Make Bath Time Better With the Best Dog Shampoos

Keeping your dog’s coat looking good, smelling fresh and most importantly, healthy is a cornerstone of good dog care. But with so many dog shampoos out there, how do you choose the right one? The answer is: the best dog shampoo fits your dog’s coat type, skin sensitivity, and any special needs.

In this guide, we’ve put together the best dog shampoos you can buy in the UK. You’ll find:

• Coat-specific formulas for breeds that need extra cleaning power
• All-purpose cleaners for everyday wash-and-go
• Gentle options for sensitive skin and puppies
• Targeted treatments for fleas, odours, allergies, and more

Quick tip: Never use human products for dogs, as they’re far too harsh. It can upset their skin pH, strip away natural oils and and cause irritation and itching. Look for gentle ingredients, and if your pup has allergies or flea issues, choose a shampoo made specifically for that need.

Now, let’s dive into our top picks!

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

• Best General Dog Shampoo: Douxo Spa Oatmeal Dog Shampoo
  Read our review

• Best De-Shedding Dog Shampoo: Dirty Bertie Double Coat Shampoo
  Read our review

• Best For Curly Dogs: Dirty Bertie Curly Coat Shampoo
  Read our review

• Best Puppy Shampoo: Dirty Bertie Puppy Shampoo
  Read our review

• Best For Fleas & Ticks: Cooper & Grace’s Dog Flea & Tick Shampoo
  Read our review

• Best Medicated Dog Shampoo: Clorexyderm 4% Dog Shampoo
  Read our review

• Best 2-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner: Buddycare Dog Shampoo & Conditioner
  Read our review

• Best For White Dogs: Buddycare Premium Whitening Dog Shampoo
  Read our review

Why Should You Trust Us?

We launched Pet Checkers in 2013, and one of our core services is dog grooming. We got our resident dog groomer (and boss) Vicki, to help.

Vicki has groomed thousands of dogs over the years and used all kinds of dog shampoos. She has the experience and qualifications to pitch in!

Also, because we’re ‘in the industry‘, we also get to talk and consult with;

• Other dog groomers
• Vets
• Pet and animal charities, and

And we get feedback from our customers who use their preferred products every day.

So this puts us in a unique position to test products, both from a consumer and professional angle.

How We Came Up With Our List of the Best Dog Shampoos

Over the last year, we spent £429.54 and hundreds of hours testing 41 different dog shampoos.

How We Chose Dog Shampoos to Test

When we were testing dog shampoos, we did it by category.

• Coat specific formulas
• Generic dog shampoo
• Puppy shampoo
• Shampoos for specific coat colours
• Shampoos for sensitive skin, and
• Flea and tick shampoos

When choosing which specific products to test, we did four things. We;

1. Leaned on our own experience as professional dog groomers.
2. Talked with our customers to get their thoughts and to understand their frustrations.
3. Consulted with vets and cat fosterers.
4. Looked at the reviews on websites like Amazon and Pets at Home to get the thoughts of other users.

Non-Negotiable Features

We also had a few non-negotiables when looking for shampoos to test. All products had to be;

• Made in the UK: Products from other countries don’t have to abide by the same rules and legislation.
• Cruelty-Free and Vegan-Friendly: We’re animal lovers, so we’re not willing to promote products that don’t align with our ethics.
• Free from parabens, sulphates and other nasties: Anything that could cause harm or discomfort was ruled out.

This gave us a range of shampoos to test.

Dog Shampoo Reviews: A Closer Look at Our Top Picks

After testing 41 different dog shampoos over the last year, these are our top picks.

Let’s take a closer look at why these are the best.

1. Douxo Spa Oatmeal Dog Shampoo: Best General Shampoo For Dogs

If you’re after an all-rounder that cleans well, smells great, and leaves your dog’s coat soft and healthy, Douxo Spa Oatmeal Dog Shampoo is a solid choice. It’s gentle enough for regular use on all coat types but still powerful enough to tackle mud, odour, and everyday grime.

Designed by veterinary dermatologists, it feels more like a premium product than a basic dog shampoo. The texture is smooth and creamy, and the mild oatmeal scent is fresh without being overpowering. It lathers well, spreads evenly through the coat, and rinses out quickly, so bath time doesn’t drag on forever.

After drying, coats looked shiny and felt soft, hydrated, and bouncy. Even white or light-coloured coats come up looking bright and clean without any residue or dulling.

The formula is pH-balanced, hypoallergenic, and made with 97% natural ingredients, including oatmeal, which helps hydrate the skin and support a healthy coat. It’s also free from harsh chemicals and nasties, making it safe for regular washing.

