6 Best Shampoos For a Pomeranian: 2024 Buyers Guide
Contents of Article
If you watch dog shows you have probably seen Pomeranians in full show coat. The standard for the breed calls for Poms to have a double coat with a short, dense undercoat. The outer coat is longer with a harsher texture. Pomeranians are a spitz breed from a northern, Arctic region. At one time they were larger and worked as herding and sledding dogs. After they became popular as pets they were bred to be smaller but they kept their profuse spitz coat. Their tail is heavily plumed and is a characteristic of the breed. It is high and lies flat on the dog’s back.
If you’re a pet owner you may or may not have time to take care of your Pom’s full coat. The American Pomeranian Club recommends brushing your Pom a couple of times per week to remove any shedding hair and prevent matting. You may also need to trim the hair between your dog’s toes to keep it from matting. You should also trim the hair close to your dog’s anus for the sake of cleanliness. (Be careful trimming in this delicate area so you don’t accidentally cut your dog.)
| Sneak Peek : Best Pomeranian Shampoos of 2024 | |||
| Rank | Product | Price | Rating |
| Overall Best |
 |
$$ |
A+
|
| #2 |
 Buddy Wash Original Lavender & Mint Dog Shampoo & Conditioner |
$ |
A-
|
| #3 |
 4-Legger Organic, Hypo-Allergenic, Lemongrass & Aloe Dog Shampoo |
$$$ |
A
|
If you don’t have time to brush and groom your Pomeranian regularly, you may want to consider keeping your dog trimmed à la Boo’s cute hair cut or another trim for a toy dog. There are many good professional pet groomers who can trim your Pom every couple of months and keep him looking nice. You can talk to the groomer about the kind of trim you would like for your Pom.
If you’re grooming your Pomeranian yourself, you will need to find a good shampoo, conditioner, and other grooming products. Breeders, professional groomers, and dog handlers all have their favorites but they are not always good choices for pet owners. Show dogs, in particular, are often groomed daily and bathed a couple of times per week. Sometimes heavy conditioners are used that would not be a good choice for a pet since they can pick up lots of dirt if kept on the dog for more than a day. Many of these products contain lots of chemicals. They may not be natural or organic products which are often favored by pet owners. Some pro products are also outrageously expensive. In other cases, professionals with years of grooming experience can safely use some products that wouldn’t be recommended for pet owners to use. For example, a professional dog handler may sometimes use human shampoo to cut through some of the heavy conditioners that can build up on a show dog’s coat. You wouldn’t want to use human shampoo on your pet Pomeranian’s coat, as a rule, because the pH of human shampoo is very different from a dog’s pH.
Since the Pomeranian is such a popular breed today there are many good shampoos and other products made for them. Not all products will specifically say they are made for Pomeranians, however. If your Pom needs help with sensitive skin, there are soothing shampoos and shampoos that are made with natural ingredients so they will be extra gentle. There are shampoos for dogs, like the Pomeranian and other spitz breeds, with dense double coats. And there are shampoos if your Pom needs help with fleas and ticks.
Some Pomeranians can also be prone to a skin problem called Alopecia X or black skin disease. It’s also known as wooly coat or severe hair loss syndrome. The exact causes of the disease are unknown, though there is research being done to identify the cause. Alopecia X typically affects adult Pomeranaians (and a few other breeds). In addition to working with your veterinarian, there are some shampoos and conditioners that can help your dog, especially if she has any itching from this condition.
Here’s a look at shampoos and other products that can be good for your Pomeranian.
What to look for in a good shampoo for your Pomeranian
Pomeranians have a spectacular coat that comes in lots of different colors but it can take a lot of brushing and care to keep it fluffy and tangle-free. Like other spitz breeds they have a double coat. The under coat is short, dense, and soft like a down blanket. When Poms lived in the Arctic region this under coat helped to insulate them and keep them warm. The outer coat, which is what we normally see, feels harsher and longer. It is profuse and Poms have a “ruff” around their neck something like a lion’s mane. Their harsh outer coat helped to protect them from snow and rain. Dirt and other small debris would roll off the coat easily. The same is true today though most Poms don’t spend much time in the snow or getting dirty outside these days.
