We adore our furry, four-legged friends, so seeing them with dry, itchy, or sensitive skin is painful. We can help our dogs with their sensitive skin in several ways, but one of the easiest and quickest ways is via a dog shampoo that’s been specially formulated to meet their needs. There’s no shortage of dog shampoos for sensitive skin available, which means it may be a struggle to find the one that works best for your pet.
A fabulous way to get an idea of what could be a good fit is by checking out reviews, as reviews will give you a more honest look at a product than the brand’s description will. You don’t want to go through thousands of reviews on dozens of products, though, so we’re going to save you time with this list of the best dog shampoos for sensitive skin. Read on and find exactly what you and your pup need!
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites of 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo
Formula doesn’t contain harsh chemicals
Colloidal oatmeal soothes and nourishes sensitive skin
pH-balanced formula is safe for dogs and cats
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Best Value
Burt’s Bees Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoo
Natural ingredients
No essential oils
pH balanced for dogs
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Premium Choice
Rocco & Roxie Soothe Dog Shampoo
Paraben-free
Olive oil to nourish skin
Aloe vera to soothe skin irritation
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Nature’s Miracle Odor Control Dog Shampoo
Controls odor
Relieves itchy skin
Reduces static electricity
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TropiClean Medicated Oatmeal Dog Shampoo
Helps with scaly skin from seborrhea
Works with flea and tick treatments
Quick rinse
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The 11 Best Dog Shampoos for Sensitive Skin
- Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo – Best Overall
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Weight: 16 oz
Ingredients: Water, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Sodium Chloride, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Sodium Gluconate, Fragrance, Oatmeal Extract, Citric Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Extract, Colloidal Oatmeal
Grooming Feature: Free from soaps, glutens, dyes, DEA, sulfates, and phthalates
This Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo is the best overall dog shampoo for sensitive skin because it has a powerful yet gentle cleansing formula. The formula is free of harsh chemicals, like soaps, dyes, sulfates, and phthalates. It contains colloidal oatmeal, which soothes itchy skin and nourishes dry skin.
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Weight: 16 oz
Ingredients: Water, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Sodium Chloride, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Sodium Gluconate, Fragrance, Oatmeal Extract, Citric Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Extract, Colloidal Oatmeal
Grooming Feature: Free from soaps, glutens, dyes, DEA, sulfates, and phthalates
The shampoo is pH-balanced, so it doesn’t irritate your dog’s skin, and the formula is safe for both cats and dogs. The shampoo lathers well, and it’s easy to massage it through your dog’s entire coat. It also rinses off without leaving a soapy residue, so bath time tends to be quick and easy with this shampoo. Another benefit is that it has a long-lasting aloe vera and cucumber scent to keep your dog smelling fresh in between baths.
While the shampoo has a nourishing formula, it may not be effective with particularly dry and flaking skin. It doesn’t have an accompanying conditioner, so you’ll have to purchase an unscented conditioner that won’t compete with the shampoo scent if you want to moisturize your dog’s skin and coat deeply.
Pros
Formula doesn’t contain harsh chemicals
Colloidal oatmeal soothes and nourishes sensitive skin
pH-balanced formula is safe for dogs and cats
has long-lasting cucumber and aloe scent
Cons
Doesn’t have an accompanying conditioner
When you want the best dog shampoo for sensitive skin for the money, our pick is Burt’s Bees Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoo. You’re probably already familiar with Burt’s Bees beauty and skin products they make for people, so you might know that Burt’s Bees uses almost entirely natural ingredients (97% of the ingredients in this are natural). Hypoallergenic shea butter works on moisturizing your pup’s skin, while honey provides a lustrous shine to their coat. Plus, this shampoo has been pH balanced specifically to meet canine needs.
Formula doesn’t contain harsh chemicals
Colloidal oatmeal soothes and nourishes sensitive skin
pH-balanced formula is safe for dogs and cats
has long-lasting cucumber and aloe scent
- Formula doesn’t contain harsh chemicals
- Colloidal oatmeal soothes and nourishes sensitive skin
- pH-balanced formula is safe for dogs and cats
- has long-lasting cucumber and aloe scent
Doesn’t have an accompanying conditioner
- Doesn’t have an accompanying conditioner
Weight: 16 oz
Ingredients: Water, Coco Betaine, Coco Glucoside, Glyceryl Oleate, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Glycerin, Xanthan Gum, Honey, Beeswax, Shea Butter, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate
Grooming Feature: Hypoallergenic, cruelty-free
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Burt’s Bees products are made in the U.S. and are cruelty-free. They contain no fragrances, essential oils, or sulfates.
