Reviewed & Fact-Checked By
Dr. Lorna Whittemore
Veterinarian, MRCVS
Reviewed & Fact-Checked By
Dr. Lorna Whittemore
Veterinarian, MRCVS
The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.
Yorkie parents know that their pups’ coats require special attention for them to look their best. Since Yorkies can have many health challenges, including sensitive skin, it’s important to find grooming products designed for their unique grooming needs. Here, we review a variety of shampoo brands to help you find the best one for your Yorkie. We also go over the ingredients to look for and the ones to avoid when shopping.
A Quick Look at Our Favorites in 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo
Formulated to soothe dry, irritated skin
pH balanced for sensitive skin
Free of soap, gluten, dye, DEA, sulfate, and phthalate
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Best Value
TropiClean 2 in 1 Pet Shampoo & Conditioner
Reduces dry and itchy skin
Keeps the coat smooth and soft
Pleasant coconut scent
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Premium Choice
Veterinary Formula Solutions Shampoo for Dogs and Cats
Improves red, irritated skin after the first shampoo
Makes hair silky and soft
Doesn’t burn the eyes
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Best for Puppies
Pet Head Puppy Fun!! Tearless Dog Shampoo
Leaves your dog’s coat soft and shiny
Gentle and doesn’t burn the eyes
Keeps skin hydrated
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Vet’s Best Hypo-Allergenic Shampoo for Dogs
Improves red, itchy skin
Makes hair soft and smooth
Doesn’t irritate eyes
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The 10 Best Shampoos for Yorkies
1. Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo — Best Overall
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Lifestage: All life stages
Grooming Feature: Soothes irritates skin, pH balanced
Our favorite shampoo for Yorkies is the Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo by Hepper. The first thing we love about this shampoo is the all-natural ingredient list that is made without the use of harsh fragrances, soaps, dyes, sulfates and other skin irritating additives. Since Yorkies can be prone to skin problems, this shampoo was created to hydrate and nourish as it cleanses.
The aloe and cucumber scent, although mild and easy on the nose, can last for days. The lather created by this shampoo is quite light and easy to work with, making it easy to avoid the eye and ear areas of your little dog.
All in all, we think this is the best Yorkie shampoo on the market.
At PetKeen.com we’ve admired Hepper for many years, and decided to take a controlling ownership interest, so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!
Pros
All natural, pet-safe ingredients
Formulated to soothe dry, irritated skin
Free of soap, gluten, dye, DEA, sulfate, and phthalate
Promotes healthy skin and coat
Gentle scented
Light lather
Cons
Some Yorkies may not like the scent
The hypoallergenic TropiClean Luxury 2 in 1 Papaya & Coconut Pet Shampoo & Conditioner is the best shampoo for Yorkies for the money. It’s pH balanced and contains colloidal oatmeal and aloe for a soothing and moisturizing bath. It’s great for sensitive skin because it’s paraben, soap, and dye free. The coconut-based cleanser is gentle and won’t irritate your dog. Like most products on this list, this one should be diluted before use.
All natural, pet-safe ingredients
Formulated to soothe dry, irritated skin
Free of soap, gluten, dye, DEA, sulfate, and phthalate
Promotes healthy skin and coat
Gentle scented
Light lather
- All natural, pet-safe ingredients
- Formulated to soothe dry, irritated skin
- Free of soap, gluten, dye, DEA, sulfate, and phthalate
- Promotes healthy skin and coat
- Gentle scented
- Light lather
Some Yorkies may not like the scent
- Some Yorkies may not like the scent
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This shampoo won’t help control shedding if you have a heavy shedder. While it’s not a common issue in Yorkies, it does happen. In this case, you may want to opt for a shampoo that also promotes the removal of loose hair.
Pros
Reduces dry and itchy skin
Keeps the coat smooth and soft
Pleasant coconut scent
Gentle on your pup’s eyes
Cons
Some customers might find the scent too strong
It doesn’t help control shedding
The Veterinary Formula Solutions Soothing & Deodorizing Oatmeal Shampoo for Dogs & Cats contains aloe, zinc, and baking soda to soothe irritated skin. It’s a special formula for dry, irritated, or smelly dog coats. Fragrance extenders have been added to keep your dog smelling clean for longer, but it doesn’t smell like perfume that masks odors. It actually neutralizes odor on contact. It does have a water lily and lavender fragrance. This shampoo can be used regularly and doesn’t wash off topical flea and tick treatments.
