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Best Dog Shampoo For Allergies

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Most dog parents will find it distressing to see their dog suffer from allergies. Allergies in dogs can be triggered by various factors, including environmental factors, sensitivities to certain foods, and even certain grooming products like your dog’s shampoo.

While that does not mean all dog shampoos are harmful to pets, certain ingredients in certain grooming products may trigger an allergic reaction in your pet. Therefore, finding the perfect solution to ease your pet’s discomfort is essential.

This comprehensive guide explores the best dog shampoos designed specifically to combat canine allergies. From hypoallergenic shampoos with gentle ingredients for the most sensitive skin to nourishing shampoos that soothe and protect skin, explore our list of the best dog shampoos for allergies and find the one that will give your beloved canine companion some relief.

Top Picks

Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Shampoo

veterinary formula - clinical care hot spot & itch relief medicated shampoo

Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Shampoo

veterinary formula clinical care hot spot & itch relief medicated shampoo - star rating
  • Vet-strength medicated shampoo
  • Paraben and soap-free
  • Suitable for cats and dogs

Vet’s Best – Oatmeal Medicated
Shampoo

vet’s best - oatmeal medicated shampoo

Vet’s Best – Oatmeal Medicated Shampoo

vet’s best oatmeal medicated shampoo - star rating
  • Contains Salicylic acid
  • Effective anti-dandruff solution
  • Compatible with topical treatments

Wahl – Oatmeal Shampoo Concentrate

wahl - oatmeal shampoo concentrate

Wahl – Oatmeal Shampoo Concentrate

wahl oatmeal shampoo concentrate - star rating
  • Contains zero alcohol, parabens, or harsh chemicals
  • pH-balanced formula
  • Economical option

Best Dog Shampoo for Allergies

Wahl – Oatmeal Shampoo Concentrate wahl oatmeal shampoo concentrate - dollar sign

Best: Best-Smelling Dog Shampoo | wahl oatmeal shampoo concentrate - star rating
wahl - oatmeal shampoo concentrate
  • imageScent: Coconut Lime Verbena
  • image Ingredients: Oatmeal, Coconut oil, Aloe Vera
  • image Features: Lasts 70% more than regular dog shampoos
  • image Manufactured In: USA
image The Upper Pawside Verified

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Undercoat Rake

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Undercoat Rake
Wild Earth - Star Rating

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U-Clip

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Digestion Dog Supplements

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4-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner

wahl - 4 in 1 shampoo & conditioner

4-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner
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About the Product:

Wahl has been around for close to 100 years and is considered a leader in the grooming industry. The company also creates exclusive pet products, the most popular being their Oatmeal Shampoo Concentrate, for sensitive and dry skin.

This dog shampoo for allergies contains oatmeal, which is known to hydrate the skin and calm irritation. Additionally, ingredients like coconut, lime verbena, and aloe vera cleanse and nourish the skin, maintaining a healthy and lush coat.

The shampoo is pH balanced and helps maintain the skin’s natural oils. It is also free of parabens, alcohol, and harsh chemicals.

And while the shampoo ticks all the right boxes, it is only meant for adult dogs. Plus, Wahl currently has them only in large sizes. That said, it allows for 70% more baths than regular dog shampoos of the same quantity. And since it’s a concentrate, a little goes a long way in easing your pet’s allergies and keeping it smelling fresh and clean.

Pros
  • Contains zero alcohol, parabens, or harsh chemicals
  • pH-balanced formula
  • Economical option
Cons
  • Not suitable for puppies
  • Only available in a large size

Douxo S3 PYO Shampoo douxo s3 pyo shampoo - dollar sign

Best: Antibacterial Shampoo Recommended by Vets | douxo s3 pyo shampoo - star rating
douxo s3 pyo shampoo
  • imageScent: Coconut & Vanilla
  • image Ingredients: Ophytrium and 3% Chlorhexidine Digluconate
  • image Features: Contains Antiseptic Properties
  • image Manufactured In: United Kingdom

About the Product:

If there’s one product that vets swear by for a pet’s compromised skin ecosystem, it’s the PYO Shampoo from Douxo S3. The antiseptic formula for cats and dogs contains antibacterial and antifungal ingredients that fight bacteria, strengthen your pet’s skin barrier and leave it hydrated and soothed.

