Best Dog Shampoos for Shedding: Coat Moisturizing Formulas

The best dog shampoos for shedding won’t work to magically prevent your dogs from losing hair since shedding is perfectly natural. However, if your dog is shedding excessively, it can help to cut down on the amount of pet hair you’re finding in pretty much every corner of the house, on your furniture, and even on your clothing. Shedding can be influenced by a number of factors including general health, age, season, and even breed.

A dog will typically adapt to their environment, shedding their coat to prepare for hotter weather and growing in a thicker coat for the winter. This type of process will take time. Because of this, most dogs begin to shed quite a bit during the fall and spring, in order for their coats to be prepared for the winter and summer months. But using the right type of shampoo even if your dog is shedding their seasonal coat can help to reduce the amount of hair fall that hits your home every season.

Below you’ll find a comparison chart of the top six shampoos designed to minimize shedding.

Dog Shampoos Comparison Chart

Product	Active Ingredients	Also treats	Rating
Colloidal Dog Shampoo Check On Amazon!	lavender/oatmeal	Dry skin
Top Performance Shed Patrol Check On Amazon!	Wheat germ	Skin irritation
Isle of Dogs No. 20 Check On Amazon!	Royal jelly	Itchy, dry skin
FURminator Shampoo Check On Amazon!	Wheat and oat proteins	Dry skin
FURminator Conditioner Check On Amazon!	Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids	Dry skin
Friends Forever Shampoo Check On Amazon!	Tea tree oil	Hot spots, skin allergies

Choosing a shampoo for your pet may not seem like a big deal, but it’s important that you understand the effects of a shampoo before you buy, how it works, and how it can help your pet. The wrong type of shampoo can cause skin problems and irritation, and in worst cases, it may even weaken a dog’s immune system. Since you probably wouldn’t use a new product you knew nothing about, learning about dog shampoos, their active ingredients and how they work can really pay off in terms of boosting your dog’s skin and coat health. Below, you’ll find summaries for six of the best-selling shampoos designed to minimize shedding.

Best Overall-Colloidal Oatmeal Dog Shampoo with Pure Lavender Essential Oils

Our Rating: (5/5)

The Colloidal Oatmeal Shampoo is designed for puppies and dogs with sensitive skin. This shampoo treats itchiness and dry skin which can lead to excessive shedding. Its soothing formula can instantly help provide relief from itching while working to repair the skin. The formula is clinical strength and is designed to combat skin irritation and excessive shedding.

This formula is enhanced with lavender essential oil which offers calming effects that will make it easier to bathe your pet, in addition to minimizing odor.

This tear-free formula is safe for puppies three months and up.

Money Back Guarantee

The manufacturer is so confident that this product can help to instantly reduce itching and skin irritation that they offer a one hundred percent money-back guarantee.

Formula

The oatmeal lavender formula is specifically designed to soothe and condition your pet’s skin and coat. It contains a gentle deodorizer that will minimize odor and leave your dog smelling fresh and clean. The formula is cruelty-free, paraben-free, and sulfate-free.

Because lavender is often used for its calming effects it’s a great addition to this formula and helps to soothe irritated dry skin. Its relaxing properties will help to keep your puppy or adult dog calm during their bath.

The colloidal oatmeal is a soothing, gentle form of oatmeal that will soothe and moisturize broken, red, irritated skin. It contains both natural hydrating and detoxing properties that will remove built-up oils, which can cause excessive shedding. It will also remove impurities, debris, and dirt while adding moisture for smoother, softer skin and a healthier coat. The oats contain lipids that work by locking in moisture, which is beneficial for all skin types.

The addition of jojoba oil will leave your pet’s coat smelling clean and feeling soft to the touch. This oil will moisturize the skin without leaving behind an oily residue.

Parabens are a type of preservative that can cause more skin irritation in some pets, which is why this paraben-free product is suitable for both puppies and adults.