Reduces dry and itchy skin
Keeps the coat smooth and soft
Pleasant coconut scent
Gentle on your pup’s eyes
- Reduces dry and itchy skin
- Keeps the coat smooth and soft
- Pleasant coconut scent
- Gentle on your pup’s eyes
Some customers might find the scent too strong
It doesn’t help control shedding
- Some customers might find the scent too strong
- It doesn’t help control shedding
Lifestage: Adult
Grooming Feature: Deodorizing, oatmeal
Pros
Improves red, irritated skin after the first shampoo
Makes hair silky and soft
Doesn’t burn the eyes
Low-fragrance
Cons
Watery
Doesn’t lather well
Pet Head Puppy Fun!! Tearless Dog Shampoo has a pleasant orange fragrance and is specially formulated for the puppy’s sensitive skin. Shea butter is added to restore shine to your pup’s coat, while safflower oil provides nourishing moisture to the skin. It is pH balanced just for puppies and tear free, so it is the best shampoo for a Yorkie puppy.
Improves red, irritated skin after the first shampoo
Makes hair silky and soft
Doesn’t burn the eyes
Low-fragrance
- Improves red, irritated skin after the first shampoo
- Makes hair silky and soft
- Doesn’t burn the eyes
- Low-fragrance
Watery
Doesn’t lather well
- Watery
- Doesn’t lather well
Lifestage: Puppy
Grooming Feature: Tearless
In an effort to be tear-free, this shampoo doesn’t lather all that well, so you’ll have to use more of it than you might with some other products. The fragrance also doesn’t last. If you have a mischievous puppy that likes to get stinky, you might find that this won’t keep them fresh-smelling for long.
Pros
Leaves your dog’s coat soft and shiny
Gentle and doesn’t burn the eyes
Keeps skin hydrated
Pleasant fragrance
Cons
It doesn’t lather well
The scent is weak and doesn’t last long
Vet’s Best Hypo-Allergenic Shampoo for Dogs is formulated to treat dry, itchy, and irritated skin while moisturizing your dog’s coat. Vitamin E and B5 help heal damaged skin, while aloe vera and allantoin provide extra moisture to prevent flaking. This hypoallergenic shampoo helps remove allergens that make their home on your dog’s coat but doesn’t wash off topical flea and tick treatments.
Leaves your dog’s coat soft and shiny
Gentle and doesn’t burn the eyes
Keeps skin hydrated
Pleasant fragrance
- Leaves your dog’s coat soft and shiny
- Gentle and doesn’t burn the eyes
- Keeps skin hydrated
- Pleasant fragrance
It doesn’t lather well
The scent is weak and doesn’t last long
- It doesn’t lather well
- The scent is weak and doesn’t last long
Lifestage: Adult, puppy
Grooming Feature: Tearless, hypoallergenic, soap-free
Pros
Improves red, itchy skin
Makes hair soft and smooth
Doesn’t irritate eyes
Low fragrance
Cons
Watery consistency
Doesn’t lather well
The Bobbi Panter BOTAN Line Soothing Dog Shampoo is pH balanced, so they shouldn’t upset your Yorkie’s sensitive skin. Oatmeal, aloe vera, and cucumber extract make this shampoo soothing to skin that’s already irritated. The lavender oil scent will help calm your dog during bath time and is soothing for skin too.
Improves red, itchy skin
Makes hair soft and smooth
Doesn’t irritate eyes
Low fragrance
- Improves red, itchy skin
- Makes hair soft and smooth
- Doesn’t irritate eyes
- Low fragrance
Watery consistency
Doesn’t lather well
- Watery consistency
- Doesn’t lather well
Lifestage: Adult
Grooming Feature: Tearless
All Bobbi Panter products are cruelty-free and compatible with any flea or tick treatments that you may be using. It’s a highly concentrated product, so manufacturer recommendations suggest diluting this shampoo at a ratio of 30:1.
