The 5 Best Dog Shampoos and Conditioners for Goldendoodles in 2024

Have you been searching for the best shampoos for Goldendoodles? You’re in luck. We’ve been researching dog shampoos for specific breeds and Goldendoodles have made the cut. When you’re on the hunt for dog shampoo, you need a formula that’s not only safe for your pet but is breed specific. Every dog breed has different fur or hair and grooming needs, and the wrong dog shampoo or conditioner can dull your dog’s coat. Worst case scenario? The shampoo can dry out your dog’s skin or give them an irritating and painful allergic reaction.

Goldendoodles are a cross between the poodle and the golden retriever. Your Goldendoodle has fur that is a mix between these two breeds. Their hair has the curliness of a poodle’s coat, but each strand is fine, like the fur of a golden retriever. This means that your Goldendoodle is going to have unique bathing and grooming needs, which we’ll gladly break down for you in the rest of the guide. What are the top five best dog shampoos and conditioners for Goldendoodles in 2024? Check them out below.

What are the different types of Goldendoodle shampoos?

Remember when you were a kid, and you had a special, kid-friendly shampoo? Do you still use that type of shampoo or conditioner? Probably not, because your hair and grooming needs have changed. You require a specific formula to feel and look your best. Bathing a dog is the same thing. You wouldn’t put a shampoo that works for a Shih Tzu on a Goldendoodle, because each breed has a fundamentally different coat.

On top of that, your Goldendoodle might have specific, individual shampoo or grooming needs. If your dog has sensitive skin or is prone to fungal infections than they will need a shampoo and conditioner that is going to address those needs.

Sensitive Skin

Your dog’s skin is made up of many different layers. The very top layer of skin is made of a microscopic covering called the acid mantle. Humans also have an acid mantle on their skin. The acid mantle is a protective coating that helps prevent irritation and infections from harming the skin. The acid mantle is made of fatty acids, and when the dog sweats, lactic and amino acids in the sweat mix with the acid mantle and form the mantle’s natural pH balance. On a scale of 0 to 14, humans have a pH balance of about 5.5, while a dog’s level can be anywhere from a 6.5 to a 7.5.

Also, it’s important for dog owners to understand that dog shampoos and conditioners are formulated especially for a dog’s pH levels. This is why it’s not a good idea to use human shampoo on your dog because it can irritate their skin. If you’ve noticed in the past that your pet’s skin is easily irritated when you bathe your Goldendoodle puppy, you may want to choose a dog shampoo that is specially formulated for pet’s with sensitive skin.

Anti-fungal Shampoos and Conditioners

Yeast is a fungus that naturally grows on a dog’s skin. When the dog’s pH levels are balanced, yeast stays in check and is beneficial to the health of the skin. But sometimes, yeast can grow out of control and cause a painful, itchy, and irritating skin infection.

What causes yeast to grow? Hot, humid weather and feeding the dog food that is high in sugar or fructose can trigger and feed a yeast infection. Dogs who’ve recently undergone surgery, or who’ve been sick can have a lowered immune system, and yeast can seize the opportunity to grow. Signs that your dog has a yeast infection include excessive scratching, rubbing, and chewing or licking their paws. As always, you should talk to your dog’s vet and get a definitive diagnosis of yeast before you treat your dog. If your dog has a yeast infection or is prone to getting yeast in the summertime, you might want to purchase a high-quality antifungal dog shampoo for your Goldendoodle.

Shedding Control

All dog breeds shed to some degree. But, your Goldendoodle is part poodle, which is a breed famous for its low-shedding qualities. Your Goldendoodle will probably shed more during the spring and summer months when it gets rid of its winter coat. But for the most part, Goldendoodles shed very little.

Excess shedding in a Goldendoodle, however, is cause for concern. The dog could have a hormonal imbalance or is stressed or sick. If your Goldendoodle is shedding far more than usual, please consult a vet asap. The dog might need medication, or the vet can recommend a shampoo that controls excess shedding.

Dandruff Control

Dogs can get dandruff just like humans. Dandruff is when the skin becomes flakey, and pieces of the skin fall off in little white flakes. Although dandruff is common, it’s not normal, and it could be a sign of a severe thyroid disorder. Most of the time though, dandruff is caused by dry skin, low humidity, and a lack of proper nutrients n the dog’s diet. Always feed your Goldendoodle high-quality kibble to prevent dandruff or other health issues.

The Goldendoodle has fur similar to a poodle. It is curly and kinky, and healthy skin shedding can become trapped in the coat, close to the surface of the skin, and can give the appearance of dandruff. Brushing your Goldendoodle daily can prevent the appearance of dandruff and get rid of mats and knots. There are also specially-formulated Goldendoodle dandruff shampoos you can use on your pet.