This is a ‘no dilution’ formula, so you apply it straight out of the bottle. The downside to this is that you can easily use more than you need to. This won’t harm your dog as it’s very gentle, but using more than you need costs more money. That said, the pump-action bottle, makes it easy to use one-handed while your dog is trying to make a break for it.

Overall, Douxo Spa Oatmeal Dog Shampoo hits that sweet spot between everyday practicality and premium results. It’s gentle, effective, and leaves your dog looking and smelling fresh. Exactly what you want from a great general-purpose dog shampoo.

2. Dirty Bertie Double Coat Shampoo Review: Best Deshedding Shampoo For Double-Coated Dogs

Double-coated dog breeds like Labradors, German Shepherds, Huskies, and Golden Retrievers have thick fur and dense undercoats. While they’re perfect for pooch’s climate control, they’re also really good at smelling, shedding, sometimes matting, and turning your home into tumblefur town.

Dirty Bertie Double Coat Shampoo handles all of these issues. It cleans deep, tackles dirt and shedding without compromising your dog’s natural coat health.

Dirtie Bertie shampoos have a dilution rate of 10:1 (what’s a dilution rate?). In our test, we put 50ml of shampoo in a bottle and topped it up with 500ml of water and gave it a good shake. This was enough to lather up Doug, our black lab, quite nicely, but not so much that I had to spend the rest of the afternoon rinsing it out. In fact, rinsing was pretty quick.

This shampoo contains activated charcoal, a masterstroke for dogs with double coats. It absorbs and neutralises that ‘wet dog smell’ without having to cover it up with overly strong perfumes, which we guarantee your dog hates!

We even used it after a fox-poo incident, and it eliminated that stink surprisingly well.

It smells nice, too. A little whiff of Aloe Vera makes your dog smell fresh without making them smell like a perfume shop.

Post-bath, undercoats feel lovely and soft and top coats have a shine that lasts for ages.

At £11.99 a bottle, it’s not cheap but it’s not expensive either. If you follow the dilution instructions, you’ll get several washes out of a bottle. For a Labrador-sized dog, you should get around 10 baths. The smaller your dog, the more washes you’ll get.

And for an extra wag of the tail, they donate 10% of their profits to dog charities, which we love.

3. Dirty Bertie Curly Coat Shampoo Review: Best Shampoo For Curly-Coated Dogs

Curly-coated breeds like Cockapoos, Poodles, Labradoodles, and Bichon Frises have beautiful, curly coats. But they can be prone to tangles, mats, and frizz, especially ‘doodle’ breeds like Cockapoos and Labradoodles.

Dirty Bertie’s Curly Coat Shampoo is designed specifically for curly and wavy coats. It helps define curls, reduce knots, and leave the coat soft and bouncy instead of flat or fluffy.

Like the double-coat shampoo, it lathered well in a 10:1 ratio (what’s a dilution rate?). I worked it through the coat easily and rinsed it out pretty quickly, which means less time wrestling a soggy Cockapoo in the bath.

After drying, curls were defined and springy. The inclusion of Aloe Vera and Avocado is ideal for curly fur as they nourish and moisturise the coat without weighing it down.

The scent smells quite ‘high end’ actually. It’s quite strong when smelling from the bottle, but becomes nice and subtle when diluted, so it doesn’t play havoc with your dog’s sensitive nose.  

We should point out, though, that if your dog has thick mats in its fur, no dog shampoo will get them out, so don’t expect it to work miracles. Nothing replaces regular, proper brushing!

At £11.99, it’s mid-range in price, but it’s easily as good as more expensive brands. They also donate 10% of their profits to dog charities, so when you buy, you’re not just making your own dog’s life a little better; you’re helping those in need, too.

4. Dirty Bertie Puppy Shampoo Review: Best For Puppies

If you have a new puppy, getting them used to bath time is important. Getting them used to the bath now will make bathing them when they’re bigger much easier.

Puppies have soft coats, delicate skin, and the attention span of a goldfish, so they need a shampoo that’s as gentle as it is effective.

Dirty Bertie Puppy Shampoo strikes that balance. It’s made with coconut and aloe vera, both known for their gentle moisturising properties, which makes it ideal for young dogs whose skin is still developing. There are no harsh chemicals, parabens, or sulphates, just a mild, pH-balanced formula with pro-vitamin B5 that cleans without stripping away those all-important natural oils.

Like the other Dirty Bertie Shampoos we’ve reviewed, it lathered well and rinsed easily. Puppies don’t sit still for long, so the last thing you want is a shampoo that takes forever to wash out. This one made the job quick and painless (well, as painless as bathing a wriggly pup gets).

