Reviewed & Fact-Checked By
Dr. Paola Cuevas
Veterinarian, MVZ
Reviewed & Fact-Checked By
Dr. Paola Cuevas
Veterinarian, MVZ
The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.
Anyone who’s sneezed their way through spring pollen season knows that suffering from allergies can be miserable. Though it looks different on dogs, many of our canine friends also battle allergies. For dogs, allergies often manifest as skin problems including itching, infection, and irritation. Regular bathing is one tool veterinarians often recommend to help combat allergies in dogs. But what shampoo is the best to use?
To help you narrow your choices, we’ve collected reviews of what we think are the 10 best shampoos for dogs with allergies this year. The options range from anti-itching options to those designed to keep skin moisturized during frequent baths. Hopefully, this information will help you find the best shampoo to help your allergy-stricken pup feel more comfortable.
A Look at Our Favorites in 2023
Image Product Details
HyLyt Hypoallergenic Shampoo
Hypoallergenic
Moisturizes instead of drying out skin and coat
Keeps skin and coat healthy even with frequent bathing
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Veterinary Formula Hot Spot And Itch Relief
Made with vet-recommended ingredients
Combines natural and medical methods to soothe and heal
Discourages scratching
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Virbac Epi-soothe
Vet recommended
Designed for dogs with allergies
Gentle enough for daily use
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TropiClean Hypoallergenic Puppy Shampoo
Cruelty-free
All-natural ingredients
Hypoallergenic
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Vet’s Best Allergy Itch Relief
Uses all-natural itch relief products
Formulated by vets
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The 10 Best Shampoos For Dogs With Allergies
Our choice of best overall shampoo for dogs with allergies is HyLyt Hypoallergenic. Not only does this shampoo smell amazing, but it’s formulated using fatty acids and proteins to keep your dog’s skin healthy and moisturized. One of the concerns with frequent bathing is that many shampoos strip the natural oils from your dog’s skin and coat, leaving it dry, itchy, and defeating the purpose of the bath in the first place. HyLyt is a soap-free formula that not only doesn’t remove the oils but enhances the moisture in your dog’s skin. It’s also a hypoallergenic shampoo so you don’t have to worry about exposing your allergic dog to anything else that could trigger a reaction.
Type Of Shampoo: Moisturizing, hypoallergenic
Available sizes: 16 ounces, 1 gallon
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This shampoo earns almost entirely positive reviews and recommendations from previous purchasers. However, it is not an all-natural formula, which will rule it out of consideration for some dog owners.
Pros
Hypoallergenic
Moisturizes instead of drying out skin and coat
Keeps skin and coat healthy even with frequent bathing
Cons
Not an all-natural formula
Our choice for the best shampoo for dogs with allergies for the money is Veterinary Formula Hot Spot And Itch Relief. This shampoo is formulated with vet-recommended ingredients like lidocaine and hydrocortisone for pain and itch relief. It also contains natural moisturizing and soothing ingredients like oatmeal and aloe. Designed to soothe and promote healing, this shampoo also helps to discourage your dog from scratching and chewing at their itchy skin. According to users, this shampoo doesn’t lather up very well which can make bathing a bit more labor-intensive.
Hypoallergenic
Moisturizes instead of drying out skin and coat
Keeps skin and coat healthy even with frequent bathing
- Hypoallergenic
- Moisturizes instead of drying out skin and coat
- Keeps skin and coat healthy even with frequent bathing
Not an all-natural formula
- Not an all-natural formula
Type Of Shampoo: Medicated, anti-itch
Available sizes: 16 ounces, 1 gallon
Some found that the product didn’t work for their dog’s skin condition, which should be taken as a reminder that bathing alone is not a substitute for veterinary care for your dog.