Pros

Cons

Conclusion

This shampoo can help to prevent excessive shedding in the future, but keep in mind, like most types of shampoos designed to treat excessive shedding it will cause an increase in shedding for a day or two. This is because the shampoo works to remove hair that’s already dead from the coat and also weakens hair that’s on its way out. So, do not be alarmed by this type of increase in shedding. The colloidal oatmeal and lavender formula are both soothing and beneficial to your pet’s coat. The addition of jojoba oil also helps to boost this shampoo’s hydrating power. I gave this shampoo a rating of five out of five stars.

Most Effective-Top Performance Shed Patrol De-Shedding Dog and Cat Shampoo

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

Shed Patrol De-shedding shampoo is designed to treat both cats and dogs. It contains a wide range of vitamins, in addition to wheat germ oil that can help to minimize shedding while also boosting coat and skin health. It also contains aloe vera which instantly helps to reduce any itching associated with skin irritation.

Use

This gentle formula is safe for use in both kittens and puppies six weeks of age and older. It can be used one to two times a week to reduce shedding. Unfortunately, this shampoo is not tear-free, which means you must take extra care to avoid getting the shampoo in your pet’s eyes.

Contains

Wheat germ, vitamin E, aloe vera, sodium chloride, and amphoteric surfactants.

Pros

Cons

Conclusion

This shampoo is safe and gentle enough to use on kittens and puppies six weeks of age and up. It works to not only minimize shedding, but can also soothe skin irritation, dry, itchy skin, and boost overall skin health. The biggest drawback of this product is the fact that the formula is not tear-free, which can make it difficult to use on hyper puppies or dogs who are difficult to bathe. However, one thing is for sure, this shampoo is a big hit among pet owners simply because it’s very effective. I gave this shampoo a rating of four and a half out of five stars.

Best Scent-Isle of Dogs Coature No. 20 Royal Jelly Dog Shampoo

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

Considered one of the top-selling shampoos for dogs, this royal jelly shampoo is made out of the same secretions honey bees produce to feed their larvae and adult queens. It’s commonly used as a supplement thanks to its antioxidant cancer-fighting effects, not to mention its ability to minimize skin inflammation, relieve itching, and boost skin health.

Coat Health

If you’re having a hard time dealing with excessive shedding, then you’ll love what this shampoo can do. Not only will it minimize shedding, but it can also leave your dog’s coat looking healthy, full and shiny.

It can also repair damaged coats, soothes general skin irritation and itching, and can promote new growth in pets that have bald patches or very thin coats.

Gentle Formula

This gentle formula is safe for use in puppies over the age of three months. Unfortunately, this is not a tear-free formula, so you must be careful when rinsing out the shampoo and avoid applying it near the eyes. Additionally, this shampoo will leave your pet smelling amazing, thanks to the apple blossom scent.

Pros

Cons

Conclusion

This royal jelly shampoo works wonders on even thin and patchy coats and it’s safe enough for daily use. This gentle formula will also leave your pet’s coat smelling amazing while working to reduce shedding, itchiness, dry skin, and general irritation. I gave this shampoo a rating of four and a half out of five stars.

Best Choice for Puppies and Kittens-FURminator DeShedding Dog Shampoo

Our Rating: (5/5)

This shampoo not only treats excessive shedding, but it also works hard to remove built-up oils, dead skin, and old hair. It also promotes a healthier coat and skin and can be used on both dogs and cats over the age of six weeks. Keep in mind, this isn’t a tear-free formula. Because of this, you will need to be extra careful during application in order to prevent the shampoo from making contact with the eyes.

This formula was designed by a professional groomer. It’s a great choice for breeds with a double coat since it can reach beyond the topcoat, to the thick undercoat, where it can remove loose dirt, hair, and debris. It will also pull away any loose hair without damaging the undercoat.

