Puppies are messy, and it helps to have a reliable bottle of shampoo on hand. No one wants a smelly puppy! But sometimes, shopping for a good shampoo is challenging when your puppy has dry skin. You want to make sure that the shampoo you choose contains the right ingredients to help your puppy’s dry skin, not irritate it.
Every animal has unique needs, regardless if they share the same skin condition— especially young animals. The following puppy shampoo reviews will help shed light on the options available to you, so you can make the best purchase for yourself and your puppy.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo
Made from all-natural ingredients
Free of soaps, dyes, and other harsh chemicals
Long-lasting relief of dry skin
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Best Value
Burt’s Bees Puppy 2-in-1 Shampoo
Cruelty-free
Affordable
Tearless
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Premium Choice
kin+kind Natural Oatmeal Shampoo
Cruelty-free
Tearless
Aloe is the first ingredient
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Best for Puppies/Kitten
Mad About Organics Shampoo
Can use on other small animals
Can use on animals as young as four weeks
Can use on pregnant animals
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Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Shampoo
Cruelty-free
Won’t wash off topical flea medications
100% Biodegradeable
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The 11 Best Puppy Shampoos For Dry Skin
- Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo – Best Overall
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Ingredients: Oatmeal Extract, Citric Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Extract, Colloidal Oatmeal & natural ingredients
Product size: 16-oz bottle
Earliest Age to Us: All life stages
Our choice for the best overall puppy shampoo for dry skin is Hepper’s Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo. This shampoo is specially formulated with all-natural ingredients to not only fight pet odors, but to nourish dry patches, soothe irritated skin, and even lower shedding. This made-in-the-USA shampoo is free of soaps, dyes, sulfates, gluten, DEA, and phthalates making it safe for all puppies, dogs, and even kitties.
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Ingredients: Oatmeal Extract, Citric Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Extract, Colloidal Oatmeal & natural ingredients
Product size: 16-oz bottle
Earliest Age to Us: All life stages
The colloidal oatmeal formula and Hepper’s pH balanced ingredients work together to clean your pup, leaving it feeling and smelling fresh thanks to the aloe and cucumber scent. The nourishment it provides for dry skin works to hinder scratching post-bathing. You’ll especially love that the scent, and the nourishing skin relief, are long-lasting to give your new puppy relief from its skin irritations.
You won’t find many cons when it comes to this shampoo and puppies with dry skin. The only issue we could see could be that pets or their owners may not enjoy the scent, although we did.
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
Made from all-natural ingredients
Free of soaps, dyes, and other harsh chemicals
Long-lasting relief of dry skin
Great for all life-stages
Cons
The scent may not be enjoyed by pets and owners
Burt’s Bees Puppy 2-in-1 Shampoo is the best for the money. Many dog owners use this shampoo for its affordability and great ingredients. This shampoo proves that you don’t have to sacrifice quality ingredients when your budget is tight. Although Burt’s Bees doesn’t market this shampoo for puppies with dry skin, the featured ingredient is buttermilk. Buttermilk has several beneficial properties for skin that can help cleanse your puppy and nourish its skin at the same time.
Made from all-natural ingredients
Free of soaps, dyes, and other harsh chemicals
Long-lasting relief of dry skin
Great for all life-stages
- Made from all-natural ingredients
- Free of soaps, dyes, and other harsh chemicals
- Long-lasting relief of dry skin
- Great for all life-stages
The scent may not be enjoyed by pets and owners
- The scent may not be enjoyed by pets and owners
Ingredients: Water, Coconut-based Cleansers, Oils, Glycerin, Xanthan Gum, Honey, Beeswax, Colloidal Oatmeal, Linseed Oil, Buttermilk Powder, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate
Product size: 16 fl oz
Earliest Age to Us: Puppies of all ages
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The downside to this shampoo is that it’s challenging to lather, and some owners report that the soap is too watery. However, it’s a tearless shampoo and a 2-in-1 shampoo conditioner combo, so you won’t have to bathe your puppy for long.
Pros
Cruelty-free
Affordable
Tearless
Cons
Difficult to lather
Soap appears too watery to some owners
Our choice for the best premium puppy shampoo is Kin+kind’s Natural Oatmeal Dog and Cat Shampoo. Kin+kind designed this shampoo with sensitive skin in mind. This shampoo’s first ingredient is organic aloe, an excellent way to hydrate dry, flaky skin. With the organic olive and coconut oil combination and colloidal oatmeal, your pup receives extra hydration.
