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.
Are you on the hunt for the best shampoo for your Husky? This stunning breed is known for its thick, double coat that makes them well-suited to handle cold weather conditions. A coat that is built for harsh winters is naturally going to shed more often and be more of a challenge to wash. That’s where we come in.
We have sifted through the reviews and all the low-down regarding the top dog shampoos on the market to come up with a list of the best shampoos for Huskies in the hopes of making your life a bit easier (and cleaner)!
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo
Natural ingredients
No chemical ingredients or artificial dyes
pH balanced
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Best Value
FURminator DeShedding Ultra Premium Shampoo For Dogs
Great value for the money
Free of parabens and chemical dyes
Promotes healthy skin and coat while helping to reduce shedding
Check Price
Premium Choice
Healthy Breeds Siberian Husky Chamomile Soothing Dog Shampoo
Made specifically for Huskies
Lathers well
Safe for use with topical flea products
Check Price
Best for Puppies
TropiClean Hypo-Allergenic Gentle Coconut Puppy & Kitten Shampoo
Gentle enough for puppies
pH balanced
Free from dyes, parabens, phthalates, and alcohol
Check Price
Healthy Breeds Siberian Husky Deodorizing Dog Shampoo
Soap-free and hypoallergenic
Lathers well
Deodorizing and pH balanced
Check Price
The 11 Best Shampoos for Huskies
- Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo – Best Overall
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Size: 16 ounces
Type: Soap free, all natural
Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo (Aloe and Cucumber Scent) is the best overall shampoo for Huskies. The oatmeal helps soothe the skin, and it has anti-inflammatory properties and anti-itch properties. The oil also helps form a protective barrier over the skin that can reduce dandruff. Aloe vera can reduce itching and strengthen and thicken the fur while hydrating it. The aloe combines with the cucumber to produce a pleasant fragrance that many pet owners enjoy, and the scent lasts longer than many other brands. There are no artificial cleansers or dyes, and the shampoo is pH balanced, so it won’t irritate your pet’s skin.
Check Price on Hepper
Size: 16 ounces
Type: Soap free, all natural
The only downside to Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo is that some people and pets might not like the fragrance that it produces.
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!
Natural ingredients
No chemical ingredients or artificial dyes
H balanced
- Natural ingredients
- No chemical ingredients or artificial dyes
- H balanced
Some owners and pets won’t like the fragrance
- Some owners and pets won’t like the fragrance
A shampoo for Huskies that will give you the best value for your money goes to the FURminator deShedding Ultra-Premium. This choice yields excellent results at a low price in terms of cleanliness and coat health, this shampoo is specifically designed to help reduce shedding.
Size: 16 ounces
Type: Deshedding
Check Price on Chewy
The good news is that all FURminator’s shampoos, hair care, and hygiene products are made right here in the United States and are always free of parabens and chemical dyes. This formula is enriched with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, calendula extract, and papaya leaf extract for a great smell and optimum coat health, and added shine.
This shampoo can be used on puppies and dogs over 6 weeks of age. Owners love the smell, how much loose hair it helps let loose, and that it leaves the coat so soft and shiny. In addition to the shampoo, FURminator also has a deshedding conditioner that can be used along with this shampoo and many other grooming and hygiene products that can help you manage your Husky’s coat.
Since this is not an all-natural formula, you may have to watch those with more sensitive skin. Some owners complained that their dog still sheds after use but it’s important to note that deshedding products cannot stop shedding, they are meant to help manage it.
Great value for the money
Promotes healthy skin and coat while helping to reduce shedding
Free of parabens and chemical dyes
- Great value for the money
- Promotes healthy skin and coat while helping to reduce shedding
- Free of parabens and chemical dyes
May not be ideal for dogs with sensitive skin
- May not be ideal for dogs with sensitive skin
Healthy Breeds Siberian Husky Chamomile Soothing Dog Shampoo gets our pick for premium choice for Huskies, since it is made specifically for the breed and is a great option for Huskies that suffer dry, itchy, or even sensitive skin. Healthy Breeds offers this all-natural formula that is made from botanical extracts such as chamomile, cactus, and calendula and essential fir needle oil, colloidal oatmeal, and aloe vera.
Size: 8 ounces
Type: Soothing
This shampoo lathers very well while gently cleansing your Husky’s coat. Since it is free of harsh chemicals and safe to use on more sensitive skin, you can rest assured it won’t cause any unwanted irritation. This formula is safe for use on dogs and puppies 6 weeks and older and will not interfere with any topical flea treatment.
