5 Best Dog Shampoos and Conditioners for Havanese Dogs in 2024

Loving eyes, cuddly demeanor and, perhaps the most obvious, silky hair, which can only remain silky by using the best shampoo for Havanese pups.

And what is the best shampoo for a Havanese? Well, it primarily needs to be formulated to cater to the particularities of your dog’s coat. And, here we’re talking about a rather long fur that requires quite a bit of grooming. Havaneses have to be bathed and brushed regularly to maintain the health of their fur. But, just like for humans with long hair, it can be quite a difficult thing to do without the proper shampoo and conditioner.

The wrong products can mean tangles, which can be so hard to comb through you’ll end up having to cut them off, which the AKC doesn’t recommend.

But fear not, in this article we’ll cover the 5 best shampoos and conditioners for your pup.

Havanese Shampoos: The Types

In a typical household, you’ll probably have multiple brands of shampoo in the bathroom. Different family members have different needs. Some require extra volume, others have a dandruff problem. It’s the same for dogs too, and you should choose the shampoo based on the needs of your Havanese. Here are the different types:

Sensitive Skin

Shampoos for sensitive skin (or hypoallergenic, as they’re also called) are generally designed for pups with dry skin, thus avoiding sensations of itching or even rashes. Most of these bottles are made without harsh soaps and use organic ingredients that won’t harm the pup, while also thoroughly cleaning the coat and giving it a shine. Some of these brands also contain anti-inflammatory ingredients that can soothe already irritated skin.

A lot of people believe that using baby shampoo is a good alternative to dog shampoo, even for those with sensitive skin, since it’s not as harsh as normal brands. That is not the case. Baby shampoo still does not have the right pH balance and can dry the pup’s skin.

Anti-Fungal

Havaneses are known to be a bit more sensitive to bacteria than the average dog. In fact, the most common health issue for this breed is chronic allergies that can cause some form of skin problems. If that’s the case for yours, then you might want to consider an anti-fungal shampoo that you can also use as treatment if your pup as a skin yeast infection.

Shedding Control

Havaneses, believe it or not, don’t shed as much as other breeds, even if by looking at their coat you’d expect the opposite. But of course, that doesn’t mean you’ll never see any dog hairs around the house, or that your pup doesn’t shed.

Shedding control shampoos don’t exactly prevent shedding from happening, but they’re better at washing away the loose hair from the coat, and decreasing the amount the Havanese will shed through the house.

Dandruff Control

Bacterial or fungal infections in Havaneses can sometimes cause dandruff. Like for people, you can treat with a dandruff control shampoo. Don’t be tempted to use human shampoo to treat your pup’s dandruff, as those can affect their oil and pH balance, creating other skin conditions in the process.

Deodorizing

The Havanese don’t generally produce smells, though on occasion their skin may have some secretions that give off a strange or unpleasant scent. Or your pup just likes to get dirty a lot. In any case, a deodorizing shampoo will take care of that, and you can rest assured that the strength of the fresh fragrance won’t bother the dog in any way. So, have a look around for the best smelling shampoo for Havanese.

5 Tips on Keeping your Havanese’s Coat Clean and Healthy

1. Bathe Them Frequently and Create a Routine

The Havanese needs a regular routine for bathing and grooming, and it’s best you get them used to the process early on to avoid fusses every time bath time comes around. Because of its rich double coat, you should give your dog baths even as frequently as once a week, though if their routine is not that active or involving places where they can get very dirty, you could do it less often. But the golden rule is you should never go more than three weeks without a bath.

2. Take Them to the Pros

The Havanese should be professionally pampered by a dog groomer at least once every 2 months or so, even more frequently if you don’t have a defined grooming routine at home. They’ll take care of your pup’s coat, nails, and even let you know if there’s something extra you should do to maintain the coat’s health.

Again, it’s best you do this while the dog is still young so they can get used to the process. Havaneses can be a bit fussy during the grooming process, but if you always take them to a groomer they know and trust, it can be easier for everyone.

3. Brush Daily

You should brush your dog several times a week, once after a bath and the coat is dry, and then an additional 1-2 times during the week. That will help keep tangles at bay and remove any excess hairs from the coat.

The “weapon” of choice here should be a soft slicker brush, but you could also get the job done with a pin brush as well. Section the dog’s hair and follow the lines gently with the comb. If there are knots, don’t try to rough the comb through, as that can break the hair and hurt the dog. Instead, try manually untangling the knot, or go to a professional groomer to fix it.

4. Switch up Their Diet

When they look at you with their adorable little faces you just can’t help but give them a piece of your doughnut, right? Well, just know that the food your dog eats has a lot to say about their overall health, and their coat too.

Some dog foods have ingredients that bring extra nutrients for your dog’s hair so you might want to consider adding them to the Havanese’s diet, even if occasionally. If you notice some issues with the coat, take the dog to a vet as soon as you can, as it may be an indicator of health problems.

5. Look for Breed-Specific Shampoos

The Absolute Best Shampoo for Havanese Dogs

Our 2024 Picks: Best Dog Shampoo for Havanese
Rank	Dog Shampoo	Price	Rating
Top Choice	Buddy Wash Original Lavender & Mint Dog Shampoo & Conditioner Buy Online Customer Reviews	$	A+
#2	4-Legger Organic, Hypo-Allergenic, Lemongrass & Aloe Dog Shampoo Buy Online Customer Reviews	$$	A+
#3	Nature’s Miracle Supreme Odor Control Natural Puppy Shampoo & Conditioner Buy Online Customer Reviews	$	A
#4	FURminator DeShedding Ultra Premium Shampoo For Dogs Buy Online Customer Reviews	$	A
#5	Zesty Paws Oatmeal Anti-Itch Dog Shampoo with Aloe Vera & Vitamin E Buy Online Customer Reviews	$$	A-

Drum roll, please: the best shampoo and conditioner for your Havanese in 2024 is the…

Buddy Wash Original Lavender & Mint Dog Shampoo & Conditioner

Here are the key benefits of this bottle:

• Is soap-free, so perfect for pups with sensitive skin;
• The shampoo and conditioner formula makes rinsing a lot easier;
• The fragrance of natural lavender and mint is subtle and pleasant.

