As a dog parent, it is important to keep your dog with good hygiene by cleaning them regularly. Dogs with itchy and dry skin are more prone to dandruff. This skin condition can be caused by something as simple as dry winter weather or more complex health issues which make it important to seek a vet’s advice before taking any action. If the cause has no serious health connection, you can easily use dog shampoo for dandruff to heal and improve your dog’s skin/fur.
Dogs, just like humans, have special soaps and shampoo designed for the elimination of such conditions as dandruff. Using human soap, shampoo or other detergents may help in cleaning your dog but they lack the special benefits found in soaps formulated specifically for dogs. The pH levels on the human skin are different from that on dogs therefore, using human shampoo on your dog may result in dandruff or dry skin on your dog getting worse.
The best dog shampoos for control of dandruff are formulated for soothing flaky skin. They mainly consist of natural, antifungal ingredients such as aloe Vera and oatmeal that help treat your dog’s dry skin in a soothing non-harmful manner.
Causes for dandruff in dogs
- Environmental factors such as dry weather
- Seborrhea- fungus condition that causes red rashes, scaly skin and dandruff
- Bacterial skin infections
- Fungal skin infections
- Endocrine disorders such as Hypothyroidism which causes low thyroid hormone production.
- External parasites like ticks and mice
- Unhealthy diet
Factors to Consider for the Best Anti-dandruff Dog Shampoo
Cause of dandruff condition-always seek a vet’s advice if your pet has skin irritation or dryness. If your dog’s dandruff are a result of a medical condition, a medicated shampoo is more recommended. Bacterial infections can be treated with antibacterial shampoo whereas yeast infections are treated with anti-fungal shampoo.
Ingredients– choose a dandruff shampoo that is made from natural ingredients to avoid further irritating your dog’s skin.
Moisturizers– the best dog shampoos should contain a moisturizing agent such as aloe Vera and olive oil. They help soothe and restore your pet’s skin.
pH Balance– unlike the human skin, the dog’s skin has a pH of between 6.5 and 7.5. Always go for a shampoo with a balanced pH.
Deodorizers- your dog’s scaly/dry skin may be caused by oily seborrhea or other skin infections. If this happens, using a shampoo that contains natural deodorizers might help in improving the skin of your dog.
Best Anti-dandruff Dog Shampoo
There is a wide variety of dog shampoo in the market. However, not many are as authentic and well-performing as claimed. Finding the right shampoo for your skin defects may be hard especially if you are a first-time dog parent. Below are some of the best dog dandruff shampoos to guide you through your selection.
#1) Veterinary Formula Antiparasitic & Antiseborrheic Medicated Dog Shampoo
Veterinary Formula Antiparasitic and Antiseborrheic Medicated dog shampoo provide an effective way for treatment of skin scaling, parasitic, bacterial and fungal infections, with an easy regimen of 2-3 times use per week at the beginning and then less times as skin improves. It contains medications such as coal tar, salicylic acid and micronized sulfur that treat the infection, as well as colloidal oatmeal and allantoin that help with skin healing and hydration. This medicated dog shampoo gives your dog fast relief from skin infections, inflammations and itchiness.
Features
- It is paraben, dye and soap-free making it safe, gentle and ideal for dogs with sensitive skin
- Fast acting- it is recommended to use 2-3 times per week during the first days then reduce usage as the skin improves. It relieves itchy and flaky skin caused by dermatitis, seborrhea, parasitic, and bacterial infections.
- Ingredients: Water, Coconut-Oil-based cleansers, Acrylates Copolymer, Propylene Glycol, Coal Tar Solution, Salicylic Acid, Polysorbate 20, Micronized Sulfur Powder, Fragrance, Colloidal Oatmeal USP, DMDM-Hydantoin, Allantoin, Tetrasodium EDTA.
- Veterinary recommended
- Antiparasitic and antiseborrheic shampoo is Ph balanced for dogs over 12 weeks
- Effective and affordable- although it contains veterinary-grade ingredients, this medicated dog shampoo is has a pocket-friendly priced for all dog parents.
