If you’re looking for the best shampoo for your Pitbull, then you’ve come to the right place. Maybe you need a special shampoo because your Pit’s skin and coat are dry and flaking? Or perhaps your pup has some skin condition that makes him extra sensitive to specific ingredients in regular dog shampoos?
No matter what, we hope our reviews help you find what you’re looking for. We’ve researched dozens of dog shampoos and tested many of them on our dogs to find the safest & most effective ones.
Before buying any shampoo for your Pitbull, make sure you look at this list first. You could potentially prevent some bad side effects or allergies if you research the ingredients in the products you’re considering first.
Best Pitbull Shampoos Reviewed
The best shampoo for your Pit should be able to help your Pit’s skin issues. Not just temporarily, but for good! And that means no harsh chemicals!
It should combat all the common Pitbull skin problems whether it be skin allergies, dry skin, hot spots, or skin infections. There are so many shampoos out there, so how do you know which ones are the best? Well, it’s pretty simple…
Choose a shampoo that contains high-quality, natural ingredients. The best Pitbull shampoo should have the following properties.
- Soothing to skin irritations & allergies
- Anti-fungal & antibacterial
- Hypoallergenic
- Moisturizing agents for dry skin
In a rush? Here are the top picks!
- Pros
- Features a tropical, creamy coconut scent
- Free from alcohol, parabens, dyes,& harsh chemicals
- Detangles fur and increases volume while eliminating dirt
- Suitable for Pits & all dogs with sensitive skin
- Crafted with coconut's fatty acids for a natural and moisturizing dog & puppy shampoo.
- Effectively deodorizes & controls odors
- Cons
- Maybe pricier than other pet shampoos
It’s always best to choose something vet-formulated if your pup has allergies or sensitivities. This shampoo is made with persimmon extract, aloe vera, and oatmeal, which are great for soothing dry skin and repairing the skin barrier.
We like this shampoo for Pits with sensitive skin because of its gentle formula. The hypoallergenic dog shampoo is pH balanced to gently clean dogs of any size.
This is a sensitive dog shampoo free from alcohol, parabens, dyes, harsh chemicals, and non-toxic. It also features a deliciously creamy and naturally derived coconut scent with effective persimmon extract.
Features
- Dye-free
- Non-toxic
- Veterinarian formulated
- Hypoallergenic
- pH balanced
- It can be used on pups & adult dogs
- Two fragrances to choose from are eucalyptus or coconut.
- Pros
- Safely treats fungal and bacterial skin infections, skin scaling caused by seborrhea, and parasitic infections.
- pH balanced treatment
- Alleviates itching, flaking & scaling
- Relieves seborrhea, mange & parasitic infections
- Crafted with coal tar, salicylic acid & micronized sulfur
- Address symptoms of fungal or yeast infections
- No parabens, propylene glycol, artificial colors, or harsh chemicals
- It leaves your dog's coat feeling soft and shiny after rinsing properly
- Money-back guarantee
- Works fast to relieve symptoms
- Controls skin flare-ups
- Cons
- If your Pit has dehydrated skin, then it may be too harsh
This shampoo is excellent for dogs with skin problems. It features oatmeal and allantoin to hydrate skin. It’s also great for fighting symptoms of fungal or yeast infections.
If your Pitbull is scratching, biting, or licking himself, then this shampoo will help him feel better. The ingredients in the shampoo are coal tar, salicylic acid & micronized sulfur to help treat skin scaling caused by seborrhea and relieve mange and parasitic infections.
We like this Pit shampoo because it works fast to relieve symptoms including the inflamed scalp, greasy or waxy skin, red skin rashes, bald spots, itch, and flaky skin associated with seborrhea mange, parasitic, and infections. Veterinary Formula Clinical Care premium medicated products are created with veterinary-grade ingredients at affordable prices, making this brand so popular.
Another great benefit of these medicated dog shampoos is that they kill off harmful bacteria and leave your dog’s coat feeling softer and silkier. This product has over 49,900 positive reviews.
