Best Dog Shampoo For Shedding Review
Our best friends tend to leave a little of themselves with us in the form of fur no matter where we go; most times, it’s inevitable, and it is more rampant during certain times of the year. If you have a dog that heavily sheds, you should be used to lint rolling your couch and clothes. One reason why your dog might be shedding a lot could be because of his bath time routine.
It is vital that we take care of our dogs for them to live a long and happy life. Nutrition and exercise are important to a dog’s health, but you also have to care for your dog’s skin; the shampoo you use to clean your dog has a major role in their skin health. There are numerous amounts of dog shampoo out there that would help you strengthen your dog’s coat and reduce shedding while leaving him looking his best.
Below, we would be sharing a list of the best dog shampoo for shedding, outlining some reasons why your dog is losing so much fur and how a dog shedding shampoo can help stop shedding.
WHY DO DOG’S SHED?
The main reason dogs shed is that they are letting go of their old hair to make room for new hair, which is part of their natural hair growth cycle. Shedding is a normal thing in most healthy dogs; excessive shedding is also normal depending on the season and breed of the dog. Dogs such as Siberian Huskies, Collies, and Australian Shepherds have double layered coats, a soft undercoat that insulates their bodies and a topcoat that repels water and dirt. These types of dogs usually shed twice a year.
However, single-coated dogs have little to no undercoat, dogs such as Dachshunds poodles, Afghan Hounds, and some terriers barely shed. No matter the type of breed, there are periods where your dog must shed.
Dogs usually shed according to seasons, especially in spring and fall. The longer days during spring cause their hair to grow, thus leading to more shedding. Also, as there are shorter days in fall, your dog’s hair will shed more.
Dogs that stay mainly indoors will shed heavily through the year because they stay in a controlled environment with less light and temperature changes. Their shedding tends to be lighter and less than outdoor dogs. Daylight also affects dog hormones, especially if they spend a lot of time outside.
However, excessive shedding may be caused by things such as dry hair and skin, fleas, poor diet, allergies or other underlying health issues. So keep in mind that excessive shedding is not always normal, so the best thing to do is visit a qualified veterinarian. However, there is no way to stop shedding completely, but there are great ways to keep it at a minimum, and one involves the shampoo you use in bathing your dog.
OTHERS FACTORS THAT MAY LEAD TO SHEDDING
Anti-shedding shampoos may help your dog shed less, but there are different factors that can cause your dog to shed excessively.
Brushing
Most dogs need to be brushed a couple of times per week to keep their coat healthy and minimize shedding. Ensure that you use the proper tools because brushes vary from dog to dog, depending on their coat type. Short-haired dogs use a different brush than long-haired dogs. Short-haired dogs can use a short nubbed brush and grooming gloves, but long-haired dogs will need a de-matting comb or matt cutter in extreme cases. The more fur you can get rid of through grooming will reduce the amount of hair that is shed in your home.
Medical Condition
It is possible for an infection or underlying sickness to cause visible hair loss. Make sure you ask your vet if you think your dog’s excessive shedding might be a symptom of something more serious.
Certain health conditions such as endocrine disorders or follicular dysplasia, a genetic disease, can lead to shedding. Other signs that can cause shedding is licking to excessive scratching.
Seasonal Changes
If you live in an area which an ever-changing season, then your dog’s coat will most likely change its coat according to the weather, which means more shedding. Most breeds shed during spring and fall, which is the major twice a year shedding event.
Proper Diet
To promote proper coat and skin health, your dog needs to be fed a proper diet. Ensure that your dog food contains all the essential omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids to support beautiful fur.
DO DOG SHEDDING SHAMPOOS REALLY WORK?
If you usually find fur all over your rugs, carpet and couch, you may be wondering how effective shedding shampoos are. This type of shampoo will definitely keep your dog feeling and looking good, but the anti-shedding efficiency varies from dog to dog. However, they tend to work very well for some dogs.
