10 Best Dog Shampoos 2025 in the United States

The Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiseptic and Antifungal Medicated Shampoo is designed to help pets with irritated, scaly, or greasy skin. It’s a medicated shampoo suitable for both dogs and cats over 12 weeks old, making it versatile for households with multiple pets. This shampoo is pH balanced, which means it matches the natural acidity of your pet’s skin, helping avoid dryness or irritation. It’s free from parabens, dyes, and harsh soaps, so it’s gentle yet effective against fungal and bacterial skin problems. The shampoo contains soothing ingredients like aloe vera and lanolin to calm redness and discomfort.

A key feature is the recommended 5-10 minute soak time, allowing the active ingredients to work effectively. It also comes in a two-pack, offering good value for regular use. The scent is present but not overpowering, which some may appreciate to help mask odor without strong perfumes. Users should apply and rinse the shampoo carefully to prevent pets from licking the product, and it is specifically for topical use only. It is most effective when used twice a week initially, which requires a bit more grooming effort.

For pets with sensitive or problematic skin, this shampoo provides targeted relief and supports healing without harsh chemicals. Pets without skin issues might find a regular mild shampoo simpler. This product is well suited for owners managing fungal or bacterial skin conditions who need a medicated, veterinarian-recommended solution.

The Wahl USA Dry Skin & Itch Relief Pet Shampoo is designed mainly for dogs with dry, itchy skin. Its oatmeal-based formula is gentle and moisturizing, making it a solid choice if your dog struggles with irritation or dryness. The shampoo is pH balanced specifically for dogs, which helps maintain healthy skin without causing further dryness or discomfort. It’s free from alcohol, parabens, and PEG-80, reducing the chance of irritation or allergic reactions, which is great if your pet has sensitive skin. The coconut lime verbena scent offers a fresh, pleasant smell without being overpowering.

This shampoo works well for all coat types and breeds, providing cleansing while moisturizing. It is not a medicated shampoo, so it won't treat serious skin conditions but is ideal for regular use to soothe mild dryness and itching. The large 64-ounce size makes it a cost-effective option for frequent baths.

If your dog has severe skin issues, you might need a specialized medicated formula, but for everyday relief and hydration, this Wahl shampoo is a reliable, gentle option.

The Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiparasitic & Antiseborrheic Medicated Dog Shampoo is designed specifically for dogs dealing with flaky, dry, or oily skin caused by environmental factors. Its medicated formula contains active ingredients like coal tar, salicylic acid, and micronized sulfur, which are effective at controlling scaling and shedding dry skin. This makes it a solid choice for dogs with seborrheic dermatitis or antiparasitic needs. The shampoo is soap-free, dye-free, and paraben-free, reducing the chance of irritation.

Oatmeal and allantoin also hydrate and soothe the skin, which helps maintain a healthy coat. Importantly, it’s pH-balanced for dogs, unlike human shampoos that can be too acidic. The fragrance is mild and pleasant, which suits pets sensitive to strong smells. However, the shampoo requires a longer application time of 10-15 minutes per use, repeated 2-3 times weekly, which may be less convenient for some owners. It’s not intended for cats, limiting its use to dogs and horses older than 12 weeks.

The large 128oz size makes it economical for regular use or multiple pets but might be bulky to handle. This shampoo is well suited for dog owners looking for a medicated, gentle product to treat skin conditions while supporting hydration and coat health.