When it comes to bathing your puppy, finding the right shampoo is essential. Just like newborn baby’s, puppies are known to have extremely sensitive skin that requires gentle and specific cleansing products to ensure they don’t break out in rashes, dandruff, or other allergies. With that said, unfortunately, just like shampoos designed for people, a lot of dog shampoos these days contain low-quality, harsh, and chemically-treated ingredients that can actually do more harm than good for your dog and can lead to a number of health issues. Therefore, finding a proper shampoo that is gentle and rich in vitamins and minerals for your fur baby is essential to maintain adequate health.
With that said, to help you out, in this article, we’re going to cover the best dog shampoos for puppies. For this, we’re going to share a list of some of the best ingredients and worst ingredients to look out for, as well as some top-rated puppy shampoo and DIY bathing treatments ideas to help keep your puppy’s skin happy and healthy at all times. Let’s get started.
What Ingredients Should You Look for in Dog Shampoo?
To start off, before we delve into our list of the best dog shampoos for puppies, we first wanted to cover some of the key ingredients you’ll want to keep an eye out for in dog shampoo. Just like us, dog skin thrives most when using only the most natural, high-quality ingredients that are rich in essential vitamins and minerals. With that said, a few of the most common ingredients you’ll want to keep an eye out for include:
- Aloe vera
- Olive oil
- Argan oil
- Colloidal oatmeal
- Avocado oil
- Marshmallow root
- Coconut oil
The most important thing is to make sure you find a shampoo that is gentle on your puppy’s skin and fur. The best way to do this is to make sure you find a shampoo with clearly identified ingredients to ensure there are no harmful chemicals, toxic pesticides, or artificial colors and fragrances.
With that said, you should avoid shampoos with ingredients such as:
- Sulfates
- Propylene glycol
- Artificial colors and fragrances
- Parabens
- Formaldehyde preservatives
- Cocamide-MEA
And more. These ingredients are all known to be extremely unsafe and highly allergenic to your dog and can cause them a series of health problems in the future. Therefore, make sure you read shampoo bottles thoroughly and consult your vet prior to buying to ensure you are getting the best and most natural option for your puppy.
For more harsh ingredients like this to watch out for, be sure to check out dogsnaturallymagazine.com for more information.
Why Can’t I Use Regular Shampoo on My Dog?
Now, since we are on the topic of gentle shampoos, we also wanted to talk a little bit about using a shampoo designed for people on your dog. One of the biggest questions that dog owners ask is why they can’t use regular shampoo products on their dogs. Well, the answer is simple: shampoo for people has been designed only for people, while dog shampoo has been designed only for dogs.
With that said, a good example of why you shouldn’t use regular shampoo on your dog is that their pH balance is different. Humans have a pH of 5.5-5.6, which is more acidic, while dogs have a pH balance of 6.2-7.4, which is considered to be more neutral. Therefore, using shampoo with a pH designed for people on your dogs can irritate their skin, making them more vulnerable to parasites and bacteria, as well as abrasions.
Not to mention, shampoo for people often contains heavy amounts of artificial fragrances and additives that are designed to strip wax and oil from our hair. Dogs, however, don’t get waxy coats, so using people’s shampoo on their fur will just leave your dog’s coat dull and brittle. For that reason, it is essential that you find a dog-specific shampoo in order to help maintain the health of your dog’s coat overall and avoid using a shampoo designed for humans on your dog at all costs.
Best Shampoos for Puppies
And finally, now that we’ve gone over some ingredients to look for in dog shampoos as well as why you shouldn’t use shampoo for people on your dog, let’s go over a list of the best gentle dog shampoos for puppies.
1. Burt’s Bees Puppy 2 in 1 Tearless Shampoo
Starting off, our first choice for the best shampoos for puppies is the Burt’s Bees Puppy 2-in-1 Tearless Shampoo. Known to be a trusted brand of natural, environmentally sustainable cosmetics, Burt’s Bees has carefully formulated this shampoo with only the purest, highest quality ingredients available to ensure the health of your puppy’s skin and coat remains flourishing. With key ingredients of coconut oil, linseed oil, buttermilk, colloidal oatmeal, and honey, this shampoo is a powerful conditioning treatment that will leave your dog’s fur feeling new.
Not to mention, this shampoo has been carefully balanced with a perfect pH balance for dogs with special skin needs, so you never have to worry about your pooch suffering from dry skin or irritation. Overall, when in doubt, Burt’s Bees is a quality brand that you can trust to provide you with nature’s finest ingredients at an affordable price.
2. Pet Care Sciences Tearless Puppy Shampoo and Conditioner
Next, Pet Care Sciences Puppy Shampoo is another great option as it is safe and effective for your puppy. Suited for puppies 12 weeks and older, this rich shampoo has been made with a high-quality, all-natural formula that is soothing and gentle on a puppy’s skin. Containing only natural plant-based ingredients, such as coconut, oatmeal, and aloe extract, this shampoo is known to hydrate and protect the skin for a truly rejuvenating and relaxing experience. And thanks to its tearless design and a lack of harsh ingredients, such as parabens, sulfates, MEA, and DEA, this shampoo won’t irritate your puppy’s nose, eyes, or skin and is even gentle enough to use on those with sensitive skin.
