With so many brands and varieties of pet shampoos to choose from, how do you pick the best one for the life stage of your dog or your client’s pups? The next time you’re shopping for dog shampoo, consider adding these Groomer’s Choice top picks to your haul.
Puppy Shampoo
1. Bark2Basics Baby Bark Shampoo | BBBBSG
Why it’s our choice: A puppy’s coat is not the same as a fully grown dog’s coat, so it makes sense why you would want to find a shampoo designed with puppies in mind. Typically, puppies have a single layer of soft, fluffy fur, unlike their older counterparts with thicker, stiffer hair. This mild formula from Bark2Basics carefully cleanses puppy coats while gently restoring shine. The light, baby powder scent is quite pleasant and makes for a refreshing bath time option for your puppy. Comes in both gallon and 16 oz. sizes. Dilutes 16:1 (Note: This shampoo is not a tear-free product.)
2. Petology Puppy Faces Shampoo | PYPFSG
Why it’s our choice: Petology is known for its commitment to mild, sulfate-free formulas. Puppy Faces is enriched with essential oils and hydrating ingredients to nourish a puppy’s skin and coat. This naturally derived, tear-free product is also formulated to help soothe skin irritation while simultaneously cleansing your pup. Finished with a light baby powder fragrance, this product comes in both gallon and 8 oz. sizes. Dilutes 16:1.
3. BatherBox Hypo Shampoo | BTBHYG
Why it’s our choice: When a client brings in their brand-new puppy for their first groom, they may not know right away if their baby will have an allergic reaction to specific ingredients. In those cases, we definitely recommend this next pick: BatherBox Hypo Shampoo. This fragrance-free, sulfate-free shampoo from the BatherBox brand minimizes the chance of skin irritation for pets with sensitive skin. We recommend this shampoo for pup’s first bath, after eight weeks of age. Best of all, this product was designed especially for the BatherBox Bathing System, so if you already have one, it can easily be connected to your existing setup. Comes in a gallon size only. BatherBox shampoos are highly concentrated and can be diluted to your desired specifications.
Adult Dog Shampoo
1. The Coat Handler Undercoat Control Deshedding Shampoo | CHDSSG
Why it’s our choice: Luxury and functionality collide in our top pick for adult pets. Not only is this one of the most popular varieties in The Coat Handler line, but it does excellent work in loosening dogs’ undercoats. This shampoo is infused with Vitamin E and Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids to assist in strengthening hair roots and cut down on future shedding, when used regularly. Plus, you can’t beat the value (dilutes at 32:1) as well as the lovely coconut fragrance. Comes in 16 oz., gallon and 5 gallon sizes.
2. Green Groom Odor Eliminator Shampoo | GGOEG
Why it’s our choice: Stink doesn’t stand a chance against Green Groom Odor Eliminator. Seriously. This fresh-scented shampoo from the groomer-trusted Green Groom line uses a proprietary odor eliminator that cuts odors fast. This shampoo smells like a fresh load of laundry blowing in a crisp, mountain breeze. The best part is that it simultaneously cleans, conditions, and enriches the skin and coat, making it highly recommended for adult dogs. Comes in gallon, 16 oz. and 5 gallon sizes. Dilutes 32:1.
3. Petology Sensitive Therapeutic Shampoo | PYSSG
Why it’s our choice: Mild ingredients? Check. Long lasting fragrance? Check. Vitamins, essential oils, natural cleansers? Check, check, check. Petology already has a strong following in the grooming, veterinarian and boarding industries, so why not see for yourself why this shampoo is a top choice among professionals? Available in gallon and 16 oz. sizes. Dilutes 16:1.
Senior Dog Shampoo
1. Bark2Basics Senior Bark Shampoo | BBSBG
Why it’s our choice: Did you know that menthol is a naturally occurring substance in peppermint? Imagine that cool, minty goodness in the form of a pet shampoo. Menthol, along with aloe vera and plant-based cleansers, make up this refreshing product formulated especially for mature dogs. This product comes in a gallon and 16 oz. size and dilutes 16:1.
2. Bark2Basics One Step Silky Shampoo | BBOSG
Why it’s our choice: Simplicity and functionality, all in one bath. Standing in a tub for long periods of time could be uncomfortable for senior dogs, so a product that cleans and conditions at the same time is incredibly beneficial to both the dog and the groomer. This fortifying shampoo + conditioner has a lovely floral scent and works great as a detangling product. Available in 16 oz., gallon and 5 gallon sizes. Dilutes 16:1.
3. Green Groom Lavender Chamomile Aromatherapy Shampoo | GGLCG
Why it’s our choice: All you have to do is breathe in the amazing scent of this aromatherapy shampoo to understand why it’s one of our faves. Not only does it provide calming properties during bathing but the chamomile in the formula helps brighten coats of all colors. For a spa-like experience, this is our go-to recommendation for older dogs. Comes in a gallon size only. Dilutes 32:1.
Even though we broke them down between three life stages, these products can be used on doggos of ALL ages, 8 weeks and older. (Yes, even the puppy shampoo!) Let us know what you think by leaving a review at groomerschoice.com.