Cruelty-free
Affordable
Tearless
- Cruelty-free
- Affordable
- Tearless
Difficult to lather
Soap appears too watery to some owners
- Difficult to lather
- Soap appears too watery to some owners
Ingredients: Organic Aloe, Water, Saponified Organic Olive Oil, Saponified Organic Coconut Oil, Colloidal Oatmeal
Product size: 12 fl oz
Earliest Age to Us: Puppies of all ages
A con to this shampoo is that the product is smaller than most shampoos. Another con is that it doesn’t sud. Natural shampoo usually doesn’t sud, so this product may not be your favorite if you want the bubble bath lather. Nevertheless, it’s hypoallergenic and tearless, so you don’t have to worry about the product irritating your puppy’s eyes during bath time.
Pros
Cruelty-free
Tearless
Aloe is the first ingredient
Cons
Smaller bottle than average
No suds
- Mad About Organics Oatmeal Shampoo – Best for Puppies
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Ingredients: Canola oil, shea butter, cocoa butter, colloidal oatmeal, hemp seed oil, citric acid
Product size: 4 fl oz
Earliest Age to Us: 4 weeks and older
Mad About Organics oatmeal shampoo is the best option if you have a puppy younger than 6 weeks old that needs a bath. You can even use this shampoo on a pregnant dog if you have a mama dog. Most of the ingredients are all-natural, and there’s no harsh ingredients.
Cruelty-free
Tearless
Aloe is the first ingredient
- Cruelty-free
- Tearless
- Aloe is the first ingredient
Smaller bottle than average
No suds
- Smaller bottle than average
- No suds
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Ingredients: Canola oil, shea butter, cocoa butter, colloidal oatmeal, hemp seed oil, citric acid
Product size: 4 fl oz
Earliest Age to Us: 4 weeks and older
The downside to this shampoo is that you only get 4 fl oz, much less than a regular amount of pet shampoo. But you need to make a soapy solution to use this product, so it lasts about as long as a standard dog shampoo bottle. Plus, the solution makes for an easy rinse! Before applying it to your pet’s coat, ensure that everything is ready to go so bath time goes smoothly.
Pros
Can use on other small animals
Can use on animals as young as four weeks
Can use on pregnant animals
Cons
Small quantity
Not enough suds for some
Earthbath’s Oatmeal and Aloe Dog and Cat Shampoo is another great option. This shampoo is a tried-and-true brand for several dog owners. The essential ingredients are at the top of the list. Colloidal oatmeal and organic aloe help hydrate your puppy’s dry skin, while the coconut cleansers gently clean any dirt and grime your puppy has in its coat.
Can use on other small animals
Can use on animals as young as four weeks
Can use on pregnant animals
- Can use on other small animals
- Can use on animals as young as four weeks
- Can use on pregnant animals
Small quantity
Not enough suds for some
- Small quantity
- Not enough suds for some
Ingredients: Colloidal Oatmeal, Organic Aloe Vera, Coconut-based Cleansers
Product size: 16-oz bottle
Earliest Age to Us: 6 weeks or older
If your puppy has a flea and ticks topical medicine, this shampoo will not wash off the medication as long as you follow the flea and tick bathing directions. When your puppy is six weeks old or older, you can use this shampoo.
Pros
Cruelty-free
Won’t wash off topical flea medications
100% Biodegradeable
Cons
Some owners don’t like the scent
Not every ingredient is organic
Dog Whisperer’s Hypoallergenic Puppy Shampoo is enriched with vitamin E and organic aloe vera to help cleanse your puppy without irritating its dry skin. The plastic bottle it comes in appears thin, but it’s protected with a layer of pulp paper to reduce plastic. This shampoo is cruelty-free, and the packaging is 100% recycled material.
Cruelty-free
Won’t wash off topical flea medications
100% Biodegradeable
- Cruelty-free
- Won’t wash off topical flea medications
- 100% Biodegradeable
Some owners don’t like the scent
Not every ingredient is organic
- Some owners don’t like the scent
- Not every ingredient is organic
Ingredients: Organic aloe vera, Vitamin E, Pro-V B5, Coconut-based Cleansers
Product size: 16 fl oz
Earliest Age to Us: Puppies of all ages
This shampoo is dense and creamy. Some owners say that the bottle allows too much shampoo to come out at once, so be mindful when depositing the soap onto your puppy’s coat. Some owners report that the coconut smell is more pungent when the puppy is wet, but it mellows after its coat dries.
