Our dog loves spending time with us in the home, and we love having him around, especially for snuggles. But we don’t love all the hair he leaves on our furniture and floors!
So, eventually, I decided to do something about it.
Long story short, I looked into a bunch of popular dog shampoos on the market to figure out which ones (if any) help reduce shedding. And in this post, I’ll show you my top picks.
I’ll also give you some insight into why each de-shedding shampoo made our list to help you decide which one might be best for your dog. Because while these are all good shampoos, some excel in different areas, so the best one will ultimately depend on your preference.
6 Best Dog Shedding Shampoos of 2024 (Updated)
Our list of top de-shedding shampoos is based on factors like the shampoo ingredients, how well it’s designed to control shedding, the value for money aspect, and the overall quality. I’ve also tried to include something to suit a variety of dogs since every dog is unique.
For example, some shampoos on our list are better for dogs with ultra-sensitive skin and can help with things like itching, some are better for controlling doggy odors, and some are better for longer, thicker coats. So, while they’re all great for minimizing shedding, some may suit your dog better than others, which you will see as we progress through the individual reviews.
Here’s a summary of our top picks:
- FURminator Ultra Premium deShedding Dog Shampoo – Best for Deshedding
- Burt’s Bees for Dogs Natural Shed Control Shampoo – Best Natural Formula
- TropiClean Lime & Coconut Deshedding Dog Shampoo – Best Overall Value
- Arava Natural Medicated Dog Shampoo – Best Therapeutic Formula
- The Coat Handler Undercoat Control deShedding Dog Shampoo – Best for Thicker, Longer Coats
- Nature’s Miracle Shed Control Shampoo for Dogs – Best for Odor Control
Now let’s take a closer look at each of our top picks, along with the pros and cons of each, to help you decide which shampoo will be best for helping reduce your dog’s shedding.
1. FURminator Ultra Premium deShedding Dog Shampoo
FURminator is a leader in the deshedding brush space, and its flagship de-shedding tool is one I highly recommend, but it turns out they also make de-shedding shampoos. And their “Ultra Premium Dog Shampoo” is in a league of its own.
What’s in it?
This shampoo contains Omega 3 and 6, Aloe vera, Vitamin E, and other ingredients like Calendula Extract and Papaya Leaf Extract to help nourish your dog’s skin and hair while loosening the old hairs in the bath. So it helps de-shed your dog and limits future shedding by nourishing the coat.
Omega fatty acids can benefit dogs in various ways, especially when it comes to skin and hair, which is why marine-sourced Omega 3 (like fish oil) is often found in shedding supplements and dog foods designed to promote healthy skin and hair.
And studies suggest that Omega fatty acids can also be beneficial when applied topically (i.e., applied directly to the skin). So, this may be why many good dog shampoos include it, along with things like Aloe vera and vitamin E, to help reduce shedding.
In any case, I also like that this doesn’t contain any chemical dyes or parabens (artificial preservatives) because sometimes what’s not in the shampoo is just as important as what is.
This is especially true considering that some chemicals and preservatives may irritate your dog’s skin, and irritated skin can cause all sorts of problems for dogs, including excessive shedding.
So, to sum it up, if you’re looking for a good quality, nutrient-rich dog shampoo that is both good for your dog’s coat and that removes the old fur, give this a go. You won’t be disappointed.
We’re not the only ones recommending it, either. This is one of the most popular dog shedding shampoos on Amazon and has countless positive reviews from customers who’ve tried it.
Of course, no shampoo is perfect, and as mentioned at the outset, some shampoos are better than others in different ways. For example, there are better alternatives for controlling doggy odors and soothing ultra-sensitive skin.
So let’s take a closer look at the other de-shedding shampoos on our list.
2. Burt’s Bees for Dogs Natural Shed Control Shampoo
The main thing I like about Burt’s Bees dog shampoo is that it’s made almost exclusively from natural ingredients (99.7%). And it doesn’t contain sulfates, colorants, or harsh chemicals.
Instead, it’s made from naturally cleansing ingredients like honey and beeswax and nutrients such as Omega 3 and vitamin E. The formula is also pH balanced, making it gentle on both adult and puppy skin and hair, so there’s less chance it will cause skin irritation.
The other thing I like about it is that it’s designed to reduce “doggy odor” on our dog without making him smell like perfume. Instead, it’s a beautifully natural, mild scent. And I put this down to the fact that it doesn’t contain any artificial fragrances.
So if you want something that uses the power of nature to clean your dog and reduce shedding, this shampoo is well worth a look.
3. TropiClean Lime & Coconut Deshedding Dog Shampoo
Tropiclean’s dog shampoo is a great all-around solution for shedding. It’s made from coconut, wheat, oats, and aloe vera.
It also contains Omega 3. And it’s soap, paraben, and dye-free.
Not to mention, it represents great value for money, especially considering it’s made in the U.S.