After drying, coats felt soft, fluffy, and smooth to the touch. No tangles, no dryness, and no residue. It left a very subtle, fresh scent with a hint of coconut and aloe vera. The smell isn’t very strong at all, which is a good thing as you don’t want a strong perfume assaulting their super sensitive nose.

At £11.99, it’s good value. You don’t need much, even the grubbiest little adventurer, so a bottle will last you ages right through puppyhood.

And their like other offerings, 10% of their products go to dog charities.

5. Cooper & Grace’s Dog Flea & Tick Shampoo Review: The Best Flea & Tick Shampoo

If your dog has ever had fleas or ticks, you’ll know just how miserable they can make them. The constant itching, late-night scratching, and that skin-crawling feeling you get when you spot a tiny black speck moving through their fur. Cooper & Grace’s Dog Flea & Tick Shampoo promises to tackle all that without using harsh chemicals.

Made with all-natural ingredients, this shampoo is gentle enough for regular use, even on dogs with allergies or sensitive skin.

The instructions say to add a couple of capfuls directly to your dog’s fur, then add a little water and work it through their coat. While it lathered up quickly, we found that applying the shampoo this way led us to use more than we needed. So, the next time we tested it, we put the shampoo in a bottle with water and shook it up. This meant we could easily apply it more evenly all over our dog, and the shampoo went much further.

The shampoo rinses quite well and leaves a light, fresh scent. It’s not strong in any way, and t doesn’t have that medical smell some flea shampoos have. Your dog’s nose will appreciate that!

Performance-wise, it seems to work too, at least on the dogs we tested it on. Within days after using, our clients reported less itching and no signs of any new fleas or ticks.

At £12.99, it’s mid-range in price. You’ll get several washes from a 500ml bottle, so it does offer good value. And if you have more than one dog, Cooper and Grace also do a 1-litre bottle, which offers even better value.

6. Clorexyderm 4% Dog Shampoo Review: Best Medicated Dog Shampoo

If your dog struggles with itchy, irritated, or allergy-prone skin, or has recurring yeast or bacterial infections, Clorexyderm 4% Dog Shampoo is one of the best medicated dog shampoos out there. It’s a veterinary-grade shampoo that combines chlorhexidine (an antibacterial and antifungal agent) with a mild, soothing base that’s still gentle enough for sensitive skin.

We tested it on several dogs with long-term skin problems, including a Labrador with yeast infections, a Collie with raw patches, and a Cocker Spaniel prone to allergies. In every case, there was a clear improvement after just a couple of washes. It helps to reduce redness, calm itching, and leaves the coat clean, soft, and noticeably more comfortable.

You only need a small amount, a teaspoon or two for a medium-sized dog and it lathers easily. For best results, leave it on for around 10 minutes before rinsing thoroughly (easier said than done, but worth it). Despite being a medicated shampoo, it doesn’t have that strong “chemical” smell; the scent is subtle and fresh, and coats dry with a soft, natural finish.

Even on dogs who’d been through vet treatments and steroid plans, this shampoo made a visible difference. Fewer flare-ups, less scratching, and shinier coats.

The only downside is the small 200ml bottle. For large dogs, you’ll go through it quickly and at £16.99, it’s not cheap. That said, it works, and if it stops your dog suffering, it’s worth every penny.

7. Buddycare Dog Shampoo & Conditioner: Best 2-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner

If you’re after an easy, all-in-one dog shampoo and conditioner that saves time, Buddycare’s 2-in-1 is a good choice.

The pump dispenser lid makes it look like you can pump and apply the shampoo directly to your dog’s coat. However, it has a 20:1 dilution ratio (what’s a dilution rate?), so it’s quite strong. As such, we advise you dilute it in a bottle with water before applying it. Otherwise, you’ll use more than you need, and you run the risk of the shampoo causing skin irritations.

Once diluted, the shampoo lathers up and spreads easily, even on thick or curly coats. It rinses pretty quickly, leaving fur soft, smooth, and shiny.

The scent is light coconut. It smells fresh without being overpowering. It makes your dog smell clean, not perfumed, and the scent lingers just long enough to keep that “just washed” freshness for a day or two.

The 500 ml bottle gives plenty of washes, and with the dilution ratio, a little goes a long way. So considering you’re getting both shampoo and conditioner, it offers very good value.

8. Buddycare Premium Whitening Dog Shampoo: Best Whitening Shampoo for White & Light Coats

If your dog has a white or light-coloured coat, you’ll know how quickly it can lose that bright, clean look, especially if they love a good roll in the mud!

Buddycare Premium Whitening Dog Shampoo is designed to restore brightness and shine without using harsh bleaches or chemicals, and it does a fantastic job for the price.

Like the Buddycare 2-in-1 shampoo we reviewed, this has a 20:1 dilution ratio (what’s a dilution rate?), so make sure you dilute it in water before applying it.