Pros
Eco-friendly
Cruelty-free
Creamy lather
Tearless
Cons
Soap comes out fast from the bottle
If your puppy struggles with additional skin issues like allergies and red splotches, this shampoo may help. 4-Legger Dog Shampoo isn’t marketed as a puppy shampoo, but it has several ingredients that help soothe dry, flaky skin while promoting healthy skin. Ingredients like organic aloe vera and several combinations of oils condition your puppy’s coat without stripping it of natural oils. The shampoo is non-toxic should your puppy decide to taste the soap during bath time.
Eco-friendly
Cruelty-free
Creamy lather
Tearless
- Eco-friendly
- Cruelty-free
- Creamy lather
- Tearless
Soap comes out fast from the bottle
- Soap comes out fast from the bottle
Ingredients: Coconut Oil, Olive Oil, Jojoba Oil, Rosemary and Lemongrass Extract, Organic Aloe Vera
Product size: 16 fl oz
Earliest Age to Us: Puppies of all ages
Some pet owners loathe the smell, and some report that their dog smells funky after a few days. Other owners suggest using a conditioner with this shampoo if your puppy has severe skin allergies. The soap is on the watery side, so puppies with thick coats may need more shampoo.
Pros
USDA certified organic ingredients
Lathers easily
Non-toxic
Cons
Soap is watery
Some owners don’t like the smell
- Rocco & Roxie Oatmeal Dog Shampoo
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Ingredients: Olive Oil, Aloe Vera, Shea Butter
Product size: 16 fl oz
Earliest Age to Us: Puppies of all ages
If your puppy has dry, sensitive skin, Rocco & Roxie Oatmeal Dog Shampoo is a great option. The ingredients in this shampoo are all-natural with no harmful chemicals whatsoever. It’s also a family-owned business if that’s important to you. Many owners enjoy the fragrance of this shampoo, while others report that it could be more robust and doesn’t last long.
USDA certified organic ingredients
Lathers easily
Non-toxic
- USDA certified organic ingredients
- Lathers easily
- Non-toxic
Soap is watery
Some owners don’t like the smell
- Soap is watery
- Some owners don’t like the smell
Ingredients: Olive Oil, Aloe Vera, Shea Butter
Product size: 16 fl oz
Earliest Age to Us: Puppies of all ages
The biggest downside to this shampoo is the thickness of the soap. It can be hard to get out of the bottle, prolonging bathtime. This soap could be a challenge if you’re bathing your puppy solo.
Pros
Tearless
Many owners enjoy the smell
Lathers well
Cons
Pets with thick coats may need more product
Soap is thick and gelatinous
Flowery, sweet smell may attract insects
- Wahl Gentle Puppy Shampoo
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Ingredients: Water, Coconut-based Cleanser, Cornflower, Aloe Vera
Product size: 24 fl oz
Earliest Age to Us: Puppies of all ages
The eighth shampoo on our list is Wahl Gentle Puppy Shampoo. This product is affordable for any budget, and you receive a larger quantity than most animal shampoos. It has no parabens and is alcohol-free, so you can bathe your puppy without irritating its skin.
Tearless
Many owners enjoy the smell
Lathers well
- Tearless
- Many owners enjoy the smell
- Lathers well
Pets with thick coats may need more product
Soap is thick and gelatinous
Flowery, sweet smell may attract insects
- Pets with thick coats may need more product
- Soap is thick and gelatinous
- Flowery, sweet smell may attract insects
Ingredients: Water, Coconut-based Cleanser, Cornflower, Aloe Vera
Product size: 24 fl oz
Earliest Age to Us: Puppies of all ages
The downside to this product is that the featured ingredients, cornflower and aloe, are at the bottom of the ingredient list, so they’re not the main ingredients. This soap also contains artificial coloring.
Pros
Tearless
Larger quantity
Lathers well
Cons
Contains artificial coloring
Tearless
Larger quantity
Lathers well
- Tearless
- Larger quantity
- Lathers well
Contains artificial coloring
- Contains artificial coloring
Ingredients: Water, Coconut or Palm Oil, Mined Salts, Oats, Aloe Vera, Vitamin E
Product size: 20 fl oz
Earliest Age to Us: Puppies of all ages
If you have a puppy and kitten, you can save more money! TropiClean’s Hypoallergenic Coconut Shampoo is number nine on our list. This shampoo is affordable, smells great, and is very gentle on puppy and kitten skin. The bottle comes in a larger quantity than standard animal shampoo bottle sizes.
This shampoo contains no soap, parabens, or dyes. It’s even pH balanced. Some owners don’t care for the coconut scent, but others love it! You must let the shampoo rest for three to five minutes on your pet’s coat, and it could be longer if your pet is receiving topical flea and tick medicine.