This particular shampoo is slightly more expensive than some competitors, coming in a smaller, 8-ounce bottle at a price that most 16-ounce shampoos average.
Made specifically for Huskies
Lathers well
Safe for use with topical flea products
- Made specifically for Huskies
- Lathers well
- Safe for use with topical flea products
Slightly more expensive
- Slightly more expensive
If you have a Husky puppy in need of a good cleaning, look no further than TropiClean Gentle Coconut Hypoallergenic Puppy and Kitten Shampoo. This formula is designed just for puppies and kittens but is also a great choice for dogs (or cats) with sensitive skin.
Size: 20 ounces
Type: Puppy Shampoo
TropiClean ingredients are derived from nature and pH balanced to moisturize and soften the coat while being gentle all the way around. This shampoo contains no soap, dyes, or parabens and has a tropical coconut smell.
According to the reviews, the biggest complaint about this puppy shampoo was that it didn’t leave some puppy coats as shiny as preferred. With the limited, natural ingredients you can be certain this is a safe and reliable option for your precious puppy!
Gentle enough for puppies
pH balanced
Free from dyes, parabens, phthalates, and alcohol
- Gentle enough for puppies
- pH balanced
- Free from dyes, parabens, phthalates, and alcohol
Doesn’t provide enough shine
- Doesn’t provide enough shine
If you’re looking for a shampoo that will help you kick the stink from your hairball of a Husky, try the Healthy Breeds Siberian Husky Deodorizing Dog Shampoo. This shampoo is made specifically for Huskies and is non-drying, soap-free, and hypoallergenic. The formula is infused with sweat pea for an extra deodorizing effect that leaves them smelling incredible.
Size: 16 ounces
Type: Deodorizing
The essential fatty acids in this shampoo will nourish the skin and help control flaking and the fact that it’s pH balanced will help leave your Husky with a soft shiny coat without stripping any natural oils.
Healthy Breeds Siberian Husky Deodorizing Dog Shampoo is also safe to be used with topical flea control products. We couldn’t find any complaints in the reviews regarding this product, but it also doesn’t seem to have been purchased by too many people so far.
Soap-free and hypoallergenic
Lathers well
Deodorizing and pH balanced
- Soap-free and hypoallergenic
- Lathers well
- Deodorizing and pH balanced
Not many reviews
- Not many reviews
Earthbath 2-in-1 Mango Tango Conditioning Dog & Cat Shampoo is another good shampoo choice for Huskies. Since this is a 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner, it will not only keep the coat clean but will help soften and detangle it with the conditioning components. This is an all-natural formula that is 100 percent biodegradable and free of parabens and phosphates.
Size: 16 ounces
Type: 2 in 1
If you use topical flea treatment on your Husky, no worries, this shampoo won’t wash off any topical flea treatments after their drying period. The formula can be used on both cats and dogs 6 weeks of age or older. It lathers well, which is so very important for a double-coated Husky.
The only complaints we could find for Earthbath 2-in-1 Mango Tango were about the smell. Some owners just didn’t enjoy the smell, leaving them dissatisfied overall. Others, however, raved about how much they liked it so this ultimately down to personal preference. This shampoo not only comes at a great price, but it is well-reviewed by many for being a natural, safe choice that is manufactured by a trustworthy brand.
Hypoallergenic and soap-free
Does not wash off topical flea treatment
Biodegradable, paraben, and phosphate-free
- Hypoallergenic and soap-free
- Does not wash off topical flea treatment
- Biodegradable, paraben, and phosphate-free
Some owners were put off by the smell
- Some owners were put off by the smell
Rocco & Roxie Supply Co. Soothe Dog Shampoo comes in either 16 or 32 ounces—in case you find yourself giving frequent baths or you have more than one Husky on your hands. This soothing shampoo is made with rosemary extract and aloe vera, making it ideal for those with itchy, flaky skin since it can even help relieve any ongoing irritation. It also has olive oil, oat extract, and shea butter for added moisture.
Size: 16 ounces or 32 ounces
Type: Soothing
This shampoo is formulated without formaldehyde, parabens, mineral oils, phthalates, or isopropyl alcohol and contains no artificial colors or dyes. This shampoo is very hydrating, lathers well, and smells amazing. Owners rave about how it has helped with dry skin and even added some shine to their dog’s coat.