What I like about it is that it is free of soap, sulfates, parabens, and colorants. It is also clinically proven to fight bacterial and fungal infections in dogs and cats.

The shampoo has a super mild coconut and vanilla fragrance that may sometimes smell like a typical “hospital” thanks to Chlorhexidine Digluconate. If you’re sensitive to hospital smells, this may not be the shampoo for you.

And in our opinion, the packaging could be better. If you’re buying the product online, chances are that you might receive a leaky product, which is quite disappointing considering the exorbitant price.

Pros
  • Effective antiseptic formula
  • Contains zero soap, sulfates, parabens, and colorants
  • Available in many sizes A little can go a long way
  • Suitable for cats and dogs
Cons
  • Has a typical “hospital” smell which can be disconcerting
  • Poor packaging
  • Expensive than most dog shampoos

Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Hot Spot & Itch Relief Medicated Shampoo for Dogs and Cats veterinary formula clinical care hot spot & itch relief medicated shampoo - dollar sign

Best: Unscented Allergy Shampoo | veterinary formula clinical care hot spot & itch relief medicated shampoo - star rating
veterinary formula - clinical care hot spot & itch relief medicated shampoo
  • imageScent: Unscented
  • image Ingredients: Lidocaine, Hydrocortisone, & Oatmeal
  • image Features: Shows results within minutes of usage
  • image Manufactured In: USA

About the Product:

Veterinary Formula Clinical Care makes shampoos, conditioners, sprays, and much more, all addressing skin concerns in pets. Their products are vet-strength medicated to ensure your pup has a healthy life.

Their Hot Spot & Itch Relief Medicated Shampoo is suitable for dogs and cats and may just be what your pet needs if it has extremely irritated skin. Though it is not a tick and flea prevention shampoo, it does provide instant relief from bites, red spots, and itchy and inflamed skin.

The scientifically formulated dog shampoo contains three super ingredients, namely Lidocaine, Hydrocortisone, and oatmeal. Lidocaine, a pain-relieving agent, soothes any pain caused due to excessive itching and burning. Hydrocortisone is an anti-inflammatory that controls redness and swelling, while colloidal oatmeal is a natural moisturizer that soothes itchy skin.

The formula is so effective that vets even recommend it for matted coats and flea/tick bites. It is unscented and has a less foamy texture, so it does not lather easily. And since it has a watery consistency, you may end up using more than what is needed.

Pros
  • Vet-strength medicated shampoo
  • Unscented
  • Paraben and soap free
  • Suitable for cats and dogs
Cons
  • Can have side effects if overused
  • Doesn’t lather up easily
  • Gets used up faster because of its watery consistency

TropiClean OxyMed Anti-Itch Medicated Oatmeal Shampoo tropiclean oxymed anti-itch medicated oatmeal shampoo - dollar sign

Best: Quick-Relief Allergy Shampoo | tropiclean oxymed anti-itch medicated oatmeal shampoo - star rating
tropiclean oxymed - anti-itch medicated oatmeal shampoo
  • imageScent: Not defined
  • image Ingredients: Salicylic Acid, Tea Tree Oil, & Oatmeal
  • image Features: Spill-Resistant Packaging
  • image Manufactured In: USA

About the Product:

Cosmos, the brand behind TropiClean, has always been committed to enriching the lives of people and pets. From a beauty distributorship to a global brand producing grooming products for humans and animals, Cosmos has come a long way. It launched its first pet shampoo in 1991 under the TropiClean banner.

The Anti-Itch Medicated Oatmeal Shampoo is a fact-acting allergy-relief solution. With a combination of some well-rounded ingredients, it soothes your pet’s skin, providing relief from itching, inflammation, and irritation caused due to allergens.

Its unique blend of salicylic acid and tea tree essential oil gently exfoliates the skin, while oatmeal and aloe vera moisturize and hydrate the skin. The combination effectively removes bacteria from the surface and pores, instantly relieving your pet.