Ingredients

This shampoo contains hydrolyzed wheat protein and hydrolyzed oat protein, both of which promote skin and coat health. It also contains both omega three and six fatty acids, vitamin E, kava extract, chamomile, papaya leaf extract, aloe vera, sunflower seed oil, and safflower seed oil. Together, these natural ingredients will stimulate new growth, moisturize the skin and coat, and leave your pet smelling like a tropical fruit salad.

Powerful Formula

There are no two breeds alike when it comes to fur. This is one of the only formulas on the market that’s specially formulated to remove those loose hairs in both the top and undercoat, before the shedding process.

With regular use, this shampoo can cut down on the amount of time you spend brushing your dog by removing the loose fur before it ends up coating the surface of hardwood floors, carpet, furniture, bedding, and you. In most cases, dogs with a double coat tend to shed excessively because the loose hair gets trapped in the undercoat. But this shampoo is powerful enough to remove those loose hairs, stopping hair fall in its tracks.

Pros

Cons

Conclusion

I gave this shampoo a rating of five out of five stars. It’s one of the only formulas on the market that can penetrate the top coat to remove loose hair in the undercoat. This powerful shampoo will focus on moisturizing the skin and coat, preventing hair fall due to dry, irritated skin. The natural fruit extracts will also make your pets smell pretty amazing. This product should be used weekly during the shedding seasons.

Best Conditioner-FURminator DeShedding Ultra-Premium Dog Conditioner

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

If you want a product you can use that solely focuses on moisturizing the skin to prevent shedding, then this is it. The FURminator shedding shampoo scored high, since it’s one of the only formulas on the market that can reach the undercoat and remove loose hair, before it falls out. This conditioner is the perfect addition to your pet’s bathing regimen. It contains some of the same ingredients as the shampoo, for twice the hydrating power.

Formula

This conditioner will help to reduce excessive shedding by releasing the undercoat. It’s enriched with chamomile extract, omega six and omega three fatty acids, and contains aloe vera extract which works to moisturize dry skin.

This product can be used on puppies six weeks of age and up and is paraben-free.

Pros

Cons

Conclusion

This conditioner should be used one to two times a week in order to be effective. During the shedding season, if you have a dog with a double coat, such as a husky, then this product should be used more frequently in order to achieve the desired results. Additionally, it should be used after applying and rinsing out a de-shedding shampoo. I gave this conditioner a rating of four and a half out of five stars.

Top Choice for Sensitive Skin-Friends Forever-Natural Dog Shampoo for Shedding

Our Rating: (4.5/5)

Not only does this shampoo help prevent excessive hair fall, but its conditioning formula will also moisturize the skin and coat. If allergies are the underlying cause of shedding, then this is the shampoo for your pet. The powerful formula can soothe red, irritated skin, hot spots, and more.

Formula

This is an anti-fungal and antibacterial shampoo that can treat fungal infections and skin irritation caused by environmental allergies, seasonal allergies, and flea dermatitis.

This is a tear-free formula, which is a huge plus for any dog owner.

The chamomile extract works to minimize odors while leaving your dog’s coat feeling full and soft.

Pros

Cons

Conclusion

This shampoo can provide instant relief from dry, itchy skin. It’s specially designed to minimize shedding caused by seasonal or environmental allergies. It’s also gentle enough to use on broken, irritated skin. This product is a must-have if your dog is struggling with allergies and in need of serious itch relief. I gave this shampoo a rating of four and a half out of five stars.

Buyer’s Guide

A dog will not only shed when the weather changes. Shedding can also be caused by a medical issue that’s interfering with the regular hair growth process. Take note of how much your dog sheds during the different seasons since excessive hair shedding can indicate that your pet is in need of a vet visit. If you feel that your dog sheds too much then it may be time to make an appointment with your vet. So, what can cause a dog to shed too much?

As I briefly mentioned earlier, shedding is perfectly normal and shouldn’t be something you stress over, but if your pet is shedding excessively, it can be hard not to panic when you’re picking hair off of all your clothing, it’s coating your furniture, and you’re desperately trying to keep the situation under control by vacuuming often. While it’s true that there are some breeds that tend to shed more than others, shedding excessively can indicate that there’s something medically wrong with your pet.

