Being a pet owner comes with a lot of perks, such as the positive health benefits associated with having a fluffy companion and the ability to get in a good nose boop at a moment’s notice. However, as your parents surely told a seven-year-old you when you begged for your first pet (no, just me?), it also comes with a fair share of responsibilities. One of the most important jobs for a pet owner is grooming. From brushes that keep mats and tangles at bay to clippers and Dremels that make nail care a breeze, having the right grooming essentials is a must, and it all starts with choosing a quality pet shampoo. Like that parade of shampoos that line your shower shelf (no, just me?), the best pet shampoos are made with specific purposes in mind. From those designed to leave coats soft and shiny to others that tackle fleas, ticks, allergies, and more, we rounded up 12 of the best pet shampoos on the market today to help keep your fur baby, and their coat, happy.
For a natural pick that can help soothe your pet's dry, itchy skin, pick up a bottle of Burt's Bees Natural Shampoo . Made with nourishing colloidal oat flour, honey, beeswax, and a green tea extract blend, this shampoo will leave your pet's coat hydrated.
Does your pet have a shedding problem? Take control of it year-round with the FURminator DeShedding Ultra Premium Shampoo . Featuring a blend of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids and soothing calendula and papaya leaf extracts, this shampoo is formulated to treat your pet's skin and fur with the specific goal of curbing excess shedding.
If your pet is white, you know just how important a good whitening shampoo can be. Since white coats are notorious for losing their luster (and turning yellow), keep a bottle of TropiClean's Awapuhi & Coconut Whitening Dog & Cat Shampoo in your kit. It whitens and brightens your pet’s coat via a rich, cleansing lather that enhances color while moisturizing and conditioning their skin and coat.
One issue no pet owner wants to face is fleas — because if they have fleas, you have fleas (especially if you share a sleeping space). That's all the more reason to keep a bottle of Adams Plus Flea & Tick Shampoo on hand. Killing fleas on contact, this shampoo also kills flea eggs, ticks, and lice for up to 30 days post-wash. It's a must-have as we approach the warm summer months.
Pets are prone to skin conditions, making medicated pet shampoos a staple for many pet owners. One of the very best is the Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiseptic and Antifungal Shampoo . Formulated with benzethonium chloride (an anti-bacterial agent) and ketoconazole (an anti-fungal agent), this shampoo helps treat bacterial and yeast infections, providing your pet the soothing relief they need and deserve.
If knots, tangles, and mats are a constant pain point for you and your pet, keep a bottle of Fresh Pet Shampoo around at all times. This balancing shampoo is perfect for dogs and cats and is even safe for puppies and kittens, meaning no more mats for any of your furry friends.
Looking for itch relief for your especially sensitive pal? Try Earthbath's Hypo-Allergenic Totally Natural Pet Shampoo . This mild, hypoallergenic shampoo is fragrance free and formulated especially for pets with skin allergies and sensitivities, making itching a thing of the past.
While a surprise to many first-time pet owners, your fluffy friends are just as prone to seasonal allergies as you are. Keep them itch free this allergy season with a bottle of Vet's Best Allergy Itch Relief Shampoo . This solution is veterinarian formulated with natural ingredients and essential oils (including oatmeal, d-limonene, and tea tree oil) to soothe sensitive, allergy-prone skin and leave your trusted companion smelling like they just came back from the spa.
Got a furry friend who hates water? John Paul Pet Oatmeal Waterless Foam Shampoo can help with that. This gentle, botanical foaming shampoo cleans and refreshes your pet (think of it as a pet dry shampoo) without the need for water. Since it's specially formulated to mix with oil and dirt present in the coat, you simply brush your buddy after applying it to give them a quick zhoosh. Bonus: Its sweet almond oil will leave your pet smelling scrumptious!
If a silky soft coat is what you're after, you need a shampoo like the Isle of Dogs Silky Coating Shampoo . A cleanser and detangler, this shampoo will leave their coat luxuriously soft, rich, and smelling of jasmine and vanilla.
As relaxing as we may find a good bath, that's not always the case for pets. Help make the experience a soothing one with Wahl's 4-In-1 Calming Pet Shampoo . This lavender-scented shampoo helps promote relaxation while getting to work cleansing, conditioning, detangling, and moisturizing your pet's coat and skin.
Keep their coat shiny with a classic: Fresh 'n Clean's Scented Dog Shampoo . Featuring an exclusive conditioning blend made with aloe vera and vitamin E, this shampoo will leave your pet soft, tangle free, and glistening.