Without a doubt, there’s no shampoo quite like the Pet Care Sciences, and for that reason, it is one that comes highly recommended by many.
3. Honeydew Natural Dog Shampoo with Colloidal Oatmeal
Next, if you’re looking for a powerful shampoo that is hypoallergenic and perfect for those with sensitive skin, look no further than the Honeydew Natural Dog Shampoo. Veterinarian recommended this natural pet formula has been specifically designed with a perfect pH balance for dogs of all ages. With a rich lavender keratin formula, this shampoo neutralizes odors, replenishes dull fur, and helps to hydrate the skin with essential vitamins and minerals.
And thanks to its soothing ingredients of jojoba, lavender essential oils, and colloidal oatmeal, it cleans and conditions your pet’s fur without weighing it down, helping to leave it fluffy, voluptuous, and shiny without any greasy residue or build-up. This shampoo is also tear-free, paraben-free, and sulfate-free and won’t sting or burn your dog’s nose or eyes, making it an overall excellent choice for puppies alike.
4. Oster Oatmeal Essentials Shampoos
Next up, as the most affordable option, priced at only $2, we have a natural, creamy, oatmeal-based shampoo known as Oster Oatmeal Essentials. Voted one of the best for the overall health of your pooch, this shampoo softens fur, reduces itchiness, and comes with a thick application that goes a long way. Specifically formulated for puppies eight weeks and up, this shampoo contains 100% natural oatmeal extract, aloe vera, rosemary leaf extract, wheat protein, and a series of coconut-based cleaners with no dyes, parabens, or alcohols.
Not to mention, this shampoo also features a long-lasting scent of baby powder that is excellent for keeping your puppy’s fur smelling fresh for days to come. Therefore, if you’re looking for a good quality shampoo for your puppy at a price that won’t break your bank, Oster Oatmeal Essentials Shampoo is an excellent choice for you.
5. Veterinary Formula Solutions Puppy Love Extra Gentle Tearless Shampoo
Up next, we have the special Veterinary Formula Solutions Puppy Love Extra Gentle Tearless Shampoo. Designed by pet lovers for pet lovers, this shampoo is known for its high-quality ingredients and is safe to use on dogs six weeks and up. Carefully crafted with a unique formula that is both pH balanced and tearless, this puppy shampoo is light and soothing and has been designed specifically to keep any topical tick or flea treatments intact, so you don’t have to worry about restarting any treatments you may be doing.
On top of that, this unique shampoo also features a lasting scent that leaves behind an aroma of fresh baby powder that is light and non-irritating. DEA and sulfate-free, the Veterinary Formula Solutions Puppy Love Shampoo is an excellent choice for dogs and is, without a doubt, one of the most soothing treatments your puppy could ever have.
6. Earthbath Ultra-Mild Plant Derived Puppy Shampoo
Next up, we have the Earthbath Ultra-Mild Plant Derived Puppy Shampoo. This shampoo features a gentle 3-in-1 formula that is designed to detangle, hydrate, and condition the fur while also helping to balance your dog’s natural pH levels. Thanks to some of its key ingredients, such as aloe vera, coconut-based cleansers, and multiple vitamins, this shampoo is non-toxic and considered safe for puppies up to 6 weeks old. And while this shampoo is excellent for maintaining the quality of your dog’s coat on all levels, it has also been made with renewable plant-derived sources and features no dyes, parabens, sulfates, or alcohol, making it not only effective but also environmentally friendly.
Above all else, if you’re looking to keep your puppy shampoo as natural as possible with little to no carbon footprint, then truly, there’s no better choice than the Earthbath Ultra-Mold Plant Derived Puppy Shampoo.
7. Rocco and Roxie Dog Shampoo
Next up, we have the Rocco and Roxie Dog Shampoo. Considered to be one of the kindest and gentlest shampoos they designed, the Rocco and Roxie Dog Shampoo is formulated for sensitive puppy skin, as well as sensitive dermal conditions. This shampoo works hard to maintain a quality shampoo made with real ingredients to promote optimum health. This includes ingredients such as rosemary extract, aloe vera, and chamomile, which are known to help stimulate hair growth as well as seal in moisture for a deep conditioning treatment.
On top of that, this shampoo features no dyes, parabens, alcohols, or toxic ingredients, so you never have to worry about using this shampoo on your pooch. Above all else, this gentle shampoo will help to keep your dog’s coat clean, soft, and shiny without using harsh chemicals and is truly one-of-a-kind.