Deodorizing Goldendoodle Shampoo

Goldendoodles have a beautiful coat, but unfortunately, this breed’s coat is prone to trapping odors. While a Goldendoodle’s coat is ideal for people who are allergy prone, those same qualities also make the coat ideal for trapping odors.

The Goldendoodle’s skin emits an oily substance that protects the skin from drying out. But since the Goldendoodle’s fur is kinky and curly, this oil can quickly build up and become smelly. If you’re tired of your Goldendoodle smelling soon after he comes home from the groomers, there are special, deodorizing Goldendoodle shampoos you can buy and use for bathing your Goldendoodle between professional grooming sessions. Just make sure that the shampoo is also moisturizing because drying out your Goldendoodle’s skin and coat can cause other problems.

Top 5 Tips for Keeping Your Goldendoodle’s Coat Clean and Healthy

While the Goldendoodle is a separate, hybrid dog breed, there are two different subtypes of the Goldendoodle breed, and they both have slightly different coats and grooming needs.

F1B Goldendoodles are 25% golden retriever and 75% poodle. Since this particular type of Goldendoodle is more poodle-like, they are virtually non-shedding. F1 Goldendoodles are half golden retriever and half poodle and will shed more than their F1B counterparts. You’ll want to groom your Goldendoodle at least three times per week, and some dogs may require more frequent grooming. If you have an F1B Goldendoodle, the fur that does shed can quickly become trapped close to the skin. You’ll most likely need to brush this breed of Goldendoodle more frequently to prevent matting and to distribute the natural oils on the dog’s skin evenly.

1. Brush your dog at least three times per week.

Failing to brush your dog as often as she needs can make the coat look dull and lifeless. The Goldendoodle coat is also prone to matting and tangles. If you don’t untangle the fur soon after a knot forms, the knot can become tightly twisted, painful, and in a worst case scenario, become infected. Brushing also helps distribute skin oils and can cut down on any odors and dandruff. Evenly spreading the oils will also make the coat look shiny and soft.

2. Use a Slicker Brush

Brush your Goldendoodle’s fur all over with a slicker brush, including their tail and underarms. If you come across any mats or tangles that won’t come out with the slicker brush, you should remove them with grooming scissors or dog clippers. Then, use a metal comb brush. If you come across any tangles, start at the ends of the fur and gradually move up toward the dog’s skin.

3. Shave Problem Areas

The Goldendoodle has tangle-prone fur, and you will have to shave certain areas of your pet. Not shaving your pet in these areas can lead to mats and infections. The Goldendoodle’s stomach, genital area, anus, and the area an inch below the dog’s ear canal should all be shaved.

4. Remove Fur in the Ears

5. Bathing

You should bathe your Goldendoodle at least once every three months. Some people will wash their Goldendoodle once per week, but it’s important to use gentle, moisturizing shampoos on the dog. When applying shampoo and conditioner, do not ruffle or use circular motions on the fur. This can create tangles. Instead, work the product into the dog’s coat in a single direction. When drying your Goldendoodle, pat the coat dry. Don’t rub or ruffle the fur.

What is the best Goldendoodle shampoo?

Our 2024 Picks: Best Dog Shampoo for Goldendoodles
Rank	Dog Shampoo	Price	Rating
Top Choice	Buddy Wash Refreshing Rosemary and Mint Dog Shampoo and Conditioner Buy Online Customer Reviews	$	A+
#2	4-legger Organic, Hypo-allergenic, Lemongrass, and Aloe Shampoo Buy Online Customer Reviews	$	A
#3	Veterinary Formula Solutions Snow White Whitening Shampoo for Dogs and Cats Buy Online Customer Reviews	$	A
#4	Nature’s Miracle Supreme Odor Control Natural Puppy Shampoo and Conditioner Buy Online Customer Reviews	$	A
#5	Jax n Daisy Antifungal and Antibacterial Dog Shampoo Buy Online Customer Reviews	$$	A-

The best Goldendoodle shampoo for 2024 is…

Buddy Wash Refreshing Rosemary and Mint Dog Shampoo and Conditioner

Key Benefits:

• This is a convenient, two-in-one formula.
• The formula uses natural whey protein, a deodorizer.
• It is all-natural and free from harsh soaps that can irritate the Goldendoodle’s skin.

Buddy Wash Refreshing Rosemary and Mint Dog Shampoo and Conditioner is perfect for the Goldendoodle’s special, unique coat. The formula is coconut-based for extra moisturization, and the recipe is all-natural and tested on humans, not animals. Many inferior dog shampoo products can burn and sting human skin, but not Buddy Wash. Natural whey protein is safe for adult dogs and puppies twelve weeks and older, leaving your odor-prone Goldendoodle smelling fresh and clean.

