| Best for | Product |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | Shed-X Shed Control Shampoo for Dogs |
| Best Ultra Concentrated | Earthbath Shed Control Green Tea & Awapuhi Dog & Cat Shampoo |
| Best for Sensitive Skin | Wahl Shed Control Pet Shampoo for Animal Shedding & Dander |
| Best Gentle Formula | TropiClean Lime & Coconut Deshedding Dog Shampoo |
| Best on a Budget | Nature’s Miracle Natural Shed Control Dog Shampoo & Conditioner |
| Best Premium Choice | FURminator DeShedding Ultra Premium Shampoo |
As a pet parent, there’s a good chance that your dog’s hair has made it onto your clothes, bedding, drapes, and everywhere else in your home. While there’s no way to stop your dog from shedding, there are ways to reduce the amount of hair they shed. Along with brushing your dog regularly, using a high-quality de-shedding shampoo will go a long way to taming how much your dog sheds. Additionally, you’ll promote a healthy coat for your furry friend.
We’ve compiled a list of the best de-shedding shampoos and reviewed the various pros and cons of each choice to help you determine which product is best for your pup.
Check Chewy Check Amazon- Soothing pomelo fragrance
- Contains premium ingredients
- Sulfate-free and pH balanced
- Includes vitamins and flaxseed oil to moisturize the skin
Check Chewy Check Amazon- Contains antioxidants and skin moisturizers
- Helps detoxify your dog's coat
- Awapuhi and ginseng help with excessive shedding
- 100% money-back guarantee
Check Amazon- Contains oatmeal, sage, lemongrass, and aloe vera
- Best for a healthy coat & skin
- Produce a rich lather, easy to rinse off
- pH balanced and alcohol free
Check Chewy Check Amazon- Can be used for both dogs and cats
- No parabens, dyes, or soaps
- Long-lasting coconut and lime scent
- Made with natural ingredients
Check Chewy- Very affordable option.
- Formulated for shed control.
- Contains aloe and keratin.
- Odor-neutralizing formula.
Check Chewy Check Amazon- Free of parabens and chemical dyes
- Enriched with papaya leaf and calendula extract
- For healthy skin and coat
- Best if used monthly
A-Z-Animals Top Picks for De-shedding Shampoo For Dogs
#1 Best Overall: Shed-X Shed Control Shampoo for Dogs
Shed-X Shed Control Shampoo for Dogs is the best overall de-shedding shampoo available. It contains powerful premium ingredients and helps stop excessive shedding by gently cleaning and exfoliating excess hair. It does a great job getting out loose hair on dogs with excessive undercoats. The soothing pomelo fragrance ensures your dog stays smelling cleaner for longer. Additionally, their product is sulfate-free and pH balanced so it will be gentle on your dog’s coat and skin. Furthermore, it includes vitamins, flaxseed oil, omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, and oatmeal protein, which help moisturize the skin, and leaves your dog’s coat looking healthy and feeling soft.
Customers report that this shampoo not only smells great, but it lathers well, rinses easily, and doesn’t leave any waxy residue. However, several also said that while the shampoo smells great during the bath, the fragrance can dissipate quickly after you finish. In addition, some customers said that they did not notice results straight away, but after they continued using this shampoo a few times it really helped to manage shedding.
Pros and Cons of the Shed-X Shed Control Shampoo for Dogs
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This shampoo uses powerful and high-quality ingredients. | Some customers reported that the fragrance disappears quickly. |
| It gently cleans and exfoliates hair. | You may or may not notice results right away. |
| This works great on dogs with double coats and excessive undercoats. | |
| It has a soothing fragrance. | |
| The shampoo is sulfate-free and pH balanced. | |
| It contains many vitamins, flaxseed oil, omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, and oatmeal protein. | |
| The ingredients help to moisturize your dog’s skin and fur. | |
| The shampoo lathers well and rinses easily. It doesn’t leave a waxy residue. |
- Soothing pomelo fragrance
- Contains premium ingredients
- Sulfate-free and pH balanced
- Includes vitamins and flaxseed oil to moisturize the skin
2. The Best Ultra Concentrated: Earthbath Shed Control with Green Tea & Awapuhi Shampoo
The best-concentrated option is EarthBath Shed Control With Green Tea and Awapuhi Shampoo. This potent formula blends the best antioxidants and skin moisturizers and allows you to dilute the shampoo while still thoroughly cleaning and deodorizing your dog. It includes omega 6 fatty acids and fair trade shea butter, which helps detoxify your dog’s coat and moisturize their skin. The green tea leaf extracts, awapuhi, and ginseng help to control dander and excessive shedding. These premium ingredients are also great for dogs who have allergies to other shampoos.
