In this best dog shampoo for shedding buying guide, we’re going to show you our 8 top picks for the best dog de-shedding shampoos that really work.
Finding the best dog shampoos for de-shedding is a daunting task, given all of today’s options. There are numerous brands with different formulas, scents, and features that can make it difficult for pet parents to find their perfect match!
There are many types of shampoos for shedding, but to achieve the best results, you need to be using a dog shampoo that is explicitly designed to remove loose hair.
Below are some of the best dog shampoos for shedding that you can buy online. This list includes natural-based shampoos, and we tried to include a variety of price points to suit each budget!
In a rush? Here are the top picks!
- Pros
- Reduces shedding
- Promotes healthy skin & coat
- Features no parabens & no chemical dyes
- Crafted with chamomile, blueberry, aloe vera & Kava
- It can be used in pups over six weeks.
- Pet hair reduction shampoo for all breeds
- Leaves coat soft & manageable
- Good scent.
- Loosens undercoat well
- Cons
- Need to use the conditioner with it to prevent coat dryness
FURminator is known for its advanced grooming products and is one of the top shedding shampoos. FURminator has a clinically proven formula that penetrates deep into the pet’s coat to break down the undercoat and loose fur so it can be easily brushed or combed away.
We like this de-shedding pet shampoo because it features no parabens or chemical dyes. It’s also enriched with calendula extract and papaya leaf extract for optimal skin health. This product has over 11,000 positive reviews and works to reduce shedding in dogs. The Furminator dog shampoo should be used monthly as part of the Furminator at-home professional grooming regiment!
Furminator also features dog shedding control cloths that are easy-to-use wipes three times thicker than traditional wipes.
Features
- Affordable
- Promotes healthy skin & coat
- Over 11,000 positive reviews
- Enriched with Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, calendula extract, and papaya leaf extract.
- Use monthly as part of the Furminator de-shedding treatment
- A large array of de-shedding shampoo/ conditioners & grooming tools is available.
- Pros
- Optimal shed control for all dog breeds
- Crafted with all-natural ingredients
- Exfoliates & moisturizes dog's skin
- Provides a deeply nourishing clean
- Reduces shedding in dogs
- Cruelty-free product
- An extensive array of shampoos/conditioners is available
- It does not irritate the skin
- Cleans coat & skin well
- Leaves coat soft & silky
- Features a pleasant citrus scent that's not overwhelming (hints of citrus)
- Cons
- May dry skin out if not used with de-shedding conditioner
The best shedding shampoo for dogs is one that will cleanse, deodorize and moisturize all at once. This helps reduce odors while also taking care of excess fur in the process. Tropiclean Lime & Coconut Pet Shampoo is a top choice for this because it contains natural ingredients that are beneficial to your dog’s skin and coat.
They produce high-quality pet products, including shampoos, conditioners, and other specialty items designed to help maintain healthy pets at every life stage. This Tropiclean shampoo is soap-free, which means it is safe to use on pets with sensitive skin. It also contains natural ingredients that are good for your dog’s skin and coat.
You should bathe your dog once a week or as needed. Avoid bathing your pup more often than this, as over-bathing can strip the skin of essential oils, leaving the skin dry and irritated. This de-shedding dog shampoo features over 3,400 positive reviews.
Features
- Affordable for multi-pet homes
- Paraben, dye & soap-free
- Lime & coconut scent
- It needs to be used together with a Tropiclean de-shedding conditioner for optimal results
- Over 3,400 positive reviews
- Made in the U.S.