Features
- Vet recommended. paraben, dye & soap-free pet shampoo
- Does not remove flea and tick topicals
- It can be used on pups over 12 weeks of age
- Paraben & soap-free
- Hydrating & antifungal
- Over 49,900 positive reviews
- The scent is fresh and refreshing
- No artificial dyes
- Pros
- Replenishes the moisture with colloidal oatmeal
- Crafted with the tropical scent of aloe and coconut
- Effectively eliminates pet odors
- Suitable for Pit puppies 12 weeks & up
- New eco-friendly bottle (65% less plastic) with reinforced cap & induction seal to prevent leaking
- Good for eliminating pet odors
- Features a deep cleansing pet shampoo that does not dry skin
- Allows for shiny, lustrous coats
- Can use weekly
- The scent is not overpowering.
- Cons
- Bottle leaking issues while shipping( no longer the case with new packaging)
- Not tearless, so you'll need to keep away from your pup's eyes while bathing
The Tropical Oatmeal is our top pick for best dog shampoo for Pitbulls in 2022. It’s made with oatmeal, aloe vera, and vitamin E to soothe your dog while keeping the fur shiny and soft. We found out that this might be the number one bestseller on Amazon for pet shampoos, and after trying it on our dogs, we were sold.
This shampoo has a lovely smell that isn’t too overpowering. Our dogs felt very soft and clean after using this product, without residue after rinsing. (like some other brands). The best part is it’s made with only natural ingredients, so you can use it safely on your pup’s skin and face without worry.
Dog shampoos can be pricey, but TropiClean is one of the best all-around options. It’s made with oatmeal which helps soothe your pup’s itchy skin. And if your Pit suffers from dryness or allergies, then this shampoo may be a good option. This product has over 21,000 positive reviews.
Here are some pros & cons to help you decide whether TropiClean is for you:
Features
- pH Balanced, soap-free, paraben-free & dye-free
- Affordable for multi-pet homes
- Crafted with oatmeal and aloe vera, which help soothe skin and repair the skin barrier
- Contains a hypoallergenic formula that is free from harsh chemicals, dyes, sulfates, and parabens (perfect if your Pitbull has allergies or sensitivities)
- Biodegradable and environmentally-friendly (great for the planet & good for your wallet!)
- Features all naturally derived ingredients
- Made in the US
- Hypoallergenic pet shampoo for the American Pitbull
- Over 21,000 positive reviews
- Pros
- Reduce frizz and leaves behind a silky, smooth coat
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Moisturizes skin & coat
- Enhances shiny coats
- Safe for use with topical & tick treatments
- Good fragrance
- Allows for easier grooming
- Cons
- It may not be effective for itchy skin.
This shampoo is safe for Pitbulls with dry, damaged, irritated skin. CHI for dog’s tearless puppy shampoo gently cleanses and moisturizes your puppy’s delicate skin and coat. This professionally formulated grooming solution uses ionic technology to seal the cuticle, reduce frizz, and leave behind a silky, smooth coat.
It also contains high concentrations of emollient oils, which means your pup will have a healthy sheen to its coat after rinsing. Also, this shampoo comes in a 16 oz. bottle, so you get a lot of product for your money. So if you have a large dog or want to buy in bulk, this shampoo is perfect. We like this product because it’s ideal for Pitbulls who have dry or itchy skin, and you can also use it on pups.
This is a luxurious and pH-balanced dog shampoo that works well for optimal care for your American Pitbull’s coat and skin. Here’s the takeaway:
Features
- pH balanced formula for optimal pet skin & coat health
- Suitable for pups and adult dogs
- Tearless pet shampoo for Pitbull
- Sulfate & paraben free
- Made in the US
- Pros
- Soap-free and free of parabens, silicones, and artificial thickeners
- Safe to use with topical flea and tick treatments.
- Odor-eliminating, sulfate-free Pitbull shampoo
- Leaves skin fresh and coat silky
- Creates a rich lather that thoroughly cleans pets
- Unique fragrance that was selected from the finest perfume oils.
- Cons
- Scent may be strong
Bio-Groom Groom’ N Fresh Odor Eliminating Shampoo is a cruelty-free product that includes hydrolyzed soy protein that strengthens the coat and leaves it smooth and shiny.
It also features aloe vera, promoting healing while soothing and hydrating the skin. Bio-Groom has been around since 1971 and is family-owned and operated, manufacturing natural, gentle pet grooming products. You can use this on all dog breeds, including Pitbulls. Bio-Groom is especially good for pets with allergies or skin conditions.
This shampoo is an odor-eliminating, sulfate-free dog shampoo that removes odor and keeps pets smelling delightfully fresh and clean with a unique fragrance selected from the most refined perfume oils.
