In this buying guide for the best dog shampoo for dander, we’ll be taking a look at the six best puppy shampoos for dander that are currently available on the market. These products have been carefully selected based on their effectiveness, affordability, and overall quality. We’ve also included one dander removing spray that’s safe and non-toxic.
Your pet’s coat is probably the first thing you notice when you walk into your home. The softness of their fur or the sheen on their coats is proof of how well your pet is cared for.
But there’s another thing that you notice, and it’s something that you might not think about as much – the dander on your furniture and in your carpeting. Dander can be a real problem, especially if most people in your house have allergies to animals.
If you’re looking to buy the best hypoallergenic shampoo for dogs, then look no further. Instead, we’ve spent 30+ hours researching and testing out different pet shampoos for dander (and other pet products) to find the best all-around option that’s safe and effective. After many tests, we found that Allersearch Pet Shampoo is the best hypoallergenic option for cats and dogs.
In a rush? Here are the top picks!
Choosing The Best Dog Shampoo for Dander
An excellent anti-dandruff dog shampoo should do more than reduce flaking and scratching; it should also break up the dander and dust mite wastes to keep your pup healthier. For example, you want a shampoo base that won’t strip the oils from your dog’s skin, leaving it dry and flaky.
We’ve done all of our research for you, but before we get into the six best products, let’s go over some important info that will help you make the best choice for your pup.
- Keep in mind that dander is not always caused by dry skin; if your dog has allergies, then they will more than likely need something different from what we recommend on this list. If you suspect your dog might suffer from topical allergies, check out our review of the best anti-itch dog shampoos there.
- Be aware that some of the most popular dog shampoo brands are not recommended for dogs with dander issues; they can exacerbate the problem or cause further health complications due to their ingredients.
Pet Dander
Dander is a mixture of dry skin cells and oil from the sebaceous gland of animals, including dogs. In humans, dander is one of the most common types of household allergens as it quickly becomes airborne and has an irritating effect on the respiratory system.
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) explains that “You may think animal allergies are caused by fur, but that fuzz and fluff is merely a carrier for allergens. Pet dander, the source of allergens, is composed of tiny, even microscopic, proteins from flecks of skin shed by pets.” They add that pet allergens are easily spread, circulate in the air, and stay on carpets and furniture for months. These tiny particles can also be found on clothing in areas with no pets.
Dogs can also suffer from itchy skin, watery eyes, and runny noses from dust mites are typically the culprit, and they can make your pup very uncomfortable. These bits of skin can cause reactions in people who are specifically allergic to these triggers. Dander also affects cats and humans who suffer from allergies. That said, finding a pet shampoo to eliminate dander is key to combatting health issues with dander.
An itchy dog may scratch and chew incessantly, damaging his skin and causing bald patches that increase dander production. Not only that, but your pup’s saliva will spread those pesky dust mites around your house as well. Be aware of the health problems dander can cause, such as skin problems, stains on your furniture, and poor hygiene.
- Pros
- Crafted as a mild, gentle formula
- Safely removes animal dander
- Neutralizes allergens
- Suitable dogs, cats, and other animals
- Gently cleanses and conditions your pet's skin
- Provides protection from fleas and ticks
- Effective at reducing pet allergies
- Cons
- Some dogs may not like the scent.
Allertech pet shampoo for dander features non-ionic surfactants, a proprietary anti-allergen base, and emollients to neutralize harmful allergens. This pet dander shampoo is designed to help control pet allergens in your home. This is a mild, gentle formula that conditions your dog’s skin while removing odor pet dander. It also protects against fleas and ticks.
This non-toxic and non-allergenic formula is designed to safely remove and neutralize allergens to prevent irritation to both pets and pet parents with sensitivities. In addition, Allertech features non-toxic ingredients, and is a non-allergenic shampoo that conditions your pet’s skin and coat as it cleans. This product features over 1,200 positive reviews and can be used monthly for optimal efficacy.
Features
- Affordable
- Safe & non-toxic
- Anti-allergen pet shampoo
- Neutralizes allergens
- Over 1,200 positive reviews
- Effective for up to 30 days
- Recommended by allergists
- Pros
- Effective in reducing allergy symptoms
- Reduces pet dander
- Washes out easily
- It helps combat fleas & ticks
- It does not irritate pet's skin
- Suitable for allergy & asthma relief
- Does not contain hazardous components under current OSHA definitions
- One treatment lasts approximately 30 days
- Cleans & conditions the skin
- No dyes or ammoniates
- Made from plant and root extracts.
