If your dog is experiencing skin problems, you may need a medicated dog shampoo. There are many different medicated dog shampoos on the market, so it can be hard to know which one to choose. These shampoos help alleviate various skin conditions in dogs and are often used to treat hot spots, flea allergies, and other skin irritations. Here is a list of the best-medicated dog shampoos in 2021.
Medicated dog shampoos can help provide relief quickly and effectively. Dog skin problems can be caused by various things, including allergies, fungus, bacteria, and parasites. If your dog is experiencing any type of skin problem, it is best to consult with your veterinarian to find the best shampoo for them. Depending on the type and severity of the skin problem, you can use these shampoos either alone or in conjunction with veterinarian-prescribed medications.
Medicated dog shampoos frequently include benzoyl peroxide, coal tar, iodine, selenium sulfide, and salicylic acid. Oatmeal shampoos may also help soothe itchy skin. These medicated shampoos for dogs should only be used as directed to avoid any problems that could result from overuse.
Sometimes, prescription medicated dog shampoo may be the best choice over an over-the-counter (OTC) shampoo. Always consult with your veterinarian before starting any new treatment, including using a medicated dog shampoo.
In a rush? Here are the top picks!
- Pros
- Relieves symptoms of bacterial and yeast infection
- Prevents bacterial growth
- Contains natural ingredients
- Soap-free
- Safe for puppies, kittens, and senior pets
- Can be used on pregnant or nursing dogs or cats 12 weeks and up
- Cons
- It may smell strong
This shampoo treats skin infections and cleans away dander, dirt, and allergens. It uses veterinary-grade ingredients to prevent bacterial growth, leaving pets smelling fresh.
Additionally, it’s soap-free, so it won’t dry out their skin or irritate existing dermatitis. It’s scientifically formulated with benzethonium chloride (antibacterial) and ketoconazole (antifungal) to relieve bacterial & yeast infections.
The Veterinary Formula shampoo for dogs has over 45,600 positive reviews on Amazon. We like this medicated pet shampoo because it’s made with natural ingredients, is easy to use, and has a pleasant scent.
This medicated dog shampoo works for dogs with symptoms like redness, malodorous discharge from lesions, itchiness, pustules, hair loss, greasiness, scaly skin caused by wounds, and endocrine diseases allergies, short coats, skin folds, or ringworm.
Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiseptic shampoo is safe for dogs of all ages, puppies, kittens, and senior pets alike. You can even use it on pregnant or nursing dogs without worrying about harming the pups. This shampoo will leave your dog’s coat clean and shiny and smelling great!
Features
- Over 45,600 positive reviews
- Formulated with benzethonium chloride (antibacterial) and ketoconazole (antifungal)
- Vet recommended & vet formulated
- pH balanced for your pet
- Paraben and soap-free
- Will not remove topical spot-on flea and tick treatments
- Crafted with veterinary grade ingredients
- Pros
- It kills bacteria and fungus
- Safe for pets with skin conditions
- Soap-free & moisturizing formula
- EPA approved antifungal ingredient
- Safe for use on dogs, cats, puppies & kittens
- Effective for demodectic mange and dermatitis
- Cons
- Maybe too intense for some dogs
This medicated dog shampoo is designed to treat and prevent bacterial and fungal skin infections. The shampoo uses benzoyl peroxide to kill bacteria and fungus, and also features natural coconut based lathering agent, ammonium Lauretha sulfate with ethanol, propylene glycol, preservative, proprietary polymer, and purified water.
This soap-free and moisturizing shampoo, leaving your pup’s skin healthy and clean. It also contains oatmeal extract to help soothe dry, itchy skin. Davis Benzoyl Peroxide Medicated Dog & Cat Shampoo is recommended by vets worldwide for treating symptoms of bacterial infections such as hot spots, greasy seborrhea, infected wounds, and infected skin folds. It is especially effective on demodectic mange, which causes hair loss on the muzzle, face, feet, or tail. This medicated shampoo is safe to use on dogs and cats of all breeds and ages. It can be used every day if needed for treating your dog’s skin condition. Some reviews mention that this shampoo was too strong for their pup, so be sure to watch your dog for any signs of irritation if you decide to use it.