Pros
Soothes itchy skin
Lathers and cleans well
Rinses well
Leaves the coat soft and healthy-looking
Cons
Some people may not like the scent
This Buddy Wash Refreshing Rosemary & Mint Dog Shampoo & Conditioner offers essential oils to help maintain moisture in your Yorkie’s skin while using botanical extracts to clean and condition their fur. Vitamins C and E and aloe vera gel help nourish the coat. Coconut additives also help soothe itchy skin.
Soothes itchy skin
Lathers and cleans well
Rinses well
Leaves the coat soft and healthy-looking
- Soothes itchy skin
- Lathers and cleans well
- Rinses well
- Leaves the coat soft and healthy-looking
Some people may not like the scent
- Some people may not like the scent
Lifestage: Adult
Grooming Feature: Soap-free
Buddy Wash does a good job of cleaning and conditioning your dog’s coat, leaving it tangle free for post-bath grooming. However, the fragrance in this shampoo is strong and may be irritating to both dogs and humans sensitive to smells.
Pros
Lathers and cleans well
Long-lasting scent
Doesn’t dry out the skin
Cons
The scent is strong and may be irritating
- Nature’s Specialties Plum Silky Dog Shampoo
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Lifestage: Adult
Grooming Feature: Small, medium, and large breeds
Nature’s Specialties Plum Silky Dog Conditioning Shampoo is biodegradable and hypoallergenic. The all-natural ingredients condition, clean, and deodorize your dog’s hair. This shampoo is pH balanced for a Yorkie’s sensitive skin and has added vitamins to nourish the skin. It comes in concentrated form, and can be diluted up to a ratio of 24:1. This product is a favourite with groomers but the price tag makes it our premium choice.
Lathers and cleans well
Long-lasting scent
Doesn’t dry out the skin
- Lathers and cleans well
- Long-lasting scent
- Doesn’t dry out the skin
The scent is strong and may be irritating
- The scent is strong and may be irritating
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Lifestage: Adult
Grooming Feature: Small, medium, and large breeds
Most customers raved about this shampoo but a few said that it made their dogs allergies worse.
Pros
Cleans well
Reduces itching in most dogs
Good lather and easy to rinse
Long-lasting fresh smell
Cons
Some people may not like the scent
Causes irritation in some dogs
- Zesty Paws Oatmeal Anti-Itch Dog Shampoo
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Lifestage: Adult
Grooming Feature: Organic, moisturizing
Zesty Paws’ Oatmeal Anti-Itch Shampoo with Aloe Vera & Vitamin E has all plant-based ingredients to clean and condition your dog’s coat. With added vitamins and extract to nourish the hair and skin, this shampoo does a good job of “cooling down” hot spots of inflammation. If your Yorkie has been scratching or picking their skin, this shampoo does a great job at helping tame the itch.
Cleans well
Reduces itching in most dogs
Good lather and easy to rinse
Long-lasting fresh smell
- Cleans well
- Reduces itching in most dogs
- Good lather and easy to rinse
- Long-lasting fresh smell
Some people may not like the scent
Causes irritation in some dogs
- Some people may not like the scent
- Causes irritation in some dogs
Lifestage: Adult
Grooming Feature: Organic, moisturizing
This shampoo is thick, so it’s hard to get out of the bottle and difficult to use. It also doesn’t work for every dog, as its success in soothing irritated skin seems to depend on the cause of the itch.
Pros
Makes your dog’s coat healthy-looking and silky smooth
Improves dry, itchy skin
Reduces scratching
Eliminates odor
Lathers and rinses well
Cons
Thick and hard to use
Doesn’t work for every dog
USDA-certified 4-Legger Organic, Hypo-Allergenic, Lemongrass & Aloe Dog Shampoo is gentle enough to use on dogs of all ages. There are no additives or harsh chemicals in this product, and it provides soap-free cleansing that soothes your dog’s skin. Lemongrass and rosemary essential oils do a good job of keeping your dog’s skin moisturized and their coat smelling great after a bath. Lemongrass is also a flea deterrent, so it might help keep those pesky critters away.