As with other dogs, the skin produces oil that helps keep it smooth and healthy. When you brush your dog’s coat the oil is spread throughout the fur. Brushing stimulates the skin to produce this oil, encouraging new hair growth and making the fur look good.
Good dog shampoos should gently remove excess oil and dirt from your dog’s coat without stripping away all of the natural oils. If a shampoo is too harsh, it will remove too much of this protective oil from your dog’s skin which can lead to itching and cracked, dry skin. This can also lead to skin problems. So, while you want a shampoo to clean your dog’s coat, it should be gentle enough that your dog’s skin is still supple and smooth. A shampoo that’s too harsh will open the cuticle of your dog’s hair and leave it in poor condition. This often happens with some of the cheaper shampoos. Natural and plant-based shampoos are often a good choice to avoid stripping all of the natural oils from your Pomeranian’s coat.
On the other hand, if a shampoo doesn’t clean well enough it will leave too much oil behind. In that case your Pomeranian’s coat will look dull and dirty even after his bath. His fur may be limp or greasy-looking because the shampoo has not really cleaned his coat. The same thing can happen if you use a heavy conditioner or too much conditioner without rinsing it out well.
Leaving behind shampoo or conditioner in your dog’s coat without rinsing them out thoroughly can also result in itchy skin which leads to scratching and skin problems. Be careful to rinse thoroughly whenever you use products on your dog.
When considering shampoos you also need to check the pH. A dog’s skin is much more alkaline than human skin. Human shampoos (and lower quality pet shampoos) can have a pH around 4.5 to 5.5 but this is too acidic for your Pomeranian. A good shampoo for your Pom should have a pH around 6 to 7. Using a shampoo with a lower pH can irritate your dog’s skin. It can make it dry and lead to skin infections, as well as stripping the coat of oil and leaving it looking dull.
Shampoos that are natural and free of chemicals can be good for your Pomeranaian, especially if your dog doesn’t have any special skin problems that need medications. Some pet owners may prefer organic ingredients. Some chemical ingredients in shampoos are hard to wash out of your dog’s coat so they can make your dog feel itchy. If your dog licks them off his fur they can lead to stomach upset. Try to avoid ingredients such as phosphates, parabens and methylparabens, and phthalates.
Other ingredients used in some shampoos have been linked to cancer in some studies. Since your Pomerananian is likely to lick his fur (like any dog), that means he could ingest these chemicals. Some of these chemicals to avoid include artificial coloring such as D&C, FD&C, or Yellow 5. You should also try to avoid Cocomide DEA or MEA. Cocomide DEA and MEA are from coconut, yes, but they are altered in a dangerous way. The same is true about Cocamidopropyl Betaine. The ingredients doazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea or quarternium-15 release formaldehyde. Isopropyl or rubbing alcohol turns into acetone in the body. It can also be listed as isopropanol, 2-propanol, and propyl. Another ingredient to avoid is Methylchloroisothiazolinone – a known carcinogen. There are others but these are some of the most common and most dangerous.
A good shampoo for dogs should rinse out of the coat easily. You may not think this is important but a shampoo that leaves a residue on your dog’s coat makes it look lifeless. It can make your dog’s skin feel itchy which can lead to scratching and skin problems. Shampoos that are hard to rinse out are often oil-based. Along with these issues, if a shampoo leaves a residue, it means your dog can lick it off his fur.
The bottom line: Look for a good quality shampoo for your Pom that is gentle with a pH between 6 and 7. It should rinse out easily. Natural ingredients are preferable unless your dog needs a medicated shampoo.
Different Kinds of Shampoo for your Pomeranian
There is no shortage of dog shampoos today. Even though most Pomeranians have similar coats, it’s important to realize that your dog is an individual so you need to choose a shampoo that suits him. Even if you have had a Pom in the past, what worked for one dog may not be the best shampoo for another Pomeranian.
As long as your Pom doesn’t have any skin or coat problems you can use a basic shampoo and conditioner. Many people also recommend using a good leave-in conditioner or detangler after the bath to help your Pom’s coat stay looking nice between baths. Colognes are optional. Most dogs don’t really like them and bathing products usually have some kind of scent of their own. If your Pomeranian needs a little freshening between baths, you could apply a little spritz of scent midway between baths. Keep in mind that anything you put on your dog’s coat can be ingested when he licks his fur so be careful about what you apply.