- Fragrance-free
- Destroys funky odors
- Suitable for dogs, horses & ferrets
- Cons
- Strong scent
Allersearch pet and anti-allergen dog shampoo is designed for pets with itchiness, allergies, or sensitive skin. This dog shampoo is meant for dogs and cats and can help reduce allergens created by pet dander, dust mites, and mold spores. Allersearch Laboratories, founded in 1981, specializes in safe and effective environmental asthma and allergy relief products.
This medicated shampoo has been tested safe for dry or itchy skin animals. The allergen reduction provided by this shampoo can last up to 30 days after just one use. University studies have shown that dander loads in homes were reduced by 50% with the weekly use of Allerpet.
This dog pet dander eliminating shampoo contains natural ingredients like plant and root extracts that are effective against dander-reducing allergens. We like this dander-reducing pet shampoo because it’s cruelty-free, hypoallergenic, and non-toxic. Here’s the takeaway:
Features
- Affordable
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-toxic
- Washes dander off skin & coat
- Crafted as an all-natural blend of non-ionic surfactants
- Formulated in a natural herbal complex with tea tree oil extract.
- Gluten-free
- Cruelty-free
- Biodegradable
- Made in the US
- Pros
- Leaves both skin & fur feeling soft and conditioned
- Eliminates allergens
- 100% safe & non-toxic
- Effectively binds & removes proteins to reduce allergen symptoms significantly
- Allows for a stress-free experience
- Cleanses the hair of dander & other allergens
- No rinsing necessary
- Non-irritating formula but must be applied via mitt or cloth
- Cons
- Must be applied to mitt first and not directly onto fur
We like Allerpet Dog Allergy relief spray for pet allergies because it’s a medicated product designed to be used on pets with skin conditions caused by allergies. Allerpet features aloe vera, green tea, chamomile, and rosemary ingredients. This dander-reducing spray can be used on dogs of all breeds and sizes. This is a non-toxic product which makes it safe for use on pets of all ages, including puppies and kittens.
Allerpet dander-free dog spray also leaves your pet has over 1,400 positive reviews. This product can be used weekly. If your pet is a high dander-producing breed, you can use Allerpet every 3-4 days. It’s important to note that the solution should not be sprayed directly on your dog. Instead, you first have to spray it onto the application mitt first for safe use.
Features
- Eliminates allergens effectively
- Non-toxic, non-oily, fragrance-free solution
- Crafted with powerful, vitamin-rich ingredients
- Uses no preservatives or harsh chemicals
- Does not expire
- Veterinarian & allergist recommended for over 25 years
- Made in the US
- Pros
- Breaks down allergen proteins like pet dander, dust mite remains, & pollen
- Formulated with hypoallergenic, gentle, & high-quality ingredients
- It helps remove dander, dust mites, and other allergy-causing contaminants.
- Includes microfiber mitt for easy application.
- Does not irritate the skin
- No fragrances, additives, or dyes
- Neutralizes allergens effectively
- The shampoo lathers well & cleans the skin.
- Suitable for dog skin allergies
- Cons
- Some may not like the fragrance.
We like the Ecology Works ultimate allergy-reducer bundle for pet’s allergies because it’s a hypoallergenic product line that contains ingredients that have been tested to reduce allergens from pet dander, dust mites, and fleas.
This is a medicated shampoo, laundry detergent, and solution for dogs and cats. Ecology Works Allergy reducing bundle contains coconut oil, green tea extract, and vitamins A, C, and E to help promote healthy skin. In addition to being a non-medicated product, this shampoo also contains ingredients like lavender essential oil, which many people who suffer from pet allergies report as an effective deterrent against dander.
The laundry detergent in this package is a non-toxic and environmentally friendly product that removes pet dander from your home. The allergen reducing solution uses ingredients like potassium citrate to reduce allergens.
This bundle contains everything you need to remove allergens, dust mites, and other harmful contaminants from your home environment. This is the ultimate allergy-reducing kit to help remove irritating allergens from your pets, furniture, surfaces, clothing, and bedding.
Features
- 4 product allergy reducing kit featuring pet shampoo, detergent, spray & mitt
- Affordable
- All products neutralize allergy-causing contaminants like pet dander, fleas, ticks, & dust mites
- Hypoallergenic
- No harsh chemicals or toxins
- Plant & mineral-based technology
- 100% biodegradable
- Safe
- Pros
- Reduces dander in pets
- Holistic veterinarian & groomers top choice
- Suitable for sensitive skin, itchy skin, & dogs with dandruff.