Makes your dog’s coat healthy-looking and silky smooth
Improves dry, itchy skin
Reduces scratching
Eliminates odor
Lathers and rinses well
- Makes your dog’s coat healthy-looking and silky smooth
- Improves dry, itchy skin
- Reduces scratching
- Eliminates odor
- Lathers and rinses well
Thick and hard to use
Doesn’t work for every dog
- Thick and hard to use
- Doesn’t work for every dog
Lifestage: Adult, Puppy
Grooming Feature: Hypoallergenic, Cruelty-Free
This shampoo works great — unless it doesn’t. 4-legger can cause an allergic reaction in some dogs, despite the hypoallergenic label. Since there are no allergens in the shampoo itself, it’s likely the essential oils causing the reaction. If your Yorkie has a history of allergies or has frequent skin reactions, you might want to skip this shampoo. That said, it’s still a great choice for those dogs that just need a solid, non-irritating, good-smelling shampoo.
Pros
Lathers and rinses well
Leaves the coat soft and fluffy
Light scent
Added flea repellant
Cons
Some Yorkies react to the ingredients
Lathers and rinses well
Leaves the coat soft and fluffy
Light scent
Added flea repellant
- Lathers and rinses well
- Leaves the coat soft and fluffy
- Light scent
- Added flea repellant
Some Yorkies react to the ingredients
- Some Yorkies react to the ingredients
Buyer’s Guide: How to Pick the Best Shampoo for your Yorkie
Yorkies have bigger-than-life personalities, but they also have giant health issues, with skin problems being one of them. These pint-sized dogs can have a ton of different skin issues and conditions, ranging from flea allergies and dry skin to alopecia and hypothyroidism. These skin issues can result in flaky, red, irritated skin without care and treatment.
So, what’s a Yorkie and their owner to do? Many times, dogs start chewing and scratching at themselves in an effort to relieve the itchiness. Unfortunately, this instinctive behavior sets them up for even more problems, including infections. This is why it’s important to take good care of your dog’s fur and skin. The best way to do this is through regular bathing and grooming. But the right grooming products are key; otherwise, you can leave your dog’s skin more irritated than when you started or their fur will be a tangled, matted mess. So, in order to select the best shampoo for your dog, let’s discuss what features you should look for in a high-quality Yorkie shampoo.
Features of a High-Quality Yorkie Shampoo
Hypoallergenic — Purchasing a hypoallergenic formula is key for Yorkies. They have a tendency toward skin allergies, so making sure there are no allergens in their shampoo is crucial. It will minimize your dog’s risk of a reaction.
Ingredients — Natural ingredients are preferable to artificial chemical ones. They are less likely to trigger allergies, for one thing. Plant-based ingredients and essential oils are gentle on the skin and offer other benefits.
pH balance — Your Yorkie’s skin pH is between 6.5–7.5, right around neutral on the pH scale. Using a shampoo that is too acidic (pH less than 6.5) or a shampoo that is too basic (pH greater than 7.5) will upset the skin’s natural protective barrier and leave your dog prone to dry skin and itchiness.
Moisturizer — Dogs that struggle with dry skin will benefit from moisturizing ingredients like almond oil, aloe vera, and oatmeal.
Soothing qualities — Ingredients that “cool down” areas of irritated skin help reduce irritation. Colloidal oatmeal and coconut oil are known for this property.
Ability to remove dirt and body oil — If a shampoo doesn’t remove old, dead skin, oils, and dirt, it can cause skin rashes and clogged pores. Soap-free cleansers are best because they don’t leave behind residue.
Fragrance — Natural fragrances are preferable to chemicals and perfumes because the latter can be irritating to the skin.
Ingredients to Avoid in Yorkie Shampoos
If you want to improve your Yorkie’s skin health, certain ingredients should be avoided in their shampoo. Chemicals that can be harsh, irritating, and sometimes even dangerous for your dog, unfortunately, do wind up in some pet shampoos. These are the worst culprits:
Hypoallergenic — Purchasing a hypoallergenic formula is key for Yorkies. They have a tendency toward skin allergies, so making sure there are no allergens in their shampoo is crucial. It will minimize your dog’s risk of a reaction.
