We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Medicated Dog Shampoos 2025 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiseptic and Antifungal Medicated Shampoo for Dogs & Cats, 16 Fl Oz – Helps Alleviate Scaly, Greasy, red Skin – Paraben, Dye, Soap-Free (1 Pack)

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,105
Skin Condition
Fragrance

Most important from
42636 reviews

Skin Condition
Worked as advertised and smells great. Saved a vet visit and cleared up ringworm and bacterial infections, leaving fur beautiful and shiny.
Fragrance
Worked as advertised and smells great. Saved a vet visit and cleared up ringworm and bacterial infections, leaving fur beautiful and shiny.

The Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiseptic and Antifungal Medicated Shampoo is designed to help alleviate various skin issues in dogs and cats, such as red, scaly, greasy, or smelly skin. The shampoo contains powerful, fast-acting ingredients that aim to soothe and support healthy skin, making it suitable for pets experiencing discomfort due to environmental stressors. It's vet-recommended and pH balanced, which helps maintain skin and coat health without the use of harsh detergents, parabens, or soap. This makes it a gentle yet effective option for pets over 12 weeks of age.

Users are advised to apply the shampoo twice a week until the skin condition improves, and then once a week for maintenance. The shampoo has a citrus scent, which some might find pleasant, but it could be a potential drawback for those sensitive to fragrances. The formulation is dye-free, sulfate-free, and paraben-free, which is a plus for pets with sensitive skin. However, it's essential to follow the application instructions carefully and test a small area for any adverse reactions before full use.

The 16 Fl Oz size might be sufficient for small to medium-sized pets but could require frequent repurchasing for larger animals or extensive conditions. With a high customer rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, many users seem to find this product effective and beneficial for their pets.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,105
Skin Condition
Fragrance

Most important from
42636 reviews

Skin Condition
Worked as advertised and smells great. Saved a vet visit and cleared up ringworm and bacterial infections, leaving fur beautiful and shiny.
Fragrance
Worked as advertised and smells great. Saved a vet visit and cleared up ringworm and bacterial infections, leaving fur beautiful and shiny.
#2

Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Hot Spot & Itch Relief Medicated Shampoo for Dogs and Cats 16oz – Helps Alleviate Sensitive Skin, Scratching, and Licking of Coat

Rating
9.8
Skin Condition
Fragrance
Formulation Type

Most important from
38029 reviews

Skin Condition
After just one use, the dog's rash was much less inflamed and the hair loss stopped.
Fragrance
The mild citrus scent is a pleasant bonus.
Formulation Type
Spray format is convenient and does not require bathing.
Frequency of Use
Consistency is key; symptoms may return if application is stopped.

The Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Hot Spot & Itch Relief Medicated Shampoo for Dogs and Cats is designed to alleviate sensitive skin, scratching, and licking of the coat. Key strengths include its fast-acting formula with oatmeal and aloe vera, which quickly soothes irritated skin and promotes a healthy coat. The product is free from parabens, soaps, and dyes, making it gentle and pH-balanced for pets. Additionally, it has a pleasant citrus scent that leaves pets smelling fresh and clean.

The shampoo is easy to apply and suitable for both dogs and cats over 12 weeks old. It's recommended to use it twice weekly until irritation subsides, which can be a bit frequent for some pet owners. One downside is that some pets may develop an irritation, so it's important to test on a small area first. It comes in a convenient 16oz size, making it practical for home use.

This product is ideal for pet owners looking for an effective, vet-recommended solution to manage their pets' itchy, irritated skin.

Rating
9.8
Skin Condition
Fragrance
Formulation Type

Most important from
38029 reviews

Skin Condition
After just one use, the dog's rash was much less inflamed and the hair loss stopped.
Fragrance
The mild citrus scent is a pleasant bonus.
Formulation Type
Spray format is convenient and does not require bathing.
Frequency of Use
Consistency is key; symptoms may return if application is stopped.
#3

Douxo S3 Pyo Shampoo, Contains 3% Chlorhexidine & 0.5% Ophytrium, Antiseptic & Hydrating, For Bacterial or Yeast Skin Infections, For Dogs and Cats, 6.7 fl. oz. (200mL)

Rating
9.6
Active Ingredients
Skin Condition
Fragrance

Most important from
5354 reviews

Active Ingredients
It keeps bacteria at bay and leaves dogs smelling amazing, with no odor even months later.
Skin Condition
Perfect for sensitive skin, this shampoo is the only one that stops itching and dermatitis for my poodles.
Fragrance
It keeps bacteria at bay and leaves dogs smelling amazing, with no odor even months later.
Frequency of Use
A small amount goes a long way, making it economical for small dogs.