Features
- Formulated with 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide that opens pores to help promote healing.
- Over 3,000 positive reviews
- Suitable degreaser for problem coats in pets
- It can be used on cats & dogs
- Features natural moisturizers to promote hydration of the coat and skin.
- It contains a natural coconut-based lathering agent
- Pros
- Reduces scaling, itching, and dermatitis infections
- It helps to alleviate allergic dermatitis
- Formulated for soothing, cleansing, and controlling mild itch
- Glycotechnology helps reduce bacterial and yeast adhesion to the skin's surface
- Microcapsules provide a slow release of ingredients
- Cons
- Maybe too intense for some dogs
This is another medicated shampoo formulated for dogs with dry or itchy skin. This medicated dog shampoo contains 3% pyrithione zinc to reduce scaling, itching, and dermatitis infections. The shampoo also uses gentle cleansers to remove dirt, sebum, and scales from the coat and skin.
The Virbac Epi-Soothe Shampoo for Dogs is soap-free and pH balanced, making it gentle enough for daily use. It also contains aloe vera to soothe and hydrate the skin. This shampoo is safe for dogs of all ages and can be used on pregnant and nursing dogs.
Features
- Crafted with spherulites microcapsules, an exclusive encapsulation system
- It contains 3% pyrithione zinc
- Soap-free
- pH balanced
- Contains aloe vera
- Safe for use on pregnant & nursing dogs
- Pros
- Natural antibacterial & antifungal agent
- Coconut lime-scented shampoo
- Wahl has a higher concentrate of coconut-derived sodding agent
- Suitable for dogs with skin allergies
- It contains oatmeal, coconut, lime, aloe, and lemon verbena.
- Made in the US
- Reputable Wahl brand
- Cons
- Too gentle for some dogs
This medicated dog shampoo is designed to relieve bacterial and yeast infection symptoms. The shampoo uses tea tree oil, an effective natural antibacterial, antifungal agent, to kill bacteria and fungus.
The Wahl Pro-Series Dog Shampoo is soap-free and lathers mildly, making it suitable for everyday use. This medicated dog shampoo helps to promote healthy skin and coat, with natural oatmeal extract to soothe dry skin. It also contains aloe vera, which is known for its moisturizing and healing properties. The Wahl Pro-Series Dog Shampoo is safe for dogs of all breeds and ages.
Features
- Over 13,700 positive reviews
- Oatmeal formula pet shampoo is pH balanced, alcohol-free, paraben-free, PEG-80 free
- Soothes skin with natural oatmeal extract
- Aloe vera moisturizes skin
- Cleans dirty coats without stripping oils or damaging fur
- Suitable for dogs of all breeds & ages
- Pros
- Organic & naturally effective pet shampoo
- Mild & gentle on skin
- Aloe vera soothes and hydrates skin
- It won't strip the coat of oils or damage fur
- Formulated with renewable plant-derived & coconut-based cleansers, colloidal oatmeal, organic shea butter, and organic aloe vera
- It can be used on pups as young as six weeks
- Cons
- Fragrance-free
This medicated dog shampoo is made with colloidal oatmeal and organic aloe vera help combat skin irritation. The Earthbath all-natural dog shampoo is soap-free and pH balanced, making it gentle enough for everyday use. It’s blended with renewable plant-derived & coconut-based cleansers, colloidal oatmeal, organic shea butter and organic aloe vera.
The shampoo also contains aloe vera to soothe and hydrate the skin. This medicated dog shampoo is safe for dogs of all breeds and ages. This medicated dog shampoo is formulated to relieve itchy, dry skin symptoms.
