Cocker Spaniels are one of the most popular dog breeds globally, known for their friendly and loving nature, making them great family pets, but they require special care for their coat. The silky, medium-length coat has a dense undercoat with feathering on the ears, belly, chest, and legs. This breed does shed, so regular brushing is key to a healthy coat.
This coat can be prone to tangles and matting if not properly cared for. That’s why it’s important to find a natural shampoo that will clean your Cocker Spaniel’s coat without stripping away the natural oils that keep it healthy.
- Pros
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
- Free of harsh chemicals
- Gentle and easy rinse formula that's conditioning
- Natural minerals and vitamins
- Promotes optimal coat health
- Long-lasting odor control
- Safe and effective
- Tear-free
- Affordable
- Cons
- Needs gallon size for multi-pet homes
This shampoo, conditioner, detangler, and moisturizer combo is vet recommended and used by professional groomers in the US. It contains all-natural ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, and lavender oil, leaving your dog’s coat soft, shiny, and smelling great.
It’s 100% safe and formulated, and tested in the best facilities. We like this shampoo for the Cocker Spaniel because it’s a soothing and deodorizing shampoo that moisturizes simultaneously. There’s no more wet dog smell, and the shampoo can be used safely with natural flea treatments.
Features
- All-natural organic ingredients
- Detergent and soap-free
- pH balanced for pets
- Natural shed control
- Features no parabens, no sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), and no cocamide DEA.
- Prevents tangles and matting
- Eco-friendly
- Vet recommended
- Made in the USA
- Pros
- Cleans gently and lathers well
- Rinses out easily
- Non-drying, deep cleansing formula
- Leaves a pet's coat soft and bright.
- It's safe to use with topical flea control products.
- May be used as often as needed.
- Will not strip your pet's coat.
- Cons
- Some may not like the scent.
Healthy Breeds Cocker Spaniel Deodorizing Shampoo 16 oz. This shampoo is formulated specifically for Cocker Spaniels and features a hypoallergenic formula and a sweet pea vanilla scent. It can be used with flea and tick repellants and comes in a sixteen-ounce bottle.
It features a gentle and soap-free formula that is pH-balanced for pets. We like this shampoo for Cockers because it contains emollients for moisturizing and proteins for conditioning. This shampoo promotes hydration of the skin and coat.
Features
- Essential fatty acids nourish the skin
- Affordable
- Breed-specific formula
- Controls of flaking and scaling
- pH balanced for pets
- Pros
- Coconut lime verbena scent
- Cleans dirty coats, offers itch relief
- The lather rinses off easily.
- Allergy-friendly pet shampoo
- Used by grooming professionals
- Alcohol-free
- Paraben-free
- Safe yet effective
- Cons
- Some may not like the coconut / lime scent.
This all-natural pet shampoo is formulated to soothe and relieve dry, itchy skin. Oatmeal and aloe vera help moisturize and nourish the skin, while lemon verbena and coconut lime essential oils provide a refreshing, clean scent.
Wahl pet shampoo is safe for dogs of all ages and can often be used. We like this shampoo for dry skin and itch relief because it’s a Wahl pet grooming product. This shampoo is pH balanced, alcohol-free, paraben-free, and PEG-80 free. This pet shampoo refreshes dirty coats while moisturizing and providing itch relief.
Features
- Most affordable for multi-pet homes
- Moisturizes dry skin
- pH balanced for pets
- Safe and natural with a coconut-derived sodding agent
- Suitable for Cocker Spaniel coats
- Features an extensive array of formulas and grooming products
- Pros
- Allows for no wet dog smell
- Lavender scent
- Safe for pets
- Suitable for Cocker Spaniel coats
- Mild and gentle
- Provides moisture and shine
- No harsh detergents
- Cons
- Some may not like the scent
- The scent may fade fast.
Nature’s Miracle Odor Control Shampoo is specially formulated to control tough pet odors. The lavender scent leaves your pet smelling fresh and clean between baths. The unique formula contains natural enzymes that break down odor-causing bacteria on contact. It is safe for use around pets and children when used as directed. We like this shampoo for Cocker Spaniels because it is very gentle and leaves their coat looking and smelling great.