Pros
Natural ingredients
No essential oils
pH balanced for dogs
Cons
Doesn’t lather well
When you’re on the hunt for a premium dog shampoo for sensitive skin, we recommend this one by Rocco & Roxie Supply Co. Soothe Dog Shampoo. Whether your doggo has been playing hard at the dog park or romped through a mud puddle, this safe, natural shampoo promises that your pet will look good as new after their bath. Oat extract and olive oil soothe and nourish dry, itchy skin, while aloe vera calms down skin irritations. Shea butter provides moisture to your dog’s coat, improving the look and feel, and rosemary extract helps heal flaky skin.
Natural ingredients
No essential oils
pH balanced for dogs
- Natural ingredients
- No essential oils
- pH balanced for dogs
Doesn’t lather well
- Doesn’t lather well
Weight: 16 oz, 32 oz
Ingredients: Purified Water, Gentle Surfactant Blend (with Coconut-Based Cleanser), Opacifier, Glycerin, Shea Butter, Chamomile, Rosemary, Oat Extract, Aloe Vera Extract, Almond Butter, Olive Oil, Mango Fragrance
Grooming Feature: Hydrating, paraben-free
This product is free of parabens, dyes, mineral oil, formaldehyde, and alcohols.
Pros
Paraben-free
Olive oil to nourish skin
Aloe vera to soothe skin irritation
Cons
May be a bit clumpy
If you have a pup that’s not only suffering from dry, itchy skin but is also a stinky fur baby, this odor control shampoo for sensitive skin will tackle it all. This soap-free shampoo offers four benefits—it controls odors, cleanses, conditions, and provides relief for itchy skin. Nature’s Miracle Supreme Odor Control Oatmeal Dog Shampoo can also help reduce the amount of static electricity on your dog and make hair super soft.
Paraben-free
Olive oil to nourish skin
Aloe vera to soothe skin irritation
- Paraben-free
- Olive oil to nourish skin
- Aloe vera to soothe skin irritation
May be a bit clumpy
- May be a bit clumpy
Weight: 16 oz, 32 oz
Ingredients: Water, Plant-Derived Surfactants & Odor Control System, Rinsing and Conditioning Agents, Colloidal Oatmeal, Extract of Chamomile, Preservatives, and Salt
Grooming Feature: Deodorizing, oatmeal, soap-free
Made in the USA, this paraben and dye-free shampoo can safely be used with spot-on tick and flea treatments and other topical products.
Pros
Controls odor
Relieves itchy skin
Reduces static electricity
Cons
Doesn’t sud up much
A couple of complaints of smell triggering headaches in pet owners
A few pet owners said dog was smelly again within days
Give your favorite four-legged pal a taste of the tropics with the TropiClean Medicated Oatmeal & Tea Tree Dog Shampoo! Natural salicylic acid works to get rid of dandruff, flaky skin, and scaly skin resulting from seborrhea. Meanwhile, oatmeal, aloe vera, and tea tree oil soothe and moisturize skin. Plus, this soap-free shampoo is safe to use with spot-on tick and flea treatments. And with the fresh coconut and papaya scent, along with the quick lather and quick rinse functionality, your dog will end up loving bath time! Just be cautious with how much you use at a time due to the tea tree oil.
