In this best shampoo for Golden Retriever buying guide, we will give you the best shampoo picks for your puppy. Golden Retrievers are a beloved American breed. They gained this title by being one of the best family pets. So if you have a Golden Retriever, it is crucial to take good care of them.
One of the most important things to consider is your Golden Retriever’s coat. One way you can do this is by using the best shampoo for Golden Retrievers. Our best Golden Retriever shampoo buying guide will cover all the products that can be used for your Golden Retriever to keep his coat clean and healthy.
Whether you have a puppy or a full-grown dog, we’ve got something here for everyone regardless of age and size. And we’ve covered the pros and cons of each shampoo to give you a more in-depth review of each product.
Let’s go through the list of the best shampoos for the Golden Retriever so that you can pick out one of our top choices. You will find all types of shampoos, conditioning shampoos, tearless shampoos, anti-allergic shampoos, and many other products to make it easier for you to choose which one is best according to what your furbaby needs in terms of skin and coat health.
Here’s the takeaway with our top Golden Retriever dog shampoos.
We did a lot of research and spent hours reading reviews from other pet parents before selecting the best products currently available in the market.
In a rush? Here are the top picks!
Shampoos for Golden Retrievers
There are many different shampoos for dogs to use, depending on your dog’s needs. Some feel that the more expensive, the better, which is not always true. However, there are many different factors to consider when deciding on which shampoo to buy for your dog.
As everyone knows, the Golden Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds globally; they’re also a high-maintenance breed. This breed has a very thick and gorgeous coat, which can become a big concern when not appropriately groomed.
One of the most common problems associated with the thick and long double coat is tangling, so to avoid that, we’re committed to providing you with the best shampoo for your Golden Retriever dog breed. Because there are many types of shampoos available; it’s always tough to choose the best one for your dog as no one wants to damage their dog’s beautiful coat with drying ingredients or a product that’s filled with chemicals.
The best shampoo for Golden Retriever doesn’t need to be too expensive either. You don’t have to spend a ton of money buying good shampoo for your puppy. Instead, you can get one of the best shampoos for Golden Retrievers in this review, and they won’t take a ton of money out of your wallet.
- Pros
- A soap-free formulation that's gentle on skin & coat
- No harsh, irritating chemicals
- Leaves coat clean, smooth, and manageable
- It helps restore natural moisture and emollients
- Safe to use with topical flea control products
- Formulated specifically for Golden Retrievers
- Lathers up nicely
- Helps with allergies
- Removes puppy dirt well
- Keeps his fleece coat extraordinarily soft
- Cons
- The scent may not last long.
The Healthy Breeds Golden Retriever shampoo will make your dog look and feel fabulous. It is a mild shampoo that does not contain artificial colors, fragrances, or harmful chemicals. Healthy Breeds oatmeal shampoo with Aloe Vera is a soap-free formulation crafted with colloidal oatmeal and vitamins to relieve dry, itchy skin.
The all-natural formula of this shampoo has been designed explicitly for Golden Retrievers because it moisturizes their skin and makes the fur shiny and healthy. This hypoallergenic shampoo works as a natural cleanser and cleans the skin without harsh, irritating chemicals. You can use this with topical flea control products, and it can be used as often as necessary and will not strip your Golden coat. This Golden shampoo helps restore natural moisture and emollients to coat and skin.
Features
- Affordable for multi-Golden homes
- Breed-specific shampoo formulas
- Hypoallergenic
- Crafted with oatmeal & aloe
- pH balanced
- Pros
- Suitable for breeds with long hair at the ears, tail, legs, & shorter double coat on the body
- Deodorizes and eliminates odors
- Restores natural moisture
- Gently exfoliates skin & loosens coat
- Specially formulated for the multifaceted fur of Golden Retrievers
- Leaves coat soft & smooth
- It does not dry out the skin.
- Cons
- Some customers did not like the scent.