Cons– it contains coal tar that is not recommended for cats meaning if you are a dog and cat parent, this will not be shared between the pets.
Bottom line– this veterinary formula shampoo is recommended by professionals to reduce your dog’s hair loss, skin rashes, flaking skin, scalp inflammation, greasy or waxy skin, odor, thick crusted skin and ear infections.
#2) Wahl 4-In-1 Calming Pet Shampoo
Wahl 4-In-1 Calming Pet Shampoo is a mild shampoo recommended for pet parents who avoid harsh chemical use. It is made with lavender chamomile that gently cleanses, conditions, detangles, and moisturizes your dog’s skin and coal. This Wahl pet shampoo produces rich lather that helps clean residue that makes your dog’s coat dirty. The 64 oz. size and concentrated formula is safe for up to 70% more baths than other shampoos.
Wahl pet shampoo contains a high concentrate of coconut derived sodding agent allowing you to achieve great results with just a small amount. Unlike other shampoos, a small amount of Wahl creates enough lather that is easy to rinse off.
Features
- Wahl calming pet shampoo is PEG-80 free, alcohol free, paraben free and pH balanced.
- Calming formula- recommended for cleaning, conditioning, detangling, & moisturizing coats
- Allergy friendly- it is mild enough for dog’s with sensitive skin to avoid itchiness or irritation
- Scent: Lavender, Coconut
- Liquid Volume: 64 Fluid Ounces
- Made in the USA
Bottom line– for over 50 years, Wahl has been serving pet professionals with the best performance.
#3) TropiClean Shampoos for Pets, Made in USA
TropiClean Shampoo cleans, moisturizes and conditions your dog’s skin and coat in a heavy lather and relaxes tangled fur allowing easy brushing for a soft and healthy coat. It is made of naturally derived ingredients that is papaya and coconut which have a good scent effect on your four- legged friend. Soap-free so it doesn’t interfere with any spot on flea or tick treatments, meaning you can bathe your pet routinely without worry.
TropiClean Shampoo is enriched with coconut oil that cleanses your pup’s fur and oils while coconut and papaya work in union to effectively clean and relax tangled fur allowing easy brushing. Other incorporated botanical conditioners result in a healthy sheen and preventing dry skin and tangled fur.
Features
- Natural derived ingredients.
- Papaya & Coconut scent
- 20 fluidounces liquid volume
- Soap free, paraben free and dye free and pH balanced
- The pH balance makes it safe for pets that are 12 weeks or older including those with sensitive skin.
- Safe for you and your pet
- Multifunctional- TropiClean shampoos for pets not only cleans but also conditions, moisturizes and soothes your pet’s skin and coat in a single wash.
#4)Natural Dog Shampoo with Colloidal Oatmeal – Puppy Shampoo
Colloidal Oatmeal pet shampoo is made with Lavender oil that is naturally mild and gentle to provide soothing and nourishment for dogs with sensitive skin and puppies. For the sake of your dog’s health, chemical products such as paraben are not incorporated in this shampoo. The shampoo is made with lavender oils that are calming botanicals used for medicinal purposes. Lavender contains relaxing aromatherapy properties that help calm your puppy and also sooth scaly, itchy and irritated skin.
This natural dog shampoo is also made with colloidal oatmeal which is a gentle and soothing form of oats that consists lipids, aimed at moisturizing and soothing irritated skin. It has natural detoxing and hydrating properties that remove dirt, oil and impurities for a moisturized and smooth skin.
Features
- It is made with lavender that helps calm and soothe irritated skin and soften fur
- Paraben free, sulfate free, tear free, and cruelty-free
- Colloidal Oatmeal
- Lavender and jojoba oils are used for soothing your pet and hydration of their skin.
- Gentle deodorizer leaves your puppy smelling fresh
- Vet-recommended for irritation
- Made in USA
Bottom line– Natural dog shampoo with colloidal oatmeal helps you solve your need to make your pet more than just clean with good quality products and ingredients that help soothe and heal your pet’s skin.