There are also good shampoos made for dogs with sensitive skin. These shampoos often have oatmeal and other ingredients to help soothe the skin. They usually avoid the kind of chemicals that are known for skin irritation.
If your dog has allergies, a hypoallergenic shampoo can be a good choice. These shampoos help soothe skin that is itchy, red, and irritated. Some of them can have healing ingredients. If your dog has a severe allergy problem you may need to talk to your vet about medicated shampoos that can help with itching and healing the skin. Dogs with allergies often scratch themselves which can lead to sores, coat damage, and hair loss.
If your Pom has Alopecia X or black skin disease, you should definitely talk to your veterinarian. There is no cure for this condition but there are treatments, including prescription shampoos to help with new hair growth.
There are also shampoos with color enhancers or brighteners. Make sure you read the ingredients carefully if you choose one of these shampoos for your Pomeranian since they can be stronger than ordinary shampoos and contain chemicals. You should also make sure you use a good conditioner to keep your dog’s coat healthy. We would suggest only using these shampoos occasionally.
If your Pomeranian picks up some fleas or ticks, there are plenty of flea and tick shampoos available. You have your choice of products that range from natural ingredients to shampoos that contain pesticides. You need to get rid of the pests but do be careful about using products that might be too harsh on your Pom’s skin. Before buying a flea and tick shampoo, we would suggest talking to your veterinarian so you are aware of all of the options for getting rid of fleas and ticks today. You might decide to use a topical flea treatment or a one-time pill instead of using a shampoo, for example. There are also flea and tick control products that work with heartworm medications, if that would work for your Pom.
If you have a puppy or a senior dog, many people like 2-in-1 shampoos. When you use a 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner, your dog doesn’t have to spend as much time in the bath. There’s only one application and one rinse. This can be a real bonus, especially if you have an elderly dog. Waterless shampoos are another good choice if you have an old dog or a dog with health problems.
If you’ve given a puppy a bath then you probably know how wiggly they can be. It’s very easy to accidentally get shampoo in their eyes. Puppy shampoos are often formulated to be especially mild. Even if you get shampoo in your puppy’s eyes the shampoo won’t hurt him or cause tears. These shampoos are also very gentle on the skin and coat.
In the rare event that your Pomeranian is stinky and smelly – say he encounters a skunk or rolls in something noxious in your yard – there are good neutralizing and deodorizing shampoos. These shampoos are specially made to get rid of bad odors on your dog.
Most dog shampoos today come in a ready-to-use, 16-ounce size. This is usually a good size if you have one Pomeranian. You can also buy gallon jugs of shampoo (concentrated) if you bathe your dog often or if you have multiple dogs. These products have to be diluted but they are economical in the long run if you will be using a lot of shampoo. Expect shampoos that use natural and organic ingredients to cost a little more. Some well-known, popular brands can also be more expensive.
Overall Best Shampoo for a Pomeranian
Professional groomers and dog show handlers often have their favorite shampoos and grooming products. Brands such as Best Shot, Quadruped, Espree, and Isle of Dogs are often favored. We checked with groomers, handlers, and breeders and recommend the following shampoos for bathing and grooming your Pomeranian at home.
Earthbath Oatmeal & Aloe Dog & Cat Shampoo
The Earthbath line of products is popular with many Pom owners. Pomeranians can sometimes have dry skin which makes this oatmeal and aloe formula shampoo especially appealing. It’s also soap-free and especially made for dogs with dry, itchy skin. It re-moisturizes and soothes dry skin, cracked skin and reduces itching. This formula is 100 percent biodegradable and it’s paraben. pthalates, and phosphate-free. No synthetic dyes or perfumes. Made in the U.S. This is our number one pick for Pomeranians but we can also recommend other Earthbath products.