Pros
Made with vet-recommended ingredients
Combines natural and medical methods to soothe and heal
Discourages scratching
Cons
Doesn’t lather well
It may not work for all dogs/skin conditions
Recommended and sold by numerous veterinarians, Virbac Epi-soothe is not the most cost-effective shampoo on our list but is designed specifically for dogs with skin itching and irritation from allergies. Soap-free and relying on all-natural oatmeal as its main ingredient, Epi-soothe is gentle enough to be used every day. In addition to moisturizing and soothing, the shampoo makes it harder for yeast and bacteria–two common culprits in allergic skin problems–to even stick to your dog’s skin.
Made with vet-recommended ingredients
Combines natural and medical methods to soothe and heal
Discourages scratching
- Made with vet-recommended ingredients
- Combines natural and medical methods to soothe and heal
- Discourages scratching
Doesn’t lather well
It may not work for all dogs/skin conditions
- Doesn’t lather well
- It may not work for all dogs/skin conditions
Type Of Shampoo: Moisturizing
Available sizes: 8 ounces, 16 ounces
Most users found this shampoo left their dog’s coat soft and generally soothed itching, although some did not feel it worked for their dogs or only did so for a short time.
Pros
Vet recommended
Designed for dogs with allergies
Gentle enough for daily use
Cons
Higher price point
Won’t work for all dogs/skin conditions
For the very youngest allergy-sufferers, consider TropiClean Hypoallergenic Puppy Shampoo. Made from all-natural, soap-free ingredients, this shampoo is gentle and hypoallergenic, designed for new, sensitive puppy skin. It doesn’t have any anti-itch properties but serves to keep skin moisturized and healthy while leaving all the natural oils. This shampoo lathers nicely, allowing you to keep bath time quick as you get your puppy used to the process. For those who prioritize animal welfare in their purchases, rest assured that this product is cruelty-free.
Vet recommended
Designed for dogs with allergies
Gentle enough for daily use
- Vet recommended
- Designed for dogs with allergies
- Gentle enough for daily use
Higher price point
Won’t work for all dogs/skin conditions
- Higher price point
- Won’t work for all dogs/skin conditions
Type Of Shampoo: Moisturizing, hypoallergenic
Available sizes: 20 ounces, 1 gallon, 2.5 gallons
Tropiclean is not tearless shampoo, so you will need to be cautious around your pup’s face. Some users found the fragrance of this product overwhelming and others found it didn’t work well with their dog’s coat, leaving it dry and still looking dirty.
Pros
Cruelty-free
All-natural ingredients
Hypoallergenic
Cons
Not tearless
Strong fragrance
It may not work for all coat types
For an all-natural, veterinary-formulated itch relief shampoo, try Vet’s Best Allergy Itch Relief. This shampoo relies on essential oils and oatmeal to soothe itchy skin. Regular bathing with Vet’s Best can not only relieve itching but help remove potential allergens from your dog’s coat before they cause a reaction.
Cruelty-free
All-natural ingredients
Hypoallergenic
- Cruelty-free
- All-natural ingredients
- Hypoallergenic
Not tearless
Strong fragrance
It may not work for all coat types
- Not tearless
- Strong fragrance
- It may not work for all coat types
Type Of Shampoo: Itch relief
Available sizes: 16 ounces
This product is not designed as a moisturizer, however, and many owners found that it dried out their pets’ coats. Most found that it worked to get their pups clean and smelling fresh and did a fair job of relieving itching. Made in the USA and formulated by a holistic veterinarian, this product will appeal to those looking for vet-approved, all-natural itch-relieving shampoos.
Pros
Uses all-natural itch relief products
Formulated by vets
Cons
May dry out skin and coat
For those who are sensitive to strong smells, try Earthbath Oatmeal and Aloe Fragrance-Free shampoo. A soap-free, cruelty-free shampoo, Earthbath both deodorizes and moisturizes your dog’s skin and coat. The fragrance-free nature of this product makes it ideal for humans with sensitivities as well as their dogs. Natural soothing and moisturizing are provided by oatmeal and organic aloe vera, designed to heal skin and decrease itching.