- It can be used on pups 12 weeks & older
- Suitable for dogs that shed heavily
- Controls shedding
- Pros
- Strengthens the hair shafts of viable strands to create the best coat condition
- Monthly use will reduce seasonal and non-seasonal shedding
- Recyclable plastic
- Loosens hair & undercoat while it cleans
- Formulated with high-quality ingredients
- Allows for super-soft coat
- Cons
- May dry skin out if not used with de-shedding conditioner
“I have an Australian shepherd with a very thick undercoat that clings to the outercoat hair shafts during shedding every spring, causing a “packed coat” that’s extremely difficult to comb out. I almost had to resort to shaving her one year. I’ve tried numerous products designed to help the undercoat release, including Furminator and Cowboy Magic, but they didn’t help at all. I was skeptical of this stuff, too but tried it anyway and was pleasantly surprised. I used the Simple Shed Shampoo, followed by the Simple Shed Treatment. Massaged them in well and left each one on for a few minutes as instructed. After she air-dried, her undercoat was poofed out into the outercoat, and I went to work with an undercoat comb. Usually, she won’t tolerate combing for very long, but she let me work on her until I had combed out a grocery bag’s worth of fluff. ALL of the undercoats came out. She was nice and silky with a fresh, non “perfumy” scent. I couldn’t be happier.”
The Espree Simple Shed Shampoo for dogs is a shedding dog shampoo that is specially formulated to wash away loose hair and reduce shedding. Keeping your dog clean will make his coat healthy, glossy, and free of debris. This product is intended for use on dogs with short coats. This is another cruelty-free pet product that uses natural products.
Reviews for this product are very positive. Many people appreciate that the shampoo is gentle on their dog’s skin and does not irritate his eyes or nose. The refreshing scent of aloe vera and jojoba oil will leave your furbaby smelling clean and refreshed after a bath, and you’ll enjoy the pleasant fragrance as well! Many people who have bought this product say it makes their pet’s fur soft and manageable after one use.
This shampoo can be used once or twice a week instead of your usual dog shampoo to keep shedding in check. The bottle features an ergonomic flip-top cap that is easy to pour without making a mess, which is always appreciated.
This vegan product does not contain by-products, parabens, or artificial fragrances. The manufacturer also says that this shampoo contains no sodium laureth sulfate or other harsh chemicals.
You can also use this de-shedding pet shampoo to weaken the formula by diluting 16 parts water with 1-part shampoo. Because some pets may be sensitive to a specific formula, Espree recommends first trying it out on a small area.
Espree suggests that you wash your dog thoroughly with room temperature water. Gently work into a rich lather, using care to avoid eyes, inner ears, and other sensitive areas.
Espree is a cruelty-free company that produces many different pet care products using natural ingredients. Here’s the takeaway:
Features
- Cruelty-free
- Affordable for multi-pet homes
- Uses inner layer of aloe vera plant
- Made in the U.S
- Crafted with 100% organically grown aloe vera
- Pros
- Soothes and nourishes sensitive, dry skin
- 100% biodegradable
- Soap & cruelty-free
- Added vitamin E helps to loosen undercoat & combat shedding
- Will not wash off topical flea and tick treatments.
- Crafted with a pleasant smelling coconut scent that's not overwhelming
- A premium formula that professional groomers trust for 30+ years
- Over 1,100 positive reviews
- Cons
- May dry skin out if not used with de-shedding conditioner
“I have two English Labradors who shed twice a year – the first six months and the last 6 months!!I had always used Furminator shampoo and conditioners, but my yellow fella has a different undercoat than my chocolate fella. He also has sensitive skin and Furminator shampoo irritated too much. I had switched to a more natural shampoo, but it didn’t help with the loose hair. I took a chance on purchasing such a large container but it was worth it! I think maybe I was getting the ratio wrong because it wasn’t sudsing up hardly at all, but I used more concentrate and saw great results. The loose undercoat came up in gobs! The best part is this shampoo didn’t irritate my boy’s skin. The smell is not bad either!”
The Coat Handler Undercoat Control De-Shedding Dog Shampoo, (1 Gallon) is a shampoo for dogs that reduces shedding and removes loose hair. It also contains omega-3 and six fatty acids to strengthen the roots of your dog’s fur and leave his coat shinier and healthier.