The main reason why shedding shampoos work so great is because dry and irritated skin is one of the main causes for excessive shedding, and a good quality shampoo will be formulated with natural ingredients that help improve your dog’s skin and hair.
For instance, a lot of good quality de-shedding shampoos contain a form of omega 3 because it is known to add moisture and improve the skin and coat of dogs which in turn reduces shedding. Some others contain ingredients such as coconut oil, vitamin E and Aloe vera, and they are all known for promoting healthy hair growth while soothing dry skin.
Apart from the ingredients of the shampoo, you should also make sure that the shampoo does not affect the natural pH level of your dog’s skin. Because of this reason, human shampoos cannot be used on dogs because humans and dogs have different skin pH; human skin is more acidic. If you use a human shampoo that’s too harsh for your dog’s skin, it may lead to irritation and dryness, increasing shedding due to excessive itching and scratching.
Dog shedding shampoos can help reduce shedding, but it is vital that you choose one that contains the right balance of high-quality ingredients, especially one that has little to no chemicals and one that isn’t too harsh for your dog’s skin.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I BATHE MY DOG?
The number of times you bathe your dog depends on your dog breed and need, more specifically, the type of coat your dog has and how dirty he gets himself. For instance, breeds such as Dalmatian and Boxer have low maintenance coats that don’t really need much when it comes to bathing and brushing. So if you own a short-haired breed, then bathing them every couple of months is okay.
However, long-haired breeds such as poodles have high maintenance coats, so they need regular bathing and brushing than the average dog. If not, dirt and debris can get caught in their coat, and that could lead to mats and tangles.
We prefer to bathe our dog’s once or twice a month with high-quality dog shampoo and rinse them with warm water in between baths, especially if they went for a swim. But it also depends on the kind of mess they get themselves into.
However, some people prefer to bathe their dog regularly, not necessarily because of their breed or if the dog is dirty, but because it is a good way to get rid of your dogs old, dead hair before it drops on your furniture and floor.
But it’s vital that you do not bathe your dog too often because bathing your dog regularly, especially if you use a harsh shampoo, can cause your dogs coat to lose all its natural oils and cause dryness, leading to excessive shedding and other dry and irritated skin problems.
This is why it’s important that you speak to your vet about how often you should bathe your dog and carefully read the guidelines on the dog shampoo before using it. That way, you’ll be sure that you’ve chosen the best bath routine for your dog.
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR IN A DOG SHAMPOO FOR SHEDDING
Shedding shampoos works by bringing back the natural state of your dog’s coat. They can do this by using a combination of mild ingredients that won’t cause irritation to your dog’s skin. Some also contain skin and coat soothing nutrients, making them a great option for dogs with sensitive skin.
A lot of shedding shampoos also contain some restorative ingredients that help keep your dog coat moisturized and in top shape; some of those ingredients include;
Omega 3 and Omega 6 Fatty Acids
These fatty acids play an important role in your dog’s skin and hair health. They help treat skin allergies such as eczema and other forms of dermatitis. It’s also beneficial to your dog’s overall health to feed your dog food rich in these fatty acids. These fatty acids will give your dogs coat a healthy shine.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is very common in skin care products for humans, so it will be okay for dogs if it’s good for us. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that protects your dog’s skin cells, thus making them stronger and reducing shedding. Dogs can benefit a lot from vitamin E both in their diet and on their skin.
Oat, Oatmeal or Oat Protein
Oat is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredient that helps to keep your dogs skin moisturized and maintain its healthiness. They are also known to reduce excess oils and exfoliate the skin, thus reducing dandruff and shedding.
Aloe Vera
This product is known as a natural moisturizer, and it has been around for centuries. It also promotes the quick healing of injuries in dogs. Aloe vera contains special enzymes that repair dead hair and skin that may cause excess shedding.
Vitamin B5
This vitamin helps promote healthy skin when it’s ingested and used on the skin to get rid of some skin conditions.
Coconut
Coconut oil is known for its multifunctional skin benefits; it can be used to treat different skin conditions. It comes with antimicrobial properties that help moisturize and soothe your dog’s skin. It is usually part of the ingredients in the best smelling dog shampoos that help reduce odour in dogs.
