it gets soapy before rinsing it all out. Make sure to rinse the dog thoroughly as any residue of the shampoo might itch them later on. Upon rinsing, dry the dog with a towel and a blow drier.
Controversies Regarding Dog Grooming Shampoos
The most common controversy surrounding the idea of dog shampoos is that they are not safe for the dog. Many people believe that dogs shouldn’t be bathed with shampoos too often because shampoos can cause their hair to fall out.
Another reason why many dog owners are afraid of using dog shampoos is that of the rumors that these shampoos mess up the natural pH values of the skin. However, none of this is true if you choose a high-quality professional dog grooming shampoo made by a reputable brand.
The truth is, as long as you stick to some of the best professional dog grooming shampoo products out there, you can bathe your dog regularly without worrying about unwanted consequences.
Naturally, you should always consult a vet before choosing a new shampoo if your dog suffers from skin health issues. Take a look at our list of the five best dog grooming shampoo choices below!
Top Five Best Professional Dog Grooming Shampoos
1. Pet Oatmeal Anti-Itch Shampoo and Conditioner
The shampoo features a delightful scent that resembles oatmeal cookies, hence the name Oatmeal Shampoo. Most importantly, it is completely hypoallergenic and safe for dogs of any breeds. It can reduce itchiness and help treat dry skin by thoroughly moisturizing the dog’s coat.
The shampoo’s ingredients include aloe vera and coconut, both of which are known for relieving symptoms of irritated skin. Interestingly, by purchasing this shampoo, you will be funding one medical procedure of a pet in need. Upon making a purchase, you will receive an email with a picture of the dog you’ve helped recover.
Overall, the Pet Oatmeal Anti-Itch Shampoo and Conditioner is recommended by vets across the country. It features a light yet long-lasting scent of oatmeal cookies, while its natural ingredients help soothe dry and itchy skin.
Pros:
- Recommended by professionals
- Made of natural ingredients
- Relieves itchiness and burning
- Hypoallergenic
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Long-lasting scent
Cons:
- Smells very sugary
- Not meant for a serious skin condition
2. Groomer’s Edge Grimeinator Deep Cleaning Shampoo
This specific shampoo contains high-quality humectants that effectively soften skin and condition the hair, leaving the dog soft and fluffy afterward. This versatile shampoo suits any dog, no matter its breed or size.
Furthermore, the emollient-rich formula of the Groomer’s Edge shampoo is guaranteed to remove any smell, even if your dog just got home from running around in the rain. The shampoo comes in a big bottle and it lasts very long, considering the fact that it needs to be diluted before using.
Even though it leaves your dog smelling heavenly after a bath, this shampoo is not heavily scented. It leaves a rather fresh, comfortable scent that won’t stick out too much, No wonder why it is used by professionals in the pet grooming field.
Pros:
- The shampoo cleans deep
- Leave a shiny, silky coat
- Has a light yet pleasant smell
- Versatile use
- Emollient-rich formula maintains a healthy coat
- Used by professional groomers
- Large package – long-lasting shampoo
- Removes any smell
- Contains humectants for softening the skin
Cons:
- Not suitable for dogs with skin health issues
3. Nature’s Specialties Plum Silky Pet Shampoo
You can use it on dogs of any breed and size, as long as they don’t have any skin issues, as this shampoo doesn’t have any medically beneficial properties. On the other hand, it does smell really good and leaves the dog’s coat soft and shiny.
The shampoo contains special silk proteins that add highlights to the hair and both clean and re-moisturizes the coat. The long-lasting yet mild fragrance of Nature’s Specialties shampoo is one of our favorites. Most importantly, the shampoo is made by one of the most trusted brands on the market and it is 100% safe for dogs.
If you are looking for a shampoo that is going to leave your dog’s coat shiny and soft for days, this might be the best option when it comes to achieving the right texture. However, if your dog suffers from any health condition, make sure to talk to a vet before making your decision!
Pros:
- Comes from a trusted brand
- Contains silk proteins and necessary vitamins
- Cleans and re-moisturizes skin
- Leaves a coat shining for days
- Silky effect
- Long-lasting fragrance
- Mild, pleasant smell
Cons:
- Not suitable for dogs with skin health issues
- Might cause scratching and itchiness if the dog has sensitive skin
4. Nature’s Specialties Lav-N-Derm Shampoo
Despite its mild formula, this shampoo is capable of deeply cleaning the coat and moisturizing the skin, without changing or affecting the natural skin oils. This makes the shampoo suitable for dogs with irritated and itchy skin.
The pleasant lavender fragrance will leave your dog smelling nicely for days after bathing. Unlike many other shampoos out there, this specific solution relaxes the dog thanks to its mild fragrance and calming formula.
The combination of lavender scent, essential oils, aloe vera, and vitamins A, D, and E make this shampoo safe and suitable for dogs with skin issues. However, despite its very mild formula, you should still consult the vet before giving the dog a bath in case he suffers skin-related health issues such as itchiness or dry skin.
Pros:
- Antiseptic shampoo
- Features a soothing and very calming aroma
- Relaxes the dog during the bath
- Gentle lavender fragrance
- Safe for all dog breeds
- Contains aloe vera, essential oils, and vitamins A, D and E
- Doesn’t affect natural skin oils
- Relieves itchiness and dry skin symptoms
Cons:
- No cons for this one!
5. Pet Care Sciences 5 in 1 Shampoo
The shampoo contains high-quality ingredients such as coconut oil, aloe vera, palm oil, and oatmeal. This combination gives it a nice, pleasant smell that keeps your dog fresh for a long time. Most importantly, the formula is highly effective when it comes to thoroughly clean the coat.
Pet Care is one of the most popular brands on the market when it comes to dog shampoos. They’ve been around since 2013 and they are so confident in the quality of their products that they even offer 100% refunds if you’re not satisfied with the results after giving your dog a bath.
Keep in mind that this 5 in 1 shampoo is suitable only for dogs older than 12 weeks. However, the shampoo doesn’t contain MEA, DEA, sulfate, parabens, or any other harmful substances, meaning it is 100% safe for your dog.
Pros:
- Five in one formula
- Delightful and long-lasting fragrance
- Comes from a trustworthy brand
- Refunds available if you’re not happy with the product
- Cleans dog’s coat effectively
- Adds shine and texture to the coat
Cons:
- Not suitable for all ages
- Might cause scratching and itchiness if the dog has sensitive skin
Conclusion
We hope our list of the five best professional dog grooming shampoo products has helped you make the final decision. If we had to choose our favorite out of these five dog grooming shampoos, we would definitely choose Nature’s Specialties Lav-N-Derm shampoo, which was the product number four on our list. We chose this shampoo because of its relaxing aroma and natural ingredients. This is the only shampoo that actually relaxes the dog during the bath and its lavender fragrance keeps him fresh for days after bathing.
Most importantly, the shampoo leaves the dog’s coat silky and shining, just as if a professional groomer had done the job! We would love to hear which dog grooming shampoos you’ve tried and whether you’re going to try one from the list above. Leave a comment below and let us know what are your experiences with professional dog grooming shampoos. Before you go, don’t forget to consult with the vet regarding using different shampoos if your dog has sensitive skin or a more serious skin health issue. We hope our detailed guide has helped you find the best professional dog grooming shampoo for your dogs!