This made in the USA product is cruelty-free and can save you a lot of hassle when bathing your Havanese pup. Because of its 2 in 1 formula, you can save a lot of time while bathing your dog, and the entire rinsing process is made simpler than with other products. In the end, your job is a lot easier, and the coat of your pup is left smelling fresh and with a nice shine.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Using This Shampoo for Your Havanese?

Pros: This shampoo is great for sensitive skin and free of any harsh chemicals or alcohol, so you can even use it for young pups. The rinsing process is easy, and you’ll be able to maintain your dog’s grooming needs.

Cons: If your dog is too sensitive to smells, then this shampoo might not be the best choice. The mixture of lavender and mint can prove too strong and bother your Havanese.

Runner Up – Still a Great Choice

For the second place, you have the…

4-Legger Organic, Hypo-Allergenic, Lemongrass & Aloe Dog Shampoo

Here are its key benefits:

• Has an oil blend that moisturizes the coat without stripping it of its natural oils;
• Has antibacterial, anti-fungal, and pest-deterrent properties;
• Is non-toxic and eco-friendly.

There isn’t an artificial bone in this shampoo’s body. The formula is completely organic, so it’s great even for sensitive skins that don’t react well to certain chemicals. In terms of the coat, the natural oils will give it a nice shine, and the hair will feel very smooth after every bath.

What Are the Pros and Cons of This Shampoo for Your Havanese?

Pros: Perfect if your dog’s skin is sensitive or even allergic to chemical substances. Its antibacterial properties also make it a good choice for Havanese, who are known to have some issues with how quickly they can contact infections.

Cons: Since it’s made with organic oils, expect a rather strong fragrance, particularly because of the lemongrass. Moreover, unlike Buddy Wash, you’ll have to be extra careful not to get any shampoo in your dog’s eyes.

5 Tips on Bathing your Havanese Like a Pro

• Give your pup a quick brushing before, to make it easier to clean the coat;
• Wet the fur entirely and then apply the shampoo by squeezing it through the coat while going downward, until you get the shampoo throughout most of your dog’s coat.
• Circular motions for washing or even drying will just create more tangles in the dog’s coat, so it’s best to stick with downward motions when giving your Havanese a bath;
• Be especially careful during the rinsing process to wash away all traces of the products. Left-in shampoo and conditioner could make the skin feel itchy.
• Squeeze out how much water retained in the fur you can, and then place your pup on a big towel. Gently tap the fur with the towel, and then let your dog shake off any excess water (and hide for cover). Use a different towel to then dry the fur, with only downward motions.

3 More Top Rated Dog Shampoos for Havanese Dogs

If the two top selections aren’t right for your dog, here are three alternatives you should really consider:

• Nature’s Miracle Supreme Odor Control Natural Puppy Shampoo & Conditioner – gentle formula, no-tears, soap-free, and deodorizing;
• FURminator DeShedding Ultra Premium Shampoo For Dogs – can reduce shredding, the formula includes Omega 3 & 6 Fatty acids;
• Zesty Paws Oatmeal Anti-Itch Dog Shampoo with Aloe Vera & Vitamin E – antifungal and antibacterial, suitable for dogs of all ages;

FAQ Regarding Bathing a Havanese

• How Often Should I Bathe My Havanese?

You should bathe your Havanese at least once a week, or no longer than once every three weeks. The frequency of bathing really depends on the pup’s normal activity. If it gets a lot of playtimes outside and regularly gets dirty, then you should give it a bath once a week. Frequent baths don’t harm the dog, as long as you use the right Havanese shampoo.

• How Should I Prepare for a Bath?

Always give the Havanese a good brushing before the bath. It’s possible the hairs are slightly tangled, particularly if you haven’t brushed or bathed the dog in a while. These tangles can make it difficult to properly clean the coat.

• Can I use Human Shampoo on My Havanese?

No. Human shampoo is far too acidic and rough on a dog’s skin and can cause it to dehydrate. If the Havanese’s skin is dehydrated, it can become prone to bacterial infections or parasites. You should only wash the pup with shampoo for dogs, and ideally with breed specific formulas that can help keep the coat and skin healthy.

• Do I Need to Blow Dry Its Hair?

It’s not mandatory, but many owners include blow drying the coat in the process of grooming. That way they can make sure the puppy’s coat is tangle-free after every bath. You can use your regular blow drier as well, but on a low setting since the feeling might be unpleasant for dogs.

• How Should I Wash the Face?

Gently lift the pup’s face with one hand and apply the shampoo, avoiding the eyes. Even if you use a no-tears shampoo, it’s best to be careful. Then, using lukewarm water, rinse all the product from the area.

A Healthy Coat Equals a Happy Pup

The coat can often have a lot to say about your Havanese’s health. Numerous studies show that various illnesses can show their first signs on the dog’s fur, so if you notice any sudden changes (like excess shedding, or even bald spots) you should take your dog to the vet as soon as possible.

But the right shampoo can help keep your dog healthy. A lot of these professional products cater to the overall health of the skin and hair. So, apart from your dog having a lovely, shiny coat, you can make sure it is also in perfect health.

As for the best shampoo to try for your Havanese, the answer for us is clear. For the next scheduled bath, try out the Buddy Wash Original Lavender & Mint Dog Shampoo & Conditioner for a shiny and tangle-free fur!