Features
- Helps neutralize odors
- Enriched with B5 and aloe
- Crafted with keratin
- Made in the US
- Affordable
- Pros
- Spill-resistant packaging
- Light tropical scent
- For pups and kittens 12 weeks and older
- pH balanced, soap-free, paraben-free and dye-free.
- Gentle cleaning solutions
- Cons
- Some may prefer an all-natural scent for pups.
If you’re looking for a puppy shampoo derived from natural ingredients, TropiClean is an excellent option. This shampoo is made in the USA and is soap- and paraben-free, making it hypoallergenic and perfect for dogs with sensitive skin. It’s also great for smelly dogs, as it contains ingredients that help to neutralize odors.
And it’s made from renewable resources, so you can feel good about using it. We like this shampoo because it gently cleanses and moisturizes their skin and coat in a soothing lather.
It’s also a safe solution and features pH-balanced, soap-free, paraben-free, and dye-free ingredients. This is made with naturally derived ingredients that are 100% safe for your pups and kittens.
Features
- Hypoallergenic puppy and kitten shampoo
- Affordable for multi-pup households
- Provides gentle relief from allergies
- Naturally derived ingredients
- Made in the US
- Cruelty-free
- Pros
- Easy rinse technology keeps washing time to a minimum
- Infused with the irresistible baby powder scent.
- Contains built-in conditioners and Pro-Vitamin B5.
- Paraben-free, sulfate-free, SLS/SLES free
- Mild puppy formula that's also suitable for adult dogs
- Cons
- Some may not like the scent.
Animology shampoo for dogs is pH balanced and free from Parabens and soap. It is also suitable for puppies. This Animology Puppy Love Shampoo has a mild yet effective formula that has been dermatologically tested to be gentle on puppy skin, leaving their coat clean, soft, and healthy-looking. The built-in conditioners also help to detangle the coat and leave it looking shiny. The shampoo is also enriched with a baby powder fragrance. This product has over 6,700 positive reviews.
Features
- Suitable for pups six weeks and up
- pH balanced for pets
- Easy rinse formula for pups
- Vegan formula
- Cruelty-free pet product
- Pros
- Gentle PH balanced sensitive shampoo
- Removes dirt and grease
- Hydrates and conditions
- Deep cleansing with no parabens
- Removes doggie odors from pups and adult dogs
- Lots of lather
- Easy to rinse off
- Cons
- The scent does not last long.
BUGALUGS Baby Fresh Dog Shampoo is a dog grooming shampoo formulated to eliminate smelly dog odors. This baby powder-scented shampoo leaves your pup smelling fresh and clean. You can dilute this shampoo at a ratio of 20:1. It is safe for all dogs and puppies over six weeks old. Wet your dog’s coat, apply the shampoo, lather, and rinse.
BUGALUGS Baby Fresh Dog Shampoo is made in the USA and comes in a 16.9 FL oz. (1 pt.) bottle. This is another popular pet shampoo for Cocker Spaniels, with over 3,000 positive reviews.
Features
- Affordable
- Concentrated formula
- Can be diluted at a ratio of 20:1.
- Gentle cleansing pet shampoo
- Soft baby fragrance
- Crafted with water from the Lake District, England
Bathing a Cocker Spaniel
Below is a great video on how to bathe your Cocker Spaniel with shampoo. We highly recommend that you check it out before you give your Cocker Spaniel a bath.
How To Groom A Cocker Spaniel
We also recommend that you check out this video on how to groom a Cocker Spaniel after bathing them with shampoo.
The Cocker Spaniel
The Cocker Spaniel is part of the UKC Gun Dog Group and the AKC Sporting Dog Group. Also known as the American Cocker Spaniel, this is one of the smallest hunting dogs and originated from early imports of the English Cocker Spaniel. This breed was bred in the UK as a woodcock hunter and companion. Today the Cocker Spaniel is one of the most popular show dogs and companion breeds.