We tested it on a white labradoodle called Lyla. It lathered well (once diluted), it was easy to work through her coat, and it rinsed out well.

The scent is subtle and clean, not perfumey, and not too strong, which is ideal for dogs with sensitive noses.

A little goes a long way, so you’ll get plenty of baths out of a 500ml bottle, so at around £10 a bottle, it offers very good value.

How to Choose the Right Shampoo for Your Dog

With so many dog shampoos on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for your pup. The truth is, the best shampoo depends on your dog’s coat type, skin condition, and lifestyle. Here’s what to look for when choosing:

1. Match the Shampoo to Your Dog’s Coat Type

Different coats have different needs:

• Short coats – Go for a gentle, everyday formula that cleans without over-drying.
• Double coats (Labradors, Shepherds, Retrievers) – Look for a de-shedding or deep-cleaning shampoo that can reach the undercoat.
• Curly or wavy coats (Cockapoos, Poodles, Bichons) – Choose a moisturising or curl-enhancing shampoo that helps prevent tangles and keeps curls soft and bouncy.
• White or light coats – A whitening shampoo helps lift stains and restore brightness without harsh bleaches.

2. Check for Skin Sensitivity

If your dog has itchy, dry, or allergy-prone skin, avoid shampoos with artificial fragrances, alcohol, or sulphates. Instead, look for:

• Oatmeal – Soothes and moisturises dry or irritated skin.
• Aloe vera – Helps cool and calm inflammation.
• Medicated or chlorhexidine shampoos – Useful for treating yeast, bacterial, or fungal skin infections (always follow your vet’s advice).

3. Go for Gentle, Natural Ingredients

Dog skin has a different pH balance to humans, so always use a dog-specific shampoo. Natural ingredients like coconut oil, avocado, and shea butter nourish the coat without stripping away protective oils.

4. Think Practical

If your dog hates bath time, make life easier with a 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner that cuts washing time in half.

Understanding Dog Shampoo Dilution Ratios (And Why They Matter)

We’ve talked a lot about dilution ratios in this article, so we figured it’s a good idea to explain what they are.

When you look at a bottle of dog shampoo and see something like “dilute 10:1” or “concentrated formula,” you might wonder what that actually means, and whether it really matters. Spoiler: it does!

What Does “Dilution Ratio” Mean?

A dilution ratio tells you how much shampoo to mix with water before using it on your dog.
It’s usually written as something like 10:1, or 20:1. The first number is water, and the second is shampoo.

For example:

• 10:1 = 10 parts water to 1 part shampoo
• 20:1 = 20 parts water to 1 part shampoo

So if you’re using a 10:1 ratio, you’d mix 1 litre of water with 100ml of shampoo, or scale it down to whatever amount you need.

Why Dilution Ratios Are Important

Diluting dog shampoo isn’t just about saving money (although it will!) It’s about making sure your dog’s bath is as gentle, effective, and skin-friendly as possible. Getting the mix right helps the shampoo do its job properly without over-drying or irritating your dog’s skin.

Gentler on Your Dog’s Skin

Concentrated shampoo is stronger than you think. Using it neat can strip your dog’s natural oils, dry out their skin, and cause irritation. Diluting it helps spread the formula evenly and keeps it gentle.

Better Coverage

A properly diluted shampoo is easier to work through thick or long fur. It foams more evenly, reaches down to the undercoat, and ensures every part of your dog gets clean. not just the top layer.

Easier Rinsing

Overly thick shampoo can cling to fur, leaving residue that causes itching or dullness. Diluted shampoo rinses out faster and cleaner, saving you time and water (and keeping your dog happier).

Saves You Money

Concentrated shampoos are designed to last. When you dilute correctly, one bottle can last for 10 or more washes, depending on your dog’s size and coat type.

How to Dilute Dog Shampoo Properly

Here’s a quick and easy method to make sure your shampoo is perfectly diluted and safe for your dog’s skin:

• Use a dog grooming mixing bottle (this one works perfectly).
• Add warm water first, to the correct direction line.
• Then add the shampoo to the top ‘Fill’ line
• Gently shake to mix (don’t go mad with it — you’ll just end up with foam).

Make a fresh mix each time; don’t store diluted shampoo for long periods, as it can lose its effectiveness.

Quick Tip:

Always check the label instructions; different brands have different strengths. Using a “no dilution” shampoo in a 20:1 mix might make it too weak to clean properly, while using a concentrated shampoo neat could irritate your dog’s skin.

In short, the right dilution ratio keeps your dog’s skin healthy, ensures even cleaning, and helps your shampoo go further.

FAQ’s