OTHER WAYS TO REDUCE SHEDDING
Apart from bathing your dog with a shedding shampoo, there are other ways to reduce shedding; the first one is providing your dog with a proper diet.
Ensure that your dog’s diet is the best, as this is one of the best ways to deal with excessive shedding. A good quality dog food provides your dog with the nutrients needed to thrive and develop healthy skin and hair. Some supplements contain Omega 3, EPA and DHA, and these are known to deal with shedding in forms of a chew treat or oil tha can be added to your dog’s food.
Another way to reduce shedding is by proper brushing, but avoid brushing your dog excessively and ensure you use the proper tool as doing otherwise could lead to more shedding. Brushing removes the dead hair from your dog’s coat before it ends up on your furniture, but it also helps spread the natural oils all over the coat, which then promotes healthy skin and hair.
However, before selecting a de-shedding brush, you need to know the type of coat your dog has because some brushes are more suitable than others, depending on your dog’s coat and what it’s needed for. For instance, some brushes are more suited for dogs with longer coats while others work best on short coats, and some are designed for regular brushing and others for de-shedding, so it is important to find the right brush to avoid causing more problems.
A proper diet and grooming are important in reducing shedding because they work hand in hand from the inside to help your dog live an optimal life and keep his coat in top condition. If you suffer from dog allergies or just want to get rid of the fur in your house, you can get a good hair vacuum or an air purifier to keep your home free from dog hair.
After going through the buying guide, it should be easier for you to choose the best shampoo for shedding, but if you’re still a bit confused, we have decided to help make things easier by providing you with a comprehensive list of the best shampoo for shedding. Our list is based on factors such as the shampoo’s ingredients, how effective it is, its value for money and overall quality. We also made sure to include a variety of shampoos because each dog is unique.
For instance, we included shampoos that are suitable for dogs with sensitive skin and can help reduce itching, while others are best suited for reducing odours and others for longer, thicker coats. They are all great at minimizing shedding, but some may be best suited for some dogs than others. Let’s check out the list.
The Best Dog Shampoo For Shedding Are Reviewed Below
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Below is a comprehensive list of the best shampoo for shedding; we have provided you with their very important information and specs. With this information, you’ll be able to make the best choice for your dog while reducing the amount of fur in your home.
1
FURminator deShedding Ultra Premium Dog Shampoo
FURminator is a popular brand in the de-shedding brush industry, but they also make de-shedding shampoos, and our favourite is their Ultra Premium Dog Shampoo. This shampoo works really well; you’ll start to notice changes from the first bath as less hair would be falling off your dog in the following days and weeks, and as you continue to use it, you will notice a huge difference.
The shampoo contains omega fatty acids that your dog can benefit from in various ways, especially when it concerns their skin and hair, and this is why they are usually found in shedding supplements and dog food made to promote healthy skin and hair. It also contains Aloe vera, Vitamin E, Papaya Leaf Extract and Calendula extract that helps nourish your dog’s skin and hair while loosening the old hair during bath time. It helps de-shed your dog while taking a bath and reducing future shedding but nourishing your dog’s coat.
Studies have shown that omega fatty acids can also help when applied directly to the skin, which may be why dog shampoos include this nutrient and others. It doesn’t contain any chemical dyes or artificial preservatives because they can cause irritation to your dog’s skin or even cause excess shedding.
Key Features:
- Reduces shedding
- Enriched with omega fatty acids and other nutrients
Specification:
- Brand: FURminator
- Model: 285307
- Weight: 1.15 Pounds
- Dimensions: 3.1 * 1.98 * 9.5 inches
Pros
- It is effective and works almost immediately
- It contains essential nutrients needed for healthy skin and hair
- Most customers have great success with the shampoo
Cons
- It is heavily scented, so it may not be best for dogs with sensitive skin
2
Burt’s Bees for Dogs Natural Shed Control Shampoo
The main feature that I love about this shampoo from Burt’s Bees is the fact that it is made from 99.7% natural ingredients and doesn’t contain any colourants, sulphates or harsh chemicals.