Controls odor
Relieves itchy skin
Reduces static electricity
- Controls odor
- Relieves itchy skin
- Reduces static electricity
Doesn’t sud up much
A couple of complaints of smell triggering headaches in pet owners
A few pet owners said dog was smelly again within days
- Doesn’t sud up much
- A couple of complaints of smell triggering headaches in pet owners
- A few pet owners said dog was smelly again within days
Weight: 20 oz, 1 gal, 2.5 gal
Ingredients: Purified Water, Mild Coconut Cleanser, Sodium Chloride, Colloidal Oatmeal, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Tea Tree Oil, Botanical Blend (Chamomile Extract, Aloe Extract, Pomegranate Extract, Kiwi Extract, Yucca Extract, Papaya Extract), Beta Hydroxy, Propylene Glycol, Preservative
Grooming Feature: Medicated, soap-free, oatmeal, cruelty-free
Pros
Helps with scaly skin from seborrhea
Works with flea and tick treatments
Quick rinse
Cons
Contains tea tree oil
Few complaints of dogs being itchy after use
This Buddy Wash Original 2-in-1 Lavender & Mint Dog Shampoo & Conditioner contain cosmetic-grade ingredients along with essential oils that will leave your pet’s coat and skin soft and smooth. The lavender and mint smell provide a soothing atmosphere for a calmer bath time experience, while wheat protein works as a natural deodorizer so your pup will smell fresh as a daisy. Plus, the aloe vera gel will work to soothe dry, itchy skin. Made in the USA, this product can also be safely used by humans!
Helps with scaly skin from seborrhea
Works with flea and tick treatments
Quick rinse
- Helps with scaly skin from seborrhea
- Works with flea and tick treatments
- Quick rinse
Contains tea tree oil
Few complaints of dogs being itchy after use
- Contains tea tree oil
- Few complaints of dogs being itchy after use
Weight: 16 oz, 1 gallon
Ingredients: Coconut Shampoo Base, Aloe Vera Gel, Essence of Lavender, Essence of Mint, Chamomile Extract, Sage Extract, Nettle Extract, Rosemary Extract, Wheat Protein Extract, Tea Tree Oil
Grooming Feature: Soap-free
One thing of note: always be careful when using products containing essential oils, as an overabundance can be harmful to your dog.
Pros
Human-grade ingredients
2-in-1
Aloe vera gel soothes irritated skin
Cons
A few complaints about product leaving a residue on dogs’ coat
Contains tea tree oil
Paws & Pals Oatmeal, Sweet Basil & Turmeric Shampoo for Dogs with sensitive skin isn’t only 100% all-natural and organic but also vegan. This shampoo is free of irritants and will work to detangle mats, plus it’s tear-free, so you don’t need to worry about your pet’s eyes and nose being irritated either. Oatmeal, sweet basil, and turmeric work to smooth out and moisturize your dog’s coat, while coconut oil, aloe, and jojoba soothe dry, itchy skin.
Human-grade ingredients
2-in-1
Aloe vera gel soothes irritated skin
- Human-grade ingredients
- 2-in-1
- Aloe vera gel soothes irritated skin
A few complaints about product leaving a residue on dogs’ coat
Contains tea tree oil
- A few complaints about product leaving a residue on dogs’ coat
- Contains tea tree oil
Weight: 20 oz
Ingredients: Water, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Cocamidopropylamine Oxide, Xanthan Gum, PPG-5-Ceteth-10 Phosphate, Coco-glucoside, Vanilla Sandalwood Scent, Glycol Distearate, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Glycerin, Polyquaternium-10, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, PPG-2-Hydroxyethyl Cocamide, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Sorbic Acid, Turmeric Root Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower/Leaf/Bark Extract, Oat Kernel Flour, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Sweet Basil Flower/Leaf Extract, Holy Basil Leaf Extract, Aloe Vera Leaf Juice, Argan Kernel Oil
Grooming Feature: Oatmeal, soap-free, tearless
While there are essential oils in this shampoo, the brand says the balance found within was recommended by a veterinarian foundation specifically for the care of a dog’s coat.
Pros
Tear-free
Irritant-free
Organic & vegan
Cons
Runny
A few people found the smell off-putting
Vet’s Best Hypo-Allergenic Shampoo for Dogs with Sensitive Skin—as the name indicates—was formulated by veterinarians, so it should be perfectly safe for your pet. A blend of natural ingredients works to relieve sensitive and itchy skin and remove any allergens on your dog. This soap-free formula contains aloe vera and Vitamin E designed to soothe skin irritation and repair dry, brittle coats. Plus, the lack of soap also means this shampoo is safe to use with topical tick and flea treatments.
