6 Best Dog Shampoos for Shedding: Our 2024 Guide
Contents of Article
- What is the Best Dog Shampoo for Shedding?
- 6 Reasons Why Dogs Shed Excessively
- 5 Things to Look for in a Good Shedding Shampoo for Dogs
- 6 Best Shedding Shampoos for Dogs
- 5 More Top Rated Shedding Shampoos for Dogs
- What is the difference between shedding and deshedding? Are both shampoos the same?
- FAQ Regarding Shedding Shampoos
As unpredictable as life can be, there is one thing that will always be true: dogs shed.
It is completely natural for your dog to shed to some degree. Your dog’s coat is constantly growing and renewing, so old and dead hairs must be shed to make room for new growth. It’s the same process your own hair goes through, though on a much larger scale.
Though shedding is normal for dogs, some breeds shed quite a bit – especially at certain times of year. There are also cases where a dog might shed excessively due to a health problem. Regular grooming is the key to keeping shedding to a minimum, but there are some other things you can do as well. Bathing your dog with a shampoo for shedding, for example, may help minimize shedding.
Keep reading to learn more about dog shampoos for shedding and to see our top picks.
What is the Best Dog Shampoo for Shedding?
- Furminator Deshedding Ultra Premium Shampoo for Dogs
- Earthbath Shed Control Green Tea & Awapuhi Dog Shampoo
- TropiClean Lime & Coconut Deshedding Dog Shampoo
- Nature’s Miracle Supreme Odor Control Natural Shed Control Shampoo
- Oster Oatmeal Essentials Shed Control Dog Shampoo
- Buddy Wash Original Lavender & Mint Dog Shampoo
6 Reasons Why Dogs Shed Excessively
There is no such thing as a dog that doesn’t shed except, of course, dogs that don’t have any hair to be shed. Even so-called non-shedding breeds like Poodles shed loose and dead hair; it just tends to get caught up in the breed’s curly coat instead of collecting all over your furniture.
But what causes a dog to shed more than usual?
Most dogs shed their winter coats in the spring to make room for the growth of a shorter, lighter coat for the summer. This is most commonly seen in double-coated breeds that have both a soft, downy undercoat and a harsh, protective overcoat. Even though breeds in this category shed their coats heavily during the spring and fall, they still shed a significant amount year-round.
Aside from seasonal shedding, here are 6 reasons why some dogs shed excessively:
- Allergies – Dogs have the potential to develop allergies to food, medications, and environmental allergens. If your dog suddenly starts to shed more, consider whether you’ve added something new to his routine such as a different dog food, a new medication, or a household chemical.
- Hormone Imbalance – Hypothyroidism is a condition that can cause your dog’s coat to become dry and brittle – it may also increase shedding. Other hormonal issues may be triggered by imbalances in estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone.
- Stress – Dogs are creatures of habit, so significant changes to your dog’s routine or living conditions may result in stress. Your dog can also be stressed by an unhealthy diet, familial conflict, neglect, and the loss of a family member.
- Pregnancy – It is normal for female dogs to lose some hair during pregnancy and lactation, but excessive hair loss during this period is cause for concern.
- Skin Conditions – There are many skin conditions which can cause increased shedding and hair loss. Mites, mange, dermatitis, ringworm, and bacterial or fungal skin infections are all examples of skin conditions that can affect how much your dog sheds.
- Mineral Deficiency – A properly balanced diet is the key to skin and coat health for dogs. In addition to plenty of healthy fats, your dog needs certain vitamins and minerals in his diet and, if he becomes deficient, it could result in excess shedding and hair loss.
If you’re concerned that your dog is shedding more than usual, it might be a good idea to take him to the vet. Your vet will be able to tell you whether the degree of shedding is normal or whether it is cause for concern. If it’s a problem, your vet will be able to determine and treat the underlying cause.
5 Things to Look for in a Good Shedding Shampoo for Dogs
Brushing your dog on a regular basis is one of the best things you can do to control shedding. Depending on the type of coat your dog has, you’ll need certain grooming tools. For dogs with double-coats, you might need an undercoat rake as well as a brush. For dogs with long or curly coats, you might need a specific type of brush.
In addition to grooming your dog on a regular basis, baths are an important step in controlling shedding – especially if you use a specially formulated dog shampoo to reduce shedding. Here are some important things to look for in a good shedding shampoo for dogs:
- Omega Fatty Acids – Your dog needs a balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in his diet for healthy skin and coat, but these ingredients can be added to shampoo as well. In addition to reducing shedding, omega fatty acids can help soothe skin allergies and other skin conditions.