The Douxo S3 PYO Shampoo appears to be a strong choice for pet owners dealing with dogs and cats experiencing dermatological issues such as infections or inflammation. One of its main strengths is its use of ophytrium, a natural ingredient that supports the skin's barrier and soothes irritation, which can help in managing and reducing yeast counts within a week.

It's free from potentially harmful ingredients like soaps, sulfates, parabens, dyes, and nanoparticles, making it a gentle option for sensitive skin. Additionally, it is hypoallergenic and suitable for pets at all life stages, which broadens its usability.

The product's directions for use are quite specific, requiring a precise application and a 10-minute wait before rinsing, which might be cumbersome for some pet owners. Furthermore, for best results, it's recommended to use this shampoo in conjunction with another product (DOUXO PYO Mousse), which could imply additional expense and effort. Despite its benefits, the need for consistent, potentially labor-intensive application might be a drawback for those looking for a more straightforward solution.

Rating
9.6
Active Ingredients
Skin Condition
Fragrance

Most important from
5354 reviews

Active Ingredients
It keeps bacteria at bay and leaves dogs smelling amazing, with no odor even months later.
Skin Condition
Perfect for sensitive skin, this shampoo is the only one that stops itching and dermatitis for my poodles.
Fragrance
It keeps bacteria at bay and leaves dogs smelling amazing, with no odor even months later.
Frequency of Use
A small amount goes a long way, making it economical for small dogs.

Buying Guide for the Best Medicated Dog Shampoos

Choosing the right medicated dog shampoo is crucial for maintaining your dog's skin and coat health, especially if they have specific skin conditions. Medicated shampoos can help treat a variety of issues such as allergies, infections, and parasites. To make the best choice, you need to understand the key specifications and how they relate to your dog's needs.
Active IngredientsActive ingredients are the components in the shampoo that provide the therapeutic effects. This spec is important because different ingredients target different conditions. For example, shampoos with antifungal ingredients like ketoconazole are good for fungal infections, while those with antibacterial agents like chlorhexidine are suitable for bacterial infections. If your dog has allergies, look for hypoallergenic ingredients. Always consult your vet to determine which active ingredient is best for your dog's specific condition.
Skin ConditionThe skin condition of your dog is a critical factor in choosing the right shampoo. This spec is important because it directly affects the effectiveness of the treatment. For dry and flaky skin, moisturizing shampoos with ingredients like oatmeal or aloe vera are beneficial. For oily skin, shampoos with degreasing agents can help. If your dog has sensitive skin, opt for a gentle formula. Identifying your dog's skin condition will guide you to the most appropriate product.
pH BalanceThe pH balance of a dog shampoo is crucial because dogs have a different skin pH than humans. This spec is important to maintain the natural barrier of your dog's skin and prevent irritation. Dog shampoos should have a pH level between 6.5 and 7.5. Using a shampoo with the correct pH balance ensures that your dog's skin remains healthy and less prone to infections. Always check the pH level on the product label to ensure it is suitable for dogs.
FragranceFragrance in dog shampoos can be a double-edged sword. While a pleasant scent can make your dog smell nice, it can also cause irritation or allergic reactions in some dogs. This spec is important because it affects your dog's comfort and health. If your dog has sensitive skin or allergies, it's best to choose a fragrance-free or hypoallergenic shampoo. For dogs without these issues, a mild, natural fragrance can be a good choice. Always observe your dog for any adverse reactions when using a new shampoo.
Formulation TypeThe formulation type of a medicated dog shampoo can vary, including options like liquid, foam, or spray. This spec is important because it affects the ease of application and the dog's comfort. Liquid shampoos are the most common and are suitable for thorough cleaning. Foam shampoos can be easier to apply and rinse out, making them a good choice for dogs that dislike baths. Spray formulations are convenient for spot treatments. Consider your dog's temperament and the specific area that needs treatment when choosing the formulation type.
Frequency of UseThe recommended frequency of use for a medicated dog shampoo is crucial for effective treatment. This spec is important because overuse or underuse can affect the shampoo's efficacy and your dog's skin health. Some shampoos are designed for daily use, while others should only be used weekly or bi-weekly. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and consult your vet to determine the appropriate frequency based on your dog's condition. This ensures that the treatment is both safe and effective.

FAQ

Most Popular Categories Right Now