Sadly, the fresh fragrance isn’t long-lasting. When bathing your dog with this dog allergy shampoo, don’t forget to leave it on for 3-5 minutes for the best results.

However, remember, the formula has physical exfoliants that may create micro-tears, so don’t rub it harshly into your dog’s coat.

Pros
  • Contains salicylic acid
  • Contains moisturizing properties
  • Spill-resistant packaging
  • Mild fragrance
Cons
  • Contains physical exfoliants that may harm your pet’s skin if not used right
  • Its scent wears off easily
  • Needs to be left on for a few minutes

Honest Paws 5-in-1 Dog Wash honest paws 5-in-1 dog wash - dollar sign

Best: Multipurpose Shampoo | honest paws 5-in-1 dog wash - star rating
honest paws - 5-in-1 dog wash
  • imageScent: Coconut
  • image Ingredients: Coconut, Palm, Oatmeal, & Aloe Vera
  • image Features: 98.25% Natural And Usda Organic Ingredients
  • image Manufactured In: USA

About the Product:

Honest Paws, as the name suggests, is transparent about their formulas and only chooses what’s best for your furry friends. All their products are tested in third-party labs to ensure the highest quality.

The 5-in-1 Dog Wash formula is one of the few products that claim to do it all, and rightly so! This shampoo for dogs with allergies cleanses, conditions, deodorizes, moisturizes, and detangles the skin and fur. The results? A clean, moisturized, and softer coat!

With 98.25% natural and USDA organic ingredients like coconut, palm, and oatmeal and aloe extract, this nourishing and moisturizing dog shampoo is perfect for irritated skin. The exclusion of parabens and sulfates is comforting news as well.

The formula is not suitable for puppies under 12 weeks old. Also, the formula takes a while to lather up. And while the scent is relatively mild, some reviews mention it as unpleasant.

Honest Paws also has a “no questions asked” returns policy. So if you feel the formula is not helping your pet, return it within 30 days of purchase and you will get a full refund.

Pros
  • Only 5-in-1 formula
  • Contains 98% plant-based ingredients
  • Sulfate- and paraben-free
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
  • Not suitable for dogs below 12 weeks old
  • The scent can be unpleasant
  • Doesn’t lather up easily

Natural Dog Company – Sensitive Oatmeal Shampoo natural dog company sensitive oatmeal shampoo - dollar sign

Best: All-Natural Allergy Shampoo For Dogs | natural dog company sensitive oatmeal shampoo - star rating
natural dog company - sensitive oatmeal shampoo
  • imageScent: Oatmeal and Aloe Vera
  • image Ingredients: Colloidal Oatmeal, Aloe Vera, & Chamomile Extract
  • image Features: Simple And Clean Approach
  • image Manufactured In: USA

About the Product:

Natural Dog Company focuses on natural solutions to common canine conditions. The team of dog lovers, dog owners, and dog experts came together under the aegis of the brand’s founder, who wanted to put her passion for animals and natural healing to good use. Today, thousands of pet parents swear by Natural Dog Company products when it comes to their pet’s grooming needs.

The Sensitive Oatmeal Shampoo, dubbed the best shampoo for dog skin allergies, contains 100% natural ingredients. The product is mild enough to cleanse your dog without aggravating any hot spots or dry, irritated, and itchy skin.

The pH-balanced formula contains ingredients like Colloidal Oatmeal, a natural moisturizer, Aloe Vera, Chamomile Extract, and Manuka Honey – all anti-inflammatories.

It contains only natural ingredients and is free of harsh chemicals, parabens, and other synthetics. The shampoo lathers up well, and you need just a dime-sized bit for a small to medium-sized dog. And most reviews mention a mild but pleasant smell.