Bio-Groom lathers efficiently provide easy application and clean rinses without residue. It moisturizes skin and coat, and the pH-balanced formula leaves pets with a fresh, clean scent, radiant coats, and itch-free skin.
Features
- Hydrolyzed soy protein to strengthens the coat
- Aloe Vera which promotes healing
- Rinses out quickly for a residue-free result.
- Ingredients are derived from 100% green coconut oil and palm kernel oil sources.
- Cruelty-free pet shampoo
- Available in many sizes
- Affordable
- Pros
- Silk proteins add texture to the body
- Lasting fragrance
- Cleans & conditions
- Clean, light fragrance
- Dilutes up to 24:1
- Non-oily and won't lay the hair down.
- Made in the US
- Cons
- Not tearless
Nature’s Specialties Plum Silky Dog Shampoo Conditioner for Pets, dilutes up to 24:1 is gentle, safe effective on all coat types. That leaves your Pitbull with a radiant, healthy, and silky shine and smoothness that you’ll enjoy. This shampoo helps replenish vital nutrients, moisturizers, proteins, vitamins, and amino acids essential for maintaining your dog’s skin and coat.
This is a mild concentrated conditioning Pitbull shampoo that cleans and adds texture while leaving a wonderful, lasting fragrance for days. We like this pet shampoo because it features silk proteins and a lasting fragrance that’s not too overpowering.
Nature’s Specialties products were used on “Animal Planet’s” reality TV show series “Groomer Has It” and the CBS TV “Great American Dog.” This is a professional groomer’s #1 choice for the shampoo they trust and build their business daily. It’s perfect for all coats and even adds highlights and texture.
Features
- Non-toxic and biodegradable
- Mild concentrated conditioning shampoo for Pitbulls
- Non-toxic, biodegradable blend
- Crafted with silk proteins
- pH Balanced
- Over 2,500 positive reviews
- 100% cruelty-free
- Pros
- Anti-itch dog shampoo
- 100% biodegradable formula made with vitamin E, Aloe, Jojoba oil, and lavender
- Suitable for dry skin & dander
- Reduces hot spots, bumps, and redness (even with eczema)
- No heavy fragrances
- It does not contain parabens, bleach, and sudsing chemicals
- Works well as calming dog shampoo for sensitive skin
- Crafted with a powerful blend of essential oils and vitamin E
- It contains no harsh ammonia
- Groomer approved
- Cons
- Some customers did not like the scent.
The Gerrard Larriett is a soothing and moisturizing blend of natural ingredients formulated to relieve itchy, dry skin in pets. It’s also formulated with oatmeal which acts as an anti-inflammatory. This is a sulfate-free dog odor shampoo and conditioner that offers gentle cleaning.
The aromatherapy shampoo & conditioner for Pits dog shampoo is a gentle all-purpose shampoo great for daily use on dogs and cats of all ages. This oatmeal shampoo is an excellent alternative to medicated shampoos and can be used as an everyday shampoo. It has a pH-balanced gentle formula with moisturizing ingredients to keep pets’ skin healthy and free of irritations naturally.
This pet shampoo also works as a deodorizer, reducing and controlling unwanted odors. We like this pet shampoo because it’s gentle enough for daily use on dogs, features oatmeal which is an anti-inflammatory, reduces odors, and has a great smell. The active ingredients in this pet shampoo include lavender oil, chamomile oil, aloe vera, vitamin e oil, and oatmeal.
Features
- Aromatherapy pet shampoo
- Crafted with natural ingredients
- A Gerrard Larriett pet shampoo
- Affordable for multi-pet homes
- Made in the US
Common Pitbull skin issues
There are a wide variety of causes for Pitbull skin conditions. These could be caused by anything from pollen, dander, or ingredients in your shampoo or conditioner. Some of the most common Pitbull skin conditions that require special dog shampoos are:
- Dry/flaky skin
- Skin allergies & rashes (itching)
- Fleas & ticks
- Hot spots
- Skin infections
- Dandruff
These are very common problem, as well as hot spots and dry skin. To treat any of these Pitbull skin issues, you’re going to need an effective shampoo that contains the right ingredients. Skin allergies(atopy) happen when your Pit’s skin reacts to specific allergens in the environment.
Certain dog breeds like the Pit may be prone to developing skin allergies. The most common signs of a skin allergy in Pitbulls may occur in the back of the paw, muzzle, lips, and abdomen. The areas will be itchy and have very red, small bumps.