The Earthbath All-Natural Dog Shampoo lathers mildly without irritating or drying out your pet’s skin. We like this shampoo conditioner kit because it’s formulated with your pet’s health in mind. It’s also a cruelty-free product.
Features
- Two-pack set shampoo/conditioner
- Certified organic & fragrance-free
- Cruelty-free product
- . No sulfates, phosphates, or parabens
- Soap-free and pH balanced
- Aloe vera soothes and hydrates skin
- Natural antibacterial and antifungal agents
- Safe for dogs of all breeds & ages
- Pros
- Gentle on sensitive skin
- Formulated to treat hot spots, ringworm, ear infections, and itchy skin
- No harsh chemicals or parabens
- All natural ingredients are safe for daily use
- Contains 28 active ingredients, including potent antifungal and botanical oils that help heal most of the skin bacteria
- Silky, moisturizing formula that's safe for dogs and puppies.
- Suitable for a variety of skin conditions from hot spots, mange, skin infections, wound care & more
- No hazardous or toxic chemicals
- Cons
- Maybe too gentle for some dogs
- Pricey compared to other medicated dog shampoos on the market
This medicated dog shampoo is designed to relieve symptoms of all the following conditions: hot spots, ringworm, ear infections, skin irritations, scrapes, and abrasions. The Arava Natural Dog Shampoo harnesses the power of 28 botanical ingredients together with Dead Sea minerals to treat all these skin health issues.
Some ingredients include pomegranate, kelp, reishi, rosemary, aloe vera, chamomile, and fennel. This medicated dog shampoo is also designed to soothe skin and relieve itching. It contains no harsh chemicals, sulfates, or parabens that might cause harm to your pet’s health.
Features
- Over 4,000 positive reviews
- Formulated with dead sea minerals
- The non-greasy formula is easy to rinse out
- All-natural ingredients are safe for daily use
- Safe and effective for dogs of all breeds & ages
- Suitable for treating skin problems and irritations, including hot spots, infections, and inflammation.
- Made in Israel
- Pros
- All-natural plant-based ingredients to relieve itching & scratching
- Soap-free formula won't strip the coat of oils
- Comes with a 100% money-back guarantee
- Tea tree oil and lavender oil provide skin relief for dogs suffering from allergies or skin problems, including dermatitis, psoriasis, and dandruff
- . It does not affect or wash away topical products
- The USA made
- Supplements contain NASC (National Animal Supplement Council) Seal of approval
- Topical products contain non-staining formulas proven effective
- Cons
- Scent may be slightly medical
The Vet’s Best Allergy Itch Shampoo for Dogs is a medicated dog shampoo designed to relieve itching and scratching in dogs. The shampoo contains tea tree oil and lavender oil, both naturally antibacterial and antifungal agents that help eliminate the underlying causes of skin problems, including psoriasis, dandruff, and dermatitis. It’s formulated with a blend of essential oils and key natural ingredients (such as oatmeal, D-limonene, and tea tree oil)
The shampoo is soap-free and has a non-irritating formula that won’t strip natural oils from your dog’s coat. It also contains glycerin to moisturize the skin and soothe irritation.
We like this medicated pet shampoo because it has a 100% money-back guarantee and doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals. This product has over 5,900 positive reviews and features neem oil to moisturize and soothe your pet’s skin and coat.
Features
- Over 5,900 positive reviews
- Affordable for multi-pet homes
- Veterinarian formulated shampoo
- Great for dogs who suffer from skin problems or allergies
- Tea tree oil and lavender oil provide skin relief
- Glycerin moisturizes & soothes skin
- Soap-free formula won’t strip natural oils from the fur
- Safe for daily use
- 100% money-back guarantee
- 30-year reputable veterinary company
- Pros
- It contains ketoconazole and chlorhexidine, which are both effective at treating skin infections, hot spots, acne, and pyoderma
- Tea tree oil and aloe vera help to soothe the skin
- Made with natural ingredients
- It can be used for an extended period without causing any harm to the skin
- Affordable price
- The USA made
- Cons
- Lower amount of reviews compared to some of the other products
The KetoWELL Medicated Dog Shampoo is an excellent option for those with skin infections, hot spots, acne, and pyoderma. It is made with ketoconazole and chlorhexidine, which effectively treat these conditions.