Pros
  • 100% Natural Ingredients
  • Lathers easily
  • Suitable for all breeds and ages
  • Paraben-Free
  • Sustainable
Cons
  • Unsealed bottle; could leak during shipping

HyLyt Shampoo hylyt shampoo - dollar sign

Best: Soap-Free Shampoo for Pets | hylyt shampoo - star rating
hylyt - shampoo
  • imageScent: Coconut
  • image Ingredients: Essential Fatty Acids
  • image Features: 100% All-Natural Ingredients
  • image Manufactured In: USA

About the Product:

Elanco is a leader in pet health solutions, and every product they create is heavily researched and carefully formulated.

Their HyLyt Shampoo, an effective soap-free formula, is pH-balanced and suitable for dogs, cats, and horses. Gentle and hypoallergenic, it contains a good balance of humectants, emollients, and essential fatty acids that come together to keep your pet’s skin and coat soft and moisturized and provide relief from dry, flaky, and sensitive skin.

The shampoo has a tropical coconut scent that’ll leave your dog smelling fresh for the next few days. And its rich lathering formula ensures that a little will go a long way.

Pros
  • Soap-free formula
  • Contains Essential Fatty Acids
  • Suitable for dogs, cats, and horses
  • Compatible with topical treatments
  • Lathers easily
Cons
  • Slightly expensive compared to other products in the market

Vet’s Best – Oatmeal Medicated Shampoo vet’s best oatmeal medicated shampoo - dollar sign

Best: Anti-Dandruff Dog Shampoo | vet’s best oatmeal medicated shampoo - star rating
vet’s best - oatmeal medicated shampoo
  • imageScent: Generic
  • image Ingredients: Salicylic Acid, Colloidal Oatmeal, and Tea Tree Oil
  • image Features: Contains Scientifically-Backed Natural Ingredients
  • image Manufactured In: USA

About the Product:

Vet’s Best, founded by a practicing veterinarian, combines the best of science and nature to create pet care solutions.

Their Oatmeal Medicated Shampoo calms and moisturizes dry, itchy, and irritated skin. The formula contains salicylic acid, a gentle chemical exfoliant that lets colloidal oatmeal, tea tree oil, and vitamin B5 penetrate deeply into the skin to hydrate it. As a result, it reduces dandruff or sensitivities caused due to allergies.

Additionally, it works well with other topical treatments, so you don’t have to worry about severe reactions. When bathing your dog, wait 3-5 minutes for the formula to work its magic before rinsing it off.

Pros
  • Contains salicylic acid
  • Effective anti-dandruff solution
  • Compatible with topical treatments
Cons
  • Scent can be off-putting for some pet parents and pets
  • Requires waiting for 3-5 mins after lathering for best results
  • The packaging is not very sturdy

Bobbi Panter – Itchy Dog Natural Shampoo bobbi panter itchy dog natural shampoo - dollar sign

Best: Economical Dog Shampoo | bobbi panter itchy dog natural shampoo - star rating
bobbi panter - itchy dog natural shampoo
  • imageScent: Green Apple
  • image Ingredients: Flaxseed Oil, Tea Tree Oil, and Lavender Oil
  • image Features: Tear-free formula
  • image Manufactured In: USA

About the Product:

Bobbi Panter’s Itchy Dog Shampoo is said to be a game-changer not just for itchy adult dogs but for cats, puppies, kittens, and newborns. It is specially formulated to provide relief for dogs suffering from itchiness and skin irritations and delivers impressive results.

What sets the brand apart is its commitment to producing safe and effective pet care products. Before founding her eponymous brand, Bobbi Panter was a dedicated dog groomer looking for natural solutions for her clients’ pets. Inspired by her passion for animals and moved by the plight of her pet Bobo who was recovering from an eye surgery, she created the first pet shampoo. Today the brand is known for its premium, salt-free, and tear-free products with all-natural ingredients.

Itchy Dog Shampoo’s gentle yet powerful formula with antifungal properties will leave your dog’s coat soft and itch-free. The blend of natural ingredients, including aloe vera and tea tree oil, work wonders on irritated skin, providing soothing relief after just a few uses.

Another noteworthy aspect of the shampoo is its delightful green apple fragrance which lingers, leaving your pet smelling fresh and clean for several days after its bath. Moreover, it lathers easily, making bath time a breeze.