- Hypoallergenic
- No artificial chemicals
- Features gentle cleaning, moisturizing, and conditioning benefits
- Good for dogs at all life stages
- No sulfates
- It lathers well & rinses off easily
- USDA Certified Organic to Food Standards
- Cons
- Some may not like the fragrance.
The anti-dander pet shampoo is safe to use on dogs with allergies or any other type of skin problems, such as sensitive skin, dry skin, flea bites, hot spots, or just needing itch relief. It lathers deeply into the skin, providing relief from itching and irritation while providing nutrients to restore the skin’s moisture balance.
We like this pet shampoo to combat dander because it’s made with all-natural ingredients. In addition, it contains coconut oil and essential oils, such as lemongrass and aloe. This product features over 3,000 positive reviews and is an all-natural dog shampoo handcrafted in small batches using plant-based ingredients.
Features
- Affordable for multi-pet homes
- Plant-based with organic ingredients
- Concentrated formula
- No artificial thickeners
- Safe for newborn pups, senior dogs, your cat, & humans!
- Vegan & cruelty-free
- Detergent free
- No petrochemicals
- Sustainably sourced
- Over 3,000 positive reviews
- Pros
- Scrubs away dandruff
- Reduces dander
- Gentle formula
- Scrubs away dirt with exfoliating Jojoba beads
- Butter & botanical extracts moisturize & refresh skin & coat
- Hydrating scrub
- It helps skin & coat to look smooth & shiny
- Easy to lather up & rinse off
- Cons
- Some may not like the scent.
Warren London exfoliating dog shampoo helps control dander naturally and is made from 100% organic coconut oil! The jojoba beads provide a deep cleansing scrub that removes dirt and dead skin, while the infused butter and botanical extracts moisturize the skin and condition the coat. This pet dander shampoo cleans, exfoliates, and hydrates all in one.
This hypoallergenic dog shampoo is rich in antioxidants and contains no harsh chemicals. The ingredients include jojoba beads, botanical extracts, and butter which provide nutrients that heal the skin and reduce irritation. This shampoo also works as an exfoliant to remove dead skin cells and relieve dry, itchy skin.
Features
- Affordable
- Crafted with an intensive moisturizer for dry skin
- Infused with butter and botanical extracts
- 2 fragrance options: pomegranate & fig & milk & honey
- Made in the US
- A Warren London pet product
Dog Dander
Dander is the skin flakes that fall off of your pup’s coat when they brush against something or when they go through their daily scratching routine. Although it may annoy you, dust mites love to live in this dry powdery mixture. These microscopic bugs can cause many problems for your pup’s health, so it is essential to keep the concentration of dust mites in their environment down to a minimum.
Additionally, The American Lung Association adds that “Animals with fur may be more likely to carry allergens from other sources, like dust, but the fur itself is generally not a trigger. For that reason, short-haired or hairless animals contribute dander and allergens to indoor air pollution just as effectively as long-haired animals do. There is no such thing as a non-allergenic dog or cat.”
Pet allergens like dander can remain in the home for months. For homes with sensitive pet parents, the most effective way of protecting indoor air quality is by regularly grooming your pet, using a dander pet shampoo on your pets, and using air purifiers to reduce pet dander in your home.
What to Look for When Picking a Dog Shampoo for Dander?
When you’re looking for a dander shampoo for your dog, there are some things to keep in mind. First, avoid shampoos that contain harsh chemicals like sulfates and alcohol if your pet is allergic. Dogs shed skin as we do, which can be a problem if you or your pup have dander allergies. The best way to take dander is to control it with a safe and non-toxic pet dander shampoo.
Essential Features in a Dander Shampoo for Dogs
Soothing to Skin and Coat
Look for a shampoo to relieve itchiness and irritation caused by allergies, hot spots, and rashes. You want a dander shampoo with natural ingredients like aloe vera, oatmeal, and chamomile extract. These ingredients help soothe sensitive, dry skin, making the coat feel soft to the touch.
A Gentle, Non-Irritating Formula
Some pets are allergic to fragrances and other ingredients found in some dog shampoos, so you must keep this in mind when buying a dander shampoo. Fortunately, many pet dander shampoos for dogs don’t contain added colors, artificial scents, or chemicals.