Additionally, it is safe for all animals over six weeks old. This shampoo lathers easily, and has a nice, soft fragrance. Lastly, it is pH balanced and free of parabens, dyes, and sulfates. In conclusion, this is an excellent choice that is cruelty-free and offers a 100% money-back guarantee.
Some customers reported that their dogs shed a lot of hair immediately with just one use. However, others said it took a few tries, and some needed the conditioner as well. Many reported that it was especially helpful for dander, possibly more than the shedding.
Pros and Cons of the Earthbath Shed Control with Green Tea & Awapuhi Shampoo
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This shampoo is packed with premium ingredients, like shea butter, antioxidants, skin moisturizers, omega 6 fatty acids, green tea leaf extracts, ginseng, and awapuhi. | Results vary from dog to dog. Some customers saw instant de-shedding, while others took a few washes. |
| It does a great job cleaning and deodorizing your dog. | Some customers reported that this shampoo helped more with dander than with de-shedding. |
| This shampoo can be helpful for dogs with allergies. | |
| The formula is safe for animals that are over six weeks old. | |
| It lathers easily and has a soft fragrance. | |
| The formula is free of parabens, dyes, and sulfates, and is pH balanced. | |
| It is cruelty-free and the company offers a 100% money-back guarantee. |
- Contains antioxidants and skin moisturizers
- Helps detoxify your dog's coat
- Awapuhi and ginseng help with excessive shedding
- 100% money-back guarantee
3. The Best for Sensitive Skin: Wahl Shed Control Pet Shampoo for Animal Shedding & Dander
If your dog has sensitive skin then Wahl Shed Control Pet Shampoo for Animal Shedding & Dander is a perfect choice. Their natural ingredients include oatmeal, sage, lemongrass, and aloe vera, which maintain a healthy coat and skin and result in less dander and shedding. Another benefit is a higher concentration of a coconut-derived sodding agent. For this reason, it means you’ll use less than other dog shampoos and the rich lather is easy to rinse off.
The lemongrass and sage fragrance is soft and subtle, and the formula is also pH-balanced, alcohol-free, and paraben-free. Your dog’s hair will also be softer and easier to comb after using this shampoo. Some customers liked that the fragrance is more subtle than other products, while others were disappointed that it wasn’t stronger. In addition, it may take a few baths to begin to see results.
Lastly, this brand has been used by professional vets and groomers for over 50 years. In summary, their formula contains clean and safe ingredients that are gentle for your dogs’ sensitive skin and provide an excellent decision for shed control.
Pros and Cons of the Wahl Shed Control Pet Shampoo for Animal Shedding & Dander
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The formula uses natural ingredients like sage, lemongrass, oatmeal, and aloe vera. | The fragrance isn’t very strong. |
| It helps to maintain a healthy coat and skin and helps to reduce shedding. | |
| The shampoo is easy to lather and rinse off. | |
| The sage and lemongrass scent is subtle. | |
| It is pH-balanced, alcohol-free, and paraben-free. | |
| This brand has been used by professionals for over 50 years. | |
| It makes dog fur softer and easier to comb. | |
| The formula is gentle for dogs with sensitive skin and allergies. |
- Contains oatmeal, sage, lemongrass, and aloe vera
- Best for a healthy coat & skin
- Produce a rich lather, easy to rinse off
- pH balanced and alcohol free
4. The Best Gentle Formula: TropiClean Shed Control Pet Shampoo
The best gentle formula choice is TropiClean Dog Shampoo ShedControl, as it is also a safe solution for both dogs and cats 12 weeks older. First, it helps reduce shedding by providing a deep clean while exfoliating and moisturizing your pet’s skin. Second, it’s free of parabens, dyes, and soaps, and consists of high-quality and naturally derived ingredients. The formula includes things like kiwi, aloe, chamomile, papaya, and mallow extracts, The ingredients help to make your dog’s hair feel soft and silky and can help to prevent dryness and itching.