Common causes of excessive shedding can include:

• Combing or brushing too frequently
• Allergies
• Lice, mites, ticks, fleas
• Lactation or pregnancy

Shedding can also be linked to poor nutrition, which simply means your dog may not be getting the proper nutrients they need to maintain a healthy coat.

Hormones can also play a role and can contribute to excessive shedding. Female dogs who have just had a heat cycle tend to shed heavily.

Infections

Bacterial/fungal infections can be easy enough to treat, but many pet owners don’t routinely inspect their dog’s skin and coat, so often, when an infection is detected, it’s progressed to the point that the dog is beginning to lose its hair. If you’ve noticed patchy hair loss, a rash, irritation, and redness, then it’s time to make an appointment with your vet. They will prescribe a shampoo based on the type of infection your pet has and may even prescribe an oral medication in addition to the shampoo if the infection is severe.

Poor Nutrition

Diet can also be to blame. The nutritional value of your dog’s food can mean the difference between a normal, light hair fall and excessive shedding.

What Else Can I Do to Minimize Shedding?

While preventing your dog from shedding altogether isn’t possible, there are some things you can do to help minimize the amount of hair your pet is leaving around your home and on your clothing. Obviously, one of the best ways you can reduce shedding is by bathing your dog to get rid of the excess hair. If your dog is a heavy shedder it’s important that you keep up on their bathing. Dogs should be bathed routinely at least once a month. But if you have a dog that’s constantly shedding, use one of the special shampoos from my top six list at least once a week for best results.

Remember, when buying your dog a new shampoo, always keep in mind the product’s pH level. If you’re not sure which product will work the best for your dog’s overall health, hair type, and breed, speak with your vet, who can give you a little guidance.

But while bathing is one of the most effective ways to cut down on pet hair in the home, it’s not the only way to cut down on shedding. Below, I’ve compiled some other ways you can help to minimize shedding and enjoy a pet-hair free home.

Brushing Daily

If you brush your pet’s coat often you can remove more hair and avoid excessive shedding. This will be especially important during the fall and spring since both are considered shedding seasons. While daily brushing may not be necessary for all dogs, shoot for at least two to three times a week. To learn more, click here to read my article on how often should you brush your dog?

Adding Oil to their Food

Add just one tablespoon of olive oil to your pet’s food daily. Olive oil contains important omega three fatty acids which will condition your pet’s coat and skin. If your pet’s coat is healthy, this will help to significantly minimize shedding.

Vacuuming

Okay, vacuuming isn’t going to help your dog’s shedding problem, but it can cut down on the amount of pet hair you and your family, friends, and guests encounter. Vacuum daily to help manage your pet hair problem.

Anti-Shedding Shampoos

Many of these shampoos claim they can alleviate excessive shedding and restore coat health. Since many of these shampoos contain omega six and omega three fatty acids, many can be very effective in reducing shedding. However, if you’re hoping for a miracle, you’ll need to be realistic. While using one of these shampoos will reduce the amount of hair your pet sheds, they will continue to shed, just not excessively.

Only Use Dog-Formulated Shampoos

Can I use regular shampoo on dogs? Absolutely not. Human shampoo is never recommended for pet use. Human shampoos are designed for humans who have a very different pH level compared to dogs. If you use your shampoo to wash your dog then you’ll risk irritating their skin, which will make the shedding process so much worse.

Additionally, shampoo for dogs is less acidic than shampoos designed for humans. Basically, on both dog and human skin, there is a layer of acid which is what acts as a barrier of sorts between bacteria and our skin. A dog’s pH level is around seven and a half, while a human’s pH level is around six. As you can see, that’s quite a difference.

As I mentioned earlier, human shampoo is just too acidic for dogs. Over time, it can end up wearing down their skin’s natural acidic mantle and can lead to more problems than just excessive shedding.

