Best dog shampoo for dandruff

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4.6/5 - (10 votes)

Do you have a dog that features dry skin? You might have noted that he/she is constantly chewing or scratching the coat or that the hair is thinning resulting in hair loss.

If you happen to note redness and inflammation of the skin or a bad odor emanating from the coat, the chances are that you are dealing with a dog who is suffering from dandruff.

So, how can you get rid of this condition so that you can free your pet from the discomfort of scratching and biting the skin?

I recommend that you give a try to the best dog shampoo for dandruff. Follow on closely so that you can have an idea of shampoo that will work out for you.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dandruff in Dogs?

Before narrowing our search to the best dog shampoos for dandruff, let’s have a brief look at; what is dandruff? Are dogs susceptible to dandruff? And, Reasons why dogs get dandruff.

# What is dandruff?

Dandruff comes as a result of shedding dead skin cells. It occurs as a bunch of dry skin that falls off in clumps.

In dogs, shedding of dead skin cells is referred to as Dander, but when the shedding becomes excessive, that’s when you can refer to it as dandruff.

Scientifically, dandruff is known as Seborrhea and defined as a disorder of the sebaceous glands which comes accompanied by itching and redness of the skin.

# Are dogs susceptible to dandruff?

Yes. Same as we humans, dogs can suffer from dandruff which can be in oily foam, dry foam, or a combination of both foams. So, if you note that your dogs are scratching more often than usual or that fur is thinning in some places, then this is a sign that your pooch might be affected with dandruff.

# Why do dogs get dandruff?

In dogs, dandruff can be classified into two forms, i.e., Primary Seborrhea and Secondary seborrhea.

1. Primary Seborrhea

This foam of dandruff occurs as a result of inheritance. In this case, you should note that certain breeds are more prone to this foam of dandruff than others.

Some of the breeds that are susceptible to primary seborrhea include:

• Labrador Retrievers
• West Highland White Terriers
• Shar-Pei
• Dachshunds
• German Shepherds
• Basset Hounds
• Dobermans
• Golden Retrievers
• American Cocker Spaniels

Therefore, if you own any of the listed breeds and you have had an issue of dandruff in the parents, then it is up to you to stay on the lookout of the same condition in the generations that follow.

2. Secondary seborrhea

This type of dandruff occurs as a result of an underlying issue, which means that eliminating the problem can help you rid your pet of seborrhea. So, let’s have a look at some of the issues that can result in secondary seborrhea.

3. Allergies and Environmental Factors

The First cause of dandruff in dogs is changing seasons or allergens. In this case, dogs react adversely to dust, pollen, cold and dry air resulting in irritation which causes dandruff.

So, if you note that dandruff occurs during the colder seasons, decreased humidity seasons, or during spring pollen, then that should trigger an idea that it might be as a result of changing seasons.

On the other hand, seasonal shedding can result in dandruff. Dogs allergic to flea saliva are also prone to dandruff, itchiness, and dry skin as well. Therefore, you should try and find out some of the reasons your dogs are suffering from dandruff.

If it is as a result of allergens, then you should consider consulting your Vet so that he/she can give you a prescription of the antihistamine to buy. On the other hand, if it is as a result of low humidity, consider adding a humidifier which adds moisture in your home so that you can alleviate the dry skin in your pup.

4. Chyletiella mites

Another cause of dandruff in dogs is Chyletiellla mites, where the condition is commonly referred to as “walking dandruff.” In particular, the condition arises as a result of white mites’ infestation in dog’s coats where the mites lay eggs and cause dandruff. The only way to note that the dandruff is as a result of the mites is when you notice mites on top of the flaky dead skin.

5. Infections

Bacterial, fungal, and yeast infections are other causes of dandruff in dogs. The reason is that such infections cause the dog’s skin to dry up and flake off. Hence, it is up to you to talk to a vet so that you can treat the underlying issue before using the best dog shampoo for dandruff.

6. Poor Diet

Poor diet is another reason why dogs suffer from dandruff. If your dog’s diet is low in Omega-3 fatty acids, this can lead to dandruff which means that it is up to you to supplement the diet with foods such as fish oil.

Also, a diet that doesn’t feature enough water can result in fur breakdown and thus dandruff. A diet that limits nutrients and vitamins can result in unhealthy fur and dry skin which leads to dandruff. So, it is upon you to analyze your dog’s diet and correct any of the diet-related issues.

