If you’re a dog owner, then you’re probably no stranger to lint-rollers and a house full of loose fur.
It’s normal for dogs to shed, especially during seasonal changes. However, if your dog is shedding excessively, it could be an indication of dry skin, inflammation, or weak hair follicles.
This is why you should consider buying a de-shedding shampoo. These shampoos are infused with natural products that strengthen the hair follicles, retain skin moisture, and reduce abnormal shedding.
In this article, we’ll recommend the best de-shedding shampoo for dogs. We’ve included eight of our favorite picks, an extensive buyer’s guide, and a FAQs section.
Let’s get started!
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The Best Deshedding Shampoos for Dogs
Here are our top eight picks.
1. Shed-X Shed Control Shampoo
Our first pick is the Shed-X shed control shampoo. This shampoo is infused with some of the best de-shedding ingredients for dogs. It has fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamin A, vitamin E, and vitamin D.
To top it off, there’s also alpha hydroxy acid for deep exfoliation and DL panthenol, which repairs damaged hair by retaining moisture and strengthening the hair follicles.
We especially loved the nectarine scent with a touch of white ginger. It’s not too overpowering but leaves the dog smelling fresh for days after bath time.
Overall, this shampoo has a special place on our list. Not only because it’s so effective at decreasing shedding but also because it promotes healthy hair and leaves a soft and shiny coat.
Pros
- Powerful exfoliation
- Lovely fragrance
- Gentle on the skin
Cons
- It needs to be left for several minutes before rinsing.
2. Burt’s Bees Shedding Shampoo
Burt’s Bees have gained incredible popularity for their cruelty-free, natural formulations. Their de-shedding shampoo is pH balanced and free of sulfates, colorants, and fragrances.
We found that Burt’s Bees shampoo is among the best for nourishing your dog’s skin. These nourishing properties come from Burt’s Bees’ unique formula of avocado, honey, lavender, and oatmeal.
This blend has an incredible moisturizing effect on the skin. This is perhaps how Burt’s Bees shampoo is so effective at controlling shedding.
There’s also Vitamin E and fatty acids in the formula, which fortify the hair follicles and decrease shedding almost immediately.
If you (or your dog) don’t like scented shampoos, this is the product for you. The best part? You can rinse the shampoo right after you lather the dog’s fur.
Pros
- No scent
- Unique moisturizing formula
- Wash right after applying
Cons
- Results may not appear from the first wash.
3. FURminator Ultra Premium Shedding Shampoo
This is perhaps the most popular de-shedding shampoo on the market. FURminator shampoos were made specifically for excessive shedding.
Similar to Burt’s Bees shampoo, this shampoo also has a unique formula that shows substantial improvements from the first wash.
The shampoo is enriched with vitamin E, Omega 6, and Omega 3 fatty acids. However, it’s the papaya leaf extract and calendula extract that makes it so powerful at de-shedding.
There are also some moisturizing ingredients like Malva flower, chamomile, aloe vera, oat and wheat proteins, cranberry, and blueberry. We were pleasantly surprised by the number of natural ingredients packed into this small bottle.
It’s a shame there’s quite a noticeable scent with this shampoo. Dogs that dislike fragrances on their fur may not be fans of the FURminator formula.
Pros
- One of the best de-shedding formulas
- Powerful moisturizer
Cons
- The strong scent may upset dogs.
4. TropiClean Shampoo for Pets
TropiClean offers a wide variety of specialized shampoos. There are specialized shampoos for smooth coats, thick coats, long hair coats, and more. We tried most of their products but had to go with the standard TropiClean shed control shampoo.
There’s a noticeable coconut scent in this shampoo, but some dogs (and people) don’t mind. It’s complemented well with a light scent of lime. Fragrances can be tricky with dogs, but this shampoo nails it with a balanced but dog-friendly scent.
The shampoo’s botanical blend contains an extract of chamomile, pomegranate, awapuhi, aloe vera, lime, and blueberry. It’s quite an adventurous formula, and the results were almost immediate.
There are also oatmeal and wheat proteins, Vitamin E and B5, and fatty acids, which is meant to help with smoothness and also decrease shedding.