From a shedding perspective, this shines when it’s combined with the TropiClean Lime & Cocoa Butter Deshedding Dog Conditioner. And the reason is that the conditioner contains cocoa butter, which is high in fatty acids and, according to healthline.com, forms a protective barrier over the skin to hold in moisture.
The cocoa butter and the other natural ingredients in the conditioner aim to moisturize your dog’s skin and promote an optimal coat, which is great for minimizing shedding.
The downside, however, is that to take advantage of this, you would need to buy two products (the shampoo and conditioner), instead of one. Not only can this increase the overall cost, but bathing will take longer than if you used just one product.
Either way, TropiClean’s shampoo is a great shedding solution in and of itself and will leave your dog smelling beautiful and fresh, thanks to the refreshing coconut and lime scent.
4. Arava Natural Medicated Dog Shampoo
As the name suggests, Arava Natural Medicated Dog Shampoo is more therapeutic than the average shampoo. It contains 28 natural active ingredients, including aloe vera, tea tree, and oatmeal. And it’s enriched with dead sea minerals and botanical oils.
It’s not my top choice for shedding, but it’s great for dogs with dry, itchy, or flaky skin. All of which can contribute to shedding, especially if your dog is scratching or chewing himself as a result.
So it’s ideal if you’re looking for a natural dog shampoo to help soothe dry, irritated skin, which is a common cause of excessive shedding to begin with. And, since it contains anti-bacterial and anti-fungal botanical oils, it may help with things like hot spots and dandruff.
The main drawback that I can see, at least based on the comments I’ve read, is that some dogs are sensitive to it, which may be because there are so many ingredients used. As such, it might pay to consult your veterinarian if your dog has sensitive skin or allergies before trying this.
On the plus side, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and may be worth considering if you feel your dog could benefit from a more therapeutic dog shampoo.
5. The Coat Handler Undercoat Control deShedding Dog Shampoo
The Coat Handler isn’t as well-known on sites like Amazon. But according to the company, it has been used by professional groomers since 1980, so it is a well-established brand.
More importantly, many people swear by it.
Not only does this shampoo contain all the core ingredients you want to see in a de-shedding shampoo, such as Omega 3 & 6 and vitamin E, but it doesn’t have all the additives that many popular dog shampoos contain. It’s also soap-free and is made in the U.S.
The main thing I like about this shampoo, however, is how it’s designed to work well on dogs with longer, thicker coats and those with an undercoat. For example, German Shepherds and Malamutes are heavy shedding dogs with thick double coats.
For breeds like these, you need a de-shedding shampoo that’s up for the challenge, and that’s where The Coat Handler excels.
It loosens the undercoat fur and dead hairs on the outer coat, so they fall off during bath time instead of filling your home. And at the same time, it moisturizes and nourishes the skin and coat to help limit future shedding.
The biggest downside to this shampoo is the immediate cost. It’s not the cheapest option because it only comes in a one-gallon bottle. But it does work out to be cost-effective once you dilute it with water (according to the manufacturer’s instructions), so it’s really just the upfront cost.
6. Nature’s Miracle Shed Control Shampoo for Dogs
Nature’s Miracle is a trusted U.S. brand that has been in the pet industry for over 35 years, and its high-quality (soap-free) formula makes short work of loose fur.
The Supreme Odor and Shed Control Shampoo provides a thorough clean, which softens your dog’s hair and helps maintain the moisture in the skin. And because it contains Omega 3, aloe vera, and vitamin E, it helps nourish the skin and coat too.
Not to mention, the one thing this shampoo is designed to do better than any other shampoo on our list is to control odors and make your dog smell beautiful.
It works by neutralizing doggy odors as you wash while at the same time deodorizing your dog’s coat with a plum hibiscus scent. It also comes in a citrus-scented formula, and both come in either the 16 oz or 32 oz bottle, depending on your preference.
Overall, this is worth considering if you’re looking for a good quality dog shampoo that helps reduce shedding while nourishing the coat and making your dog smell beautiful.
Why Do Dogs Shed So Much Hair?
There are numerous reasons why dogs shed, but the main one is that they are dropping their old hair to make way for new ones as part of their natural hair growth cycle.
So shedding is a perfectly normal thing in most healthy dogs. Even excessive shedding can be “normal,” depending on the breed of dog and time of year.
For example, Siberian Huskies are a high shedding breed at the best of times, but they also blow coat (shed profusely) once or twice per year, normally during spring and fall.
That said, sometimes excessive shedding can be caused by things like dry skin and hair, poor diet, fleas, allergies, or any number of underlying health issues. So it’s not always normal, and as such, a visit to a qualified veterinarian might be your best option if you’re concerned.
In any case, there’s no way to stop the hair from falling out completely. But there are some great ways to keep shedding to a minimum, and one of these involves bathing your dog.
Do Dog Shedding Shampoos Really Work?