7. Parasites

Besides Chyletiellla mites, dandruff may occur as a result of parasites such as sarcoptic mange which results in irritation, pimples, and hair loss. Also, this may be due to demodicosis or Demodex mange which results in dry and scaly skin.

If you suspect that dandruff is as a result of parasites, then you will need to treat the parasitic infestation and keep your dog secluded from other animals so that you can completely treat the underlying issue.

8. Systemic Illness

Although dandruff isn’t a big deal when it occurs in dogs, there are cases when dandruff may arise because of a disease. In this case, brushing or bathing your dog using the best dog shampoo for dry skin may not work which signals that the condition may be as a result of a disease.

Hence, consult with your vet so that you can know the condition to treat in a mission to eliminate dandruff. Some of the underlying issues that might be resulting in dandruff include diabetes, kidney or liver disease, thyroid disease among others.

9. Musculoskeletal Disease

Besides systemic illness, some dogs may be suffering from dandruff because of musculoskeletal disease. This occurs when the dog isn’t able to take care of the skin because of conditions that affect the dog’s bones and muscles.

So, if you have an arthritic dog or one with a limited range of movement, you will want to help in taking care of the coat to avoid dry skin due to poor grooming.

How to choose the best dog shampoo for dandruff

With an idea of the common causes of dandruff in dogs, it is now upon you to put the underlying issues in control and use the best dog shampoo for dry skin so that you can keep the situation under control. For you to pick the right product, here are some of the points to keep in mind.

  1. Consider the ingredients

As you pick a dog dandruff shampoo, you will want to avoid shampoo made using artificial ingredients. In this case, avoid shampoos that include added fragrance or perfumes, parabens, added dyes or colorants, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, and Stearalkonium Chloride. That way, you can wash your dog with peace of mind and with an assurance of avoiding damage to the skin.

  2. Pay attention to the type of shampoo

Dog shampoos are availed in three forms:

• Certified-organic shampoos – These shampoos are made using natural ingredients grown without additives such as fertilizers and insecticides. The shampoo is a perfect choice for dogs with sensitive skin due to their low risk of causing allergic reactions.
• Chemical-based shampoos – Unlike organic shampoo, chemical-based shampoo is made using artificial ingredients. This kind of shampoo is cheaper than those made using natural ingredients, but the shampoo isn’t the best option for cleaning pets with dandruff, those with sensitive skin, or pets with skin problems.
• Natural dog shampoos – Natural shampoo is made using natural ingredients, but unlike certified-organic shampoo, there is no legal obligation to reach such a standard. This means that such shampoo might be containing artificial ingredients which means that you do not want to adopt this shampoo when you are dealing with dogs with highly sensitive skin.

  3. Get shampoo that not only cleans but also moisturizes the skin

If you want to reduce dandruff in dogs, then you will make the best choice by picking a shampoo that moisturizes the skin. Such shampoo should include ingredients such as oatmeal, honey, Aloe Vera, Peppermint, Vitamin E and antiseptic ingredients.

10 best dog shampoos for dandruff

1. Veterinary Formula clinical care medicated shampoo

Fast-Acting Shampoo For Mange, Parasitic Infections, Seborrhea, and Fungal and Bacterial Skin Infections in Dogs

Do you want to purchase a dog dandruff shampoo that is designed to provide relief to the various skin infections?

Well, you will be happy to know that the Veterinary Formula clinical care medicated shampoo is designed for this purpose. The fact that the shampoo contains a variety of ingredients designed to solve various skin infections makes it a great choice among a variety of dog owners.

To be specific, the shampoo includes ingredients such as coal tar, colloidal oatmeal, salicylic acid, micronized sulfur, and allantoin. Coal tar alleviates dermatological issues; salicylic acid treats acne; micronized sulfur treats infections; while colloidal oatmeal, and allantoin hydrate the skin. As a result, the shampoo is a perfect choice when you want to promote optimal health in dogs.

You can buy the shampoo for use on dogs with sensitive skin, thanks to the fact that it is free of soap, parabens, and dye. More to that, the shampoo features veterinary-grade ingredients assuring you that it is safe for use on dogs with sensitive skin.

