10 Best Shampoos For Dogs With Allergies 2023 – Reviews & Top Picks

Vet approved

Reviewed & Fact-Checked By

Dr. Paola Cuevas

Veterinarian, MVZ

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

Learn more »

Anyone who’s sneezed their way through spring pollen season knows that suffering from allergies can be miserable. Though it looks different on dogs, many of our canine friends also battle allergies. For dogs, allergies often manifest as skin problems including itching, infection, and irritation. Regular bathing is one tool veterinarians often recommend to help combat allergies in dogs. But what shampoo is the best to use?

To help you narrow your choices, we’ve collected reviews of what we think are the 10 best shampoos for dogs with allergies this year. The options range from anti-itching options to those designed to keep skin moisturized during frequent baths. Hopefully, this information will help you find the best shampoo to help your allergy-stricken pup feel more comfortable.

A Look at Our Favorites in 2023

	Image	Product	Details
		HyLyt Hypoallergenic Shampoo	Hypoallergenic Moisturizes instead of drying out skin and coat Keeps skin and coat healthy even with frequent bathing	Check Price
		Veterinary Formula Hot Spot And Itch Relief	Made with vet-recommended ingredients Combines natural and medical methods to soothe and heal Discourages scratching	Check Price
		Virbac Epi-soothe	Vet recommended Designed for dogs with allergies Gentle enough for daily use	Check Price
		TropiClean Hypoallergenic Puppy Shampoo	Cruelty-free All-natural ingredients Hypoallergenic	Check Price
		Vet’s Best Allergy Itch Relief	Uses all-natural itch relief products Formulated by vets	Check Price

The 10 Best Shampoos For Dogs With Allergies

Our choice of best overall shampoo for dogs with allergies is HyLyt Hypoallergenic. Not only does this shampoo smell amazing, but it’s formulated using fatty acids and proteins to keep your dog’s skin healthy and moisturized. One of the concerns with frequent bathing is that many shampoos strip the natural oils from your dog’s skin and coat, leaving it dry, itchy, and defeating the purpose of the bath in the first place. HyLyt is a soap-free formula that not only doesn’t remove the oils but enhances the moisture in your dog’s skin. It’s also a hypoallergenic shampoo so you don’t have to worry about exposing your allergic dog to anything else that could trigger a reaction.

This shampoo earns almost entirely positive reviews and recommendations from previous purchasers. However, it is not an all-natural formula, which will rule it out of consideration for some dog owners.

Our choice for the best shampoo for dogs with allergies for the money is Veterinary Formula Hot Spot And Itch Relief. This shampoo is formulated with vet-recommended ingredients like lidocaine and hydrocortisone for pain and itch relief. It also contains natural moisturizing and soothing ingredients like oatmeal and aloe. Designed to soothe and promote healing, this shampoo also helps to discourage your dog from scratching and chewing at their itchy skin. According to users, this shampoo doesn’t lather up very well which can make bathing a bit more labor-intensive.

Some found that the product didn’t work for their dog’s skin condition, which should be taken as a reminder that bathing alone is not a substitute for veterinary care for your dog.

Recommended and sold by numerous veterinarians, Virbac Epi-soothe is not the most cost-effective shampoo on our list but is designed specifically for dogs with skin itching and irritation from allergies. Soap-free and relying on all-natural oatmeal as its main ingredient, Epi-soothe is gentle enough to be used every day. In addition to moisturizing and soothing, the shampoo makes it harder for yeast and bacteria–two common culprits in allergic skin problems–to even stick to your dog’s skin.

Most users found this shampoo left their dog’s coat soft and generally soothed itching, although some did not feel it worked for their dogs or only did so for a short time.

For the very youngest allergy-sufferers, consider TropiClean Hypoallergenic Puppy Shampoo. Made from all-natural, soap-free ingredients, this shampoo is gentle and hypoallergenic, designed for new, sensitive puppy skin. It doesn’t have any anti-itch properties but serves to keep skin moisturized and healthy while leaving all the natural oils. This shampoo lathers nicely, allowing you to keep bath time quick as you get your puppy used to the process. For those who prioritize animal welfare in their purchases, rest assured that this product is cruelty-free.

Tropiclean is not tearless shampoo, so you will need to be cautious around your pup’s face. Some users found the fragrance of this product overwhelming and others found it didn’t work well with their dog’s coat, leaving it dry and still looking dirty.

For an all-natural, veterinary-formulated itch relief shampoo, try Vet’s Best Allergy Itch Relief. This shampoo relies on essential oils and oatmeal to soothe itchy skin. Regular bathing with Vet’s Best can not only relieve itching but help remove potential allergens from your dog’s coat before they cause a reaction.

This product is not designed as a moisturizer, however, and many owners found that it dried out their pets’ coats. Most found that it worked to get their pups clean and smelling fresh and did a fair job of relieving itching. Made in the USA and formulated by a holistic veterinarian, this product will appeal to those looking for vet-approved, all-natural itch-relieving shampoos.

For those who are sensitive to strong smells, try Earthbath Oatmeal and Aloe Fragrance-Free shampoo. A soap-free, cruelty-free shampoo, Earthbath both deodorizes and moisturizes your dog’s skin and coat. The fragrance-free nature of this product makes it ideal for humans with sensitivities as well as their dogs. Natural soothing and moisturizing are provided by oatmeal and organic aloe vera, designed to heal skin and decrease itching.

