The best dog shampoos don't just smell good. More importantly, they're formulated to keep your dog's skin and coat clean, healthy, and moisturized. For dogs with dry, itchy skin from environmental allergies, hypoallergenic shampoos prevent extra irritation.

Because dog shampoos are not one-size-fits-all, we evaluated dozens of products according to their ingredients, ease of use, and intended use, from flea prevention to whitening. It contains nonirritating ingredients that cleanse and moisturize. Vanilla and almond extracts give a subtle fragrance.

Individual dogs have specific bathing needs, so consult your veterinarian to determine how often you should bathe your dog and what type of shampoo is best for their skin and coat.

Earthbath Ultra-Mild Puppy Shampoo

Tear-free formula, with natural and organic ingredients, does not wash away topical flea and tick treatments, free of soap, lathers, and rinses well, and is safe for puppies at least 6 weeks of age

 Unlike other puppy shampoos we considered that contained synthetic ingredients, Earthbath Ultra-Mild Puppy Shampoo uses natural ingredients to clean, condition, and detangle, making it our top choice among the best dog shampoos for puppies.

A puppy's skin is more sensitive than an adult dog's skin. Because of this, puppy shampoos are formulated to be extra-gentle while still being effective at cleaning and moisturizing the skin and coat. This shampoo contains ingredients such as aloe vera and various vitamins to moisturize and nourish a puppy's skin and coat.

The shampoo is safe for puppies at least 6 weeks of age and does not wash off topical flea and tick treatments. For the first few weeks of life, puppies have trouble regulating their body temperature, so they can get cold easily. Because of this, it is recommended that puppies not be bathed until they are at least 6 to 8 weeks old when they're better at regulating their body temperature.

Zoop Dog Shampoo and Conditioner

This Zoop option won the Selects Best for Your Pet award for the best dog shampoo we tried. NBC Select commerce analytics manager Amanda Smith found that it made bathtime with her 2-year-old rat terrier mix, Mac, easy because she didn’t have to use a lot of products to get a good amount of lather. It also did a great job at cleaning dirt, debris, and sweat from my dog Bella after a long day at the park, and she smelled fresh for days afterward. The formula has aloe vera, vitamin E, and glycerin to moisturize the skin, detangle fur, and prevent shedding, according to the brand.

Best dog shampoo for allergies: Douxo

Duoxo's range of shampoos, including the brand's antibacterial, ultra-gentle, and odor-control formulas, are a favorite among our experts. "The Douxo brand products help protect the skin barrier and help soothe any skin conditions based on veterinary exam and diagnosis,". Skin conditions the brand targets include dry, itchy, and flaky skin. This soothing option is a great choice for dogs with sensitive, allergy-prone skin, according to the veterinarians we spoke to. It has a 0.75% concentration of ophytrium, a natural ingredient that helps strengthen the skin barrier, according to the brand. The brand recommends using one pump for every 4 pounds your dog weighs and gently massaging the shampoo onto the skin.

Begley's Waterless Pet Shampoo

 There are times when a full bath with one of the best dog shampoos isn't convenient or practical. Begley's Waterless Pet Shampoo is an easy-to-apply, lightly scented shampoo that cleans and deodorizes without drying the skin.

This shampoo for puppies and adult dogs contains a proprietary natural enzyme blend that provides a deep clean by removing the residues of protein, fat, and starch from a dog's fur and skin. It also contains naturally occurring biosurfactants, which are produced by microbes and boost the shampoo's cleaning power.

It is available in four natural, essential oil-based fragrances: lavender, citrus, oatmeal mango, and tea tree. The ingredients are biodegradable, making it a safe choice for dogs and the environment.

The shampoo distributes quickly and easily across a dog's skin and coat and doesn't leave any residue after it's wiped off with a towel. For the face, the manufacturer recommends spraying the shampoo on a damp cloth first and then gently rubbing the face, carefully avoiding a dog's eyes.

"Waterless shampoos are often helpful in specific situations, such as after surgery when a dog's incision site has to stay dry," says Dr. Cherese Sullivan, a relief veterinarian in Houston, Texas. Dogs that suffer from incontinence or don't like being bathed can also benefit from the quick cleaning provided by a waterless shampoo. These shampoos are also a good option when there's a long time between grooming appointments.

Chris Christensen Whitening Treatment Shampoo

Dogs with white fur need more than just regular shampoo. They need a shampoo that also removes discoloring stains (e.g. urine and food stains) that are more obvious on white coats.

Chris Christensen White on White Shampoo for Pets whitens and brightens a dog's fur for four weeks without relying on harsh chemicals like bleaching agents. It also removes yellow stains and provides a deep clean. As a bonus, the shampoo can be used on dogs with any coat color to increase the fur's luster.

Whitening shampoos are primarily classified as bluing, enzymatic, or clarifying. Bluing shampoos, also called optical brighteners, contain blue or purple color enhancers that absorb and reflect light to hide stains. Enzymatic shampoos break down proteins that cause discoloration. Clarifying shampoos strip dirt from the hair cuticles.

This shampoo has a purple color that provides an optical brightening effect. It should be left on for up to 10 minutes; if left on longer, it may leave a slight purple tint on the fur.

How often should you shampoo your dog?