Third, the refreshing scent of coconut and lime is long-lasting and will leave your pet smelling fresh and clean for days to come. However, a few customers also reported that they couldn’t smell the fragrance after the bath. In conclusion, this gentle and natural formula made in the U.S.A. is an excellent and effective option for your pet.
Pros and Cons of the TropiClean Shed Control Pet Shampoo
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This shampoo exfoliates and moisturizes, helping to prevent dryness and itching. | A few customers reported that the fragrance was not as strong and didn’t last very long. |
| You can use it safely on both dogs and cats who are 12 weeks or older. | |
| It is free of parabens, dyes, and soaps. | |
| The formula uses naturally derived, high-quality ingredients, like kiwi, aloe, chamomile, papaya, and mallow extracts. | |
| It has a refreshing coconut and lime scent. | |
| This product is made in the U.S.A. |
- Can be used for both dogs and cats
- No parabens, dyes, or soaps
- Long-lasting coconut and lime scent
- Made with natural ingredients
5. The Best Budget-Friendly: Nature’s Miracle Shed Control Shampoo for Dogs
Nature’s Miracle Shed Control Shampoo for Dogs is the best budget-friendly option. It’s specifically formulated for shed control and is pH-balanced for dogs. It contains aloe and keratin to nourish your dog’s skin and the odor-neutralizing formula ensures your dog smells clean. Also, it also comes in a variety of scents including melon burst and plum hibiscus, which are sure to leave your dog smelling lovely.
Customers reported that the consistency of the shampoo is runny, but it lathers well. However, some customers did not like how strong the shampoo’s fragrance is, and some didn’t enjoy the smell at all.
Pros and Cons of the Nature’s Miracle Shed Control Shampoo for Dogs
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The formula is pH-balanced, with keratin and aloe to help nourish your dog’s skin. | The shampoo has a rather runny consistency. |
| There are different scents to choose from, such as plum hibiscus and melon burst. | Some customers did not like the fragrance, and a few said it was too overpowering. |
| The shampoo lathers well. | |
| It is odor-neutralizing to leave your dog smelling clean. |
- Very affordable option.
- Formulated for shed control.
- Contains aloe and keratin.
- Odor-neutralizing formula.
6. The Best Premium Choice: FURminator deShedding Ultra Premium Shampoo
The FURminator DeShedding Ultra Premium Shampoo for Dogs is the best premium choice for de-shedding shampoo. First, it provides excellent performance in de-shedding through a uniquely formulated shampoo that is free of parabens and chemical dyes. Next, it is also enriched with papaya leaf and calendula extract, as well as omega 3 & omega 6 fatty acids that help to naturally moisturize your dog’s fur and skin. This shampoo also uses a special deodorizer to reduce wet dog smell and leave your pup smelling fresh and clean. Customers continually report that it smells fantastic!
Lastly, this combination of natural ingredients promotes reduced shedding and leaves a shiny coat. To summarize, this is an excellent premium option for managing shedding and can be used on both dogs and cats over six weeks old.
However, customers also said that you have to follow the directions exactly for the product to fully work. For example, many customers said you need to leave the product on for 5 to 10 minutes for results. In addition, this shampoo can be a bit more expensive than some of our other choices.
Pros and Cons of the FURminator deShedding Ultra Premium Shampoo
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This shampoo uses papaya leaf and calendula extract, and omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. These ingredients help to naturally moisturize. | It is a bit more expensive than some of the other options. |
| The formula is free of parabens and chemical dyes. | You need to leave the shampoo on for 5 to 10 minutes. If you do not follow the instructions exactly, it may not work as well. |
| It has a special deodorizer that reduces wet dog smell and leaves your dog smelling great. | |
| This shampoo helps with de-shedding and leaves your dog with a soft and shiny coat. | |
| You can use it on both cats and dogs who are over six weeks old. |
- Free of parabens and chemical dyes
- Enriched with papaya leaf and calendula extract
- For healthy skin and coat
- Best if used monthly
Choosing the Best De-Shedding Shampoo for Dogs: What to Look For
When choosing the best de-shedding shampoo for your dog, you should consider three important factors: ingredients, quality, and use. Also, consider incorporating regular brushing into your regular grooming routine, if you’re not already doing so.
Ingredients
It’s important to review the label and make sure that you’re using quality ingredients in your pet’s shampoo. Your dog’s skin may be more sensitive and ingredients such as alcohol, dyes, and chemicals can dry out their skin and cause more issues. Look for natural and organic ingredients whenever available to ensure that your dog has healthy skin and coat.