Regular users of this product like the consistency of the shampoo and how well it lathers. Certain oilier coat types may not respond as well to this shampoo, much like not all shampoos work for every human hair type.

If your priority is using organic, non-GMO, biodegradable products, 4-Legger Organic Hypoallergenic Lemongrass and Aloe Shampoo might be the one for you. Vegan, cruelty-free, sustainably-sourced, and made in small batches, this shampoo ticks all the boxes for the eco-conscious consumer. The all-natural lemongrass and aloe ingredients combine to clean, soothe, and moisturize your dog’s skin and coat. This shampoo is also highly concentrated, so you don’t need to use much for the best results. Given the higher price point of this product, that’s a definite plus.

Dog owners have positive things to say about this shampoo, although several noted that it is very thin in consistency and suggested using a foaming soap dispenser to avoid waste.

With a clean, not overwhelming scent, Zesty Paws Itch Soother Shampoo is a solid option to consider for your allergic dog. This shampoo relies on oatmeal and aloe for its itch-relieving properties and is also formulated with added Vitamin E to improve the health of your dog’s skin. It is not hypoallergenic and does contain tree nuts, which could be a concern for humans with nut allergies.

Some reviewers complained that the shampoo has a “fishy smell” but it appears this company also makes a fish oil food supplement that has similar packaging and could be mistaken for the shampoo so use caution when purchasing. Most pet owners found that this shampoo lathered well, rinsed easily, and had a pleasant scent while helping relieve their pup’s allergy symptoms.

Another brand and product frequently sold in veterinary offices, Vetoquinol Aloe and Oatmeal is formulated specially to increase the moisture in your dog’s skin, relieving itching and cleaning away allergens without removing natural oils. This is not an all-natural product, despite using aloe and oatmeal but it is soap-free. Most users found that it lathered and rinsed well, leaving a not overwhelming scent behind.

This product does separate in the bottle and needs a good shake before use or you may end up bathing your dog in only the oily part of the shampoo. The minimal scent of this shampoo makes it a good choice for sensitive pets and humans.

Made with 97% natural ingredients and cruelty-free, Burt’s Bees Itch Soothing Shampoo with Honeysuckle uses a unique combination of substances to soothe and moisturize your allergic dog’s itchy, flaky skin. Avocado oil, honey, and oat flour help manage itching and strengthen your dog’s hair coat. With no sulfates or artificial colors, this shampoo is also pH-balanced specifically for a dog’s skin.

The texture is very watery and the shampoo doesn’t produce much lather, however. Some users were disappointed that it doesn’t smell much like honeysuckle, while others did not find that it worked for their dog’s coats. Made in the USA, this shampoo is reasonably priced.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Shampoos For Dogs With Allergies

Your dog is scratching up a storm and you’re ready to buy shampoo to help! Before you shell out your hard-earned money, however, here are a few points to keep in mind.

What’s Causing Your Dog’s Allergies and Skin Problems?

While it can be tempting to skip the vet and just try to relieve your dog’s itching with a nice bath, solving your pup’s skin problems can be more complicated than that. Your dog’s allergies can be caused by many things, including food and flea bites and bathing may not resolve the issue without additional treatments.

In addition, itching, flaky skin, and redness can occur with other medical conditions, including fungal infections or even diseases like Cushing’s syndrome. In these instances, treating the underlying problem is essential, with bathing serving as just one step in the process.

How Often Are You Bathing Your Dog?

The frequency of your dog’s baths should be considered before you purchase a shampoo. As we learned, many of the shampoos on our list are specially formulated to add moisture back into your dog’s skin during a bath. Others may not be safe to use as often with a risk of upsetting your dog’s natural coat oils and further drying out their already sensitive skin.

What Kind of Flea And Tick Treatment Are You Using?

Many topical flea and tick preventatives rely on your dog’s natural skin oils to spread the product from the original point of application throughout their body. Bathing can interfere with that process. Several of the shampoos on our list are designed to work more effectively with topical products.

If you use these types of flea and tick products, look for a shampoo that’s labeled for use with them. However, you should still defer to the directions on the flea and tick product itself when it comes to how to balance bathing with parasite control. Especially for dogs with flea allergies, proper parasite control is an essential part of treatment.

To avoid any concern, you could also choose one of the many available chewable flea and tick preventatives, such as Bravecto.

How Old Is Your Dog?

The shampoos on our list differ when it comes to their safety for young puppies. Depending on the age of your dog, you may need to wait to use your preferred shampoo or temporarily make another choice. Getting your puppy socialized to their future bathing and grooming routine at a young age is always recommended. This is especially vital for breeds already prone to allergies and skin issues.

Conclusion

As our best overall shampoo for dogs with allergies, HyLyt Hypoallergenic combines a gentle formula with a hefty dose of fatty acids and moisturizes to relieve itching and dry skin. Our best value pick, Veterinary Formula Hot Spot and Itch Relief merge medical and natural ingredients to provide overall skin and itch treatment.

While regular bathing is often an essential part of treating allergies in dogs, don’t be tempted to skip a true veterinary diagnosis in favor of self-treatment. Your vet can guide you towards the proper treatment, including bathing, and our reviews of these 10 shampoos for dogs with allergies can serve as a starting point as you seek out the best option for your pup.

Featured Image Credit: 135pixels, Shutterstock