Pros
- Beautiful, dog-friendly scent
- Immediate de-shedding effect
Cons
- Frequent baths may cause some itchiness.
5. Earthbath Shed Control Shampoo
Our next pick is Earthbath’s shed control shampoo. This product is perhaps the best shampoo we tried at moisturizing and nourishing the dog’s skin.
It contains organic shea butter and fatty acids, which is why your dog will have baby-smooth skin after bath time.
It’s also infused with ginseng, green tea, and awapuhi. This formula does help with excessive shedding, but definitely not as powerful as the other products we tried. Its scent is also a little bit too powerful.
We assume that the manufacturers use essential oils for the scent, but we wouldn’t recommend it for dogs with sensitive skin.
Pros
- Potent moisturizing formula
- One of the best deodorizing shampoos
Cons
- Heavily scented
6. Oster Oatmeal Essentials Shampoo
Oster is a pet-loving brand that makes all kinds of shampoos for dogs. Its shed control shampoo is infused with safflower, oatmeal, and vitamin B5.
We especially loved the coconut verbena scent. We were a little dubious because their other shampoos had some overpowering fragrances. However, this shampoo ditches the mango peach and orange scents for a more subtle fragrance.
When it comes to de-shedding, buyers need to be a little patient to see the results. We only tried it once but didn’t see any immediate improvement. Buyers say that it takes two or three baths to start working.
This could be attributed to the limited ingredients in their de-shedding formula. Other brands infuse their shampoos with many more natural ingredients for shed control.
Overall, the affordable price tag makes it worth trying. It smells great, too. However, if you don’t see results from the first couple of baths, you might want to consider an alternative.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Beautiful coconut scent
- Leaves skin soft and hydrated
Cons
- Underwhelming shed control
7. Espree Simple Shed Shampoo
This shampoo comes with a powerful formula for excessive shedding. It’s infused with aloe vera, jojoba, and coconut-based cleansers. It also contains oat proteins and Vitamins A, B5, D, and E.
The scent felt natural and not “perfumy.” Buyers reported that their dogs shed more right after the bath, but the shedding was dramatically reduced in the days that followed.
This shampoo may not be the best at moisturizing the skin, but it does help reduce loose hairs and strengthen the hair follicles. We recommend brushing your dog right after bath time to remove any excess hair.
Pros
- Natural scent
- Reduces loose hairs
- Great for thick coats
Cons
- Not the best moisturizing effect
8. Shed Defender Shampoo for Dogs
Our last pick is Shed Defender’s shampoo for dogs. It’s often recommended by veterinarians for its hypoallergenic plant-based formula.
This shampoo is infused with omega 6, omega 3, vitamin E, and Cocamidopropyl betaine (a coconut-based moisturizer). Its fragrance is light and dog-friendly. It smells like lavender and chamomile and stays on the coat for a few days. The chamomile scent may also be relaxing for dogs with anxiety.
Buyers were impressed by the results. They reported immediate shed control and no irritation for their hypoallergenic dogs. The shampoo is also great for flaky skin.
It’s a little pricey compared to the competition. However, if your dog has sensitive skin, we strongly recommend you choose Shed Defender’s shampoo.
Pros
- Powerful plant-based formula
- Great for flaky skin
Cons
- Pricey
What To Look for in Deshedding Shampoos
Deshedding shampoos come in a wide variety of formulas. It’s important that you avoid artificial ingredients and look for 100% natural, paraben-free formulas.
Here are some of the best natural ingredients that help in reducing shedding.
Vitamins
Almost all de-shedding shampoos have some vitamins in them. The most popular ones are Vitamins B5, D, and E.
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that’s essential in cell function. It promotes healthy skin and hair growth.
Vitamin D must be included in your dog’s diet for optimal health. The same can be said for your dog’s skin. Shampoos containing vitamin D help reduce inflammation and have a role in skin cell growth and repair.
Vitamin B5 enhances skin healing and acts as a moisturizer for the skin. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a common ingredient found in moisturizers and shed control shampoos. It soothes the skin and decreases irritations. Since one of the main causes of excessive shedding is dry and irritated skin, aloe vera formulas will help keep your dog’s fur intact.