Ingredients — Natural ingredients are preferable to artificial chemical ones. They are less likely to trigger allergies, for one thing. Plant-based ingredients and essential oils are gentle on the skin and offer other benefits.
pH balance — Your Yorkie’s skin pH is between 6.5–7.5, right around neutral on the pH scale. Using a shampoo that is too acidic (pH less than 6.5) or a shampoo that is too basic (pH greater than 7.5) will upset the skin’s natural protective barrier and leave your dog prone to dry skin and itchiness.
Moisturizer — Dogs that struggle with dry skin will benefit from moisturizing ingredients like almond oil, aloe vera, and oatmeal.
Soothing qualities — Ingredients that “cool down” areas of irritated skin help reduce irritation. Colloidal oatmeal and coconut oil are known for this property.
Ability to remove dirt and body oil — If a shampoo doesn’t remove old, dead skin, oils, and dirt, it can cause skin rashes and clogged pores. Soap-free cleansers are best because they don’t leave behind residue.
Fragrance — Natural fragrances are preferable to chemicals and perfumes because the latter can be irritating to the skin.
- Hypoallergenic — Purchasing a hypoallergenic formula is key for Yorkies. They have a tendency toward skin allergies, so making sure there are no allergens in their shampoo is crucial. It will minimize your dog’s risk of a reaction.
- Ingredients — Natural ingredients are preferable to artificial chemical ones. They are less likely to trigger allergies, for one thing. Plant-based ingredients and essential oils are gentle on the skin and offer other benefits.
- pH balance — Your Yorkie’s skin pH is between 6.5–7.5, right around neutral on the pH scale. Using a shampoo that is too acidic (pH less than 6.5) or a shampoo that is too basic (pH greater than 7.5) will upset the skin’s natural protective barrier and leave your dog prone to dry skin and itchiness.
- Moisturizer — Dogs that struggle with dry skin will benefit from moisturizing ingredients like almond oil, aloe vera, and oatmeal.
- Soothing qualities — Ingredients that “cool down” areas of irritated skin help reduce irritation. Colloidal oatmeal and coconut oil are known for this property.
- Ability to remove dirt and body oil — If a shampoo doesn’t remove old, dead skin, oils, and dirt, it can cause skin rashes and clogged pores. Soap-free cleansers are best because they don’t leave behind residue.
- Fragrance — Natural fragrances are preferable to chemicals and perfumes because the latter can be irritating to the skin.
Parabens — Parabens are chemicals known to mimic estrogen. Since Yorkies are tiny and already prone to hormone imbalances, this ingredient is best avoided.
Petroleum — Petrochemicals and other petroleum products are common in cosmetic products, mineral oil, and many baby products. They can also be present in pet grooming products have been associated with health concerns.
Sodium lauryl sulfate — This ingredient isn’t as dangerous as some others on this list, but it can contribute to skin irritation. It can also cause eye stinging.
Different Types of Shampoo
Depending on your dog and what skin issues that you may be trying to resolve, different kinds of shampoos are available. Each has various benefits, so it’s important that you buy the right one for your dog.
Parabens — Parabens are chemicals known to mimic estrogen. Since Yorkies are tiny and already prone to hormone imbalances, this ingredient is best avoided.
Petroleum — Petrochemicals and other petroleum products are common in cosmetic products, mineral oil, and many baby products. They can also be present in pet grooming products have been associated with health concerns.
Sodium lauryl sulfate — This ingredient isn’t as dangerous as some others on this list, but it can contribute to skin irritation. It can also cause eye stinging.
- Parabens — Parabens are chemicals known to mimic estrogen. Since Yorkies are tiny and already prone to hormone imbalances, this ingredient is best avoided.
- Petroleum — Petrochemicals and other petroleum products are common in cosmetic products, mineral oil, and many baby products. They can also be present in pet grooming products have been associated with health concerns.
- Sodium lauryl sulfate — This ingredient isn’t as dangerous as some others on this list, but it can contribute to skin irritation. It can also cause eye stinging.
All-purpose — If your Yorkie has healthy skin and coat, you can use an all-purpose product.
Puppy shampoo — Yorkie puppies have extra sensitive skin, so gentle ingredients are important. Soap-free and tear-free are two features to look for in a puppy shampoo.