#5)Wahl Dry Skin & Itch Relief Pet Shampoo for Dogs
Wahl Dry Skin & Itch Relief Pet Shampoo contains coconut lime verbena that allows to gently cleanse, moisturize and provides an anti-itching effect for your puppy’s delicate skin. The shampoo is made with plant-derived ingredients and produces rich leather that effectively cleans, and smoothens your dog’s skin and coat.
Wahl dry skin and itch relief pet shampoo has a high concentrate of coconut-derived sodding agent, which produces lather at the smallest application. Just a small amount of the shampoo is enough to give your dog a clean, smooth, moisturized and scented skin and fur.
Features
- The shampoo is PEG-80 free, alcohol free, paraben free and pH balanced.
- The 24 oz. size and concentrated formula allows for up to 70% more baths than other brands.
- It produces easy to clean and rinse rich lather
- 24 Fluid ounces liquid volume
- Oatmeal Formula- This coconut lime verbena scented pet shampoo is ideal for moisturizing your pet’s skin, cleaning dirty coats and relieving itchiness on skin-sensitive pets.
- Anti-allergy
- Made in the USA
- Used and recommended by professionals.
Bottom line– This cologne uses natural plant-derived ingredients that gently cleanse, moisturize, & protect your puppy’s delicate skin. They are safe and ideal for your pup’s skin and your own.
#6)Arava Natural Medicated Dog Shampoo
Arava Natural Medicated Dog Shampoo contains Reishi, an anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-microbial formula specially designed to heal hot spots, scrapes and abrasion on your four-legged friend and Kelp, a natural immune system booster that promotes faster skin healing and prevents itchiness. It also contains pomegranate, a natural ‘skin food’ that strengthens the epidermis, enhances blood flow and prevents oxidation. Pomegranate is also ideal for treating scars and reducing sensitivity of skin.
Arava Natural Medicated shampoo also contains Dead Sea minerals such as Sulphur, sodium, magnesium, calcium offer deep cleansing and elimination of dandruff.
Features
- 100% natural and skin-safe
- Light and fresh scent- made with a moisturizing formula, this shampoo offers a smoother comforting feel and leaves your dog smelling fresh.
- Natural active ingredients- It is made up of 28 active botanical ingredients
- Dead Sea minerals are good for treating skin problems and irritations
- Deep powerful cleanse- the active ingredients are ideal for dogs with dry skin as they enter deep in to the coat enriching the follicles
- The shampoo is non-toxic, hazardous chemical-free and meets FDA certified guidelines
- It is specifically treat dermatological conditions, such as hot spots, scrapes and abrasions.
Bottom line: Arava natural medicated shampoo is an easy way to prevent dermatologic infections, skin irritation, prevent infection and promote a smooth and well moisturized skin.
#7)Pet Oatmeal Anti-Itch Shampoo & Conditioner
Pet Oatmeal Anti-Itch Shampoo contains natural oatmeal, baking soda, coconut and Aloe Vera. It is specially formulated to relief hot-spots and itching in cats and dogs with sensitive skin. The shampoo produces a light but amazing oatmeal scent that goes a long way in eliminating odor. The shampoo is made from all natural ingredients that are anti-bacterial and anti-fungal thus protecting your dog from itching, shedding, parasites and even allergies. It does not contain artificial chemicals.
Features
- Vet endorsed for safety
- Light scented and totally effective for odor prevention
- The natural plant-derived ingredients are gentle on paws and nose and contain enhanced moisturizing agents
- 100% Natural & Plant Based
- Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and 100% Hypoallergenic
- Detergent-free, alcohol-free and non-toxic
- Infused with Vitamins A, D & E
- Made in USA
Bottom line– pet oatmeal anti-each shampoo reduces itching, inflammation and other skin problems for your dog and leave them smelling amazing.
#8)4-Legger USDA Certified Organic Dog Shampoo
This natural hypoallergenic pet shampoo is made using plant-based vegan ingredients and is 100% non-toxic as no artificial or synthetic chemicals ingredients are included.
4-Legger organic dog shampoo is a hypo-allergenic, lemongrass and Aloe Vera dog shampoo that is safe and efficient for use on your dog. Lemongrass is a natural cleanser whereas the aloe blend makes it good for all dogs including those with dry, itchy or allergy-sensitive skin. It is made of organic and essential oils that provide soothing effect and promote naturally healthy skin.