Quality
Some shampoos, especially ones that have natural ingredients, will often produce minimal lather, which can be good for dogs with shorter coats. However, dogs with thicker fur may need to use a more concentrated shampoo in order to fully penetrate and effectively remove loose fur. Look for concentrated or premium shampoos to help combat shedding for dogs with thicker fur.
Use
You want to choose an appropriate shampoo for your type of dog, whether they’re an adult or a puppy. Not all shampoos are formulated to be sensitive and gentle enough for puppies, so be sure to read the label so that you’re choosing the right shampoo for your dog.
The Different Types of Deshedding Shampoos: Pros and Cons Compared
A regular de-shedding shampoo may be sufficient, however, there are special shampoos that only use natural and organic ingredients. There are also de-shedding shampoos that are concentrated, which means you don’t have to use as much to get the same result. Let’s look at the pros and cons of each type.
Regular
Regular shampoos may be advertised as gentle. However, some manufacturers include additional preservatives, chemicals, dyes, or soap that may irritate your dog’s skin. It’s important to review the label and make sure that no unnecessary or harsh chemicals are included in your dog shampoo.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| These are usually more affordable. | Regular shampoos can have harsh additives such as soap, chemicals, parabens, and dyes |
| Regular shampoos are readily available and easier to find. | They may contain more water than substantial ingredients. |
| They usually come in a variety of scents. | The added fragrances may be irritating to the skin. |
Concentrated
Concentrated shampoos are formulated so that they can be diluted, allowing you to use less and still effectively get the same results. If your dog is active and you frequently bathe them this can be a good choice to help save time and money.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Concentrated shampoo allows you to dilute and use less. | Concentrated shampoos can be more expensive. |
| Because you use less shampoo, these options are financially sensible for frequent bathing. | Since they last longer, you may feel that you have to commit to one choice over an extended period of use. |
| They also help control oily coats. | Many of these require an extra step of diluting before use. |
Natural and Organic
Your dog’s skin and fur can interact with many elements such as dirt, mud, pollen, and grass. As a result, they need frequent bathing to maintain healthy skin and coats. Using natural and organic ingredients helps put moisture back into your dog’s skin while still cleaning them thoroughly and leaving them smelling great.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Natural and organic shampoo contains ingredients you know are safe and gentle for your dog’s skin. | Natural and organic shampoo may be more expensive. |
| They are usually fortified with vitamins and minerals to help protect and promote healthy coats and skin. | They can require more product or work to generate a good lather. |
| These are free from dyes, chemicals, and parabens, and are usually cruelty-free. | They may be less fragrant when using natural scents. |
| Best for | Product |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | Shed-X Shed Control Shampoo for Dogs |
| Best Ultra Concentrated | Earthbath Shed Control Green Tea & Awapuhi Dog & Cat Shampoo |
| Best for Sensitive Skin | Wahl Shed Control Pet Shampoo for Animal Shedding & Dander |
| Best Gentle Formula | TropiClean Lime & Coconut Deshedding Dog Shampoo |
| Best on a Budget | Nature’s Miracle Natural Shed Control Dog Shampoo & Conditioner |
| Best Premium Choice | FURminator DeShedding Ultra Premium Shampoo |
De-Shedding Shampoo For Dogs: We Reviewed the Best FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Does de-shedding shampoo work?
Yes! De-shedding shampoos help to loosen dead hairs and stimulate hair follicles. They are specially formulated and contain mild ingredients that won’t cause irritation or dryness, while also providing essential nutrients and soothing relief to the skin and coat. They can be perfect for dogs with sensitive skin.
Why is my dog still shedding?
Although de-shedding shampoos help to reduce the amount your dog sheds, they do not stop shedding altogether. Dogs need to shed dead hair so that new, healthy hair can take its place. Even with de-shedding shampoo, you will still need to continue to regularly brush and comb your dog’s fur.
Why do some dogs shed more than others?
Each dog breed is different, so while some dogs hardly shed at all, others shed in what can look like a giant snowstorm. However, if you do not have a breed of dog that sheds a lot, and yet your dog is shedding a lot, it could be due to stress, diet, or allergies. You should take your dog to the vet to rule out any underlying issues.
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