This natural product uses aloe vera, oatmeal, coconut oil, avocado, and vitamin E to soothe your dog’s sensitive skin without worrying about harsh chemicals or other side effects.
Multiple reviews for this product have been mostly positive, saying that it has significantly reduced their dogs’ shedding. The shampoo smells good, which is always a bonus!
Many people also say that this product does not irritate their dog’s skin or eyes. This shampoo is not for dogs with dry, flaky skin, as it may aggravate the problem. It can also be expensive to use regularly if you have a large dog who sheds frequently. This product is designed to eliminate loose hair and reduce shedding rather than make your pet look fluffy all of the time.
It is intended to be used alongside other products from this company to keep shedding at a minimum. Coat Handler also makes similar shampoos for cats, which can be helpful if you have both pets in your household.
The 1-gallon tub is worth it because it lasts you multiple washes. You can either dilute 32 parts water to 1-part shampoo or use at full strength if desired. This product has over 1,100 positive reviews.
Features
- Long-lasting & affordable
- De-shedding shampoo that’s gentle
- Affordable for multi-pet homes
- Optimal undercoat control with a gentle de-shedding formula
- Crafted with omega 3 & 6 fatty acids
- Ultra-concentrated
- Handcrafted & manufactured in the U.S
- Made in small batches
- An extensive array of pet grooming products
- Pros
- Gently cleanses, removes excess hair & exfoliates to minimize shedding.
- Infuses your pet's skin and coat with essential amino acids, Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, Vitamins A, D, E, and antioxidants.
- Promotes healthy skin and leaves the coat clean, soft & shiny.
- It helps to release excess hair
- Stops excessive shedding in dogs
- Good skin exfoliator
- Infused with alpha hydroxy acid to exfoliate & moisturize skin
- Cons
- May dry skin out if not used with de-shedding conditioner
Synergy Lab’s Shed-X Shed Control Shampoo is specifically designed to reduce shedding and loosen the hair. The shampoo infuses the skin and coat with antioxidants, vitamins, and fatty acids to cleanse your dog’s fur without irritating or damaging his sensitive skin.
This formula will help you cut down on the amount of loose fur left around your home. This shampoo is safe for dogs with any fur, including white or light hair.
Many customers who have purchased this product say it makes their dog’s coat shiny and soft while reducing shedding by more than half. The shampoo can also be used on cats, a bonus if you own both pets.
Some reviewers did not like that this product’s scent as it was not particularly strong. Some customers also said that the shampoo did not reduce their pet’s shedding, but others really liked it.
This shampoo does not come in big bottle sizes, so you may need to buy it frequently if your dog has thick fur or sheds heavily every month. Shed-X also makes a conditioner specifically for this shampoo that you can purchase together to get the best results.
Features
- Affordable for multi-pet homes
- Replenishes skin nutrients
- Crafted with oatmeal & wheat protein to strengthen & moisturize skin & hair
- Gently cleans, releases excess hair, and exfoliates to reduce shedding. Made with added humectants & antioxidants to moisturize & protect skin
- Pleasant pomelo fragrance
- Pros
- Gently penetrates double coat to loosen and remove trapped dirt and debris
- Absorbs excess water & helps break water surface tension for quick dry
- Gently exfoliates the skin and loosens undercoat to reduce excess shedding.
- Strengthens the hair follicle
- Absorbs excess water
- Suitable for double-layered fur
- Reduces shedding
- Cons
- It needs to be used with a conditioner to avoid drying out the skin.
This shampoo is specially formulated for pet parents that have pups with double coats that shed seasonally or year-round. It works to naturally de-shed both undercoat and outercoat for a plush, beautiful coat that looks great, smells clean, and feels fantastic! Non-drying and tearless. This formula contains no harsh chemicals or irritants.
We like this double coat deshedding dog shampoo because it is made in the USA by TropiClean, a family-owned company committed to offering only the safest, 100% pure, and natural pet grooming products. This product has over 1,300 positive reviews.
