The 5 Best Dog Shampoos and Conditioners for Cavachons in 2024

Are you itching to cuddle your fluffy Cavachon, but are finding he’s just a little too stinky for snuggles? We’ve put together a list of the best shampoos for Cavachons for 2024. Don’t let stubborn doggy odors deter you! We’ve found several high-quality, odor-busting shampoos you can try that will leave your Cavachon with soft, fluffy fur that smells good enough for hugs, too.

The cavachon is a cross between the docile King Charles Cavalier Spaniel and the curious Bichon Frise. These fluffy dogs have a thick, dense coat of wavy fur, and can come in white, apricot, black, or tan shades. They’re often tri-colored and shed very little. When choosing a dog shampoo for your Cavachon, you’ll want to select a product that’s going to work with his specific needs and will leave his coat healthy and soft. Keep on reading for top tips on how to bathe, groom, and care for your Cavachon’s skin and coat.

What are the different types of dog shampoos?

Walk down any hair care aisle in your neighborhood supermarket, and you’ll find tons of shampoos and conditioners for a variety of needs and preferences. There are dandruff shampoos, moisturizing shampoos, shampoos for dyed hair, and baby shampoos you can purchase. If you’ve been searching for a decent shampoo for your Cavachon, it can be overwhelming to know which one is the right product for your dog. We’ll break down the most common dog shampoo types, so you know what you’re getting.

Sensitive Skin

Cavachons are known for having sensitive skin. It’s a good idea to choose a shampoo for your dog that is safe for dogs who are allergy prone. Shampoos that are free of synthetic perfumes and harsh soaps, and use oatmeal or coconut oil base are ideal for the Cavachon. Always choose a high-quality, reputable product, so you don’t end up with an itchy, uncomfortable dog.

Antifungal and Antibacterial Cavachon Shampoos

Nasty yeast bacteria can quickly grow out-of-control on the Cavachon’s skin and give him an itchy fungal infection. If you notice your dog excessively scratching himself or licking his paws, it could be a fungal or bacterial infection. This isn’t something you should diagnose yourself, and it’s best to take your pet to the veterinarian to rule out a more serious issue. If you live in a hot and humid climate, your dog is at-risk of yeast overgrowth. But you can use antifungal or antibacterial shampoos on your dog to treat yeast infections or prevent one from recurring.

Shedding Control

The Cavachon is a mix between the non-shedding bichon and the moderately shedding Cavalier. Usually, a Cavachon will shed a little, but he is considered a friendly breed for people who are sensitive to pet fur or are intolerant to it getting on their clothes and furniture. If you can’t stand the sight of fur inside the house, you can purchase shedding control shampoos for your dog.

However, if your dog starts to shed more than usual, be aware that this could be a symptom of a serious health condition. Make sure the vet has ruled out anything serious if your dog is shedding more than usual.

Dandruff Control

Dandruff, small white skin flakes, can be unsightly. Sometimes, they can indicate an underlying health issue. Most of the time though, dandruff is the result of dry skin. It’s a good idea to use either moisturizing shampoos or dandruff control shampoos on your dog to alleviate this issue. As always, anything out-of-the-ordinary with a dog’s coat should be looked over by a vet.

Deodorizing Shampoo

Some dogs smell, regardless of how often you clean and bathe them. They maintain the softness and shininess of their fur by secreted natural oils from their pores. It’s these oils that can smell bad to humans. But, you can use deodorizing shampoos on your dog to cut down on offensive odors without drying out your dog’s skin.

5 Tips for Keeping Your Cavachon’s Coat Clean and Healthy

Lucky for you, the Cavachon does not shed very much, but he needs to be brushed frequently to prevent his fur from getting matted. Fur matting can cause skin issues and infections. Mats can also be painful for the dog.

For the Cavachon especially, these dogs are highly prone to ear infections. You’ll need to take special care of your dog’s ears, and check them weekly for dirt and debris. Once per month, you’ll need to thoroughly clean out your dog’s ears, which we’ll cover in more detail further along in the article.

1. Check often for fleas and other external parasites.

The Cavachon is especially sensitive to fleas and flea bites. Be diligent about applying topical flea medications to your dog as per your vet’s recommendation. Part your dog’s fur down to the base of the shaft, and if you notice redness, swelling, and black pepper-like flakes, it’s fleas. Your vet can recommend a stronger flea and tick medication or flea shampoos to get rid of these foul bugs.