The medicated shampoo can deliver fast results due to its ability to act fast. In fact, all you need is to use it 2-3 times weekly and less frequently as the skin condition improves.

The shampoo is designed to treat infections such as bacterial infections, mange, seborrhea, parasitic infections, as well as an inflamed scalp.

2. Earthbath All Natural Pet Shampoo

Totally natural pet care, 100-percent bio-degradable and cruelty free

If you have had an allergy or skin condition that resulted in itching, you already know how bad the situation can turn out to be, the reason you wouldn’t want this to happen to your pet. However, what if it happened to your pet? In such a case, I would recommend that you bath your pup with the Earthbath all natural pet shampoo.

As the name states, the shampoo is made using natural ingredients which are 100% bio-degradable and cruelty-free. This means that you can use it on dogs with sensitive skin without having to worry about adverse effects.

Adding to that, the shampoo soap-free and PH-balanced. As a result, it is a perfect choice for cleaning and deodorizing your pet’s skin safely.

You can use the shampoo when you are looking forward to ensuring better-smelling skin, thanks to the vanilla and almond oils that leave a better smell on the coat.

Further, the shampoo is a perfect choice for one that can promote healing and combat skin irritation since it is formulated using organic Aloe Vera and oatmeal that moisturize and heal the skin.

3. Pet Oatmeal Anti-Itch Shampoo & Conditioner

Provides Relief For Allergies, Itchy, Dry, Irritated Skin

Often are the times when pet parents ought to deal with itchy, stinky, and uncomfortable pets. However, does that mean that you should give up on your pet when he or she is in such a condition?

Absolutely not. With the Pet Oatmeal anti-itch shampoo, you can get rid of such conditions with an assurance of safety considering that the shampoo is made using organic all-natural products.

Among that the ingredients that constitute this shampoo is organic oatmeal, Aloe Vera, baking soda, and coconut designed to provide natural and instant itch relief.

Better yet, the shampoo excludes additives and harsh chemicals which means that you shouldn’t hesitate having to use it on pets with sensitive skin.

The shampoo acts as an excellent choice for dog owners who want to eradicate the stink from a pup’s skin due to the oatmeal cookie scent that serves as a lasting way to remove odor.

Adding to that, the shampoo can treat infections since it is infused with Vitamins A, D, and E enabling it to support a moisturized, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory environment.

4. Wahl Dog/Puppy Shampoo

Coconut and Lime verbena | For dry, itching, irritated skin

Finding an effective treatment for skin infections doesn’t have to cost you endless trips to the vet, the reason I recommend Wahl dog shampoo as one of the best dog shampoos for dandruff.

The fact that the shampoo features Aloe Vera, Oatmeal, Lemon Verbena, and coconut assures you of getting an effective treatment designed to soothe dry, irritated, and itching skin.

That’s not all since the shampoo is PEG-80 free. Because of this, you can get it as one of the best shampoos designed for dogs with sensitive skin.

The shampoo includes plant-derived ingredients assuring you that it will result in a healthy coat and less shedding. More to that, its lather is easy to rinse which means that you can expect to make bath time easy for both you and your pooch.

5. Paws & Pals Dog Shampoo For Dry Itchy Skin

Medicated Veterinary Formula Clinical Aloe Vera Pet Wash

Turn your pet’s bath time to playtime as you relieve symptoms of hot spots, dry skin, and allergies with the Paws & Pals dog shampoo. The nourishing formula is made using natural oils such as Shea butter, oatmeal, and rosemary. As a result, it can smooth and moisturize the skin leaving your pup with a smooth, clean, and odor-free coat.

What’s more, is that the shampoo features natural ingredients such as Aloe Vera and Pro-vitamin B5. These ingredients work together to help smooth and moisturize the most brittle coat which makes it a perfect choice for dog owners looking forward to hydrating and healing the pet’s skin and coat.

Something else that will amaze you once you buy this shampoo is the fact that it is non-toxic and free of parabens. As a result, you can opt to buy it when you are looking forward to purchasing the best dog shampoo for dogs with sensitive skin.

Pawls & Pals dog shampoo is a tear-free soapless formula that adopts natural oils, extracts, and vitamins. These ingredients do not inflame or irritate the pet’s eyes and nose to guarantee a playful experience.