Pros
  • Tear-free formula
  • Unique scent
  • Suitable for dogs and cats from newborns to adults
Cons
  • Hard to lather and rinse off
  • Not sturdy packaging

Virbac Allermyl Medicated Shampoo virbac allermyl medicated shampoo - dollar sign

Best: Innovative Allergy Dog Shampoo | virbac allermyl medicated shampoo - star rating
virbac - allermyl medicated shampoo
  • imageScent: Not defined
  • image Ingredients: Flaxseed Oil, Tea Tree Oil, and Lavender Oil
  • image Features: S-I-S Skin Innovative Science Technology
  • image Manufactured In: USA

About the Product:

Founded in 1968, Virbac, a renowned global leader in veterinary pharmaceuticals, is committed to improving animal health and well-being.

Among their exceptional product range, the Allermyl Medicated Shampoo stands out as a top choice for pet parents dealing with skin sensitivities and allergies in dogs and cats. Created with S-I-S Skin Innovative Science Technology and a unique micro-emulsified formulation, this medicated shampoo helps maintain the integrity of your pet’s skin barrier and alleviates itching, redness, and discomfort.

The shampoo is currently available in two sizes, which is great for those who want to test the product. It is a great option for multi-pet households since it can be used on both dogs and cats.

While its products are top-notch, the brand has received some criticism for its cheap packaging, and many reviews mention that it could improve.

That said, one cannot help but appreciate Virbac’s unwavering dedication to pet care. Their products remain the go-to option for those seeking reliable and vet-recommended solutions.

Pros
  • Contains S-I-S Skin Innovative Science Technology
  • Suitable for dogs and cats
  • Available in two sizes
Cons
  • Poor packaging
  • Only effective with regular use

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Wash My Dog With If He Has Allergies?

If your dog has allergies, use a gentle and hypoallergenic shampoo specifically designed for sensitive skin. Medicated shampoos with natural and soothing ingredients, such as oatmeal, aloe vera, or chamomile, help soothe irritated skin, reduce itching, and provide relief.

Avoid shampoos with harsh chemicals, fragrances, or artificial additives, as they may exacerbate your dog’s allergies and cause further discomfort. Before using any new shampoo, consult your veterinarian to ensure it is suitable for your dog’s specific allergies and skin condition.

How Can I Stop My Dog’s Allergies Fast?

Quick relief depends on accurate diagnosis and appropriate management. You can consider using an allergy shampoo for dogs for immediate relief. If symptoms persist and your pet’s condition worsens, consult your veterinarian to identify the allergen.

Follow their recommended treatment plan, which may include medication and hypoallergenic diets or shampoos. Minimize exposure to potential triggers, such as pollen or certain foods.

How Many Times Can I Bathe A Dog Suffering From Allergies?

A dog with allergies can be bathed 1-2 times a week, but only after consulting a vet. While washing your dog with a dog shampoo for allergies calms the skin and reduces irritation and inflammation, overdoing it may exacerbate the condition.

The Verdict

Every parent wants what’s best for their furry friend, and compromising their health is never an option. Symptoms like itchy, inflamed, and dry skin can affect a dog’s quality of life and overall health. As a pet parent, you must do everything possible to help it overcome these symptoms.

Natural Dog Company – Sensitive Oatmeal Shampoo, Vet’s Best – Oatmeal Medicated Shampoo, or HyLyt Shampoo are good options if you’re looking for natural shampoos.

If you’re on a budget, consider Wahl – Oatmeal Shampoo Concentrate. You can also choose Bobbi Panter – Itchy Dog Natural Shampoo for an inexpensive tear-free option.

While there are many options out there, it may take some trial and error to find the right dog shampoo for allergies for your pet. In any case, consult a vet to be safe rather than sorry.

author-image

Meet Sheryl, a dedicated pet mom with over 20 years of hands-on experience as a pet mom to various dog breeds, from German Shepherds to Shih Tzus. Join her on her pet-centric journey as she aims to empower pet owners with practical tips and guidance. With her experience and passion for pets, she strives to make a positive impact in the lives of pets and their devoted owners.