Best Shampoo For Labradors (For Dry, Itchy Skin & More)

When it comes to selecting a shampoo for your Labrador, it’s important to choose one that will be gentle on their skin and coat, while also effectively cleaning and conditioning their fur.

If you choose the wrong shampoo, it could damage your dog’s skin and coat, leaving them dry, itchy, and prone to irritation. On the other hand, the right shampoo can help to make your Lab’s coat soft, shiny, and smelling great.

So in this post, you’ll learn:

• What our top 4 recommended shampoos are
• What makes a good shampoo for Labradors (and what ingredients you need to AVOID)
• The best shampoo for Labradors with allergies or itchy skin
• The best shampoo for Labradors with dry, flaky skin
• The best shampoo for puppies

At the end of this article, you’ll find a fun suggestion for making bath time more fun for your Lab.

What Makes A Good Labrador Shampoo

When it comes to choosing the best shampoo for your Labrador, there are many options to consider. One way to narrow down your choices is to ask yourself what your dog needs. For example, if your Lab is a puppy, you might want to choose a gentle puppy shampoo that is formulated specifically for young dogs.

If your dog has dry, itchy skin, you might consider a moisturizing oatmeal shampoo to help soothe their skin and coat. If your Lab has specific skin problems, you may need to use a medicated shampoo, but it’s important to consult with your veterinarian before using any medicated products. If your dog is just in need of a general cleaning, a cleansing and deodorizing shampoo can be a good choice.

What Shampoo Ingredients To Look For

If you want to use a shampoo that includes skin-soothing and moisturizing ingredients, you might consider looking for products that contain the following ingredients:

• Vitamin e (this can help dogs with allergies or dry or itchy skin)
• Oatmeal (also good for dry or itchy skin)
• Aloe vera (also good for dry or itchy skin)
• Almond oil (feeling like a broken record here… also good for dry or itchy skin)

When looking for a shampoo for your dog, it’s important to consider the ingredients and ensure that the product is pH balanced for a dog’s skin.

This is because a pH balanced shampoo can help reduce itchiness and odor, and is generally better for a dog’s skin. In addition to the ingredients, you may also want to consider using a conditioner on your dog’s coat to keep it looking healthy and shiny.

If you do need to bathe your Labrador more frequently, it’s important to use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to help prevent their skin and coat from becoming dry and damaged. A 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner can be a convenient option, as it combines both products in one.

However, if you only need to bathe your Labrador once a month or less, you may not need to use a conditioner every time. It’s still a good idea to use a moisturizing shampoo to help keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy, but using a conditioner every time you bathe them may not be necessary.

What Shampoo Ingredients To AVOID

Here are some ingredients that you want to make sure are not in your Labrador’s shampoo:

• Parabens
• Phosphates
• Sulfates
• Alcohol
• Added colors and fragrances
• Tea tree oil

It’s important to be mindful of the ingredients in your dog’s shampoo and conditioner, especially if they have sensitive skin or food allergies. Some ingredients, like fragrances, preservatives, and sulfates, can be irritating to some dogs and may exacerbate existing skin issues or cause new ones.

Best Shampoo For Labradors

Below are our four favorite Labrador shampoos, their pros and cons, and who they’re best for.

Burt’s Bees Natural Oatmeal Shampoo

If you have a Labrador with dry or itchy skin, this natural oatmeal shampoo can provide relief and hydration. If you are looking for a shampoo that will leave your Lab smelling great, this may not be the best choice. However, it can still be effective at cleaning your dog.

Pros:

• This shampoo is formulated with oatmeal and honey to nourish and comfort your dog’s skin and coat.
• It is made with natural ingredients and does not contain any harsh or harmful chemicals.

Cons:

• This shampoo has a subtle honey scent that some users may find too faint.
• It may not produce as much lather as other shampoos.

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Pet Pleasant Lavender Oatmeal Shampoo

If you are looking for a shampoo that will give your dog a pleasant scent, this product may be suitable for you. It can also provide hydration for your dog’s skin and coat, but it is worth noting that it has the potential to cause irritation in some cases.

It is always a good idea to test a small patch of your dog’s skin before using any new grooming products to ensure that they do not have an adverse reaction.

Pros:

• This shampoo is formulated with lavender essential oil to give your Labrador a fresh and clean scent.
• It also includes colloidal oatmeal to hydrate and soothe your dog’s skin and coat.
• It is made with natural ingredients and is free from harsh chemicals, making it safe for use on your dog.
• Tearless

Cons:

• This shampoo has a thick consistency, which may make it difficult to dispense from the bottle.
• It is also worth noting that some dogs may be sensitive to lavender essential oil and may experience a reaction after using this product.
• The shampoo comes in an 8 oz. bottle, which is smaller than many other options on the market.

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Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Medicated Shampoo

If you are looking for an affordable option to help treat skin issues on your Labrador, this medicated shampoo could be a good choice. While it is not a guarantee to completely solve all skin problems, it may be worth a shot.