TropiClean is a refreshing combination of natural, plant-derived ingredients formulated to help control pet odor and shedding. This unique blend of botanical extracts has been specially designed to enhance the appearance of Golden Retriever coats.
This deep conditioning pet shampoo reduces shedding and restores natural moisture to help leave hair soft & smooth. The shampoo gently exfoliates the skin and loosens the coat to reduce excess shedding while strengthening the hair follicle. It also eliminates odors to give even the smelliest, dirtiest dogs a fresh, clean coat. We like this Golden Retriever shampoo because it’s crafted with naturally derived ingredients.
Features
- Formulated for dog breeds with combination coats like the Golden Retriever
- Affordable
- Naturally derived ingredients
- Reduces shedding
- Pros
- Cleanses & nourishes Golden Retriever skin & coat
- pH balanced, especially for dogs and puppies
- Naturally washes with pure ingredients
- Lightly fragranced
- Gentle enough for frequent baths
- Uses recycled bottles
- Cons
- No fragrance
“I bought this for my golden retriever puppy who loves getting dirty and needs frequent baths. It is a really subtle scent, but definitely leaves her smelling clean. I do have to use a lot to make a strong lather, but the price makes that justifiable for me. It doesn’t irritate her skin and leaves her fur soft and shiny. I will be continuing to use this for her!”
Burt’s Bees for Dogs 2 in 1 Dog Shampoo & Conditioner is a tearless puppy shampoo that delivers a fresh-from-the-farm scent. This gentle but effective formula cleans deep down the skin and moisturizes with natural ingredients.
The lightly scented shampoo leaves dogs smelling naturally sweet, without harsh perfumes or chemical preservatives found in some commercial dog shampoos. Burt’s Bees for Dogs 2 in 1 Dog Shampoo & Conditioner is a gentle shampoo and conditioner combination that uses natural ingredients to moisturize your pet’s skin and coat, relieve dryness and remove debris from their hair.
Features
- Crafted with all-natural ingredients, including buttermilk
- Suitable for pups and dogs
- Affordable for multi-pet homes
- Veterinarian recommended formula
- Free of fragrances, sulfates, colorants, and harsh chemicals
- Ideal for Golden Retrievers coats
- Cruelty-free pet product
- Tearless shampoo
- Pros
- Suitable for pups over 12 weeks of age
- It does not contain MEA, DEA, sulfates, or parabens
- 5-in-1 dog wash
- It easily lathers & rinses off.
- Lifts dirt and removes odor without stripping your pet's skin or drying out his coat.
- Works for dry, itchy, or sensitive skin
- Cons
- It may be pricier than other options.
Honest Paws 5-in-1 Oatmeal Shampoo and Conditioner for Allergies, Dry, Itchy, Sensitive Skin is made with natural ingredients to relieve dryness and itching while eliminating odors. This soothing shampoo combines oatmeal extract (rich in saponins) with vitamin E and aloe vera to help hydrate and soothe sensitive skin.
It also includes apple cider vinegar to restore your pet’s natural pH balance, ending flakes in one shampoo. We like that this oatmeal shampoo is made with all-natural ingredients, free of sulfates and parabens. This product has over 1,300 positive reviews.
Features
- Cleans, deodorizes, conditions & detangles coat, moisturizes skin
- Safe, non-irritating, with natural ingredients
- The eco-friendly formula that’s plant-based
- It uses the hydrating properties of soothing oats and aloe that replenishes the skin’s natural moisture
- Suitable for Golden Retrievers
- An Honest Paws pet product
- Pros
- Instant itch Relief
- Reduces shedding
- It smells incredible like sweet oatmeal cookies
- Effective for skin issues in Golden Retrievers
- Infused with vitamins, A, D, & E
- Leaves coat shiny & lustrous
- Suitable for cats & dogs
- It helps ease itching & inflammation.
- Cons
- Some may not like the cookie oatmeal fragrance.