- Vitamin E – This vitamin is a key ingredient in dog shampoo, not just for shedding. Vitamin E is essential for skin and coat health, so look for it in a good dog shampoo to reduce shedding.
- Moisturizers – Hydrating your dog’s skin and coat is important to keep it healthy which, in turn, will reduce shedding. Look for natural moisturizers like aloe vera and oatmeal.
- Deodorizers – Helping get rid of that “doggy” smell is an important quality in any dog shampoo, not just one for shedding. Just make sure the product contains natural deodorizers like coconut and herbal extracts, not synthetic fragrances.
- Natural Ingredients – When it comes to dog shampoo, you want a product that will improve the condition of your dog’s coat, not make it worse. Look for a shedding shampoo made with natural ingredients, not synthetic fragrances and chemicals.
6 Best Shedding Shampoos for Dogs
The best shedding shampoo for dogs will be made from natural ingredients and formulated to improve skin and coat. By improving the condition of your dog’s skin and coat, you can control problem shedding and make your life a lot easier. Here are our top 6 picks for the best shedding shampoo for dogs:
| Our 2024 Picks: Best Dog Shampoo for Shedding | |||
| Rank | Shampoo | Price | Rating |
|
Overall Best |
 |
$ |
A+
|
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#2 |
 |
$$ |
A+
|
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#3 |
 |
$ |
A
|
|
#4 |
 Nature’s Miracle Supreme Odor Control Natural Shed Control Shampoo & Conditioner |
$$ |
A
|
|
#5 |
 |
$$ |
A
|
|
#6 |
 |
$ |
A
|
Furminator Deshedding Ultra Premium Shampoo for Dogs
Overall Best Dog Shampoo for Shedding: If you’re looking for a dog shampoo specifically formulated to reduce shedding, try Furminator Deshedding Ultra Premium Shampoo for Dogs. This shampoo is affordably priced and is designed to promote healthy skin and coat to reduce shedding. It features natural ingredients like papaya leaf extract and calendula extract as well as a blend of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. This shampoo is completely free from artificial colors, chemical dyes, and parabens, plus it is made in the USA. To maximize the benefits of this shampoo, use it with other Furminator deshedding tools.
- Pros: Specifically designed to reduce shedding, natural ingredients, blend of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, no parabens or chemicals, made in the USA, promotes healthy skin and coat
- Cons: Needs to be left on for 5 to 10 minutes, scent could last longer
5 More Top Rated Shedding Shampoos for Dogs
If the shedding shampoo reviewed above doesn’t seem like the best fit for your dog, don’t worry – there are plenty of other options. Here are 5 more top-rated shedding shampoos for dogs:
Earthbath Shed Control Green Tea & Awapuhi Dog Shampoo
If you’re looking for the best dog shampoo for shedding and dry skin, we recommend Earthbath Shed Control Green Tea & Awapuhi Dog Shampoo. This all-natural dog shampoo is pH-balanced and soap-free, plus it is enriched with soothing moisturizers like aloe vera and shea butter. This shampoo is designed to control excessive shedding as well as dander while also repairing dry, flaky skin. It will replenish the natural nutrients in your dog’s skin and leave him smelling fresh.
TropiClean Lime & Coconut Deshedding Dog Shampoo
To reduce shedding and protect your dog’s skin and coat, we recommend TropiClean Lime & Coconut Deshedding Dog Shampoo. This shampoo is soap-free which means that it gently cleanses your dog’s coat and won’t interfere with flea and tick products. It contains a blend of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to promote skin and coat health, plus it contains oatmeal and coconut for moisture. It also comes in an eco-friendly bottle and contains pomegranate and awapuhi to reduce shedding and tangles.
Nature’s Miracle Supreme Odor Control Natural Shed Control Shampoo & Conditioner
If you’re looking for an all-natural dog shampoo that does it all, try this Nature’s Miracle Supreme Odor Control Natural Shed Control Shampoo & Conditioner. Not only is it a 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner, but it also neutralizes odors, reduces shedding, and cleanses your dog’s skin and coat. This product features safe, natural ingredients to soften your dog’s coat in addition to cleansing and hydrating for long-lasting protection. It also has a pleasant natural scent.