When you’re shopping for a dog-formulated shampoo, you want to look for a product that contains the right type of ingredients that will condition your dog’s skin and coat, which will help to reduce shedding.

Some ingredients to look for include:

Both omega six and omega-three fatty acids play an important role in your pet’s skin and coat health. These important acids can also work as a natural treatment for certain skin conditions such as eczema. Pet food that contains these fatty acids can boost your pet’s overall health.

Vitamin E is often found in skincare products that are designed for human use, such as lotions and face creams. However, it’s also good for dogs when applied topically.

Vitamin B5 can be used topically to promote healing and overall skin health.

Coconut oil is a multifunctional superfood that contains antimicrobial properties. It can also help to soothe and moisturize the skin and minimize odor.

Why Dogs Shed – What’s Normal?

Of course, shedding is just a normal part of life for your pet. A dog has to get rid of damaged or old hair some way. But when it ends up coating every surface in your home, it can be pretty frustrating. Just how much a dog sheds will depend on the breed. A poodle doesn’t shed much, but breeds that have double coats such as labs and huskies tend to shed excessively and it’s an ongoing problem that can be difficult for some pet owners to manage.

When it’s Not Normal

As I mentioned earlier, the season can also dictate how much your dog sheds. Many dogs will grow a new coat a couple of times a year and shed their old coat while they do so.

In order to stay warm during the colder months of the year, a dog will grow a thicker, fuller coat and will then need to shed that coat once the temperature starts to rise.

However,  some health issues can increase shedding in some dogs, such as allergies. If your dog has allergies it can easily dry their skin and dry out their coat, which will encourage hair loss.

If you shampoo your dog too often to try and solve this problem, if they’re skin is already dry and irritated, this can make the problem worse since it basically strips your dog’s coat of their natural oils.  Infections, parasites, and a poor diet can also be contributors to excessive shedding. To learn more about proper diet, click here to read my guide on the best dog food for joint health.

Assessing Coat Health

So, how can you determine if your dog is shedding more than they should? If it’s a new dog, then this can be tricky. However, you can still hop online and learn more about that specific breed. As an example, many people are not aware that labs have a thick undercoat and a top coat, both of which shed, which equals twice the shedding.

Dogs can develop allergies over time. If they’re shedding a lot and their skin is red, irritated, and rashy, this can indicate an environmental or food allergy. An allergy to a new food or laundry detergent can be enough to cause an allergic reaction in some pets. Additionally, some pets can become allergic to dust, pollen, mold, and certain cleaning products.

Essential Oils

Do you use aromatherapy in the home? Many dogs can experience severe allergic reactions to certain types of essential oils. If you have just recently begun to use an essential oil diffuser and you’ve noticed that your dog is shedding more than normal, their skin is red and irritated, then the essential oil may be the culprit.

Switching Pet Food

In terms of nutrition, if you’ve recently switched to a cheaper pet food brand, read the product label. If the first ingredient is corn, then the dog food may be to blame. You can either switch back to the more expensive brand, or do your research and find a pet food that’s affordable and loaded with the nutrients your pet needs in order to thrive. You can also purchase dog vitamins that are specifically directed toward coat and skin health.

Final Thoughts

Aside from maintaining the proper pH balance, the best dog shampoo for shedding includes essential minerals and oils that can help soothe and clean the skin. Each of the products I’ve reviewed brings different benefits to the table.

Some are more effective at repairing and moisturizing the skin, while others can actually strengthen the fur. Make sure you carefully read a product’s label before you hit that buy now button to ensure a shampoo doesn’t contain any ingredients that may irritate your dog’s already sensitive and irritated skin. The products I’ve included here are all designed to achieve the same result; a healthy shiny coat and reduced shedding. When your dog’s skin is moisturized and their coat is getting the nutrients it needs, you’ll notice significant changes in the amount of hair they shed in just a matter of one to two weeks.