This hypoallergenic, tear-free oatmeal shampoo with baking soda relieves dryness and itching while removing odors. It’s also vet endorsed. Oatmeal, baking soda, and aloe vera-based pet shampoo with coconut provide instant itch relief for Golden Retrievers.
This pet shampoo is free of sulfates, parabens, and dyes. It combines oatmeal extract with aloe vera to hydrate sensitive skin, along with apple cider vinegar to restore your pet’s natural pH balance. Pets Are Kids Too donates a portion of their sales to pets with cancer. This product features over 5,300 positive reviews.
Features
- Vet endorsed for high-end professional groomers
- Plant-based with added baking soda for optimal coat health
- Detergent-free
- Alcohol-free& hypoallergenic
- Zero harmful chemicals
- Made in the US
- Tear-free & dandruff shampoo for Golden Retrievers
- Cruelty-free pet product
- Over 5,300 positive reviews
- Pros
- Hydrates skin with aloe
- Strengthens and repairs coats
- The scent lasts up to 2 weeks.
- Gently washes dirt and grime away
- Plant-based cleansing
- Includes special coat conditioners, vitamin E, & soothing aloe leaf juice coat your dog's hair fibers
- Cons
- The scent may be overpowering for some.
PetAg Golden Retriever dog shampoo features over 6,800 positive reviews and yields a blend of natural, soap-free, plant-based cleansers with a natural and clean floral fragrance. This Golden Retriever dog shampoo washes away dirt and grime. It is crafted with special coat conditioners like vitamin E and soothing aloe leaf juice to coat your Golden hair fibers, locking in moisture for a tangle-free, manageable coat.
We like this dog shampoo PetAg is dedicated to helping animals lead healthy, vital lives by providing the most effective products, formulated with the highest quality ingredients and supported by state-of-the-art quality control and research.
This dog shampoo is formulated with wheat protein to protect & strengthen the coat, soothing agents like aloe vera and vitamin E, and a natural fragrance. This dog shampoo is biodegradable and earth-friendly and works towards a healthy future for your pet & you.
PetAg is a fresh-smelling dog shampoo that is specially formulated with unique skin and coat conditioners like vitamin E and aloe vera, which leaves your Golden’s coat shiny and manageable. It features coat conditioners like vitamin E and aloe vera and also deep cleans dirt and grime. This Golden Retriever dog shampoo is perfect for top-notch grooming, as it leaves the skin clean and fresh after every use.
Features
- Affordable for multi-Golden homes
- Crafted with aloe vera and multiple conditioners to combat tangles & mats in Golden Retriever coats
- Formulated with a long-lasting fresh scent
- It contains vitamin E to cleanse & moisturize gently
- Over 6,800 positive reviews
Shampoo for Golden Retrievers Reviewed
These dogs are very active and playful, so it is also important to get special shampoos that will clean them and nourish their skin and fur, making them appear shiny. Choosing the right shampoo for your pet can sometimes be a very tough job, especially if you have never bought one before and you’re a new pet parent to a Golden.
So here are some tips to guide you along the process of buying a shampoo for your furry friend:
It’s easiest if you first considered whether or not your dog has allergies after going through the best shampoo reviews for Golden Retrievers in 2022. This is an important question because you cannot buy any shampoo for your dog without knowing this essential information.
So if your dog has allergies, make sure that you pick a hypoallergenic shampoo that does not contain certain chemicals such as paraben, sulfates, or phthalates. These ingredients are the ones that cause most of the allergies in dogs.
Also, make sure that the shampoo is formulated for your dog’s hair type, which will ensure that you are using a product that has been created especially for your pet.
What to look for in the best shampoo for the Golden Retriever
The best shampoo for Golden Retrievers is one that will hydrate your dog’s skin and also improve the overall quality of its coat. For example, you must go for a shampoo that contains Omega 3 fatty acids because these are known to strengthen your Golden’s fur, repair damaged skin cells, and repair dry coats.
These essential fatty acids are also very effective in relieving skin allergies. Another essential feature of the best shampoo for golden retrievers is its ability to make your pet’s fur shiny and clean.