Oster Oatmeal Essentials Shed Control Dog Shampoo
Designed to reduce shedding by improving skin and coat health, this Oster Oatmeal Essentials Shed Control Dog Shampoo is a great shampoo for shedding. This shampoo features oatmeal, aloe vera, vitamin B5, and natural botanicals to cleanse, soothe, and condition your dog’s skin and coat. It is pH-balanced and is completely free from alcohol, parabens, and dyes. Simply put, it is a gentle shampoo that will reduce shedding while leaving your dog’s coat clean and smelling fresh.
Buddy Wash Original Lavender & Mint Dog Shampoo
Though it may not be specifically designed for shedding, Buddy Wash Original Lavender & Mint Dog Shampoo is designed to promote skin and coat health. This shampoo features natural ingredients like coconut, aloe vera, and botanical extracts to gently cleanse and hydrate your dog’s skin and coat. It features wheat protein as a natural deodorizer and leaves a delightful scent of lavender and mint.
What is the difference between shedding and deshedding? Are both shampoos the same?
Shedding is the natural process through which dogs and cats lose their fur. The patterns of shedding are different in each breed, and individual dogs may also have unusual behavior. However, some dog breeds are considered to be shedding more fur than some other dog breeds. There are also different seasons for shedding. On the other hand, deshedding is the deliberate process of removing the undercoat of your dog or cat. This undercoat may not be removed using your regular combs or brush. Therefore, you may have to use dedicated deshedding tools for your pet. Deshedding rakes and brushes are available in most pet stores and groomers.
Some dog breeds may have unusual shedding patterns depending on the environment as well as their health. You can use a shedding shampoo to reduce the chances of unhealthy shedding. On the other hand, you have to use the deshedding shampoo before the deshedding process. A good deshedding shampoo will ensure that you can remove the problematic undercoat of your dog or cat with relative ease. You can use the deshedding shampoo before the bath and let it stay for a while. While you start the deshedding process after the bathing and drying, it will be easy to remove the undercoat. Most deshedding shampoos come with extra ingredients to reduce the frequency and intensity of shading as well.
Despite the differences, both shedding shampoos and deshedding shampoos are necessary for your dog.
FAQ Regarding Shedding Shampoos
- How do I stop my dog from shedding so much? – The truth is that you can’t stop your dog from shedding, nor should you try to. Shedding is a completely normal and healthy process that helps keep your dog’s coat in good condition. You can, however, take certain steps to reduce excessive shedding. Brushing your dog more frequently will help remove dead and loose hairs from his coat before they can be shed – bathing with an anti-shedding shampoo might help as well. Make sure you use the right brush for your dog’s coat type to get the best result.
- Do shedding shampoos work? – The answer to this question is not a simple yes or no because it depends what you expect from a shedding shampoo. If you expect it to completely stop your dog from shedding, then the answer is no – shedding shampoos don’t work. If, however, you’re wondering whether a shedding shampoo can help get your dog’s hair loss under control then that is a different matter entirely. Shedding shampoos are designed to improve skin and coat health to reduce excessive shedding, but they should be used in conjunction with a balanced diet and a regular grooming routine for the best results.
- What causes a dog to shed excessively? – It’s normal for your dog to shed more heavily during the spring and fall, especially if he is a double-coated breed. Some things that might cause a temporary increase in shedding include stress, allergies, parasites, skin infections, hormonal imbalance, unbalanced diet, medications, and immune disease. Talk to your veterinarian if your dog starts shedding more than is usual.
- Is there a home remedy I can give my dog for shedding? – If your dog is shedding more than you would like, there are a few home remedies you can try. Adding some olive oil to his food, for example, may help reduce shedding by increasing his intake of omega-3 fatty acids. Making sure that your dog drinks plenty of water may help as well, because if he is properly hydrated his skin won’t be dry and itchy, causing him to lose hair. In addition to trying these home remedies, you should also make sure that your dog’s food is properly balanced and contains skin- and coat-supporting nutrients like omega fatty acids, vitamin E, biotin, and zinc.
The right dog shampoo for shedding can help keep your home from becoming completely covered in fur. Your dog will always shed but including a shedding shampoo for dogs in your grooming routine can help keep the fur situation under control. If you’re not sure where to start in shopping for shampoo, try one of our top picks for the best dog shampoos for shedding reviewed above! Best of luck!