Pros:

• This medicated shampoo is designed to help treat seborrhea, as well as infections caused by parasites, fungi, and bacteria.
• It can provide relief for dogs with itchy, dry, or flaky skin, and contains colloidal oatmeal to moisturize and soothe the skin.
• It is affordably priced and has been recommended by veterinarians.

Cons:

• Doesn’t smell great
• Doesn’t work for every skin condition

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WAHL’s Puppy Shampoo

If you are in need of a gentle and safe shampoo to use on your Labrador puppy, this product may be suitable for your needs. It is formulated to be gentle on a puppy’s sensitive skin and coat, and can effectively clean your puppy while also being safe to use.

Pros:

• This shampoo is formulated to be gentle on a puppy’s sensitive skin and coat, making it a suitable choice for young dogs.
• It is made with natural ingredients and does not contain any harsh chemicals that could potentially irritate your puppy’s skin.
• It is also tearless, so it will not cause any discomfort to your puppy’s eyes during the bath.

Cons:

• May be too gentle for very stinky puppies

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 Related: Best Supplements for Labradors

Labrador Shampoo FAQ

How else can I keep my Labrador’s coat looking great?

1. Brush your dog regularly: Regular brushing can help remove loose fur, dirt, and tangles from your dog’s coat.
2. Use a good quality conditioner: Conditioner can help add moisture and shine to your dog’s coat, making it look healthy and radiant.
3. Bathe your dog regularly: Bathing your dog regularly with a good quality shampoo and conditioner can help keep their coat clean and looking great. However, be sure not to over-bathe your dog as it can strip their coat of its natural oils.
4. Feed your dog a nutritious diet: A healthy diet can help keep your dog’s coat shiny and strong.
5. Keep your dog hydrated: Proper hydration is important for maintaining a healthy coat. Make sure your dog has access to clean water at all times.

In addition to the above tips, you can also discuss the possibility of adding fish oil supplements to your dog’s diet with your veterinarian. These supplements can help promote a healthy coat and skin. However, it is important to note that many dog foods already contain sufficient levels of omega-3 fatty acids, so supplements may not be necessary in all cases.

Can I use human shampoo on my Labrador?

It is not recommended to use human shampoo on your Labrador. Human shampoo is formulated for human scalp and skin, which is different from a dog’s coat and skin. Using human shampoo on your dog can strip their coat of its natural oils and cause irritation or dryness.

It is best to use a shampoo that is specifically formulated for use on dogs. These products are made with ingredients that are safe and gentle for your dog’s skin and coat.

Does my dog need conditioner?

It is not necessary for all dogs to use conditioner, as it depends on their individual coat type and needs. Some dogs may benefit from the added moisture and shine that conditioner can provide, while others may not need it. If your dog has a particularly dry or damaged coat, or if they have long hair that tangles easily, they may benefit from using a conditioner.

However, if your dog has a healthy coat and does not have any specific issues, they may not need to use conditioner. It is always a good idea to speak with your veterinarian or a professional groomer if you have any questions about your dog’s grooming needs.

Can I use shampoo with my dog’s topical flea medicine?

It is generally safe to use shampoo with your dog’s topical flea medication, as long as you follow the instructions on both products. Some topical flea medications can be washed off if they come into contact with water, so it is important to wait the recommended amount of time before bathing your dog after applying the medication.

This is usually at least 24 hours, but it can vary depending on the specific product. It is also important to follow the instructions on the shampoo label, as using too much or not rinsing thoroughly enough can also potentially wash away the flea medication.

How long should I leave the shampoo in my dog’s coat?

If you are using a medicated shampoo on your dog, it is generally recommended to leave it in their coat for about 10 minutes to allow the active ingredients to take effect. This can help the medication to effectively treat your dog’s skin issues.

Even when using a regular shampoo, allowing it to sit in your dog’s coat for a short period of time can help to thoroughly clean their coat and skin. However, it is important to follow the instructions on the shampoo label and not leave the product in your dog’s coat for longer than recommended, as it can cause irritation and dryness.

Yes, those 10 minutes can feel like an eternity, but here’s a fun device that can make it a little easier to wait:

Get the Bath Buddy from Amazon here!

Which Shampoo Is Best For Your Labrador?

Every dog is different, and so is every shampoo.

Here are a few options for shampoos for your Labrador, based on their specific needs:

Pet Pleasant Lavender Oatmeal Shampoo: If you want your dog to have a pleasant scent and they do not have any skin issues, this shampoo may be a good choice.

Burt’s Bees Oatmeal Shampoo: If your dog has dry or itchy skin, this shampoo may provide some relief and hydration.

WAHL’s Puppy Shampoo: If you have a puppy with sensitive skin and coat, this gentle shampoo may be suitable for their needs.

Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Medicated Shampoo: If your dog has skin issues and requires medicated treatment, this shampoo may be worth considering.