5 More Top Quality Shampoos for Pomeranians
There are several other top quality shampoos you may wish to consider for your Pom. Here are some that we really like.
| The Scoop : Best Pomeranian Shampoos of 2024 | |||
| Rank | Product | Price | Rating |
| Overall Best |
|
$$ |
A+
|
| #2 |
Buddy Wash Original Lavender & Mint Dog Shampoo & Conditioner |
$ |
A-
|
| #3 |
4-Legger Organic, Hypo-Allergenic, Lemongrass & Aloe Dog Shampoo |
$$$ |
A
|
| #4 |
 PetAg Fresh ‘N Clean Scented Dog Shampoo, Classic Fresh Scent |
$ |
B+
|
| #5 |
 TropiClean Luxury 2 in 1 Papaya & Coconut Pet Shampoo and Conditioner |
$$$ |
A-
|
| #6 |
 |
$$ |
A
|
Buddy Wash Original Lavender & Mint Dog Shampoo & Conditioner
Buddy Wash Original Lavender & Mint Dog Shampoo & Conditioner is a top seller on Chewy.com. It’s a 2-in-1 product which is always nice for dogs and owners since it means half the time in the bath and half the work. It also comes in Relaxing Green Tea & Bergamot formula. Buddy Wash uses natural, cosmetic-grade ingredients, including botanical extracts and essential oils instead of harsh cleansers. It’s all-natural and soap-free. The shampoo makes a rich lather that rinses out easily. This lavender and mint formula includes aloe vera and tea tree oil to help soothe irritated skin. And it contains no alcohol so it won’t burn your Pom’s skin. It’s safe to bathe your Pomeranian often with this formula. The company uses no animal testing. Made in the U.S.
4-Legger Organic, Hypo-Allergenic, Lemongrass & Aloe Dog Shampoo
Another shampoo we like for Pomeranians is 4-Legger Organic, Hypo-Allergenic, Lemongrass & Aloe Dog Shampoo. This shampoo is all natural and certified organic. It’s also non-toxic, biodegradable, vegan, and cruelty-free. Made in the U.S. Plus it has no detergents or sulfates and no synthetics. It’s also naturally deodorizing and naturally moisturizing. This is a very natural shampoo for your Pomeranaian. It has lemongrass and aloe vera as cleansers which work well for dogs with all kinds of skin issues including dry, itchy skin and allergies. Plus, it has organic oils and essential oils to soothe your dog’s skin. It lathers and rinses out easily and it won’t remove topical flea treatments. This is a concentrated formula so it only takes a little to bathe your dog.
PetAg Fresh ‘N Clean Scented Dog Shampoo, Classic Fresh Scent
PetAg has a whole line of popular dog shampoo products. Their Fresh ‘N Clean Scented Dog Shampoo, with the Classic Fresh Scent, is an old favorite. It’s used by dog groomers and pet owners alike. It’s soap-free and pH-balanced with gentle, plant-based cleansers. It moisturizes the coat to detangle it and nourish your dog’s fur with extra conditioners. Vitamin E and aloe juice keep your dog’s coat shiny and manageable. The scent is fresh and lasts for up to two weeks.
TropiClean Luxury 2 in 1 Papaya & Coconut Pet Shampoo and Conditioner
We can also recommend Tropiclean Luxury 2-in1 Papaya & Coconut Pet Shampoo and Conditioner. TropiClean is another brand that has lots of good shampoos and conditioners. This product cleans and moisturizes your Pomeranians coat so it’s easy to brush. It nourishes dry skin and conditions the coat. And it leaves your dog’s coat smelling good. It’s soap-free and doesn’t remove topical free or tick treatments. Made in the U.S. If you or your dog don’t like the papaya and coconut formula, TropiClean has lots of other formulas.
Isle of Dogs Lush Coating Shampoo for Dogs
Isle of Dogs products have long been favorites with professional groomers, dog handlers, and breeders. They are becoming more well-known to pet lovers now. Isle of Dogs Lush Coating Shampoo creates a full, lush feel to your Pomeranian’s coat, making it stand up and appear thicker. It removes dirt, grime, and odor. Plus, it extends time between baths. This formula has a signataure Violet and Sea Mist fragrance. Isle of Dogs has lots of good products including an oatmeal formula to soothe dry skin and a gentle cleansing formula so if your dog needs one of those formulas, check them out.
Conclusion
You have lots of choices when it comes to shampoos for your Pomeranian today. When deciding on a shampoo, consider your dog’s skin and coat. Look at shampoos with natural ingredients and see if they can get the job done. Or, does your dog need a medicated shampoo? Do you need a flea and tick shampoo or something for allergies? Once you have assessed what kind of shampoo your dog needs, you should be able to find a good shampoo. With regular grooming and baths, your little Pom should look awesome!