Uses all-natural itch relief products
Formulated by vets
- Uses all-natural itch relief products
- Formulated by vets
May dry out skin and coat
- May dry out skin and coat
Type Of Shampoo: Moisturizing, deodorizing
Available sizes: 16 ounces
Regular users of this product like the consistency of the shampoo and how well it lathers. Certain oilier coat types may not respond as well to this shampoo, much like not all shampoos work for every human hair type.
Pros
Fragrance-free
Deodorizes and moisturizes
All-natural and cruelty-free
Cons
It may not work for all coat types
Higher price point
If your priority is using organic, non-GMO, biodegradable products, 4-Legger Organic Hypoallergenic Lemongrass and Aloe Shampoo might be the one for you. Vegan, cruelty-free, sustainably-sourced, and made in small batches, this shampoo ticks all the boxes for the eco-conscious consumer. The all-natural lemongrass and aloe ingredients combine to clean, soothe, and moisturize your dog’s skin and coat. This shampoo is also highly concentrated, so you don’t need to use much for the best results. Given the higher price point of this product, that’s a definite plus.
Fragrance-free
Deodorizes and moisturizes
All-natural and cruelty-free
- Fragrance-free
- Deodorizes and moisturizes
- All-natural and cruelty-free
It may not work for all coat types
Higher price point
- It may not work for all coat types
- Higher price point
Type Of Shampoo: Cleansing, hypoallergenic
Available sizes: 16 ounces
Dog owners have positive things to say about this shampoo, although several noted that it is very thin in consistency and suggested using a foaming soap dispenser to avoid waste.
Pros
All-natural ingredients
Eco-friendly and vegan
Concentrated formula, a little goes a long way
Cons
Higher price point
Very thin consistency
- Zesty Paws Itch Soother Dog Shampoo
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Type Of Shampoo: Moisturizing, itch relief
Available sizes: 16 ounces
With a clean, not overwhelming scent, Zesty Paws Itch Soother Shampoo is a solid option to consider for your allergic dog. This shampoo relies on oatmeal and aloe for its itch-relieving properties and is also formulated with added Vitamin E to improve the health of your dog’s skin. It is not hypoallergenic and does contain tree nuts, which could be a concern for humans with nut allergies.
All-natural ingredients
Eco-friendly and vegan
Concentrated formula, a little goes a long way
- All-natural ingredients
- Eco-friendly and vegan
- Concentrated formula, a little goes a long way
Higher price point
Very thin consistency
- Higher price point
- Very thin consistency
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Type Of Shampoo: Moisturizing, itch relief
Available sizes: 16 ounces
Some reviewers complained that the shampoo has a “fishy smell” but it appears this company also makes a fish oil food supplement that has similar packaging and could be mistaken for the shampoo so use caution when purchasing. Most pet owners found that this shampoo lathered well, rinsed easily, and had a pleasant scent while helping relieve their pup’s allergy symptoms.
Pros
Contains antioxidants for skin health
Lathers and rinses easily
Cons
Contains tree nuts
It may be confused with fish oil products, with messy results
- Vetoquinol Aloe And Oatmeal Shampoo
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Type Of Shampoo: Moisturizing
Available sizes: 16 ounces, 1 gallon
Another brand and product frequently sold in veterinary offices, Vetoquinol Aloe and Oatmeal is formulated specially to increase the moisture in your dog’s skin, relieving itching and cleaning away allergens without removing natural oils. This is not an all-natural product, despite using aloe and oatmeal but it is soap-free. Most users found that it lathered and rinsed well, leaving a not overwhelming scent behind.
Contains antioxidants for skin health
Lathers and rinses easily
- Contains antioxidants for skin health
- Lathers and rinses easily
Contains tree nuts
It may be confused with fish oil products, with messy results
- Contains tree nuts
- It may be confused with fish oil products, with messy results
Type Of Shampoo: Moisturizing
Available sizes: 16 ounces, 1 gallon
This product does separate in the bottle and needs a good shake before use or you may end up bathing your dog in only the oily part of the shampoo. The minimal scent of this shampoo makes it a good choice for sensitive pets and humans.