This shampoo also vet formulated and approved making it a safe choice. It is an effective pet skin shampoo product that won’t harm the skin, even if used for an extended period. We like this medicated pet shampoo because it is affordable and works right away even in hard to reach areas.
This shampoo is good for ringworm, and is broad spectrum pet shampoo that you can use on the entire body. (not face). In addition, it’s an effective medicated shampoo that will treat skin infections and other conditions in dogs and cats. The KetoWELL Medicated Dog Shampoo cleans, heals, and relieves mild and serious skin issues in dogs and cats.
Features
- Veterinarian formulated shampoo by KetoWELL, a 30-year reputable veterinary. Affordable price
- It contains ketoconazole and chlorhexidine, which are both effective at treating skin infections, hot spots, acne, and pyoderma
- It helps to clear up bacterial skin infections, dermatitis, yeast, & other skin infections
- Made with natural ingredients
- It can be used for an extended period without causing any harm to the skin
- The USA made
- Pros
- Affordable for multi-pet homes
- Uses guar gum and cedar to thicken conditioning shampoo Safe & non-toxic
- Cruelty-free & vegan
- Suitable for all life stages
- Cons
- It does not lather very well.
The 4Legger USDA Certified Organic Dog Shampoo and Conditioner is an excellent option for those looking for an all-natural shampoo that eliminates odor. The shampoo is made with cedar essential oil, coconut oil, and aloe vera to soothe the skin and provide relief from itching. In addition, the shampoo is certified organic by the USDA, which means that it meets all of the strict organic standards set by the government.
We like this shampoo because it is made with all-natural ingredients certified by the USDA. In addition, it features cedar and organic guar gum that effectively ease skin irritation. The 4Legger Organic Dog Shampoo is a safe alternative to traditional chemical-laden pet care products.
These USDA-certified organic pet shampoo ingredients are all-natural and safe for use on your canine’s face, feet, body, and tail areas. This product contains ingredients like saponified organic coconut, olive, and jojoba oils, vegetable glycerine, cedarwood essential oil, and more.
Features
- Affordable for multi-pet homes
- USDA certified organic
- Climate Pledge Friendly product
- #1 choice for holistic groomers & vets
- 100% biodegradable
Conclusion for Best Medicated Dog Shampoos
We hope that this list of the best-medicated dog shampoos has helped you find the perfect product for your pet. If your dog is suffering from a skin infection or other condition, we recommend trying one of the products on this list. These shampoos are effective at treating skin conditions and are made with safe, effective ingredients. Be sure to consult with your veterinarian before starting any new treatment for your pet’s skin infection.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Will an anti-itch shampoo work for my dog?
There are a variety of anti-itch shampoos on the market that can be effective in treating itchy skin. However, it is essential to consult with your veterinarian to determine which shampoo is best for your dog’s specific needs.
How long should I leave a medicated shampoo on my dog during a bath?
It is best to leave a medicated shampoo on for 5-10 minutes, depending on the directions of the specific product. You should always follow the instructions on the product label.
How will I know if the medicated shampoo is working?
You will typically see an improvement in the condition of your dog’s skin after using a medicated shampoo. If the condition does not improve, you should consult with your veterinarian to determine which product may be best for your pet.
Can I use the medicated shampoo instead of expensive medication?
Medicated shampoos typically contain various ingredients that can be similarly effective as medications. It is best to consult with a veterinarian before using a medicated shampoo in place of medication, as it can cause harmful side effects if misused.
What type of shampoo should I use on my pet?
In general, it is best to use a shampoo specifically designed for pets. This will ensure that the shampoo is safe to use and will effectively clean your pet’s fur and skin. If you are unsure of which shampoo to use, consult your veterinarian.
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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