Per the reviews, the only complaint is that the shampoo is a bit thick and difficult to dispense but even then, it was highly regarded for soothing itchy skin and not causing irritation to the person giving the bath.
Made with no dyes, no drying alcohols, no parabens
Contains ingredients to kill parasites and prevent re-infestations
Kills adult fleas, flea eggs, ticks, and lice
- Made with no dyes, no drying alcohols, no parabens
- Contains ingredients to kill parasites and prevent re-infestations
- Kills adult fleas, flea eggs, ticks, and lice
Thick and difficult to dispense
- Thick and difficult to dispense
Buddy Wash Original Lavender & Mint Dog Shampoo and Conditioner is a well-reviewed 2-in-1 product that is not tested on animals and is safe for humans. This product comes at an excellent price and can be bought in either a 16-ounce bottle or 1-gallon jug.
Size: 16 ounces, 1 gallon
Type: 2 in 1
In addition to being much less expensive than some competitors even in comparison to other inexpensive options, it lathers very well and is alcohol and soap-free. The wheat protein in the formula acts as a natural deodorizer and the lavender and mint help leave the coat smelling natural and fresh without being overbearing.
Buddy Wash is made with pure botanical extracts and natural conditioners including sage, aloe vera, rosemary, green tea, and chamomile to be gentle and moisturizing. There were complaints that this shampoo’s scent did not last long enough, and it did cause some eye irritation when it came in contact with the dog’s face during the bath.
Lathers very well
Made with pure botanical extracts and natural conditioners
Fair price
- Lathers very well
- Made with pure botanical extracts and natural conditioners
- Fair price
May irritate eyes
- May irritate eyes
9. CHI Gentle 2 in1 Dog Shampoo & Conditioner
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Size: 16 ounces
Type: 2 in 1
CHI Gentle 2-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner is an all-in-one formula that gives your Husky a salon-quality wash that will leave them smelling incredible. The shampoo portion does all the cleaning while the conditioner softens the coat and moisturizes the skin as well as detangling any mild matting. CHI advises that this formula is made with only mild surfactants to prevent irritation of the eyes or skin.
CHI Gentle 2-in1 Shampoo and Conditioner can be used on dogs and puppies that are 8 weeks of age or older. According to reviews, this product leaves most coats looking clean, healthy, and shiny while smelling great. 2-in-1s are a great choice for those wanting to get the job done in one wash, rather than having to shampoo, rinse, condition, then rinse again.
This formula is easy to rinse and tends to dry quickly. It does have a strong scent that lasts for days. Some owners aren’t too fond of how strong the scent is while others love it because of how long it lasts after bathing.
The smell lasts for several days
Great for moisturizing the coat
Easy to rinse and quick to dry
- The smell lasts for several days
- Great for moisturizing the coat
- Easy to rinse and quick to dry
Strong scent
- Strong scent
10. Zesty Paws Itch Soother Dog Shampoo with Oatmeal & Aloe Vera Shampoo
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Size: 16 ounces
Type: Soothing
Zesty Paws Itch-Soother Dog Shampoo made it to our list because of all the positive reviews from dog parents. This shampoo is formulated for all breeds and is designed to help moisturize the skin and keep the coat clean, soft, and shiny. Made with oatmeal, aloe vera, and vitamin E, this is a well-rounded choice that comes at a great price.
The vanilla bean scent of this shampoo leaves it free from any strong perfume scent that some competitors have. Pup parents of all different breeds and coat types reported good results for their dog’s itchy tendencies when using this shampoo.
The biggest complaints among some owners was that they did not like that the shampoo doesn’t lather well, has an oily texture, and is not an all-natural formula. A shampoo that lathers is typically well sought after when bathing a Husky, so keep that in mind.
Helps soothe itchy skin with aloe vera
Provides added moisture and shine
Fair price
- Helps soothe itchy skin with aloe vera
- Provides added moisture and shine
- Fair price
Not all natural
Does not lather well
- Not all natural
- Does not lather well
If you have a Husky that is suffering from certain skin conditions and you require a good, medicated shampoo, consider Vetnique Labs Dermabliss Medicated Shampoo. This formula is antibacterial and antifungal and will help alleviate certain skin conditions that cause your pup discomfort.
Size: 16 ounces
Type: Medicated Shampoo
Skin infections tend to crop up at some point during a dog’s life, and since this shampoo will battle bacterial, yeast, and fungal infections while deodorizing the skin and coat, it’s a good choice to keep in the cabinet. The formula is soap-free and antiseptic. Not only does it lather well, but it also rinses very easily.