It is made from naturally cleansing ingredients such as honey and beeswax and packed with nutrients like vitamin E and Omega 3 fatty acids. The formula is made to be pH balanced, making it suitable for adult and puppy skin and hair, so it is less likely to cause irritation.
It also works great at reducing your dog’s odour without leaving a perfume smell behind; instead, it leaves a natural, mild scent. This is because it doesn’t contain any artificial fragrances. It might not work as fast as other de-shedding shampoos, but it is the best natural shampoo for your dog, and it’s safe to use with tick treatment and topical flea.
Key Features:
- Reduces breakage and strengthens fur
- Made with high-quality natural ingredients
- 100% safe
Specification:
- Brand: Burt’s Bees
- Model: FF5776
- Weight: 1.15 Pounds
- Dimensions: 2.5 * 8.5 * 2.5 inches
Pros
- It is gentle and has little to no scent
- It leaves your puppy’s coat soft
- You can rinse it out immediately after massaging it through your dog’s coat
Cons
- It reduces shedding at a slow pace
3
Nature’s Miracle Supreme Odor Control Hypoallergenic Shampoo
This shampoo is an all-natural shampoo that comes with four benefits. It cleans your dog, conditions, deodorizes while neutralizing odour. It is a soap free formula that can be used with topical flea and tick treatment while helping your dog reduce excessive shedding. It also helps to prevent static electricity from building on your dog’s coat.
The main ingredients in this shampoo include Aloe vera, plant-derived surfactant, omega 3 and 6 fatty acids and vitamin E. however it contains an un-named rinsing and conditioning agent and also an odour control system.
Many users find that the shampoo helps reduce the amount of fur that’s shed and lather and rinses easily. It also gives off a natural botanical scent that’s pleasant. It’s an all-natural shampoo that leaves your dogs coat soft and shiny while being safe. It comes in a large bottle which shows it has good value as it will last a long time.
Key Features:
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Formulated with deodorizer and odour neutralizer
- It contains no dyes or parabens
- Unscented
- Made in the USA
- Soap free
Specification:
- Brand: Nature’s Miracle
- Model: NM-5960
- Weight: 1 Pound
- Dimensions: 5 * 2 * 4 inches
Pros
- It is all-natural
- It leaves your dogs coat soft and shiny
- It is suitable for dogs with sensitive skin
- It’s safe to use with tick and flea products
- It prevents static electricity from building up on your dog’s coat
Cons
- The nice scent only last a few days, then your dog’s usual smell is back
4
TropiClean Shampoos for Pets
This shampoo from TropiClean is an all-around solution for shedding. It is made from natural ingredients such as wheat, coconut, oats, aloe vera and nutrients such as omega 3. It’s free from paraben, soap and dye; it is made in the US and offers great value for money.
When this shampoo is combined with TropiClean’s conditioner, it really does wonders for reducing shedding. The conditioner contains cocoa butter which is rich in fatty acids that form a protective barrier over your dog’s skin to hold moisture in.
The cocoa butter and other natural ingredients in the conditioner work to moisturize your dog’s skin and leave them with the best coat, which in turn reduces shedding. However, it is best if you get the shampoo and the conditioner to get the best results. This shampoo is great at reducing shedding while leaving your dog with a nice scent due to the refreshing coconut and lime.
Key Features:
- Long-lasting scent of lime and coconut
- Free from soap, paraben and dye
- Made with naturally derived ingredients
- Made in the USA
Specification:
- Brand: TropiClean
- Model: TRLMSH20Z
- Weight: 1.25 Pounds
- Dimensions: 2.75 * 2.75 * 9.5 inches
Pros
- It contains all the nutrients to keep your dogs coat soft and healthy
- It contains natural ingredients
- It offers great value for money
Cons
- It works best when used in conjunction with the conditioner
5
The Coat Handler Undercoat Control deShedding Dog Shampoo
Professional groomers have used the Coat Handler since 1980, which makes it a well-established brand, and it works. It contains all the important ingredients that need to be in a de-shedding shampoo, such as omega 3 and 6 fatty acids and vitamin E. it doesn’t contain any additives that most dog shampoos have; it is also soap free.