Cocker Spaniel coat
The American Kennel Club (AKC) explains, “On head, short and fine; of medium length on body; flat or slightly wavy; silky in texture. The English Cocker is well-feathered, but not so profusely as to interfere with field work. Trimming is permitted to remove overabundant hair and to enhance the dogs true lines. It should be done so as to appear as natural as possible.”
They add that the correct Cocker Spaniel silky coat should pull out of the dog or slide through the cover, with little debris attached. The AKC explains that a cottony coat will collect debris and sometimes ” hang up” a dog in the field. They add that ” The jacket lies flat to the body with natural length and enough depth to afford protection. The feathering follows the contours of the body with no trimmed in exaggerations.”
In this buying guide, we’ll take a look at the seven best shampoos for Cocker Spaniels in 2022 and see what makes them stand out from the rest.
There are a few things you should look for when choosing a shampoo for your Cocker Spaniel:
- Choose a shampoo conditioner 2 in 1 or, even better, a 4-in-1 like the We Love Doodles shampoo specifically designed for low shedding dogs. This will help to prevent tangles and matting.
- Look for a shampoo containing moisturizing ingredients like essential oils, lavender, chamomile, and aloe vera. These ingredients will help to keep your dog’s coat soft and shiny.
- Avoid shampoos that contain harsh chemicals or fragrances.
- Shampoos should be safe, natural, and effective.
What makes a shampoo natural, effective, and safe?
Pet parents need to understand what’s in their pet’s shampoo and conditioner, along with the company’s manufacturing procedures. For example, try to opt for sustainable packaging and pet products with a lower carbon pawprint.
Pet grooming products should never contain parabens, artificial dyes, harsh soaps, phosphates, or toxins. Instead, pet shampoos should effectively clean a dog’s skin and coat and maintain follicle health naturally without any harsh chemicals.
It should also resolve odors and be beneficial in fighting skin irritations if a medicated pet shampoo. Keep in mind that breed-specific shampoos don’t necessarily mean that they are better than general pet shampoos and that tools and brushes are also not the only way to decrease or eliminate shedding.
There are plenty of products to help with deshedding issues and overall coat health. Look for protein-rich botanicals that stimulate new hair growth, repair damage, and reduce shedding while maintaining a clean and healthy coat.
In addition, we like the We Love Doodles 4-in-1 pet shampoo for low-shedding dog breeds because this formula lubricates the hair so that tangles and mats can easily be separated and painlessly removed.
FAQ’s Best shampoo for Cocker Spaniels
What is the best shampoo for Cocker Spaniels?
There is no one “best” shampoo for Cocker Spaniels. Some factors to consider when choosing a shampoo include your dog’s coat type and skin condition and your personal preferences. You may need to experiment with a few different brands and formulas to find the perfect match for your pup.
How often should I bathe my Cocker Spaniel?
The frequency of baths will vary depending on individual needs, but generally, Cocker Spaniels should be bathed every 4-6 weeks. Over bathing can strip the natural oils from the skin and coat, so it’s important not to overdo it.
What are some common coat problems in Cocker Spaniels?
Some common coat problems in cocker spaniels include dryness, flaking, and excessive shedding. These problems can often be addressed with proper grooming and high-quality shampoo and conditioner. If you’re unsure of what products to use, consult your veterinarian or a professional groomer.
My Cocker Spaniel is scratching a lot. Could this be a sign of a skin problem?
If your dog is scratching excessively, it could signify an underlying skin condition. Allergies, parasites, and infections are all possible causes of itchiness. If you’re concerned about your dog’s scratching, make an appointment with your veterinarian for a check-up.
How do I keep my Cocker Spaniel hair shiny?
You can do a few things to help keep your Cocker Spaniel’s hair looking shiny and healthy. First, be sure to feed them a high-quality diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids. You can also supplement their diet with fish oil capsules. Additionally, regularly grooming your dog with a good shampoo and conditioner can also help to keep their coat looking lustrous. Finally, avoid over-bathing, which can strip the natural oils from the skin and coat.
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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