De-shedding shampoos can help reduce shedding, but there’s no magic solution, either. So, regardless of how good the dog shampoo is, it’s only something that can help minimize it.
The reason dog shedding shampoos are often so effective is that dry, irritated skin is one of the leading causes of excessive shedding, and good quality dog shampoos are formulated with natural ingredients that can help improve your dog’s skin and hair.
For example, many good de-shedding shampoos contain some form of Omega 3 because this is known to help improve and add moisture to a dog’s skin and coat, which can help reduce shedding. Whereas other shampoos contain ingredients like vitamin E, coconut oil, and Aloe vera, which are known to help soothe dry skin and promote healthy hair growth.
See also: Does Coconut Oil Reduce Shedding?
Aside from the ingredients contained in a particular dog shampoo, another important thing to consider is that the shampoo doesn’t upset the natural pH level of your dog’s skin.
This is one of the reasons why human shampoos typically aren’t suitable for dogs; humans have a different skin pH from dogs (our skin is more acidic).
So using a human shampoo that is too harsh for a dog’s skin may cause dryness and irritation, increasing the shedding and leading to excessive scratching and itching.
To sum it up, dog shedding shampoos definitely can help reduce shedding. However, it’s important to select one that contains the right balance of good quality ingredients, ideally one with as few chemicals as possible and one that isn’t too harsh for your dog’s skin.
How Often Should You Bathe Your Dog?
How often you should bathe your dog depends on the characteristics of the breed and the needs of the individual dog. Specifically, what sort of coat your dog has and how dirty your dog tends to get.
For example, breeds like the Boxer and Dalmatian have low-maintenance coats that generally don’t require much bathing and brushing. So, to give you an idea, bathing a shorthaired breed like these every couple of months or so is considered normal.
On the other hand, longer-haired breeds like the Poodle have high-maintenance coats, so they need to be bathed and brushed more often than the average dog. Otherwise, they can get dirt and debris caught in their coat, leading to mats and tangles.
As a general rule, bathing your dog once or twice per month with a good quality dog shampoo is ideal, as is rinsing their coat with warm water between baths if they’ve been for a swim. But it does depend on what sort of mess they’ve gotten themselves into.
Some people bathe more frequently, not because of the breed or because their dog is dirty, but because it can be a great way to loosen up and remove your dog’s old, dead hairs before it drops off and onto your floors and furniture. And that’s good and well.
But it’s important not to bathe your dog too often. Because excessive bathing, especially with a harsh shampoo, may strip your dog’s coat of its natural oils and dry out his skin. This, in turn, may lead to excessive shedding and other problems as a result of dry, irritated skin.
This is why I always recommend speaking to your veterinarian about how often you should bathe your dog and carefully reading the dog shampoo manufacturers’ guidelines before use. That way, you can be more confident that your chosen bathing routine is right for your dog.
You can also check out our guide to choosing a good dog bath (or shower), as I go into a lot more detail on how to effectively bathe your dog in both of those guides.
Other Effective Ways to Reduce Shedding
Aside from bathing your dog with a good dog shampoo, there are a couple of main ways to reduce shedding.
The first, and perhaps the most important, is proper diet.
Making sure your dog’s diet is optimal is one of the best ways to combat shedding. Simply because a good quality dog food provides your dog the needed nutrients to thrive and can help him develop healthier skin and hair. There are also some great natural supplements on the market that contain things like Omega 3 (DHA and EPA), specifically formulated to combat shedding in chew treat or oil form that you can add to your dog’s food.
The second main way to reduce shedding is with proper brushing.
This is a simple and effective way to reduce shedding. And not just because it removes the dead hair from your dog’s coat before it drops off, but because brushing helps spread the natural coat oils, promoting healthier skin and hair follicles.
However, it’s important to consider the type of coat your dog has before selecting a de-shedding brush for your dog. And the reason is that some brushes are more suitable than others depending on the individual dog and what you need the brush for.
For example, some brushes suit dogs with longer versus shorter coats or those with or without an undercoat, and some are designed for regular brushing, while others are more for de-shedding.
See our guide to the different types of dog brushes to learn more.
In any case, proper diet and grooming are fundamental to reducing shedding because they work together, from the inside out, to help your dog thrive and keep his coat in optimal condition.
From there, it may be worth using a good dog hair vacuum and/or air purifier to help keep your home as free from dog hair as possible, especially if you’re someone who suffers from dog allergies or wants to make your job of cleaning up the loose fur as easy as possible.
Bottom Line
Dogs shed hair, and there’s no way to stop this completely.
However, there are some great ways to minimize shedding, including using a dog shampoo designed to nourish your dog’s coat and reduce the amount of hair he drops.
This, along with some of the other methods we’ve mentioned in this article, such as proper diet and brushing, can make a big difference and help keep your home as fur-free as possible.
So with that said, thanks for reading, and happy bathing!
Please note: By submitting a comment using the above comment form, you confirm that you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this site as detailed in our Privacy Policy.