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

Pros: The all-natural formula is safe for dogs twelve weeks and older, and it’s a gentle, non-stinging formula. If you accidentally get it in your dog’s eyes, it won’t hurt them.

Cons: The formula does not have anti-fungal or microbial properties. If your Goldendoodle has a yeast infection or is prone to them, you might want to try a different shampoo for Goldendoodles.

The Runner-up:

In second place for best dog shampoo for Goldendoodles is…

4-legger Organic, Hypo-allergenic, Lemongrass, and Aloe Shampoo

Key Benefits:

• The shampoo is free from parabens and synthetic chemicals that can dull your Goldendoodle’s coat.
• The formula uses an essential-oil blend that won’t strip the dog’s skin of natural moisturizing oils. Their coat will be shiny and soft, and they won’t feel itchy after a bath.
• For Goldendoodles with fungal infections, this formula is ideal because it has antifungal and antibacterial properties that can treat yeast.

What are the pros and cons of 4-legger shampoo for dogs?

Pros: The formula is an excellent choice for dogs prone to yeast overgrowth or other fungal infections. The formula is also easy-to-rinse, so you won’t risk leaving behind soap residue that can irritate and dry out your dog’s skin.

Cons: This dog shampoo is not a two-in-one formula, and it isn’t safe for the dog’s eyes. If you accidentally get it in your dog’s eyes, rinse it out immediately.

5 Tips for Bathing Your Goldendoodle

1. Brush the dog first. Get out all of the tangles before you get the dog’s fur wet. Otherwise, you can make the tangles worse, and unbrushed fur is harder to get wet and work the product through.
2. Put cotton balls in the dog’s ears. This will prevent water from getting into the ear canal. Just don’t forget to take the cotton out once the bath is over.
3. Put a towel or non-slip surface at the bottom of the tub, so your Goldendoodle doesn’t lose their footing and get hurt.
4. Don’t rub or ruffle the dog’s fur while you’re working in the product, rinsing out the product, and drying your dog’s coat. Use a single motion and pat down the hair when drying the dog.
5. When you blow dry your Goldendoodle, brush the fur in the direction of the hair growth instead of using your hands while blow drying the dog. This will prevent knots from forming and make the dog’s coat look shiny, clean, and healthy.

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

Maybe you can’t stand the smell of rosemary or don’t want to risk using a shampoo that can sting your dog’s eyes. Below are a few other top-rated dog shampoos you can check out for your furry friend:

• Veterinary Formula Solutions Snow White Whitening Shampoo for Dogs and Cats
• Nature’s Miracle Supreme Odor Control Natural Puppy Shampoo and Conditioner
• Jax n Daisy Antifungal and Antibacterial Dog Shampoo

FAQ for Bathing Your Goldendoodle

• How soon can I wait to bathe my Goldendoodle puppy once I bring him home?

Your puppy will be a little nervous after you bring him home. Stress can make the dog prone to sickness and infection, or cause behavioral issues. It’s best to wait at least a week to bathe your puppy after he moves in with you. Talk to him in an excited voice when you wash him, so he is relaxed and picks up on your happiness cues.

• Can I use human shampoo on my Goldendoodle?

No, it’s not a good idea to use soaps intended for humans on a pet. Human shampoos can sting and irritate the dog’s skin or burn their eyes. Always use a dog shampoo for your Goldendoodle.

• How should I wash my Goldendoodle’s face?

Soak a washcloth in lukewarm water, and gently wipe the dog’s face. You can forego using shampoo on the washcloth if your dog’s face isn’t too dirty or smelly. If it is, try to use tear-free shampoo on the washcloth. You can lather up specific areas of the dog’s face with a toothbrush to avoid getting suds in the dog’s eyes. Consider using an applicator bottle to apply soap to targeted areas of the dog’s face if using a washcloth is too risky.

• How can I rinse out the shampoo and conditioner?

The Goldendoodle’s curly, spongy coat can make it hard to rinse. But rinsing thoroughly is crucial to the coat and skin’s appearance and health. You’ll need to rinse the coat out several times with a shower hose to remove all traces of soap and suds. Rinse your dog front to back to avoid getting water into his eyes.

Goldendoodles have some of the sunniest dispositions of all dog breeds. To keep your Goldendoodle happy and healthy, always use a high-quality shampoo that’s specially formulated for dogs. The next time you bathe your Goldendoodle, consider trying one of the best-smelling shampoos for Goldendoodles listed in this article.