Features
- Affordable for multi-pet homes
- Made in the U.S
- Specially formulated for Australian Shepherds, German Shepherds, Huskies, Pomeranian
- For pups 12 weeks and older.
- Suitable for dogs with short undercoat & longer overcoat
- Naturally derived ingredients
- Pros
- Shed control shampoo strengthens the fur, reduces breakage
- Helps manage heavy shedding
- Cruelty-free pet shampoo
- Suitable for all dogs
- No colorants, sulfates, and added fragrances
- pH balanced for dogs to deeply condition dry skin and reduce flaking
- Specially formulated line of natural grooming products for pets
- Cons
- It is not as scented as some pet parents would prefer
This is a natural shampoo that supports healthy skin and coats in dogs. Gently cleanses and removes dirt, odors, and flakes without stripping natural oils. It is formulated with Burt’s Bee’s signature blend of powerful yet gentle ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, aloe vera leaf juice, and calendula flower extract.
We like this de-shedding pet shampoo because it’s free of fragrances, sulfates, colorants, and harsh chemicals. It’s also made in the USA by Burt’s Bees, a trusted brand committed to producing products that are 100% natural and 99% of plant-derived with minimal impact on our planet. This product has over 2,800 positive reviews.
Features
- Affordable for multi-pet homes
- Crafted with all-natural ingredients including omega-3s and vitamin E
- pH balanced, especially for all dogs and puppies
- Mild & gentle de-shedding shampoo
- Veterinarian recommended formula
- Free of fragrances, sulfates, colorants, and harsh chemicals
- A Burt’s Bees natural product
- Pros
- It helps to relieve shedding & dander
- Features extracts of green tea leaf, ginseng, and awapuhi to combat shedding
- Controls excessive shedding, dander, and associated allergens
- Cruelty-free
- It can be used on pups for six weeks and up
- Features aloe vera and shea butter for skin & coat health
- Suitable for dogs with sensitive skin
- Cons
- A few customers did not like the scent.
This shampoo is made in the USA by Earthbath, a trusted company committed to creating high-quality pet grooming products. The product has over 1,000 positive reviews. The formula combines Green Tea and Awapuhi to make your dog’s coat soft, shiny, lustrous, and ultra-moisturizing.
This de-shedding formula also features organic fair trade shea butter and omega-6 fatty acids to nourish and detoxify your pet’s skin and coat. It’s also a pH-balance soap-free shampoo that will thoroughly clean and deodorize your pup’s skin while helping to control excessive shedding, dander, and associated allergens.
Features
- Crafted with antioxidants and skin moisturizers
- Affordable
- pH-balance soap-free shampoo
- Cleans & deodorizes
- Crafted with no soap, gluten, DEA, parabens, synthetic dyes, sulfates, or phthalates
Is it beneficial to use a de-shedding shampoo on my dog?
If you have a dog, the best way to ensure your house stays clean and fur-free would be by using de-shedding shampoos. These products help draw out natural oils from their skin and prevent matting so that they don’t end up with painful hot spots or tangles when shedding.
Are de-shedding shampoos suitable for all dogs?
De-shedding shampoos for dogs may be one of the most important things you do to keep your furbaby healthy. If they have shedding issues, this will help reduce the amount of hair by removing dead hair from pores that can clog skin follicles with dirt. Most de-shedding dog shampoos contain omega 3’s or 6’s, which are known animal fats (linolenic acid)
Why is my puppy shedding so much?
Puppies grow a new coat after they turn 4-5 months old. This means that at some point during this period, you will see your pup start to shed as he grows in his adult coat. During this stage your pup may look a bit scruffy as he grows in his new adult coat.
How often can you use de-shedding dog shampoos?
There are many different types of shampoo for shedding, but pet owners should only use them as directed on the bottle. Most de-shedding dog shampoos are used monthly, but this will depend on the brand and type of coat your dog has.
How can I tell if my dog has an undercoat?
