10 Best Puppy Shampoo [Updated 2023]
This article has been fact checked and verified by our veterinary advisor Dr. Sara Ochoa, DVM
Bathing puppies requires delicate practice and care, and it also helps to have the best puppy shampoo for sensitive skin like theirs.
Ideally, you’ll want to opt for dog shampoos that are tearless, pH-balanced, and hypoallergenic for gentle cleaning.
This will be further discussed below, so keep reading and don’t close the tab just yet!
Puppy shampoo reviews are a good place to start, so we have put together a list of quality products to review and consider before making your final decision.
NOTE: If your pup has fleas, you might want to invest in a suitable flea shampoo instead.
Best Puppy Shampoos
1. Burt’s Bees 2-in-1 Dogs Puppy Tearless Shampoo
Product Specifications
- Brand: Burt’s Bees
- Grooming Features: Tearless, Cruelty-Free
- Liquid Volume: 16 ounces
Our Review
Burt’s Bees 2-in-1 Tearless is an all-natural puppy shampoo that softens the coat and soothes the skin using buttermilk and linseed oil. It is a veterinary-recommended puppy shampoo free from sulfates, petroleum, colorants, fragrances, and harmful chemicals.
This puppy shampoo and conditioner is 97% natural made with high-quality ingredients that will help your pup look like royalty without risking rashes, discomfort, and skin allergies. It is also made in the United States – using 80% recycled bottles to help the environment. Burt’s Bees shampoo and conditioner is pH balanced, perfect for puppies and adult dogs.
Ingredients
Water, Coco Betaine, Coco Glucoside, Glyceryl Oleate, Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Glycerin, Xanthan Gum, Honey, Beeswax, Colloidal Oatmeal, Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Oil, Buttermilk Powder, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate.
Pros:
+ All-natural ingredients
+ pH-balanced formula
+ Free from harmful ingredients
+ With buttermilk and linseed oil to condition your pup’s coat
+ Made with recycled plastic bottles
Cons:
– May not help in making your dog smell good because it’s unscented, but it will make them smell clean
– Doesn’t give a very strong lather
Why We Liked It – Burt’s Bees Tearless Dog Shampoo is the best puppy shampoo taking the #1 spot for the bestseller in Dog Shampoos Plus Conditioners in Amazon. It’s scent-free and much friendly for puppies with sensitive skin, unlike with scented shampoos.
2. Wahl Gentle Shampoo for Puppies
Product Specifications
- Brand: WAHL
- Grooming Features: PEG-80-Free, Alcohol-Free, Allergy-Friendly
- Scent: Coconut
- Liquid Volume: 24 ounces
Our Review
This plant-derived tear-free puppy shampoo allows you to gently wash your pup without causing irritation or drying out their sensitive skin. There was a time when it was recommended not to bathe a dog too often. With shampoos like the Wahl Gentle Puppy Shampoo, you can give them a bath whenever you feel it is necessary.
It contains Aloe Vera, Cornflower, and other non-harmful ingredients. The company takes pride in using only approved and safe ingredients for humans to use because why would we expose our puppies to something we wouldn’t use ourselves?
Ingredients
Purified Water (Aqua), Sodium Laureth Sulfate (Cleanser from Refined Coconut Oil), Coco-Glucoside, EGMS (Pearlizing Agent), Cocamidopropyl Betaine (Cleanser from Coconut Fatty Acids), Glycerin (Vegetable Glycerin), Cornflower & Decolorized Aloe Extracts, Fragrance, Freshness, Assurer, FDA Approved Colors.
Pros:
+ PEG-80-free and alcohol-free
+ Aloe Vera and cornflower for coat health
+ Allergy-friendly
+ Tear-free and gentle formula
+ No harmful chemicals, detergents, or ingredients
Cons:
– Not recommended for dogs with sensitive skin
– May cause dry skin when used too much
Why We Liked It – We were intrigued by Wahl’s idea of only using ingredients apt for humans since it makes sense that a puppy should have access to the same quality products! Your pup’s coat deserves a gentle cleansing with this gentle shampoo for puppies with sensitive skin.
Looking for a no-hassle approach? Try waterless shampoo instead.