Tear-free
Irritant-free
Organic & vegan
- Tear-free
- Irritant-free
- Organic & vegan
Runny
A few people found the smell off-putting
- Runny
- A few people found the smell off-putting
Weight: 16 oz
Ingredients: Aloe Vera, Allantoin, Panthenol
Grooming Feature: Hypoallergenic, tearless, soap-free
Vet’s Best is not recommended for use with dogs who are pregnant or nursing.
Pros
Veterinarian formulated
Removes allergens
Repairs dry, brittle coats
Cons
Not suitable for nursing or pregnant dogs
Doesn’t rinse well
Some thought it smelled “medicine-y”
Keep your dog with sensitive skin clean with this all-natural, organic, cruelty-free, gluten-free, vegan shampoo! Created in a USDA-certified organic facility, this concentrated formula shampoo is easy to both lather and rinse. Lemongrass is a natural cleanser known for its antifungal and antibacterial properties, so it can help clear up any skin issues arising from fungus, yeast, and bacteria. Aloe vera soothes itchy skin, while the essential oil blend promotes healthier skin and coat. Non-toxic and eco-friendly, the 4-Legger Organic, Hypo-Allergenic, Lemongrass & Aloe Dog Shampoo is safe to use with topical tick and flea treatments.
Veterinarian formulated
Removes allergens
Repairs dry, brittle coats
- Veterinarian formulated
- Removes allergens
- Repairs dry, brittle coats
Not suitable for nursing or pregnant dogs
Doesn’t rinse well
Some thought it smelled “medicine-y”
- Not suitable for nursing or pregnant dogs
- Doesn’t rinse well
- Some thought it smelled “medicine-y”
Weight: 16 oz
Ingredients: Saponified Organic Oils of Coconut, Olive, and Jojoba, Natural Essential Oil Blend of Rosemary and Lemongrass, Rosemary Extract, Organic Aloe Vera
Grooming Feature: Hypoallergenic, cruelty-free
As with all products containing essential oils, caution is advised.
Pros
Organic
Safe for use with topical treatments
Cons
Contains essential oils
Some dogs’ hair became very matted after use
Possibility of it drying dogs’ coats out
Eliminate dry, itchy skin with the gentle Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Fragrance Free Dog & Cat Shampoo! Organic aloe vera and oatmeal soothe irritated skin while also moisturizing and healing, while the fragrance-free formula makes this shampoo perfect for dogs with sensitive skin and allergies. Don’t be concerned that it being fragrance-free means it won’t make your pet smell better, though, as this shampoo works to deodorize and neutralize odors.
Organic
Safe for use with topical treatments
- Organic
- Safe for use with topical treatments
Contains essential oils
Some dogs’ hair became very matted after use
Possibility of it drying dogs’ coats out
- Contains essential oils
- Some dogs’ hair became very matted after use
- Possibility of it drying dogs’ coats out
Weight: 16 oz
Ingredients: Purified Water, Colloidal Oatmeal (3%), Renewable Plant-derived & Coconut-based Cleansers, Aloe Vera, Glycerin, Allantoin, Natural Preservative
Grooming Feature: Oatmeal, soap-free, cruelty-free
This shampoo is free of phosphates and parabens. It is suitable for dogs aged 6 weeks and up.
Pros
Fragrance-free
Oatmeal and aloe vera soothe skin
Deodorizes
Cons
May make dogs coat look dull
Watery consistency
Tired of wasting shampoo during bath times due to your pup knocking the bottle over? Try the DERMagic Sensitive Skin Dog Shampoo Bar instead! It lathers up quickly and gets your dog just as clean. Made with rosemary essential oil known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, this shampoo relieves itching and reduces the appearance of dandruff. Bonus: rosemary also promotes hair growth and leaves your dog smelling great!
Fragrance-free
Oatmeal and aloe vera soothe skin
Deodorizes
- Fragrance-free
- Oatmeal and aloe vera soothe skin
- Deodorizes
May make dogs coat look dull
Watery consistency
- May make dogs coat look dull
- Watery consistency
Weight: 75 oz
Ingredients: Saponified Vegetable Oils (Coconut Oil, Olive Oil, Castor Oil, Sunflower Oil, Jojoba Oil, Rice Bran Oil), Cocoa Butter, Aloe Vera
Grooming Feature: Organic, antibacterial
Made with organic ingredients and without sulfates or chemicals, purchasing this shampoo bar is environmentally friendly as for every 10 bars purchased, a tree is planted! As with all products containing essential oils, exercise caution when using them.