Dogs with long, thick coats often have an undercoat. This coat is made up of fine hairs which trap dirt and odors. While this natural protection keeps the dog warm in cold weather, it also increases shedding during warm months when this hair falls out naturally.
To make matters even more challenging, you’ll need to consider your pup’s breed, skin type – whether normal or sensitive, and coat texture when choosing a de-shedding shampoo.
The best de-shedding dog shampoo for your pet should also be safe for use with flea & tick applications.
As you can imagine, it’s tough to know exactly what to look for when shopping around. However, it’s a no-brainer if you know what ingredients to look for in a de-shedding shampoo for dogs.
Whether you’re just getting a new dog or are looking for the best shampoo to keep your pup healthy and happy, we’ve got everything here at WeLoveDoodles!
Now let’s take a closer look at some of the most effective de-shedding shampoos on the market.
What is dog shedding?
Shedding is common in almost all dog breeds; it’s an entirely natural process that dogs go through to lose old, dry, or damaged fur. Some dogs may experience more shedding than others due to various health conditions like hypothyroidism, allergies, and stress.
Shedding in itself isn’t a problem, but when your dog sheds an abnormal amount of fur, it can become a problem due to the fur being dropped around or inside your home.
If you have ever been around dogs before, then you know that their fur will stick to every surface, and if there is a lot of hair on the floor, it’s super difficult to clean up.
The first thing we need to mention about dog de-shedding shampoos is that you should only use them when your dog starts to shed, so it reduces the amount of fur to clean up. That said, it’s always essential to determine the cause of excessive shedding and to reach out to your veterinarian if skin issues and excessive shedding become a consistent problem.
Why do dogs shed excessively?
Most dog breeds will shed their winter coats in the springtime or summertime. This time of year corresponds with the start of spring and warmer temperatures. This is common in double-coated breeds with soft, downy undercoat and harsh overcoats.
Even though these dogs shed their coats heavily during the springtime or fall season, they still shed lightly year long. There are also other reasons why dogs may shed excessively. These include the following:
- Dehydration
- Hormone imbalance
- Parasites
- General poor health
- Age-related factors, including stress or boredom
- Diet – A change in your dog’s diet may lead to an increase or decrease in shedding. For this, you can add de-shedding supplements to also help with excessive shedding.
Dehydration and excessive shedding in dogs
Dehydration can cause your dog’s skin to dry out and other complications like excessive shedding. You may need to closely monitor your dog’s water intake during the hot, summer months when it’s easier for them to become dehydrated or overheated because some dogs are better than others at drinking enough fluids each day – but the general rule is one ounce per pound (or about four glasses) of body weight!
What is De-Shedding?
For most dogs, de-shedding is simply removing dead hair (shed hair) from their bodies. However, it is essential to note that de-shedding isn’t the same as grooming. If you are removing dead hair, your dog’s coat will look shinier and healthier, but it won’t necessarily be shorter or more manageable than before.
If your dog sheds, has dandruff, or doesn’t feel clean, then it might be time for them to try a de-shedding shampoo. These products work by restoring the natural condition of their coat and usually feature milder ingredients that won’t irritate the skin as much (but still keep away from the eyes).
Why should you use a de-shedding shampoo on your dog?
The most common reason people decide to use de-shedding shampoos on their dogs is that it makes them look better and shed less. De-shedding shampoos can reduce shedding for about two to four weeks, which means that you will need to use this treatment at least once a month if you want your pet’s coat looking its best all the time. Keep in mind, though, that while some treatments may significantly reduce shedding, they will not eliminate it.
Reasons to De-shed Your Dog
Reduces or eliminates dander – As a result of reduced shedding, many people who have allergies find that using a de-shedding treatment on their pets helps to reduce the amount of dander in their home. Not all pet owners believe that the reduced dander is worth using a chemical treatment on their pets, but it’s an acceptable solution for others.