3. PET CARE Sciences Puppy Shampoo
Product Specifications
- Brand: PET CARE Sciences
- Hair Type: All
- Scent: Coconut
- Liquid Volume: 16 ounces
Our Review
Cheap and synthetic shampoos can cause allergies and dry out your puppy’s skin, which this product is working hard to combat. PET CARE Sciences Puppy Shampoo is made with real coconut oil, aloe, and oatmeal, making it a natural option for keeping your pup clean and happy!
There are no parabens or sulfate on the ingredient list and no harsh chemicals that could potentially harm your little one. It is one of the best dog shampoos for puppies who prefer natural and gentle ingredients for their dog’s skin. It has a nice and fruity smell that lingers for days after use, and the ingredients help keep the dog’s coat soft and shiny.
Ingredients
Water, Plant-Based Derived from Coconut, Oatmeal & Aloe Extract, Fragrance.
Pros:
+ With Coconut Oil, Aloe Vera and Oatmeal
+ No harmful and unnecessary chemicals
+ Detangles, moisturizes, and deodorizes
+ Gentle on sensitive puppy skin
+ Sweet and fruity smell
Cons:
– Some dog owners find the smell not good but not bad either
– Smell doesn’t last long
Why We Liked It – This gentle puppy shampoo uses natural ingredients such as coconut oil, aloe vera, and oatmeal, which are great for human skin and hair. The same ingredients are also used to take care of our dog’s skin and coat. These ingredients help prevent skin irritation or skin infection, which is highly beneficial for young dogs and their sensitive skin.
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4. Earthbath All-Natural
Product Specifications
- Brand: Earthbath
- Grooming Features: Tearless, Organic, Natural, Cruelty-Free
- Scent: Coconut
- Hair Type: All
- Liquid Volume: 16 ounces
Our Review
Earthbath All Natural is a soap-free shampoo for puppies. Discover the benefits of a 100% biodegradable and cruelty-free product that smells of delicious wild cherry. It has a balanced pH to make sure your dog comes out of the bath clean and in perfect health.
Using a blend of natural and organic ingredients, this dog shampoo keeps the coat shiny and good condition. It treats the sensitive skin of a puppy while gently cleansing. Every dog is different, though, and if your dog is prone to allergies – it might be a good idea to test the shampoo on a small area at first, just to make sure there isn’t a reaction.
Ingredients
Purified Water, Renewable Plant-derived and Coconut-based Cleansers, Gentle Conditioner & Detangler, Organic Aloe Vera, Vitamins A, B, D, & E, Glycerin, Wild Cherry Essence, Natural Preservative.
Pros:
+ For puppies and adult dogs
+ Irresistible cherry scent
+ 100% biodegradable
+ Soap-free and extra gentle
+ Dye, sulfate, phthalate, and alcohol-free
Cons:
– Not great for dogs with skin sensitivities; may cause dry and itchy skin
– Bad packaging
Why We Like It – This extra-gentle formula shampoo is cherry-scented, which will have your dog smell heavenly for days after a bath! Great for dogs that are naturally smelly and keep your dog’s coat soft and healthy.
5. Nature’s Miracle Supreme Odor Control Hypoallergenic Shampoo & Conditioner
Product Specifications
- Brand: Nature’s Miracle
- Grooming Features: Tearless, Deodorizing, Soap-Free
- Liquid Volume: 16 ounces
Our Review
Nature’s Miracle Supreme Odor Control contains beneficial ingredients to help keep your dog’s coat shiny, odor-free, and well-conditioned. Its 4-in-1 benefits include neutralizing bad orders, deodorizing, skin and coat cleansing, and hair conditioning, perfect for young skin.
Take care of your pup’s skin with this soap-free and gentle shampoo. It contains no dyes, perfumes, or parabens and is completely safe for your pup’s skin. Use it with spot-on flea and tick products, and your puppy can say goodbye to irritated skin caused by these pesky insects.
Ingredients
Water, Mild Surfactants, salt, Preservatives, Odor Control System, D-Panthenol (Provitamin B5), Aloe Vera, Keratin, Jojoba Oil, Rinsing Agents, Fragrance, Thickening Agent, Sodium Hydroxide.