2. Brush your dog once or twice per week.

You’ll need a soft slicker brush, a pin brush, and a comb for grooming your Cavachon’s coat. Brushing your dog regularly will keep his coat soft, fluffy, and free of mats. Clip any matted fur with round-tip scissors if you can’t gently work out the knot with the comb or your fingers.

3. Feed your Cavachon high-quality dog kibble.

Dog’s need to eat high-quality proteins like chicken, lamb, turkey, and fish and meat by-products, sugar, corn, and soy should be avoided. Also, avoid feeding your dog commercial dog brands that are chock full of non-nutritious artificial flavors and preservatives. It would be the equivalent of a human only eating packaged Frankenfoods. When your dog is given a nutritious diet, it will be reflected in the look, feel, and integrity of his coat and skin.

4. Give your dog treats that are good for their fur and skin.

Fish oils are excellent for keeping your dog’s skin and fur feeling and looking their best. Salmon, tuna, and sardines are full of vital omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids that will do wonders for your dog’s coat.

5. Be picky about what shampoos you put on your dog.

Make sure you only put high-quality dog shampoos and conditioners on your Cavachon. Inferior brands are full of synthetic, harsh chemicals, dyes and perfumes that can give your dog an allergic reaction. They can also dry out your dog’s coat and make his fur look dull. Inferior shampoo brands can also burn and irritate your skin when you bathe your dog. Look for products that are tested on humans, not animals.

Overall Best Shampoos for Cavachons

Our 2024 Picks: Best Shampoos for Cavachons
Rank	Dog Shampoo/Conditioner	Price	Rating
Top Choice	Buddy Wash Refreshing Rosemary and Mint Dog Shampoo and Conditioner Buy Online Customer Reviews	$	A+
#2	Buddy Wash Original Lavender and Mint Dog Shampoo and Conditioner Buy Online Customer Reviews	$$	A+
#3	Veterinary Solutions Snow White Whitening Shampoo for Dogs and Cats Buy Online Customer Reviews	$	A
#4	Burt’s Bees Oatmeal Shampoo with Colloidal Oat Flour and Honey Buy Online Customer Reviews	$	A
#4	Zesty Paws Oatmeal Anti-Itch Dog Shampoo with Aloe Vera & Vitamin E Buy Online Customer Reviews	$$	A

What are the best dog shampoos for Cavachons?

For 2024, we think the best shampoo for Cavachons is…

Buddy Wash Refreshing Rosemary and Mint Dog Shampoo and Conditioner

Key Benefits:

• Natural, soap-free formula tested on humans, not animals.
• Aloe vera and tea tree oil extracts soothe the Cavachon’s allergy-prone skin.
• Tear-free
• Safe for puppies

The Cavachon is prone to itchy, red skin and allergies. With this formula, your dog’s skin will be kept well-moisturized and soothed. The all-natural formula is safe for dogs, but it’s been tested on humans so you won’t come away from bath time with red, dry hands.

What are the pros and cons of using this best-smelling shampoo for Cavachons?

Pros: Refreshing, mild smell that will leave your dog with soft fur and healthy skin. You can use this shampoo on puppies and adult dogs alike without stinging their little eyes.

Cons: This shampoo does not have any antifungal properties, and it’s not a deodorizing shampoo.

The Runner-Up

Our second-place pick for Cavachon shampoos for 2024 is…

Buddy Wash Original Lavender and Mint Dog Shampoo and Conditioner

Key Benefits:

• This convenient two-in-one formula will give you a rich lather that’s also easy to rinse.
• It’s free of synthetic soaps.
• The shampoo and conditioner combo is moisturizing.
• This shampoo includes a natural deodorizing whey protein for dogs who are prone to musky smells.

This two-in-one combo is ideal for Cavachon owners who need a shampoo for their dog that offers deodorizing benefits. It’s tested on humans and safe for dogs.

What are the pros and cons of using this dog shampoo and conditioner for your Cavachon?

Pros: Moisturizing, and deodorizing formula that’s all-natural and safe for the allergy-prone Cavachon.