Of course, this option is only suitable for those that could use some help with skin conditions and isn’t recommended for regular baths or quick clean-ups.
Alleviates certain skin conditions
Lathers and rinses well
Deodorizes skin and coat
- Alleviates certain skin conditions
- Lathers and rinses well
- Deodorizes skin and coat
For medicated bathing only
- For medicated bathing only
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Shampoo for Huskies
Bathing a Siberian Husky
Surprisingly, Siberian Huskies typically only require a few baths a year, unless they are being shown in dog shows. These dogs have a very thick coat that is designed for harsh weather conditions. The double coat can be a challenge to those that are doing the bathing, and the topcoat is constructed to repel water.
Bathing a Husky will be quite the task and it’s good to have a shampoo that lathers well. These dogs shed a lot, so weekly brushings will help keep the coat and skin in the best condition and will help to reduce excess hair around the house. A Husky’s undercoat is shed twice a year and it’s important to rake out the remaining hairs and bathe them thoroughly when the time comes.
Shampoo Types
Shampoos can serve different purposes and you will need to find one that works for your current needs. Here’s an overview of the different types of shampoos and the purpose they serve.
Deshedding
Deshedding shampoos are specially formulated to help reduce excess shedding. Something you will undoubtedly have with a Husky. These shampoos are typically formulated with ingredients like omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, as well as vitamin E to help loosen up hairs and promote a lustrous, healthy coat. Many deshedding formulas also have skin-soothing extracts.
Deodorizing Shampoo
Deodorizing shampoos are a great choice for smelly pups. If you have trouble battling that dog smell, you will probably want to opt for a shampoo that has deodorizing capabilities. These are formulated to fight stench while effectively cleaning.
Soothing Shampoo
Soothing pet shampoos are designed to remove grease without stripping essential skin oils. These shampoos help ease skin irritation by adding certain emollients. The most common ingredient used in soothing shampoos is oatmeal, aloe vera, Vitamin E, and essential fatty acids. In general, when dealing with more sensitive skin, you will want to look for natural shampoos that are free of harsh chemicals that could result in further irritation.
2-in-1 Varieties
A lot of owners opt for the convenience of 2-in-1 shampoos that also include a conditioner. You may not notice the deep conditioning effects that you would if you were to use shampoo then a conditioner, but most 2-in-1s do a great job of adding additional moisture and softness to the coat to help deal with any tangles and leave the coat shiny and well moisturized. If you aren’t looking for a 2-in-1, most companies will have conditioners that are sold separately from their shampoos.
Medicated Shampoo
If your Husky has a history of skin conditions or is battling a current skin infection, a medicated shampoo may be the way to go. Some dogs are just more susceptible to recurring skin conditions that may require occasional bathing with medicated shampoo. You should always talk to your veterinarian about the condition and seek their advice on the best treatment before proceeding with a medicated shampoo.
Flea and Tick Control Shampoo
If you are battling a flea infestation or are trying to prevent fleas or ticks, you are likely to be on the market for a flea or tick control shampoo. Flea and tick shampoos typically have harsher chemicals in the ingredients for the purpose of parasite control, so it’s best to check out the ingredients, especially if you have a Husky with sensitive skin. This is another shampoo that is best discussed with your veterinarian before use, as usually other forms of parasite control are more effective and long lasting.
Puppy Shampoo
If you have a precious little Husky puppy, you may want to opt for a puppy shampoo. Puppy shampoos are designed to be gentle for the little ones. There are still shampoos on the market that are all-encompassing and can be used on the little ones too.
Conclusion
Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo is our pick for best overall due to being natural and pH balanced in addition to providing a thorough, hydrating wash at a decent price. This shampoo works great, even for those with sensitivities and lathers exceptionally well.
FURminator DeShedding Ultra-Premium Shampoo for Dogs gives you great value for the money spent. ingredients for the money. This shampoo not only lathers well, but it also smells great and will help you battle the fierce Husky undercoat.
Healthy Breeds Siberian Husky Chamomile Soothing Dog Shampoo is our premium pick for being made specifically with the breed in mind. This shampoo is more expensive in terms of quantity but provides excellent cleaning capability and is great for those with sensitive skin.
Featured Image Credit: Ihar Halavach, Shutterstock