You should also look for shampoos that contain natural extracts such as aloe vera, coconut oil, or green tea. These ingredients are known to deeply hydrate the skin and fur, making them look clean and healthy.
Some other essential features of good quality shampoos include:
- It should be tear-free and able to remove dirt, dust, and stains from your dog’s coat.
- The shampoo must have a pleasant smell that is not irritating. This will help your dog relax after a bath.
- It should not contain any soap or detergent because these ingredients are known to dry out your dog’s skin.
- It should be easy to rinse off and not require a lot of water for the process.
- It must deep clean your dog’s coat without causing any side effects or damage. These are all essential features you should keep in mind when buying shampoo for your lovely pet.
Shampoo For Golden Retrievers
The best shampoos for Golden Retrievers are the ones that meet all the above requirements and also come at a reasonable price. While most of these shampoos can be used on dogs and cats, it is essential to read the label before buying one. However, you can always choose a special shampoo naturally formulated with the healthiest ingredients.
The best shampoos formulated for Golden Retrievers can remove dirt, dust, and stains from their coat without irritating the skin or damaging the hair follicles. They also contain natural ingredients such as aloe vera, coconut oil, and green tea, making the skin and fur clean, shiny, and healthy.
Natural extracts
Some shampoos contain natural extracts such as oatmeal or olive oil which protect the skin from rashes after a bath. These shampoos can be used on all coats and come with a pleasant smell that is not irritating. So if you are going to buy a shampoo for your Golden Retriever, keep these tips in mind so that you can pick one according to your dog’s needs. Many shampoos are available in the market, each claiming to be the best shampoo for your Golden Retriever.
However, not all of them will be suitable for the Golden’s dense, thick double coat, so you must look for one which is gentle enough on the skin and fur but that moisturizes and detangles as well. Before purchasing Golden Retriever shampoo, always read the label carefully to know whether it is suitable for your furbaby. Do not use shampoos containing soap or detergents because they will dehydrate your dog’s skin and even cause an allergy.
Artificial ingredients
If your dog suffers from allergies, always consult a veterinarian before using shampoo on its skin. Also, make sure that you do not buy any shampoo that contains artificial colors or fragrances, as these ingredients are harmful.
Natural ingredients
The best shampoos are the ones that contain natural ingredients such as aloe, oatmeal, and essential oils, which moisturize the skin and protect it from getting dry. Aloe vera is a natural ingredient that hydrates the skin, reduces itchiness, and repels parasites such as fleas. It also treats bacterial or fungal infections on the skin. Oatmeal soothes irritated skin and leaves a protective layer over the skin to prevent further damage.
Coconut oil is another excellent ingredient that enhances the appearance of your dog’s coat by making it shiny and healthy. It also reduces flaking, nourishes the skin, and makes sure that no dandruff is left behind. Also, essential oils such as lavender and rosemary have cleansing properties, making them a good choice.
Some of the best shampoos contain tea tree oil which kills bacteria while leaving a fresh smell over your dog’s fur. Shampoos containing natural ingredients are not only gentle on your pet’s skin, but they also give a refreshing scent to your dog’s coat.
The Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is one of the most popular breeds in the world. They are very loyal, intelligent, and affectionate dogs. Golden Retrievers can be trained to do almost anything you want them to do. Because of their beauty and friendly nature, they are one of the most popular dog breeds.
In addition, these dogs are excellent at swimming, hunting, and retrieving. If you pet parent a Golden, then you know how difficult it is to maintain their double-layered heavy golden coat. They need regular bathing because they are also among the biggest shedders in the canine world.
The American Kennel Club (AKC)
The American Kennel Club (AKC) describes the Golden’s coat as “Perfect hair is their hallmark—thick, in varying shades of gold, from a pale yellow to a deep red-gold, and neither coarse nor silky, as the breed standard specifies. The double coat is dense and water-repellent, and there should be abundant feathering on the back of the thighs, front of the neck, and the underside of the tail. Even in the show ring, Golden Retrievers require little primping.”