Pros
Contains organic ingredients
Anti-inflammatory properties
No risk of wasting shampoo
Cons
Complaints of dog smelling bad after they dried (but not before)
May leave a film on coat if not rinsed well
Buyer’s Guide: Selecting The Best Dog Shampoo for Sensitive Skin
Why Do Some Dogs Have Sensitive Skin?
There are a handful of reasons your dog may be dealing with sensitive skin. Most likely, it will be due to allergies or a skin condition, but it could also be something a bit more serious.
Contains organic ingredients
Anti-inflammatory properties
No risk of wasting shampoo
- Contains organic ingredients
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- No risk of wasting shampoo
Complaints of dog smelling bad after they dried (but not before)
May leave a film on coat if not rinsed well
- Complaints of dog smelling bad after they dried (but not before)
- May leave a film on coat if not rinsed well
Skin Condition
While dry skin may be most common, other skin conditions could cause problems such as excessive scratching.
One of these is seborrhea, which occurs when your dog’s skin overproduces sebum. This can make skin either dry or oily but typically is a combination of the two.
Some dog breeds are also just more prone to certain skin conditions. For example, Siberian Huskies are more likely to develop zinc-responsive dermatosis, which seems to be related to a zinc deficiency. Symptoms include scaling and itchiness.
There’s also folliculitis (infection of the hair follicle) and impetigo (causes skin lesions), amongst others. If you think your dog may be suffering from a skin condition, you’ll want to consult your vet.
Allergies
Another common reason your dog may be suffering from dry, itchy, sensitive skin is because of allergies. These allergies could be environmental or food-related and can result in pruritus.
Excessive Licking
Sometimes pets do odd things like licking one spot over and over again. If your pet is licking themselves excessively, it can cause irritated skin. It could also be a sign that your pet is anxious or bored or may be because of an undiagnosed health problem.
Infection
There’s a chance your pup could be suffering from a yeast, fungal, or bacterial infection if they are dealing with sensitive skin. These infections could actually be a secondary problem to a larger health issue, so it’s important to take your dog’s dry and sensitive skin seriously. Some infections may even be passable to humans (like ringworm).
Parasite
If your dog has been excessively scratching, it might be dealing with a parasite. These could be fleas and ticks, lice, or even one of the parasites that cause mange.
What To Look for In a Dog Shampoo for Sensitive Skin
There are a few things to consider when searching for the perfect dog shampoo for sensitive skin.
Meets Your Dog’s Skin Needs
Most importantly, you want to ensure that a shampoo meets your dog’s skin needs. Most shampoos for sensitive skin will cover dryness and itchiness, but not all will be formulated for skin sensitive to things such as fragrance or certain ingredients. Make sure a shampoo does what you need it to while still getting your pet spotless but doesn’t contain ingredients that may irritate your pup’s skin.
Essential Oils
Speaking of ingredients, many shampoos for sensitive skin will contain essential oils. Essential oils are an ingredient with which you need to practice caution. While they may offer some benefits to your dog, there are a few that are downright harmful or toxic. Tea tree oil, in particular, can be detrimental to dogs in larger quantities, but you’ll find it’s quite common in small amounts in many shampoos for sensitive skin. Weigh whether it’s worth using one of these shampoos for your pet, even if they could be beneficial.
Price
While most dog shampoos for sensitive skin will be reasonably priced, there are a few costly ones out there. Besides simply looking at the price, it’s good to look at how long a shampoo will last. Shampoos that lather up well may last longer than the ones that are less sudsy.
Reviews
Checking reviews of the products you might be considering buying is vital. Other pet parents’ experiences can help you decide whether a particular shampoo is right for you and your dog.
Conclusion
When you want to get your dog the best overall shampoo for sensitive skin, we recommend Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo because of its natural ingredient list and pH balanced formula. For the best value, our pick is Burt’s Bees Hypoallergenic shampoo because it’s affordable and has mostly natural ingredients. If you want to go with a premium shampoo, our choice is Rocco & Roxie Supply Co. Soothe shampoo, due to the addition of olive oil and shea butter to soothe and moisturize.
Featured Image Credit: 135pixels, Shutterstock