This shampoo is effective for dogs with long and thick coats and those that have undercoats. For instance, German Shepherds and Malamutes which shed heavily and have thick double coats. If you have a thick breed, you would need a shampoo that can handle the task, and that’s where this shampoo shines.
The shampoo loosens the undercoat dead hair and fur on the outer coat so that they fall during bath time instead of it falling inside your house. It dies this while moisturizing your dog’s skin and coat to help reduce future shedding.
However, this shampoo is quite expensive, and it only comes in the one-gallon option. But it is quite cost-effective when you dilute it with water according to the instructions of the manufacturer.
Key Features:
- Made with omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, vitamin E
- Made with all-natural ingredients
- Soap free
- 100% biodegradable
Specification:
- Brand: The Coat Handler
- Model: CHDSSG
- Weight: 8.6 Pounds
- Dimensions: 6.5 * 6.5 * 14 inches
Pros
- It contains all the natural ingredients needed for a soft and shiny coat
- It is suitable for long breed dogs
- It moisturizes and nourishes the skin
Cons
- It is quite expensive
Buying Guide Questions
Below are answers to some FAQs.
Do de-shedding shampoos really work?
Deshedding shampoos restore coat health and reduce excess shedding mostly because they contain omega 3 and 6 fatty acids known to reduce shedding.
What dog shampoo is best for shedding?
Our top choice for de-shedding shampoo is the FURminator Ultra Premium shedding shampoo; it contains all the natural ingredients needed to keep your dogs coat in top health.
Is de-shedding shampoo good for dogs?
Deshedding shampoos help reduce shedding but make sure you choose one that doesn’t contain any chemical that may be harsh on your dog’s skin.
What causes a dog to shed excessively?
There are medical conditions that may cause excessive shedding. Fungal infections, parasites, sunburn or stress, are the common problems that lead to shedding. However, excessive brushing can also lead to shedding.
How often should you bathe a dog?
You can bathe your dog at least once a month except they are dirty and smelly, or it over dries their skin. Make sure you do not over bathe your dog as they could lose essential oils that help maintain a healthy skin and coat.
How do I get rid of dog hair in my house?
What is a de-shedding bath?
De-shedding baths are given to accelerate the shedding process. A timely bath under the right circumstances helps reduce the hair that’s lost in your house.
What dissolves pet hair in the washing machine?
To dissolve pet hair in the washing machine, you can add a half cup of vinegar. Vinegar helps to soften fabric and loosen pet hair. You can simply clean your washing machine by running a cycle without clothes in it.
Conclusion
Dogs shed hair no matter what, and there is no way to stop it permanently, but there are great ways to reduce it, and this includes getting a dog shampoo for shedding, one that nourishes your dog’s coat while reducing the amount of hair that’s left around the house.
Choosing a shampoo for your dog might seem trivial. Still, it is important that you understand how important it is because choosing the wrong one could have adverse effects on your dog, leading to irritation and skin problems. In serious cases, it can weaken your dog’s immune system. The same way you wouldn’t use what you aren’t sure of on yourself is the same way it goes for dogs, so if you’re getting a shampoo for your dog, make sure you know all there is to know. Keep in mind that you can’t fully stop shedding, but regular brushing and clean-up of your area should leave you with a healthy living space.
When choosing a shampoo for your dog, make sure you note the pH level of the shampoo; your vet could guide you in choosing the best anti-shedding shampoo that is best suited for your dog’s breed, coat type and overall health. Ensure you take all this into mind when you’re selecting the best shampoo so that your dog can lead a healthy and happy life.
You can decide to use the buying guide to help you select the best anti-shedding shampoo, or you could choose from anyone on the list. They are all great at keeping your dog comfortable while reducing shedding.