Further, the shampoo includes natural Jojoba, coconut and Aloe Vera which help to relieve itchy and painful skin as a result of dander, dryness, and fleas.

6. Arava Natural Medicated Dog Shampoo

Antibacterial Antifungal Anti Yeast Anti Itch Dog Shampoo

Might you be reading this review aiming at locating the best dog shampoo for dandruff? If that is the case, then you should end your search at this point. Arava Natural medicated Dog shampoo is formulated with natural and healthy ingredients so that it can offer a deep cleanse and eliminate dandruff in a single step.

What’s more is that the shampoo is an anti-microbial, anti-yeast, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory formula which is designed to heal scrapes, mange, abrasion, and hot spots.

It features premium Dead Sea minerals which enable it to treat skin problems and irritations. The formula includes 28 active botanical ingredients among these Aloe Vera, Fennel, Rosemary, Pomegranate, and Reishi, so that it can heal most skin conditions.

You can get it as the answer to the best dog shampoo designed to eliminate bad odor due to the nice smell of the essential oils that enable it to eliminate the stink in a variety of dog coats.

The shampoo is a perfect choice for dogs and puppies alike due to the therapeutic properties that offer a smooth and comforting feel on a variety of skin types.

The fact that the shampoo is made using naturally grown ingredients that exclude chemicals and preservatives make it a perfect formula when used on dogs with sensitive skin.

It contains ingredients such as Kelp and Pomegranate. Kelp acts as a natural immune booster that promotes faster skin recovery while pomegranate contributes to the strength of the epidermis while protecting sensitive skin.

7. Friends Forever – Natural Dog Shampoo for Dry Itchy Skin

Oatmeal Aloe Vera Pet Shampoo for Dog Wash

A perfect and guaranteed way to make your furry friend’s coat soft and fresh after taking a bath is by using the Friends Forever Natural Dog Shampoo. As you can see from its name, the shampoo is made using natural, high-quality ingredients which makes it great for use on different types of pets and pets of various ages.

Also, the shampoo features ingredients such as Tea Tree oil, Flax seed oil, and lavender which play a role in smoothing the skin and getting rid of dry skin. Organic coconut, Oatmeal, and Aloe Vera are other additions of the dog shampoo which means that you can expect it to soothe itchy and dry skin.

You can use this shampoo when you want to relive your pet from allergies, thanks to the natural, hypoallergenic nature that provides anti-bacterial and anti-fungal treatment.

Furthermore, the shampoo is a perfect choice for pet owners who want to relieve their pets from bad odor since it features a light green apple scented with chamomile extract to help it leave a pleasant smell on the pet’s skin.

8. Bexley Labs – Benzoyl Peroxide Shampoo

Effective for Mange, Demodex, Dandruff, Seborrhea, Pyoderma, Mites & Acne

Have been wondering; what is the perfect method to prevent dermatologic infections while reducing skin irritation to ensure a silky, smooth, and shiny fur? Well, Benzoyl Peroxide Shampoo should get you covered.

The shampoo includes a range of ingredients including sulfur, Benzoyl Peroxide, and Salicylic acid. These ingredients work together to deliver a super-effective anti-microbial shampoo. As a result, you can expect the formula to penetrate deep into the skin so that it can eliminate excess oils, debris, yeast, and bacteria.

Asides from that the shampoo helps to eliminate the bad odor in a pet’s coat. The reason is the refreshing citrus scent which remains behind so that you can end up with a fresh-smelling pet.

You can use the shampoo to relieve the scratching and scaling that results from Seborrhea, acne, Mange, mites, dandruff, and other deep cutaneous infections considering that it is veterinary recommended and with an ability to treat a range of skin infections.

9. Pet MD – Benzoyl Peroxide Medicated Shampoo for Dogs

Effective for Seborhhea, Dandruff, Mange, Itch Relief, Acne and Folliculitis

The safest way to maintain a fresh, clean, and happy pooch is by using Pet MD – Benzoyl peroxide shampoo. The shampoo is designed as a powerful cleansing and degreasing formula with the ability to provide relief of itching and scaling.

Also, it is a perfect choice when you want to eliminate bad odor due to the citrus-scented design. The shampoo can remove scales and oils from the coat thanks to the skin moisturizers and deodorizers that enhance gentle cleaning and deodorizing.