Cons: This shampoo isn’t good for puppies, and it’s not tear-free.

7 Tips for Bathing Your Cavachon

1. Brush and comb your Cavachon first. Making sure she is free of tangles before getting wet will prevent simple tangles from becoming knots and stubborn mats after she dries. If you find any mats on the Cavachon, clip them out before getting the dog wet.
2. Put cotton balls in your dog’s ears before bath time. You can even trim down swimmer’s earplugs to fit in the dog’s ears. Wet ears can give your dog a painful infection that can be difficult to get rid of.
3. Make sure you put an old towel at the bottom of your tub or your sink before putting your dog in the water. This will prevent them from slipping and getting hurt.
4. Invest in a hose extension for your faucet or get a shower hose if you’re bathing the dog in the tub. This will make it easier for you to rinse all of the soap out of your dog’s fur. Just be especially careful to avoid getting water in the dog’s ears.
5. Use lukewarm water when bathing your Cavachon puppy. Dogs are temperature sensitive and what feels comfortable to you might be too hot for the dog.
6. The leftover shampoo feels oily to the touch. If you think your dog has been thoroughly rinsed, but his fur still feels greasy, you’ll need to give him another rinse. Leftover soap residue will leave your dog feeling itchy and irritated.
7. When your dog is thoroughly rinsed off, towel him off to remove all excess water. It’s alright to let your dog air dry if it’s warm enough. But you can use a blowdryer on a low setting to dry your dog faster. Make sure to use a blow dryer for small dogs, so you don’t burn him.

What are some other top-rated shampoos and conditioners for Cavachons?

If you have a white Cavachon, our first two suggestions are whitening shampoos to get your dog looking crisp and bright as freshly fallen snow. The final recommendation is an anti-itch shampoo, which will be especially soothing for Cavachons with allergies and sensitive skin.

• Veterinary Solutions Snow White Whitening Shampoo for Dogs and Cats
• Burt’s Bees Oatmeal Shampoo with Colloidal Oat Flour and Honey
• Zesty Paws Anti-Itch Dog Shampoo with Aloe Vera and Vitamin E

FAQ for Bathing a Cavachon

• Is it all right to use human shampoo on a Cavachon?

It’s not a good idea to use human shampoo, even if it’s baby shampoo, on a dog of any breed or size. Human shampoos are formulated for a human skin’s pH levels, which are more acidic than a dog’s. Plus, human shampoos contain perfumes and chemicals that are too harsh for a dog. For the super-sensitive, and allergy-prone Cavachon, it’s a bad idea to put human soaps on him.

• How often does a Cavachon need a bath?

It’s not good to over-bathe your dog, because it can dry out and irritate his skin. But the Cavachon’s thick, wavy hair can pick up a lot of dirt and debris. Consider using specially-formulated dog wipes to keep him clean between baths. You should bathe a Cavachon about once every 6 or 8 weeks.

• How should I clean my Cavachon’s ears?

You should clean the Cavachon’s ears once per week. You can use an eye dropper and saline solution, applying a few drops directly onto the inside of the dog’s ears. Saline solutions for cleaning a  dog’s ears are also called epi-otic cleansers that you can purchase from a pet supply shop or directly from your vet.

Massage the base of the dog’s ears, then wipe the ears dry with a clean cotton ball. Let your dog shake her head after you are done. You’ll also need to be mindful of trimming any long fur near the ear’s opening. Excess fur can irritate the ears and harbor bacteria. Never use q-tips for ear cleaning or otherwise poke anything into the dog’s ears.

• How should I clean my Cavachon’s eyes?

You’ll need to be careful to keep your Cavachon’s eyes clean and free of mucus buildup. Use a clean, moistened cotton ball to dab at the corners of the eyes and loosen and wipe away any accumulation. If you have a Cavachon with a white face, you may need a tear stain remover to keep the fur around his eyes white.

The Cavachon is an extremely affectionate breed who does well in homes with small children and other pets. To keep your Cavachon healthy and comfortable , keep these bathing and grooming tips in mind. A healthy dog is a happy dog, and a clean dog is perfect for cuddles and hugs. Check out our top picks for best smelling dog shampoos for 2024 the next time your cuddly Cavachon needs a bath.