Tearless Formula
A tearless formula is also beneficial for pets with sensitive eyes. Look for a shampoo that will not sting if it gets in your pet’s eyes. Most brands are advertised as ‘tear-free,’ but just double check to ensure you’re getting the best dander shampoo for your best friend! A dander shampoo for dogs should be gentle enough to use regularly.
Avoid Skin and Coat Problems
Don’t forget to avoid ingredients that can cause skin irritations or problems. For example, avoid shampoos with sulfates if your pet is prone to dry skin. If you live in a humid climate, try an anti-dander shampoo for dogs. Chamomile extract and aloe vera will help soothe the skin and reduce irritation.
Best Ingredients to Combat Pet Dander
- Aloe vera – conditions skin and coat while eliminating dander
- Cedarwood oil – Helps to disinfect the skin for a fresh coat
- Chamomile extract – Soothes itchy, irritated skin
- Rosemary – Helps prevent further shedding.
- Vitamins A, D, and E – Conditions moisturize skin and coat and provide antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Oatmeal – helps soothe and moisturize irritated skin and treats pet dander.
- Jojoba oil – Conditions and moisturizes dry coats and prevents hardening of sebum in the hair follicles.
- Coconut oil – reduces allergen levels in homes with dogs and helps condition coats, combats odors, and provides antimicrobial effects.
Regular Grooming & Bathing
While it is essential to keep your pets clean and free of dirt, The American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology(AAAAI) recommends that you bathe your pet at least once a month. This will help reduce the allergens in their coat and on their skin.
Pet shampoo for dander is available in both medicated and non-medicated options. Medicated shampoos are meant for use on pets who suffer from skin conditions like rashes or dry, itchy skin due to allergies.
Medicated shampoo products may include zinc oxide, pyrithione zinc, benzoyl peroxide, chlorhexidine, ketoconazole, miconazole nitrate, and hydrocortisone.
Non-medicated shampoo products are used on pets with healthy skin that doesn’t have any specific conditions or allergies. Non-medicated shampoos may include ingredients like soap, dyes, fragrances, glycerin, and lanolin.
Some shampoos also feature a hypoallergenic label, although pet parents have differing opinions on how meaningful this label is.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Anti-Dander Shampoos Work?
Yes, anti-dander shampoos work for most pets and in most cases. It is essential to understand that no one shampoo is suitable for all pets, and allergic reactions can occur. The key is regular bathing to help remove dry skin before it flakes off as dander. Regular grooming and bathing are also important in helping remove excess dander. Hypoallergenic pet shampoos are highly recommended.
Are Anti-Dander Shampoos for Pets Worth Using?
Yes, anti-dander shampoos are worth using on pets that have been diagnosed with allergies or have other skin conditions causing excessive dry skin build-up. In most cases, you’ll see a reduction in pet dander after just one use.
What is The Best Anti-Dander Shampoo for Dogs?
The best anti-dander shampoo for dogs depends on its ingredients and the severity of your dog’s allergies. In most cases, a medicated shampoo product with ketoconazole 1% is recommended. However, in some cases, using an allergen-reducing solution or shampoo by itself may be sufficient.
Using dander-reducing pet shampoo correctly can help dogs suffering from allergies. The best anti-dandruff shampoo for pets has ingredients that are safe and effective at pulling loose dander off of the dog’s skin before it can enter your home environment. Regular grooming through brushing or bathing is also helpful.
What Helps Dander Removal?
Dander is skin cells that are shed as pets move around. With dogs, it’s almost impossible to keep your home free of dander unless you groom the dog regularly, removing loose skin and hair before they can become airborne or settle on surfaces
How Do Anti-Dander Shampoos Work?
All anti-dander shampoos work by pulling loose dander from the animal’s coat and skin. They also help prevent dry skin before flaking off as pet dander. After just a few days of using an anti-dander shampoo, most people report less dander.
Claudia Bensimoun is a writer who specializes in dog content and veterinary topics! Aside from writing for We Love Doodles, Claudia also writes for other major dog blogs like Fido Friendly, Animal Wellness Magazine, and the United States Dog Agility Association (USDAA). She has a ghostwritten over 50 different dog e-books. Her passions include animal welfare, veterinary research, and wildlife conservation.
Why Trust We Love Doodles?
At We Love Doodles, we’re a team of writers, veterinarians, and puppy trainers that love dogs. Our team of qualified experts researches and provides reliable information on a wide range of dog topics. Our reviews are based on customer feedback, hands-on testing, and in-depth analysis. We are fully transparent and honest to our community of dog owners and future owners.