Pros:
+ Controls odor for several days
+ Removes stains on paws and fur
+ Cleanses, conditions, and deodorizes dog skin
+ Fresh and long-lasting scent
+ Makes your dog’s hair softer and healthier
Cons:
– Smell doesn’t last long
– Some dog owners complain that their pupper experienced itchy skin after trying out the product
Why We Like It – Considering how long these products have been around – it is probably safe to assume that this brand knows what they’re doing. The odor-controlling aspect makes this product stand out to us, as some dog breeds tend to get a little smelly rather fast.
6. Oster Oatmeal Essentials Gentle Puppy Shampoo
Product Specifications
- Brand: Oster
- Grooming Features: Natural, Dye-Free, Paraben-Free, Alcohol-Free
- Liquid Volume: 18 ounces
Our Review
Oster Oatmeal Essentials uses oatmeal as one of its primary ingredients to help soothe itchy skin and prevent allergies. It keeps the skin soft and elastic, which is just what a puppy needs. This oatmeal shampoo is carefully produced with natural oatmeal extract, wheat protein, rosemary leaf extract, and other humectants.
Oster’s oatmeal shampoo has no parabens, alcohol, or unnatural dyes. Which makes it a great option when your puppy is getting a bit too dirty for their own good. The baby powder scent goes perfectly with an adorable little puppy dog, and they will continue smelling fresh for days!
Ingredients
Purified Water, A Blend Of Coconut Based Cleansers, Oatmeal Extract, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Aloe Vera, Rosemary Leaf Extract, Thickening Agent, Fragrance, Preservatives.
Pros:
+ Humectants for soft and healthy skin
+ With oatmeal, rosemary, and wheat
+ Long-lasting baby powder scent
+ No alcohol, dyes, or other irritants
+ Moisturizes and soothes dog skin
Cons:
– Scent is strong and overpowering
– Some pet parents don’t like the smell
Why We Like It – There are so many great ingredients in this dog shampoo by Oster. Its natural ingredients help the skin stay elastic and healthy and give the coat both shine and long-lasting protection. Not to mention no harsh chemicals, dyes, parabens, or alcohol are included in the making of this product.
7. Arm & Hammer Tearless Puppy Shampoo
Product Specifications
- Brand: Arm & Hammer
- Grooming Features: All-Natural, Hypoallergenic
- Scent: Coconut Water
- Liquid Volume: 16 ounces
Our Review
Featuring the Arm & Hammer Tearless Puppy Shampoo with the pH-balanced and gentle-cleansing formula to keep your puppy fresh and clean.
Arm & Hammer also uses baking soda as a natural deodorizer and cleanser. Made from natural and high-quality ingredients, it’s no surprise that this dog shampoo is veterinarian-recommended. It’s also worth mentioning that it’s also hypoallergic, great for your puppy’s young skin.
Ingredients
Water, Coconut Based Surfactants, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Water, Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Tocopherol Acetate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Avena Sativa (Oat) Protein Extract, Glycerin, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance, DMDM Hydantoin.
Pros:
+ Hydrates both skin and coat
+ No skin or eye irritation
+ Sugar Cookie smell that stays
+ With the power of baking soda
+ Paraben-free, sulfate-free, and hypoallergenic
Cons:
– Some reviews from pet parents say they didn’t like the smell
– Not tearless as advertised
Why We Like It – For active puppies, frequent baths might be a must. This product is so gentle that it can be used daily, which is a huge relief for pet parents that needs their dog to be bathed often. Arm & Hammer uses baking soda in all their products as a natural solution for deodorizing.
8. Arava Flea & Ticks Botanical Puppy Shampoo
Product Specifications
- Brand: Arava – Dead Sea Pet Spa
- Grooming Features: Tearless, Hypoallergenic, Eco-Friendly
- Scent: Lemongrass, Peppermint, Rosemary, Cedar
- Liquid Volume: 13.5 ounces
Our Review
Tired of dealing with flea and tick infestation all summer long? Have you tried topical flea treatments to treat your dog and still get little to no results? Try this Arava Flea & Tick Control Dog & Puppy Shampoo for getting rid of harmful fleas and ticks and protect your puppy from irritated skin.
