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Best Dog Shampoo for Allergies: Top 7 Products That Work
How We Found the Best Dog Shampoo For Allergies
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Canine allergies can affect any dog. Same as with people, environmental factors play a huge role. Where does your dog live? What is his diet like? What is his general health like? Those are all valid questions. Some dog breeds are more prone to allergies, and just like in humans, you need the right product. Today, we’ll discuss which shampoo is the best dog shampoo for allergies.
Before we get to our options, we have to stress that checking with a vet is important. A lot of people misdiagnose their dog’s allergy symptoms. The best dog shampoo for allergies won’t help with food-linked allergies. You have to find out the root cause of the problem—and then react. Our pick, Earthbath Hypoallergenic dog shampoo, will help with other issues.
Our Reviews
Best Overall
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1. Earthbath Hypoallergenic Fragrance-Free Shampoo
Earthbath is very gentle on your dog’s skin, and can work on dry skin and coat. Sometimes, a simple solution is the best. Earthbath contains organic ingredients like aloe vera, coconut oil, and rosemary. That’s it.
Made in the USA, Earthbath will help with any allergy or sensitive skin problem. You can use it to remove dander, clean dirty paws, and improve the shine of your dog’s coat.
At the same time, you take care of the environment. Earthbath is 100% biodegradable and cruelty-free.
Why do we like it?
- Scent-free
- Made in the USA
- Works for dogs with sensitive skin
- Improves coat shine
Best Premium
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2. Allertech Pet Shampoo
Allergists recommend this product. It works in two ways: It helps remove allergy-causing pet dander, and it safely neutralizes allergens that irritate the skin. Your pet will be free of its allergies—and you can enjoy an allergy-free home for yourself.
Formulated for allergy and asthma relief, it removes dander and odor from dogs and cats. The mild formula can prevent sensitivity, and it conditions and cleans the skin and coat of your dog.
One treatment is effective for 30 days. That is one month of an allergy-free home. Don’t you love it?
Why do we like it?
- Helps dogs and humans
- Provides asthma and allergy relief
- Gently removes animal dander and odor
Best Budget
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3. Vets Best Medicated Moisturizing Shampoo
Vets Best shampoo is among the most popular products on the market. Formulated by veterinarians, it contains salicylic acid and colloidal oatmeal. Other ingredients include vitamin B and tea tree oil.
Vets Best provides relief for dry, flaky skin. At the same time, it cleanses and stimulates the dog’s skin. The result is a healthy glow and shine.
It works as a medicated shampoo as well. Your dog’s skin will be healthier, and the shampoo helps clear and tighten dog pores. You can use this product along with other topical treatments for flea control.
Why do we like it?
- Formulated by veterinarians
- You can use with other flea control treatments
- Stimulates healthy glow of the skin
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4. Critter Concepts Dog Shampoo for Dry Itchy Skin and Allergy Relief
This shampoo is a godsend for dogs with allergies and itchy skin. The formula is natural and contains tea tree oil, Shea butter, and citrus extract. The ingredients not only deeply cleanse and exfoliate the skin, but they also stimulate healthy tissue growth and healing of the skin.
It contains moisturizing and detangling ingredients so your dog will have silky-smooth hair. He will also smell great because the shampoo works as a natural deodorizer as well.
The best part about the shampoo is the concentration. The shampoo comes in an 8oz bottle, but it is highly concentrated, and you need to dilute it with water. And you can get up to 48oz of shampoo.
Why do we like it?
- Company provides a 100% money-back guarantee
- Highly concentrated
- Natural deodorizer
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5. Virbac Epi-Soothe Dog Shampoo
This is another oatmeal-based best antibacterial and antifungal dog shampoo. It works for dogs of all sizes. The gentle formula provides a good pH balance and at the same time, your dog will smell great thanks to the green apple fragrance. The shampoo can clear all allergens and dirt—and it will lock in moisture too.
The product will save you a lot of miserable nights. Make sure to wash your dog thoroughly. If your dog has a yeasty smell, apply the product two times. The formula creates a thin, protective coating on your dog. He’ll smell wonderful, and you’ll protect your carpet and home from fleas.
Why do we like it?
- Works for dogs of all sizes
- Creates a protective coating
- Your dog smells great thanks to the green apple natural fragrance
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6. PetMD Antiseptic and Antifungal Shampoo
This shampoo is designed for a topical application. You can use it for bacterial and fungal skin problems, but be careful before using it and consult with a veterinarian. This is a medicated shampoo that might contain ingredients harsh for your dog’s skin. It’s designed for an antiseptic cleanse of the dog.
It can help with hot spots, ringworm, and acne in pets. The shampoo will help heal skin infections. The good news is you can use it on sensitive areas like face folds and finger folds. It kills bacteria most commonly associated with skin infections.
Why do we like it?
- Medicated shampoo
- You can use it on sensitive areas
- Can help with ringworm and acne
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7. Pro Pet Works All Natural Dog Shampoo
Veterinarians recommend this Amazon bestseller. It works as a 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner. Oatmeal is the main active ingredient, and you can use it for pets allergic to food, grass, and flea bites. It’s completely natural and doesn’t have any artificial colors and fragrances.
You can also use it to detangle your dog’s fur for easy brushing. It’s safe for frequent use, and contains some unique ingredients like almond oil. It’s an all-around shampoo that also helps with wet dog smell and dog odor.
Last, but not least, the product is 100% biodegradable and made with recycled materials.
Why do we like it?
- All-around dog shampoo
- Helps with odor and detangling
- 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner
How Does Medicated Dog Shampoo for Allergies Help?
Many dog shampoos claim they can fight allergies, but you have to look at the ingredients list—some ingredients help more than others. And of course, look for a medicated dog shampoo.