They go on to add that “Feet may be trimmed and stray hairs neatened, but the natural appearance of the coat or outline should not be altered by cutting or clipping.” They are natural beauties doesn’t mean they are low-maintenance, though. As the Golden Retriever Club of America notes in the AKC Complete Dog Book, they “may not be the dog for the compulsively tidy.”
Choosing a Golden Retriever dog shampoo
Choosing a shampoo and conditioner for your Golden is not an easy task. You will face a tough time finding the right product because there are hundreds of brands available in your market, but only a few of them are suitable for your Golden. So if you want to buy one for your pet, you should opt for a dog shampoo that will help reduce shedding and keep their coat shiny and healthy.
A Golden’s undercoat is very soft, and it will get damaged if the topcoat is not maintained correctly. The best way to deal with this problem is to invest in good quality shampoo and conditioner for your pet. The best shampoo for your Golden coat can do a lot more than clean your dog’s coat. For example:
Good shampoos formulated for light or red coats can also enhance your Golden skin by improving light or red coats. If you opt for a shampoo formulated for long or wavy coats, it will help with post-bath grooming and reduce hair breakage during combing or brushing.
If your Golden has skin issues or allergies, you should opt for a mild and hypoallergenic shampoo and conditioner and one that is formulated specifically for sensitive skin. This will help to minimize any sensitivities. If your Golden has hot spots or a rash, you should always reach out to your veterinarian. Your vet will recommend a medicated dog shampoo to help treat skin issues.
Tearless shampoos help sensitive eyes and are a good option for Golden pups and adult dogs.
On the other hand, if your Golden has a flea and tick issue, some pet shampoos are specifically formulated for this by either using chemicals or natural ingredients.
As always, before bathing your furbaby, brush him thoroughly and reduce matting with a detangling spray or leave-in conditioner for pets. Remember that you should not let the mats dry because they become more challenging to work through and remove.
Acute moist dermatitis
The Golden Retriever is a breed affected by acute moist dermatitis. This is common in all dogs, but more so in Golden Retrievers because of their double coats and oily skin. When you use the right shampoo for Golden Retrievers, it will help to treat these symptoms and prevent future outbreaks.
Hot spots in Golden Retrievers
Another common skin condition that your Golden can suffer from is hot spots, usually caused by allergies, stress, or injuries like cuts and scrapes. If you notice that your dog has a bald patch on its body, it may have developed a hot spot.
That said, it’s essential to check the area every day for any new outbreaks on your Golden. Hot spots can cause a lot of discomfort and itching for your pet. However, if the hot spot begins to bother them, they may start licking and biting at it. Unfortunately, this often makes the hot spot worse resulting in a bacterial infection.
Some of the most common symptoms associated with hot spots include:
Redness around the affected area
- Flaky, dried, or crusted skin
- Hair loss or crusting on the affected area. You may also notice the darkening of the skin if the hot spot becomes infected with bacteria.
- Your Dog will begin to scratch at their ears more often than usual and try to relieve the itch by rubbing their face against surfaces like your sofa or floor.
- The area around the hot spot has a foul odor, and excessive scratching may lead to broken skin that bleeds.
If your Golden Retriever frequently suffers from this condition, then you may notice that they have areas where their hair is thinning due to severe damage caused by constant itching and biting. This can be very uncomfortable for your Golden.
If you notice that your Golden Retriever has developed this condition, it is essential to get relief as quickly as possible. The longer they go without treatment, the worse their hot spot can become and the more uncomfortable they will be until you do something about it. As usual, reach out to your vet for treatment.
A few of the causes of hot spots in dogs include:
- Allergies to something in their environment
- Skin infections
- Fleas
- Poor grooming
The best shampoo for Golden Retrievers is one that will help treat the symptoms of hot spots, but it’s important to remember that the root cause of the problem still exists.