Fatty Acids
Fatty acids, like Omega 3, 6, and 9, are essential for your dog’s coat. They have moisturizing properties, help in skin hydration, and prevent excessive shedding.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a popular choice in de-shedding shampoos. It helps the skin retain moisture, strengthen the hair follicles, and prevent flaking.
Natural coconut oil also has antimicrobial properties, which means it could help reduce skin infections and keep your dog’s skin healthy.
Oats
You’ve probably heard about people giving their dogs an oatmeal bath before. This is because oats give your dog’s skin a protective barrier that retains moisture. This prevents dry skin and keeps the hair follicles hydrated.
Proper pH Balance
It’s important to remember that dogs have much more sensitive skin than ours. This is why we advise against using human shampoos on your dog. They usually contain harsh chemicals and are far too acidic for dogs.
The pH of dogs’ skin ranges from 5.5 to 7.5, which means it leans towards an alkaline concentration. Humans, on the other hand, have a skin pH of 5.2 to 6.2.
Look for the term “pH balanced” on your dog’s shampoo. If you can’t find it, you might need to look for alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the most frequent questions we’ve received.
Why does my dog shed so much?
It’s normal for your dog to shed skin between seasons, especially during spring and fall. There are a lot of factors that can contribute to excessive sheddings, like stress, an improper diet, or an underlying health problem.
If nothing works to reduce your dog’s shedding, then it’s probably a good idea to make a trip to the vet.
How often should I bathe my dog?
Experts say you should only bathe your dog once a month. You can extend that to twice a month if your dog is dirty or smelly.
Remember, excessive bathing can cause dry skin. Dry skin is the leading cause of excessive shedding.
Can shedding be a sign of illness?
Shedding is normal and, in most cases, isn’t a sign of something serious. However, if your dog sheds excessively, it may indicate a sign of illness and distress.
This may include:
- Stress
- Hormonal imbalance
- Allergies
- Bacterial or fungal infections
- Ringworms
If you suspect that the excessive shedding is caused by something else, have your vet check up on your dog.
Other Measures To Prevent Excessive Shedding
Here are several other measures you can take to help your dog shed less.
Supplements
If de-shedding shampoos aren’t effective in reducing excessive shedding, you can try supplements to strengthen the hair follicles and support a healthy coat.
You can try supplements with a complete source of fatty acids (omega 3, 6, and 9) to boost your dog’s immune system and reduce excessive shedding.
Formulas with MSM, nettle leaf, yellow dock root, and quercetin have also been reported to significantly reduce abnormal shedding.
While supplements can be beneficial for your dog, they need to be given under a vet’s supervision.
Proper Diet
A healthy diet is perhaps one of the most effective ways to reduce abnormal shedding. Canned food with corn and grains can cause dry skin and flare-ups. Avoid cheap brands and heavily processed foods and try to avoid foods with too many carbs. Don’t forget to keep an eye on any food allergies your dog might have.
Finally, make sure your dog always has access to fresh water. Dehydration is the main cause of dry skin, which in turn can cause excessive shedding. You can also choose a dog food with high moisture content to ensure your dog gets enough fluid intake.
Grooming Kit
A grooming routine could potentially eliminate any excessive shedding if done right. When you groom your dog, you help redistribute the oils in your dog’s skin. This will reduce inflammation, keep the skin healthy, and give your dog a shiny and balanced coat.
Choose a high-quality grooming kit with a slicker brush and grooming gloves. These can come in handy during winter when your dog starts shedding their summer coat.
In Conclusion
Our favorite de-shedding shampoo for dogs is TropiClean Shed Control Shampoo. It’s affordable, does wonders for excessive dog shedding, and leaves behind a beautiful scent.
If your dog has sensitive skin or allergies, you have to go with Shed Defender Shampoo. It’s made solely from plant-based ingredients and won’t irritate your dog’s skin.
In any case, you can’t go wrong with any of our top picks. Supplements and frequent grooming can also go a long way in managing abnormal shedding and maintaining your dog’s coat health.