It uses essential oils of insect-repellent plants, including peppermint, lemongrass, clove, citronella, and more. Arava Dead Sea Pet Spa is known for creating a few of the best pet care products that use natural oils and minerals. And, needless to say, their dog shampoo is not one to disappoint.
Ingredients
Geranium, Peppermint, Cinnamon, Lemongrass, Clove, Thyme, Eastern Red Cedar, Rosemary, Citronella, Soybean and Castor.
Pros:
+ Fights ticks, fleas, and other pests or parasites
+ With 26 Dead Sea essential minerals
+ 100% natural and safe ingredients
+ Promotes healthy skin and coat for puppies
+ Prevents itchy, irritated, and dry skin
Cons:
– Has a strong smell
– Not tear-free
Why We Like It – This is a good puppy shampoo for pet parents looking for a natural solution to get rid of their puppy’s fleas and ticks. We like that it uses natural essential oils from plants known to drive away insects and pests, and no other harmful chemicals were added.
9. Pro Pet Works All Natural 5-in-1 Oatmeal Shampoo
Product Specifications
- Brand: Pro Pet Works
- Grooming Features: Hypoallergenic, Organic, Cruelty-Free, Paraben-Free
- Liquid Volume: 17 ounces
Our Review
When showering your dog, it is important to use a product that does not strip their coats of their natural oils, as it will dry it out and leave it looking and feeling dull. Pro Pet Works All Natural 5-in-1 Oatmeal Dog Shampoo knows this, and they have developed the best organic puppy shampoo to combat this.
It is soap-free and contains Aloe Vera, almond oils, and vitamin E, which are ingredients to keep your pet’s coat healthy and protected. The nutty almond smell works well as deodorant and keeps your dog smelling great after their bath! What you get as a result is a pup with soft fur that is easy to comb through and healthy and elastic skin.
Ingredients
Deionized Water, Surfactant Blend Derived from Natural Derivatives (Coconut Shampoo Base), Organic Aloe Vera Extract, Organic Almond Oil, Hydrolyzed Oat Proteins, Vitamins A, D, E & B12, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Wheat Germ Glycerides, Blend of Cherry Botanical Extracts, EGDA (conditioner), EDTA, Proprietary Blend of Coat and Skin Conditioners and Moisturizers.
Pros:
+ Natural and organic
+ Tough on dirt and stains
+ With vitamin A, D, E, and B12
+ Also formulated with shed-control properties
+ Hypoallergenic
Cons:
– Some pet parents don’t like the scent
– Not effective against itchy skin
Why We Like It – The organic ingredients in this product and the added vitamins make it a gentle and great shampoo for puppy dogs! Keeps their coat looking and feeling great.
10. Chi Tearless Puppy Shampoo
Product Specifications
- Brand: CHI For Dogs
- Grooming Features: Tearless, Sulfate-Free, Paraben-Free
- Scent: Honey
- Liquid Volume: 16 ounces
Our Review
CHI for Dogs Shampoo and Conditioner is the 2-in-1 pet hair product you need for your puppy’s delicate skin. It’s pH-balanced to provide optimal hair health. Also, it’s a tearless formula and harmless to your dog’s eyes.
If you want a gentle cleanser that also moisturizes your pupper’s coat, this is the perfect option for you. Professionally formulated for grooming, the ionic technology helps seal the hair cuticle and reduce frizz for lustrous and healthy-looking skin.
Ingredients
Water, Mild Cleansing Agents, Silk Protein, Soy Protein, Milk Protein, Aloe Vera, Honey, Chamomile Extract, Vitamin E, Panthenol, Fragrance.
Pros:
+ pH-balanced formula
+ Tearless, safe for puppy’s eyes
+ Promotes silky and smooth coat
+ For cleansing and moisturizing
+ For all dogs and puppies 8 weeks or older
Con:
– Poor packaging
Why We Liked It – Reviews say that it’s the perfect shampoo for preventing tangled, dry, and frizzy coats for their dogs. Fur parents love the smell that it leaves on their pooches and even relieves itchiness.