Also, there is micronized sulfur, peroxide, and salicylic acid which allows for effective degreasing and follicular flushing. Pet MD – Benzoyl peroxide shampoo is soap and paraben free which means that you can use it for dogs with sensitive skin with an assurance of safety.

You can use the shampoo when you want to provide relief of itching associated with Seborrheic disorders, dermatitis, skin infections, and follicular plugging.

10. Vanilla Oatmeal Dog Shampoo with Aloe Vera

Anti Itch Pet Shampoo for Dogs with Sensitive Skin

Do you want to leave your pet’s skin soft and plush after a bath? Well, you probably want to ensure that you leave the coat clean and deodorized. That said, I would recommend that you give a try to Vanilla Oatmeal dog shampoo.

The shampoo is enriched with vanilla and lavender. This enables it to relieve dog skin odor and replace it with a fragrance of vanilla and lavender. As a result, the shampoo is a perfect choice when you want to ensure that your pet repels bugs, fleas, and bugs.

Another plus of the shampoo is that it is made using natural ingredients. This makes it an excellent choice for cleaning puppies since it guarantees tear-less cleaning.

You can get the shampoo as the answer to the best dog shampoo for dandruff due to the colloidal oatmeal that nourishes sensitive dog skin. Also, the shampoo is a perfect choice to one that is designed for sensitive skin due to the Aloe Vera ingredient that promotes healthy skin when soothing the skin.

FAQs

Q: How often should I use dog dandruff shampoo?
The frequency of using the dandruff shampoo depends on your judgment based on the dandruff condition. However, I wouldn’t recommend that you use the shampoo more than once in a week since this can lead to dry skin. The only exception is when the dandruff or skin condition is worse.

Do not forget to read the recommendation on the frequency of using the shampoo since different brands have different suggestions.

Q: Can I use human shampoo as a dog dandruff shampoo?
Yes, you can use human shampoo on dogs, but I do not recommend that you get used to this.

The reason behind this is that dog’s skins have a high PH level than that of humans. Hence human shampoo contains more acidity whereas dogs require an alkaline shampoo. Therefore, avoid human shampoo on dogs since this can result in health problems if done regularly.

Q: Can humans contact dog dandruff?
No, dogs do not spread their dandruff to humans. The only exception is in the case of walking dandruff since such type of dandruff is contagious.

Q: Besides using the best dog shampoo for dandruff, are there other ways of eliminating dandruff in dogs?
As stated earlier in the “Why do dogs get dandruff” section, there are certain remedies designed to help with dandruff in dogs.

For instance, regular grooming can help solve dandruff due to Musculoskeletal Disease, while using a humidifier can help with dandruff that arises due to low humidity. So, in addition to using the reviewed shampoos, it would serve you best if you tried to solve the underlying problems.

Q: What is organic dandruff shampoo for dogs and why should I adopt it?
Organic dog shampoo for dandruff is a shampoo designed to get rid of dandruff in dogs. Unlike competitor products, the shampoo is formulated using natural ingredients instead of chemical ones which makes it suitable for use on dogs with sensitive skin.

Q: Should I use a conditioner alongside a dog dandruff shampoo?
Yes. A conditioner helps to close the dog’s hair cuticles which enables the coat to stay hydrated. In addition to that, it helps to maintain elasticity of the skin and make it softer to the touch which makes it easy for you to brush the dog’s coat.

So, ensure that you apply a conditioner after cleaning your dog’s coat using shampoo so that you can be sure to keep the skin hydrated.

Final Verdict

At the end of the day, all that matters is ensuring that your furry friend is in good shape and health.

That said, you will need to groom your pet regularly, improve its diet by including enough supplement of Omega-3 and Omega 6, use a humidifier, and wash it using the best dog shampoos for dandruff as reviewed in this article.

That way, you can be sure to solve the underlying issues that result in dandruff and provide the moisture that is needed for the skin so that you can relief your dog from the flakiness and irritation caused by dandruff.

As I round up, I would love to get an idea of what you think about the reviewed products. So take advantage of the comments’ box and let us have a clue of your thoughts.

If this review helped you locate the right dog shampoo for dry skin, feel free to share the post with your friends so that they can pick the right products designed to eliminate dog dandruff.

You may also like: Best shampoo for golden retrievers

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