Shampoos for allergies serve one of two functions. They can reduce symptoms that trigger skin allergies. Or they can improve your dog’s resistance to the allergen. Most of the shampoos contain only natural ingredients. Tea tree oil, aloe vera, oatmeal—those are the ingredients you want.
Dog Breeds Prone to Allergies
We mentioned before that some breeds are more prone to allergies than others. This might come as a surprise, but many of the popular breeds are prone to allergies.
For example, the Golden Retriever is one of the most popular breeds, and they are often affected by allergies. They can get hot spots from licking and chewing their itchy skin. Golden retrievers have floppy ears, so they are prone to ear infections as well.
The Labrador is another popular dog breed. He is more prone to seasonal allergies, and in some cases, their allergies last throughout the entire year.
The German Shepherd is a great companion dog. But over the years, their health has declined, which is why they are more prone to allergies than before.
You can find the full list of dogs prone to allergies here. There are many more breeds, like the Bichon Frise, the Boxer, Cocker Spaniel, and others.
Types and causes of allergies
Allergies are a misguided reaction to foreign substances by the immune system. Just as in humans, there are different types and causes of allergies. Let’s take a look.
Skin allergies
This is the most common type of canine allergy. You can protect your dog from skin allergies with the best dog shampoo for itching allergies. Itching allergies fall into three groups: environmental allergies, flea allergy dermatitis, and food allergies.
Yes, even food allergies can cause itchy skin. Now, you can’t prevent food allergies with a shampoo—you need to change your dog’s diet for that. Environmental allergies involve dust, pollen, and mold, all of which can cause an atopic allergic reaction.
Flea allergy dermatitis is a reaction to fleabites. Some dogs can be allergic to flea saliva; they become itchy and their skin becomes inflamed. You can notice excessive itching at the base of the tail.
Food allergies
You have to make a distinction here. There are food allergies that cause an immune response and gastrointestinal signs. And there are food allergies that result in skin issues.
Dogs can have food sensitivity as well. Or food intolerance. Food sensitivity does not involve an immune response. Rather, they display a gradual reaction to an ingredient in the food. Dogs with food sensitivities can show symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea.
Acute allergic reactions
Acute allergic reactions can be life-threatening. Your dog might go into anaphylactic shock. They can have a severe reaction to an allergen. This type of allergy happens due to bee stings and vaccine reactions. This is why vets recommend keeping a close eye to your dog 24 hours following a vaccination.
Symptoms of allergies in dogs
The most common symptom is the itching of the skin. This can happen in one area or all over the body. In some cases, symptoms can include respiratory issues as well. Coughing and sneezing are common. Here is a full list of symptoms your dog might display:
- Itchiness
- Hives
- Swelling
- Red and inflamed skin
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Sneezing
- Itchy ears
- Itchy eyes
- Constant licking
Diagnosing allergies in dogs
Diagnosing allergies is a complicated business. Allergy tests are not always 100% accurate. If you suspect an allergy, take your dog to the vet.
There, the vet will try to determine the conditions causing the allergy symptoms. Your vet will recommend allergy testing. But food allergies are tricky, and an elimination diet works the best for diagnosing a food allergy.
How common are allergies in dogs?
The bad news is that allergies are common in dogs. They can affect dogs of all breeds and backgrounds. Some experts might tell you that mutts are less likely to develop an allergy. Yes, that’s true. Pure breed dogs are more prone to allergies. But that doesn’t have to be the case.
Allergies can appear after six months of age. Most dogs show symptoms when they are one or two years old.
Dogs can inherit some allergies. Allergies to pollen and plants, for example, fall into the inherited allergy group.
Homemade solution for dog shampoo
There are many homemade solutions for the best dog shampoo for allergies. For example, you can opt for a homemade dog shampoo with coconut oil. Others prefer homemade dog oatmeal shampoo.
Our pick is vinegar. This solution helps with fleas and irritation, but it also reduces dog odor. Your pet will be clean and smell fresh.
For this homemade shampoo, you need 1 quart of water, 1 cup of vinegar, and 1 cup of baby shampoo. You can use white vinegar or apple cider vinegar. And you can substitute baby shampoo with any non-toxic dish soap.
Apply the solution with a spray bottle. Massage it well into his fur. Apply to the hard-to-reach areas, like down the chest and under the forearms. Let it soak for five minutes, and then rinse.
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Buying Guide
There are a couple of factors to consider when looking for the best dog shampoo for allergies. You need a shampoo that is free of harsh chemicals. There should be no parabens, sulfates, or soaps.
You want ingredients that help with the condition. For example, the best anti-itch shampoo for dogs should contain oatmeal and aloe vera, which help soothe itchy skin. Another positive is you can use them more often. Natural ingredients are a must. Tea tree oil works well too, because it helps heal irritated skin.
Last, but not least, look for pH-balanced shampoos. Your dog has a different pH than humans, and you must respect that.
All shampoos on our list are gentle on the skin, contain helpful ingredients, and lock in moisture.
Conclusion
There is no one best shampoo for dogs with allergies. The shampoo that works for you might not work for your friend. Dogs can be allergic to many things. There are also environmental and other factors to consider.
With all that in mind, we still consider Earthbath to be the best option. The shampoo is hypoallergenic and should tackle the root of the issue. If you need more something potent, Allertech will do the trick. Depending on the severity of the issue, you might need a more potent shampoo.
In any case, make sure to take your dog to the vet to diagnose allergies and find the root cause of the problem.
Aleksandar
My name is Aleksandar, and I am a storyteller by professional. I’ve got a BA in journalism in 2009. I write ever since. Now, I am here to help you find the best grooming products for your furry friend.
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