Sensitive or Dry skin — If your dog has sensitive or dry skin, look for a shampoo with ingredients meant to tackle this problem.
Medicated shampoo — Medicated shampoos have specific ingredients to target fungi, bacteria, or yeast skin infections.
Pest repellant — Some Yorkies suffer from flea infestations or flea bite allergies. A quality flea shampoo will help stop these critters in their tracks in combination with flea and tick medications.
Conditioner — This isn’t necessary to keep your dog healthy, but you may choose to invest in a conditioner to add extra moisture to your dog’s coat.
How Often Should You Bathe a Yorkie?
Healthy Yorkies should be bathed regularly every 3 to 4 weeks. If your dog has underlying skin conditions, you may need to bathe more frequently until the issue is resolved. To keep it healthy, you should thoroughly brush your dog’s coat every 3 to 4 days.
All-purpose — If your Yorkie has healthy skin and coat, you can use an all-purpose product.
Puppy shampoo — Yorkie puppies have extra sensitive skin, so gentle ingredients are important. Soap-free and tear-free are two features to look for in a puppy shampoo.
Sensitive or Dry skin — If your dog has sensitive or dry skin, look for a shampoo with ingredients meant to tackle this problem.
Medicated shampoo — Medicated shampoos have specific ingredients to target fungi, bacteria, or yeast skin infections.
Pest repellant — Some Yorkies suffer from flea infestations or flea bite allergies. A quality flea shampoo will help stop these critters in their tracks in combination with flea and tick medications.
Conditioner — This isn’t necessary to keep your dog healthy, but you may choose to invest in a conditioner to add extra moisture to your dog’s coat.
- All-purpose — If your Yorkie has healthy skin and coat, you can use an all-purpose product.
- Puppy shampoo — Yorkie puppies have extra sensitive skin, so gentle ingredients are important. Soap-free and tear-free are two features to look for in a puppy shampoo.
- Sensitive or Dry skin — If your dog has sensitive or dry skin, look for a shampoo with ingredients meant to tackle this problem.
- Medicated shampoo — Medicated shampoos have specific ingredients to target fungi, bacteria, or yeast skin infections.
- Pest repellant — Some Yorkies suffer from flea infestations or flea bite allergies. A quality flea shampoo will help stop these critters in their tracks in combination with flea and tick medications.
- Conditioner — This isn’t necessary to keep your dog healthy, but you may choose to invest in a conditioner to add extra moisture to your dog’s coat.
The Best Way to Bathe a Yorkie
Due to their size, the best place to bathe your Yorkie is in the sink. Before you begin bathing, brush out your pup’s coat. A double-sided brush with a slicker will help smooth out their coat and get rid of tangles while also removing loose hair, dirt, and dead skin cells.
Next, add a bit of shampoo to the sink, and fill it with enough warm water to soak your Yorkie’s feet. Wet the rest of your dog using a cup. To wipe their face, put soapy water on your hands and gently wet around the eyes.
Shampoo your dog by scrubbing the shampoo and water mixtures into their coat, creating a lather. If your shampoo requires contact time (how long it needs to sit on your dog before you rinse it off), wait the amount of time indicated on the bottle. A treat or Kong can be used to keep your dog busy.
Rinse your dog thoroughly with clean water. If you’re using a conditioner, now is the time to apply it. After rinsing the conditioner, your Yorkie’s bath is complete!
Gently comb through your dog’s hair to remove any tangles. Remove any eye goop, then towel-dry your dog.
Once your dog’s hair is dry, you can trim off any overgrown hair or add deodorizing spray for freshness.
Conclusion
Among all the products on this list, we recommend Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo as the best overall shampoo for Yorkies. It has all-natural ingredients and is pH-balanced for your dog’s comfort. It’s also soothing and gentle, which is important for a Yorkie’s sensitive skin. The best value for the money is TropiClean Luxury 2 in 1 Papaya & Coconut Pet Shampoo & Conditioner. It’s free of harmful ingredients and hypoallergenic and contains colloidal oatmeal to soothe your tiny pup’s irritated skin.
See also: 9 Best Dog Foods for Yorkies with Allergies – Reviews & Top Picks
Featured Image Credit: Dmytro Zinkevych, Shutterstock
