Getting your puppy to enjoy baths isn’t the only challenging aspect of bathtime. With so many different shampoo options on the market, you may be wondering which is best for your pet. When choosing shampoos, you’ll want to consider your puppy’s individual skin care needs.
We recommend first looking for a dermatologist-formulated, soap-free shampoo that’s formulated for pets. Soapy shampoos will wash away dirt and debris but may also affect your puppy’s natural skin barrier.
There are four main types of shampoos that your veterinarian may recommend:
- Moisturizing: These shampoos lubricate the skin and help restore the skin’s protective barrier. Oatmeal shampoos, which are a non-prescription form of moisturizing shampoo, are great for routine use in dogs. These shampoos are meant to soothe and moisturize skin.
- Antiseborrheic: These shampoos are meant for oily (wet seborrhea) or flaky (dry seborrhea) skin. They help break down the built-up dead skin cells common with seborrheic skin conditions.
- Antimicrobial: Antibacterial and antifungal shampoos aren’t usually recommended for routine use but may be prescribed by a veterinarian for pets with active or chronic skin infections.
- Antipruritic: These shampoos reduce itchiness and improve skin hydration. It’s common for these types of shampoos to contain steroids and antihistamines. They shouldn’t be used without recommendation from a veterinarian.
You should leave most pet shampoos on for 5 to10 minutes before washing them off. Ask your veterinarian for specific instructions if your puppy has unique skincare needs.
You may have heard that you can use baby shampoo for you dog. We advise only using shampoos that are formulated for pet use, as their skin is a different thickness and acidity (pH) than human skin. Using human shampoo on your puppy may set them up for skin issues.
If you notice changes to your puppy’s skin, such as excessive dandruff, red bumps or hair loss, prior to switching shampoos, we recommend booking an appointment with your veterinarian to rule out underlying health conditions.
Browse our selection of shampoos to find one that meets your puppy’s skin care needs.