A Buyer’s Guide to Puppy Shampoos
Puppies are like human babies, and they have sensitive skin and a developing body, and the last thing you want to do is use a shampoo that contains harsh and harmful chemicals. It is important to do your research and pick a quality product that won’t irritate your puppy’s sensitive skin.
Looking to train your new pup? Don’t forget the essentials such as the a training book and tasty training treats! If you’re potty training, an artificial grass turf for dogs is what you want.
What to Look For When Buying Puppy Shampoos
When choosing the best puppy shampoos for your new little fur friend, there are a few things to consider, and these are the following:
Balanced pH
Make sure that your puppy’s shampoo matches the pH of their skin. pH is the measurement of the acidity in liquid substances. You should look for shampoos with a neutral pH level of 7 as this is the recommended pH level for dogs. However, a pH level of 6.0-6.5 is also considered fine for dogs, this pH is equal to the pH level of human baby shampoo.
Natural Ingredients
Always keep an eye out for natural ingredients, as it is something you will want as much as possible in the product you decide to bring home. Natural ingredients; such as oatmeal, rosemary, chamomile, coconut oil, and more can often do the same thing harsh chemicals would, without the damage and potential danger that comes with the latter alternative.
Try to find a product that uses natural alternatives for scenting, to keep the skin soft and healthy, and to add shine to the coat, rather than to go with artificial ingredients where dyes, colors, and even alcohol might be present. Natural puppy shampoo is also environment-friendly.
Tear-free formulas
The expression “tear-free” usually refers to the solution being mild enough to not irritate the dog’s eyes, just like with human baby shampoo, but it does not mean that it will be a comfortable experience to get it in the eye. No shampoo should ever go in the dog’s eye, no matter how mild it is.
When showering your puppy, you should always make sure to stay clear of eyes and ears, or you could end up turning the experience into something very unpleasant for your new friends, which is an impression that might be hard to get rid of. You don’t want to end up with an adult dog that hates baths, so be careful when washing the pup’s face and always stay away from the eyes.
Benefits of Vitamins
Added vitamins, such as vitamin A, B, and E, are very beneficial for the puppy’s fur and skin! The best shampoo for labs with short hair might be the same as for a Shih Tzu with a long and flowing coat, as all dogs need nutrition for their coat to shine and look as well as feel healthy.
Puppy Shampoo FAQs
Can you use adult dog shampoo for a puppy?
Yes, and no. Some adult shampoos are perfectly fine to use on puppies, especially natural versions free of chemicals, but it is usually better to aim at purchasing a puppy shampoo when first bringing your new buddy home.
Puppies have sensitive skin and their fur is different than what it will be once they are grown up, so if you have several dogs in the household – a better idea is to purchase a product that can be used for dogs of all ages, such as the ‘Wahl/Dog Puppy Shampoo’ (which is even safe for humans to use), and that way you won’t have to use different shampoos for your dogs.
Can I use human shampoo on puppies?
Remember that human skin has a different pH level than dogs skin. Our pH level ranges from 4.5 – 5.5, while dogs’ pH level ranges from 5.5 – 7.5. So, using human shampoo is not ideal, but it depends on the pH level of the shampoo. Human shampoos with a pH level of 6.5 – 7 are safe to use on dogs, but anything lower or higher is not recommended.
How often should you bathe your puppy?
You can bathe your puppy once a month. But once they’re over 6 months old, you can give them a bath more frequently as necessary, depending on their breed and activity level.
Conclusion
When shopping for a puppy shampoo, you should remember to take a peek at the ingredients list. You will want to find a few items that you recognize and natural, such as oils and plant extracts.
Meanwhile, you want to stay away from artificial color and dye, as well as parabens, alcohol, and other chemicals.
Don’t trust the happy dog on the bottle, as marketing can be deceitful at times, and try to read up on what the shampoo contains and what it can actually do for your puppy.
Expert Tip
Consider what you yourself would be willing to put in your hair and choose a product that comes close to that for your puppy. A puppy is like a baby, and they deserve the best.
Did You Know?
You often hear that too many baths can strip the dog’s skin of its essential and natural oils, and while this used to be true, much has changed now that there is a wider selection of good dog shampoos available. Pick a quality product, and this won’t be an issue!