Symptoms of skin allergies include:
- Red, itchy patches of skin,
- Inflammation, and even hair loss. Many times this type of allergy will lead to a secondary bacterial infection. This is why it’s so important to use an antibacterial shampoo.
Improper skin disease treatment
The key to treating these conditions is proper dog shampoo. You can’t just grab any old bottle and expect great results.
Using a product that is not designed with your Pitbull’s specific needs in mind could worsen the skin condition! For example, using a shampoo containing harsh chemicals could worsen your Pit’s skin!
Shampoo and conditioner combinations for Pitbulls
For those who want to save money and still get great results, there’s a two-in-one shampoo available. These combo packages come with both shampoo and conditioners as well! The perfect option if you’re on a tight budget but need your dog’s coat looking shiny & smooth or just need some extra oomph behind their regular bath routine (which we recommend doing every few weeks).
Antifungal Pitbull shampoos
The benefits of using a medicated shampoo for your Pitbull are many. Medicated dog shampoos can help alleviate the issue you were dealing with, like bacteria or fungal infections on the skin; it might also reduce shedding if that’s what has been bothering them lately. They will also keep your pup’s coat clean and healthy.
Scented Pitbull shampoos
You don’t want your Pitbull’s skin irritated by harsh chemicals, so look for all-natural shampoos that come with either fruit extract fragrances or flowery scents. You can also opt for essential oils that can be added to give it a nice smell!
Ingredients
Ingredients matter! When you pick out a Pitbull shampoo, make sure it has all-natural and easy-to-pronounce ones. Parabens can irritate your pup’s skin which is why we recommend looking for moisturizing ingredients, too, along with hypoallergenic varieties, so they don’t dry out their fur even more than necessary.
You don’t want your Pitbull to end up with irritable or eczema-prone skins because of harmful chemicals in their shampoos (parabens). Instead, try getting moisturizing agents like aloe vera extract; this will prevent your pup’s skin & coat from drying out.
The best way to find the perfect shampoo for your Pitbull is by considering these few factors. These decisions will help you narrow down our list and get closer to finding what works well for your furbaby.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Choose the Best Shampoo for Pitbulls?
There are a few factors to consider when choosing the best shampoo for Pitbulls. For instance, you need to find a dog shampoo free of sulfates and chemicals, hypoallergenic, paraben-free, and tearless shampoos.
Is it safe to bathe my Pitbull puppy, and what can I do to make the process easier?
It is safe to bathe your pup as long as you use the proper grooming tools and pet shampoos. Using a dog shampoo that is mild, tearless and gentle on their skin, such as those mentioned above, will help keep them calm throughout the grooming process. A dog-friendly spray that eliminates any traces of scent is also a good idea to use in between bathing.
What are the benefits of bathing my Pitbull?
Bathing your pup can have many benefits. It will improve their skin health by removing dirt and debris that irritate your dog’s skin, resulting in itchiness or redness, for starters. It will also help reduce and control your dog’s natural musky smell. Lastly, it will improve their coat health while also brightening the colors in their fur.
Does my Pitbull need a conditioner?
Conditioner is an extra add-on to your dog shampooing routine that can make a big difference depending on how often you bathe your pup. Conditioners are great for keeping coats sleek and shiny. It will also help remove dandruff flakes that form on your dog’s skin, resulting in their coat looking dull.
What if my Pitbull is suffering from allergies and skin issues?
If your pup is suffering from serious skin irritations or allergies, it might be best to consult a vet to get the proper treatment. You can also try dog shampoo with added oatmeal to help soothe their dry skin and irritated inflamed areas while preventing future issues.
For example, a dog shampoo with oatmeal extract is excellent for those who want a gentle, chemical-free way to provide relief from the itching and irritation that come with serious cases of dry skin.
Some of the best dog shampoos for Pitbulls also feature natural ingredients, such as oatmeal extract, tea tree oil, and lavender extract. These products are great for alleviating allergies, irritations, and itchiness to keep your pup healthy without causing further damage.
How often should you wash a Pitbull?
Most Pitbulls don’t need to be washed too frequently because they have a short coat that doesn’t tend to get dirty quickly. However, if your pup is especially active or spends time hiking with you, you may want to wash them more often.
For most Pitbulls, bathing once every few weeks will suffice to keep their coats healthy, but for more active dogs or dogs with sensitive skin, it may be best to bathe more frequently.
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.
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