Pros
Minimal scent
Lathers and rinses well
Moisturizing and won’t strip natural oils
Cons
Not all-natural
Must shake before using
Made with 97% natural ingredients and cruelty-free, Burt’s Bees Itch Soothing Shampoo with Honeysuckle uses a unique combination of substances to soothe and moisturize your allergic dog’s itchy, flaky skin. Avocado oil, honey, and oat flour help manage itching and strengthen your dog’s hair coat. With no sulfates or artificial colors, this shampoo is also pH-balanced specifically for a dog’s skin.
Minimal scent
Lathers and rinses well
Moisturizing and won’t strip natural oils
- Minimal scent
- Lathers and rinses well
- Moisturizing and won’t strip natural oils
Not all-natural
Must shake before using
- Not all-natural
- Must shake before using
Type Of Shampoo: Moisturizing
Available sizes: 16 ounces, 32 ounces
The texture is very watery and the shampoo doesn’t produce much lather, however. Some users were disappointed that it doesn’t smell much like honeysuckle, while others did not find that it worked for their dog’s coats. Made in the USA, this shampoo is reasonably priced.
Pros
97% natural ingredients
pH balanced for dog skin
Cons
Watery texture
Doesn’t lather well
97% natural ingredients
pH balanced for dog skin
- 97% natural ingredients
- pH balanced for dog skin
Watery texture
Doesn’t lather well
- Watery texture
- Doesn’t lather well
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Shampoos For Dogs With Allergies
Your dog is scratching up a storm and you’re ready to buy shampoo to help! Before you shell out your hard-earned money, however, here are a few points to keep in mind.
What’s Causing Your Dog’s Allergies and Skin Problems?
While it can be tempting to skip the vet and just try to relieve your dog’s itching with a nice bath, solving your pup’s skin problems can be more complicated than that. Your dog’s allergies can be caused by many things, including food and flea bites and bathing may not resolve the issue without additional treatments.
In addition, itching, flaky skin, and redness can occur with other medical conditions, including fungal infections or even diseases like Cushing’s syndrome. In these instances, treating the underlying problem is essential, with bathing serving as just one step in the process.
How Often Are You Bathing Your Dog?
The frequency of your dog’s baths should be considered before you purchase a shampoo. As we learned, many of the shampoos on our list are specially formulated to add moisture back into your dog’s skin during a bath. Others may not be safe to use as often with a risk of upsetting your dog’s natural coat oils and further drying out their already sensitive skin.
What Kind of Flea And Tick Treatment Are You Using?
Many topical flea and tick preventatives rely on your dog’s natural skin oils to spread the product from the original point of application throughout their body. Bathing can interfere with that process. Several of the shampoos on our list are designed to work more effectively with topical products.
If you use these types of flea and tick products, look for a shampoo that’s labeled for use with them. However, you should still defer to the directions on the flea and tick product itself when it comes to how to balance bathing with parasite control. Especially for dogs with flea allergies, proper parasite control is an essential part of treatment.
To avoid any concern, you could also choose one of the many available chewable flea and tick preventatives, such as Bravecto.
How Old Is Your Dog?
The shampoos on our list differ when it comes to their safety for young puppies. Depending on the age of your dog, you may need to wait to use your preferred shampoo or temporarily make another choice. Getting your puppy socialized to their future bathing and grooming routine at a young age is always recommended. This is especially vital for breeds already prone to allergies and skin issues.
Conclusion
As our best overall shampoo for dogs with allergies, HyLyt Hypoallergenic combines a gentle formula with a hefty dose of fatty acids and moisturizes to relieve itching and dry skin. Our best value pick, Veterinary Formula Hot Spot and Itch Relief merge medical and natural ingredients to provide overall skin and itch treatment.
While regular bathing is often an essential part of treating allergies in dogs, don’t be tempted to skip a true veterinary diagnosis in favor of self-treatment. Your vet can guide you towards the proper treatment, including bathing, and our reviews of these 10 shampoos for dogs with allergies can serve as a starting point as you seek out the best option for your pup.
Featured Image Credit: 135pixels, Shutterstock