Features
- 100% biodegradable hence eco-friendly and non-toxic
- USDA-certified organic to exceptional standards.
- Easy to lather and rinse with sustainably-sourced, non-GMO ingredients.
- Lemongrass contains antibacterial, antifungal, and pest-deterrent properties that protect your pet from microbial, fungal and bacterial infections.
- It’s also great for dogs, cats, and small animals and does not affect flea and tick treatments.
- The essential oils blend gently cleans, moisturizes, conditions, and softens the skin without stripping its natural coat oils.
- Cruelty-free, vegan and gluten-free
- Easy to lather and rinse
Bottom line– this 4-Legger shampoo uses a simple holistic approach with natural organic oils and beneficial essential oils to effectively provide gentle cleaning, moisturizing and conditioning of your pet’s skin and coat.
#9)Selsun Blue Medicated Maximum Strength Dandruff Shampoo
Selsun dandruff shampoo is formulated with menthol that provides a cool, soothing sensation with maximum strength for dandruff control. It also helps prevent and eliminate itchy dry scalp and visible flakes often associated with dandruff. The shampoo also contains a one percent selenium sulfide solution that restores hair balance and provides powerful relief of flaking and itching.
This Selsun shampoo also contains aloe that intensively moisturizes dry skin and coat and provides extra strength for dandruff control.
Features
- The presence of menthol cools and invigorates the scalp
- 11 Fluid Ounces liquid volume
- Fights dandruff, allergies, dermatitis and skin flakes.
- Provides hair conditioning with natural active Aloe Vera serum
- Anti-allergy and sensitivity
- Selsun Blue shampoo is pH balanced in order to reduce dandruff and skin irritation.
Bottom line– Selsun shampoo is medicated because it is specially formulated to control dandruff, itching, and flaking in dogs and other pets. It helps rejuvenate the skin for smooth healthy skin.
#10)Burt’s Bees for Dogs Natural Itch Soothing Shampoo and Spray
Natural Itch Soothing Shampoo from Burt’s Bees is made from nature’s finest ingredients that help soothe and soften your pet’s coat and itchy skin. Having been made from natural ingredients, Burt’s Bees shampoo doesn’t have a strong scent other than that of the main ingredients. The lather is also not as strong as compared to artificially made shampoos.
Ingredients used include Water, Coco Betaine, Coco-Glucoside, Glyceryl Oleate, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Glycerin, Xanthan Gum, Honey, Beeswax, Colloidal Oatmeal, Honeysuckle Extract, Potassium Sorbate and Sodium Benzoate.
Features
- Made with high-quality natural ingredients such as honeysuckle
- Burt’s bees is made using 80% post-consumer recycled bottles.
- Free of colorants, anti-itch and pH balanced.
- Naturally Free of Harsh Chemicals
- Free of colorants, sulfate, parabens, phthalates, petrolatum, SLS and synthetic fragrances and cruelty-free
- It is made in the United States
- Easy to rinse off
- This medicated shampoo is mild and has a good pH-balanced specially meant for skin-sensitive dogs and puppies
- 100% safe and veterinarian recommended
Bottom line:
Conclusion
The best and most effective anti-dandruff dog shampoo should clean your dog’s skin and coat, reduce irritation, and preserve natural essential oils on the dog’s skin. Always go for dog shampoo formulas that are made from natural ingredients. They are mild and safe for you and your dog. It may be difficult to choose from a wide range of brands in the market but our review gives you easy work.
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Dr. Candy, a holistic veterinarian and certified raw dog food nutrition specialist, graduated from Oklahoma State University in 2009 with a DVM and has since specialized in companion animal nutrition, advocating for species-specific diets. With a background in wildlife rehabilitation and oil spill response, she combines holistic health and conventional medicine in her unique approach to treating chronic diseases, allergies, and autoimmune conditions in pets. As the owner of a veterinary practice in Colorado and an author, Dr. Candy is dedicated to educating pet parents and improving the health and happiness of animals.