Pros
Larger quantity
Cruelty-free
Hypoallergenic
Cons
Not tearless
- See Also: 10 Best Dog Shampoos for Allergy Sufferers in 2022: Reviews & Top Picks
- The Spruce Waterless Pet Wash
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Ingredients: Oatmeal, fresh mango scent
Product size: 17 fl oz
Earliest Age to Us: Puppies of all ages
The last shampoo on our list is The Spruce’s Waterless Pet Wash Shampoo. This waterless shampoo is nice for lightly cleansing your puppy, perfect for pups that don’t like taking baths. If you travel with your dog often, a waterless shampoo is great for easy packing. Unfortunately, there’s no fragrance-free option. This shampoo is oatmeal and mango, but there are two other scents. However, all ingredients are plant-derived, which is vital since the shampoo stays on your puppy’s skin.
Larger quantity
Cruelty-free
Hypoallergenic
- Larger quantity
- Cruelty-free
- Hypoallergenic
Not tearless
- Not tearless
Ingredients: Oatmeal, fresh mango scent
Product size: 17 fl oz
Earliest Age to Us: Puppies of all ages
As you can imagine, your puppy won’t receive a deep cleanse with any waterless shampoo. But this could be what you’re looking for if you need something on the go.
Pros
Cruelty-Free
Easy for traveling
Cons
Doesn’t deep cleanse
No fragrance-free option
- See Also: If I Have No Dog Shampoo, What Can I Use? 6 Alternative Options
Cruelty-Free
Easy for traveling
- Cruelty-Free
- Easy for traveling
Doesn’t deep cleanse
No fragrance-free option
- Doesn’t deep cleanse
- No fragrance-free option
Buyer’s Guide: Selecting The Best Puppy Shampoo For Dry Skin
How To Bathe A Puppy For The First Time
Bath time is a new experience for a puppy. It can be fun, but also scary! Getting your puppy acquainted with bath time early is essential for future grooming. The following video walks you through step-by-step how to bathe your baby pooch. Spoiler alert: the puppy is a pug. You might fall in love.
- See Also: How Often Should You Bathe A Puppy? What You Need To Know!
What To Look For In Puppy Shampoo
Animal shampoos work for different reasons. Before choosing a reliable shampoo, you must decide what your puppy needs first. In this case, you know your puppy needs a good cleanse without irritating its dry skin. To pick the right one for your puppy, ask yourself these questions:
Does your puppy have any medical issues?
Will the shampoo irritate your puppy’s eyes?
Are the ingredients safe?
Are the ingredients effective?
Does it contain harsh chemicals?
Do you want a fragrance-free shampoo?
Is the shampoo made of natural ingredients?
- See Also: 9 Best CBD Dog Shampoos in 2022: Reviews & Top Picks
Puppy Shampoo Ingredients To Avoid
Grooming supplies have changed drastically over the last twenty years. In the past, groomers used baby shampoo and Dawn dish soap. These products aren’t terrible. Some people still wash their pet’s this way. But now, there are better, more improved products!
- Does your puppy have any medical issues?
- Will the shampoo irritate your puppy’s eyes?
- Are the ingredients safe?
- Are the ingredients effective?
- Does it contain harsh chemicals?
- Do you want a fragrance-free shampoo?
- Is the shampoo made of natural ingredients?
Not every pet shampoo is the best shampoo. You should keep an eye out for specific ingredients that can do more harm than good. Those ingredients are:
Sulfates
Phenol
Pyrethroids
D-Limonene
Pyrethrins
Linalool
Permethrin
These ingredients will cleanse your puppy’s coat, but they’ll dry it’s skin out simultaneously. Plus, they can be toxic. Read the labels on your pet’s shampoo before making a purchase. Take your time to find the best shampoo for your puppy’s delicate skin. You probably want the best product for your skin and hair. It helps to put forth the same effort for your pet.
Sulfates
Phenol
Pyrethroids
D-Limonene
Pyrethrins
Linalool
Permethrin
See Also: How Old Is a Puppy When Their Balls Drop? (Vet Answer)
Conclusion
Our choice for the best overall puppy shampoo is Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo. It has all the essential ingredients to help your dog’s dry skin at the top of the list, plus you can use it safely on your puppies!
Kin+kind natural oatmeal shampoo is the best if you want to splurge on your puppy. Organic aloe vera is the first ingredient instead of coconut cleansers, making it an excellent option for dry, flaky skin. Go with Burt’s Bees if you’re on a tight budget and want natural ingredients.
Featured Image Credit: Margarita Mindebaeva, Shutterstock