Reduces or eliminates allergy symptoms – If you are allergic to your pet’s dander, then using a de-shedding shampoo can significantly reduce or even eliminate your reaction. The bonding agents within the de-shedding treatment will loosen and absorb dead hair.
Reduces or eliminate hot spots – If your dog often develops hot spots, then using a specific de-shedding shampoo can help prevent them. This reduces the amount of dead hair on the dog and provides natural moisturizers for their skin.
Hot spots typically develop because the skin has become inflamed and irritated, often caused by parasites such as ticks or fleas. A de-shedding shampoo can help to reduce both the dead hair and the potential for parasites on your pet’s coat.
Prevents matting: Heavy shedding can lead to fur matting if it remains moist and can also reduce or eliminate matting. Most de-shedding treatments include natural moisturizers that can also help to reduce matting. This is particularly true for long-haired dogs, who are more prone to matting than short-haired breeds.
Reduces grooming time: Most pet parents are quite surprised at how much time it takes to brush their dog after a de-shedding treatment because the hair has been loosened, and there will be dead fur on the animal’s coat.
While some owners give up brushing as often after applying a de-shedding shampoo, others feel it essential to continue the process even more so. It takes time, but it will reduce the amount of future shedding and make your dog look so much better!
What to look for in a de-shedding shampoo?
When you’re looking for a de-shedding shampoo, there are several things that you want to keep in mind. First, be aware that not all shampoos are created equal. You want to find one that won’t irritate your pet’s skin with harmful chemicals, but that reduces the amount of dead hair.
One of the most important things to look for when shopping for a de-shedding shampoo is the pH level. If the pH is too high or too low, then it can irritate your pet’s skin. If you’re not sure what the level should be, check with your veterinarian to determine which products are best for your pet.
It is also essential to ensure that there isn’t any alcohol in the de-shedding product you choose. You want to avoid using this chemical because it can irritate the skin and make your dog more vulnerable to fleas, ticks, mites, or other parasites.
Many manufacturers produce de-shedding treatments that are hypoallergenic. This isn’t just for people who have allergies, but also for breeds sensitive to certain chemicals or treatments.
So be sure to check the label on the shampoo you choose so that you know whether it’s hypoallergenic or not.
Consider looking at the price tag when you’re searching for a de-shedding shampoo. While some excellent shampoos out there can be costly, you can also find affordable options that do not break the bank.
While coat and skin treatments can help control shedding, you may need other methods. For example, if your pet is shedding due to stress, you will want to make them feel at ease. However, if they are shedding because of old age, it’s good to supplement their diet with some vitamins.
You also need to keep in mind that for many dogs, shedding is seasonal. You may find that your pet isn’t shedding as much during the winter months, which means you don’t have to worry about controlling their hair as much during those months. With proper care and grooming, you can effectively reduce the amount of shedding that takes place, so your home stays cleaner.
Read the label and follow all instructions
When you’re ready to purchase your de-shedding shampoo of choice, be sure to find one that is designed with your dog’s coat in mind. This way, you can determine whether it’s right for your pet based on their current coat length and health.
Another crucial thing to remember is only to use the shampoo as directed on the label. Some products are safe for use whenever you bathe your pet, but others are only suitable to apply once a month.
As with any pet shampoo or treatment product, you should always start with a small section to test the area before applying it all over their body. If they have an adverse reaction, you can discontinue use and contact your vet for additional advice.
When using a de-shedding shampoo, you should be sure to brush your dog properly. Then, you can wash their back and sides as well as those hard-to-reach areas. Do not use a de-shedding shampoo near a dog’s eyes, nose, or ears.
It is also essential to remember that you should never lather your pet with shampoo and then rinse it off immediately. Instead, you need to keep the product on their body for at least five minutes before washing it away.
While many shampoos are designed to be rinsed off easily, most shedding shampoos for dogs have a rich and conditioning formula. This means that it may need a few rinses before you wash it away thoroughly.
You can purchase non-toxic de-shedding shampoo from pet stores or the vet’s office, or you can search online for other options.
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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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