If you want to get rid of your Golden Retriever’s hot spots, you will need to work with your vet. Symptoms include the following:
- Licking their paws due to allergies
- Red, flaky skin on their paws or around their mouth
- Hair loss from excessive scratching and biting
- Allergies to something in the environment can cause dogs to start licking their feet more often than usual. If you see your Golden Retriever doing this, visit your vet for treatment.
A high-quality dog shampoo for Golden Retrievers will help treat your dog’s skin and coat. Keep in mind that the root causes of any skin condition will still present and that you should discuss this with your veterinarian.
Dry, scaly, flaking
If you want to get rid of dandruff in your Golden Retriever naturally, there are a few things that can help. The first is adding more omega-3 fatty acids into your pet’s diet. Second, Omega-3s boost the immune system and keep it strong so that your dog can better fight off the root causes of dandruff, which are usually allergies.
You can also try adding vitamin C to your dog’s water once per day to boost their immunity, which will make it easier for them to fight off the problems that cause dandruff in Golden retrievers, such as Malassezia (a yeast that lives on the skin). Of course, you should always consult with your vet before trying out any treatments.
Best of all, you can also use all-natural shampoos on your Golden to stop dandruff from developing. Several commercial products are specially formulated for this purpose and work naturally with your Golden hair and skin type. Natural oils leave a protective layer of oil on your dog’s skin and hair, which helps to prevent future outbreaks of dandruff. You can also try massaging their coat with a mix of vitamin E and aloe vera gel after you bathe them. Finally, make sure that the shampoo is entirely rinsed before you dry your Golden Retriever’s fur because any shampoo residue may cause dandruff to return. If you’re unsure about your Golden skin issues, you should reach out to your vet for the correct diagnosis and treatment, most especially for hot spots.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do I need to bathe my Golden?
Bathing a Golden Retriever once a month is a good frequency. Goldens are an active breed that enjoys having plenty of exercise and outdoor fun. If your Golden enjoys swimming and hiking, consider bathing him when needed which could be weekly. You also don’t want to over-wash your Golden because you could dry out his coat and skin.
What are some ingredients commonly found in high-quality Golden Retriever shampoos?
Ingredients like oatmeal, aloe vera, olive oil, and honey are commonly found in nourishing dog shampoos for Goldens.
What kind of dog shampoo should I use for my Golden?
The best shampoo is one that your Golden Retriever will tolerate well and which you can work up into a good lather. It’s also helpful to have a dog-safe conditioner that you can put on after the bath to help protect the skin.
Is it safe to use human shampoo on my Golden Retriever?
This is not a good idea. Human shampoos and dog shampoos are formulated differently, and human shampoo can damage your Golden skin and coat.
What is the best dog shampoo for a Golden Retriever with itchy skin?
In addition to oatmeal, many other ingredients can help relieve itchiness. Good dog shampoo will contain oatmeal, aloe vera, olive oil, and honey.
When is the best time to bathe my Golden Retriever?
Bathing your dog too frequently can dry out his skin and coat. It’s OK to bathe your dog more than once a month, but try to wash him less regularly when possible. Also, make sure you rinse all of the soap residues off your dog’s coat after a bath.
How often should I bathe my Golden with the best shampoo?
A good rule of thumb is to bathe your Golden Retriever once a month, but if they start to smell more quickly than that, you may need to clean more frequently.
How do I know if other ingredients in my dog shampoo should be avoided?
You can speak with customer service about your product. They will be able to tell you whether or not your dog shampoo contains any ingredients that should be avoided.
Why does my Golden Retriever shed so much?
The best dog shampoo for Goldens is designed to penetrate the skin and coat and help control heavy shedding by ensuring all dead hair is removed.
What kind of shampoo is best for my Golden Retriever’s sensitive skin?
If your Golden Retriever suffers from allergies or other skin sensitivities, it may be challenging to find a dog shampoo for this. The best dog shampoo for Goldens is one that profoundly cleans and targets the root of the problem. You can also reach out to 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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