8. Buddy Wash Original Lavender & Mint Dog Shampoo & Conditioner
Next up, we have the Buddy Wash Original Lavender and Mint Shampoo. Made from natural ingredients including aloe vera, sage, mint, lavender, green tea, chamomile, and rosemary, this 2-in-1 shampoo is packed with essential vitamins and nutrients and helps to penetrate your puppy’s fur for a deep conditioning treatment that will leave their fur soft, smooth, and silky with each use.
Aside from this, this shampoo is also coconut-based with a natural deodorizer that provides a lasting earthy smell after each wash that your dog will love. On top of that, Buddy Shampoo is also alcohol-free and features a soap-free formula that won’t irritate your puppy’s eyes or stomach if it is accidentally consumed. Therefore, if you’re looking for a shampoo that is gentle, safe, and effective, Buddy Shampoo is an excellent choice to consider.
9. Crazy Dog Baby Dog
Next up, we have the Crazy Dog Baby Dog Shampoo. Most known for its gentle, shine-boosting formula, this shampoo was initially designed for puppies but is now considered to be safe for dogs of all ages that are in need of a more sensitive solution. With key natural ingredients such as aloe extract, wheat protein, and sesame seed oil, this shampoo is designed for the ultimate moisturizing treatment and helps to boost shine to your puppy’s coat while simultaneously detangling fur and providing a lasting scent. On top of that, this shampoo is also tear-free and designed to cleanse your dog’s fur while also protecting delicate skin.
Overall, Crazy Dog Baby Dog shampoo is a simple yet powerful natural solution to achieve smooth, silky fur and is highly recommended by customers and vets alike.
10. Toulify Natural Pet Shampoo
And lastly, the Toulify Natural Pet Shampoo is another excellent shampoo choice for puppies. Favored for its highly concentrated formula and rich lather, this shampoo is hypoallergenic and features a strong coconut sodding agent that helps to provide an easy and calming experience. With plant-derived ingredients, including jojoba, lavender, shea butter, and oatmeal, this shampoo provides a tender treatment that is designed to protect and nurture the skin of both puppies and seniors. This formula is also certified tear-free and dandruff-free and is incredibly soothing to dry and irritated skin.
Overall, if you have a puppy that is hypoallergenic or struggles with dry skin, the Toulify Natural Pet Shampoo should be able to help get your pooch back to a healthy, hydrated coat in no time.
Natural DIY Shampoo/Bathing Options
And lastly, we wanted to include a brief section all about natural bathing options that you can do from the comfort of your home. These are cheap, easy, and effective ways to give your puppy an all-natural bath conveniently. With that said, here are our top recommendations.
1. Oatmeal shampoo/bath
The first natural bath/shampoo solution is an oatmeal bath. Oatmeal baths are an excellent choice for dogs of all ages, as they are incredibly gentle and soothing to a dog’s skin. They also provide a plethora of anti-inflammatory properties, as well as help to lock in moisture. With that said, all you have to do is grind down oatmeal into a soft powder and add it to your dog’s bath. After this, you can gently scrub your dog with the oatmeal and then rinse them off, and that’s it.
Truly, oatmeal baths are one of the most gentle, natural, and soothing baths you could ever give your dog and come highly recommended by many dog owners and vets alike. Not to mention, they are excellent for dogs that may be suffering from itchiness or dry skin. You can read more about this and other natural DIY bath recipes for puppies here on dogster.com.
2. Castille soap and essential oils
Secondly, the other main shampoo/bath for puppies that we want to recommend is a simple Castille soap, and essential oils scrub. Gentle and powerful, Castille soap is known to be a great soap for both humans and dogs and provides instant relief from itching, while essential oils help to provide the body with soothing nutrients. With that said, many people recommend mixing this with a few calming essential oils, such as rosemary and lavender, as well as a tablespoon of coconut oil for a truly tranquil treatment that your puppy will love. After this, lather, rinse and repeat, and you’re all done.
With that said, while these baths are gentle and have been effective for many dogs, it is important to note that since these are only general DIY recipes, and they may not be fit for your dog’s specific needs based on their age, coat type, and overall health. Therefore, it’s important that you talk to your veterinarian before trying any of these DIY baths or shampoos out to make sure they are truly the best and safest option for your puppy individually.
Conclusion
Overall, there are many unique shampoos out there for puppies, big and small. Whether you choose to opt for a simple oatmeal cleanser or a more complex veterinary recommended soap, we hope this article has helped you to better understand the importance of puppy-specific shampoos and how they can make a true difference in the health and well-being of your furry friend.
Sources:
https://www.petcarerx.com/article/natural-and-homemade-shampoo-for-dogs/199
https://www.rover.com/blog/reviews/puppy-shampoo/
https://www.mypetneedsthat.com/best-puppy-shampoos/
https://mysweetpuppy.net/best-puppy-shampoo/
https://www.puppywire.com/puppy-shampoo/
https://www.reviewsworthy.net/dogs/shampoo/what-is-a-tearless-dog-shampoo
https://www.petsradar.com/buying-guides/best-dog-shampoo-to-buy
