This is our review of the best dog shampoo for dandruff in 2022
Many things can cause dog dandruff and it’s important to know what’s causing the issue, treating with a dandruff shampoo won’t help if your pooch has an underlying health issue or is not getting the correct nutrients in their diet.
In this article, we will be reviewing the following shampoos for dandruff:
- TropiClean Shampoo for Pets
- C&G Dog Shampoo & Conditioner
- Pro Pooch Oatmeal Dog Shampoo
- Vet’s Best Medicated Oatmeal Shampoo for Dogs
- Purplebone Oatmeal Dog Shampoo
- Johnsons Skin Calm Dog shampoo
- Douxo S3 Seb Anti-dandruff Dog Shampoo
We will also examine
- How do you know if your dog has dandruff?
- Causes of dandruff in dogs?
- What to look for in a dandruff shampoo for dogs
- What is walking dandruff?
- Some homemade remedies for flaky skin
Our Best Dog Shampoos for Dandruff
Doggy dandruff needn’t be a problem; we have rounded up some of the best dandruff shampoos for dogs available online, that leave your pup’s coat squeaky clean and flake-free, so let’s dive in and do more than scratch the surface.
TropiClean Shampoo for Pets – Medicated Itch Relief – Exfoliates, Moisturizes & Soothes
Our top pick for an anti-dandruff shampoo is this gentle shampoo by Tropiclean, which moisturizes, exfoliates and conditions your dog’s coat along with soothing, itchy dry skin and reducing flakes.
It is enhanced with beta-hydroxy, which provides long-lasting relief against itchiness and ingredients like tea tree oil, oatmeal and aloe can help prevent skin infections.
Free from parabens and harsh chemicals, it can be used on puppies from 12 weeks of age and has excellent reviews.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Contains colloidal oatmeal
- Soothes your dog’s itchy skin
Cons
- Like any shampoo, it may cause a reaction in some dogs.
Dog Shampoo & Conditioner 500ML | Anti-Bacterial Anti-Fungal | Calms & Soothes
This vet-recommended formula uses only premium quality ingredients and essential oil blends; used by professional groomers throughout the UK; it is free from parabens and PH balanced to be gentle on your pet’s skin.
This high-quality dandruff shampoo is rich in vitamin E, moisturising and preventing your dog’s skin from becoming dry, preventing problems like canine dermatitis and dandruff. It also has anti-bacterial and antifungal properties to prevent infections.
Made in the UK, Cooper and Gracie are a popular choice for dog shampoos and offer a no-quibble money-back guarantee.
Pros
- Helps with dog’s dandruff issues
- All-natural ingredients
- Prevents fungal infections
Cons
- Some reviews mention its a bit watery
Pro Pooch Oatmeal Dog Shampoo – Natural & Hypoallergenic Formula for Sensitive Dogs
This hypoallergenic shampoo is great for flaky skin; the combination of natural cleansers such as colloidal oatmeal and aloe vera plus wheat proteins naturally cleanse & nourish, leaving Fido’s coat soft, shiny and flake-free
Pro Pooch is one of the best dandruff shampoos as it’s free from toxic chemicals and is also hypoallergenic, making it suitable for all dogs, even those who suffer from skin allergies.
It has a dilution ratio of 33.1, meaning a little goes a long way and also comes with a grooming guide eBook.
Pros
- Natural oatmeal shampoo
- Leaves your dog’s fur free from flakes
- Suitable for adult dogs and puppies
Cons
Like most shampoos, there are some mixed results.
Vet’s Best Medicated Oatmeal Shampoo for Dogs
Vet’s Best medicated shampoo gets rid of your dog’s dandruff while cleaning the fur, moisturising your dog’s dry skin and stimulating hair follicles.
This oatmeal shampoo for dogs uses a combination of salicylic acid and other natural ingredients like tea tree oil and pro-vitamin B5 to calm irritated skin and it won’t affect any topical flea treatments.
Just wet your dog’s coat with lukewarm water, apply shampoo, leave for 3-5 minutes, rinse thoroughly and repeat as and when required.
Pros
- Contains salicylic acid to exfoliate and unclog pores
- Relieves itching
- Great for treating dandruff
Cons
- Reviews mention its quite runny
Purplebone Oatmeal Dog Shampoo, 500ml Concentrate | For Cleaning Dirty Coats
Purplebone’s professionally formulated shampoo uses oatmeal to moisturise, soothe skin conditions and treat dandruff and the sweet almond oil leaves a lovely, long-lasting fragrance.
The concentrated formula has a dilution ratio of 15.1, meaning this one bottle yields 7.5 litres of diluted product and it also has a 24-month shelf life.
Free from toxic chemicals and detergents, it’s a great alternative to a medicated shampoo; it’s gentle and mild and is an effective solution to your dog’s dandruff problem.
Pros
- Paraben-free
- Concentrated formula
- Lovely fragrance
Cons
- Most negative feedback refers to the packaging
Johnsons Skin Calm Dog shampoo 200ml for dry and itchy skin
Johnsons are a pet brand we are all familiar with and you will see this medicated dog shampoo on shelves n your local pet store and supermarkets. It’s suitable for all breeds and contains coal tar and sulphur, often found in human shampoos and renowned for their soothing and anti-bacterial qualities.
Active ingredients include Chlormethylisothiazol and Methylisothiazolinone, which may produce an allergic reaction in some pets, so it may not be the best choice for dog owners looking for a shampoo containing all-natural ingredients.
Pros
- Soothes dry, itchy skin
- Fantastic value for money
- Lots of positive reviews
Cons
- Medicated shampoos can have a rather stringent smell.
Douxo S3 Seb Anti-dandruff Dog Shampoo, 200ml.
This shampoo reduces dandruff, unpleasant odours and excess oil and helps to detangle fur leaving your dog’s fur shiny and soft. Vet dermatologists developed it and this soap-free shampoo contains no parabens, sulphates or artificial colours.
Unlike other dog dandruff shampoos, this one contains Seboliance, a natural extract derived from pomegranate peel, which regulates oil production to prevent dry skin and reduces dandruff.
Results can usually be seen between 7-21 days of using the shampoo 2-3 times weekly. It is hypoallergenic and has subtle cocoa and vanilla fragrance.
Pros
- Clinically proven
- Ideal for dog’s dandruff
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- Small bottle
ok Like?
Like human dandruff, the dead skin cells stick together to form white flakes visible to the eye. doggy dandruff can also be accompanied by scabs or bumps on the skin and, in extreme cases, hair loss due to the constant scratching
7 Causes of Dandruff in Dogs?
There can be many reasons your dog develops dandruff; let’s look at some of the most common causes.
Too Many Baths
Bathing too often can be bad for your dog’s skin; it strips away beneficial oils which keep Fido’s skin hydrated and can cause numerous issues, including dog dandruff. It’s also essential to use the right products; if you are washing your pooch with human shampoos, chances are he’s going to suffer from dry skin.
Allergies
Dogs like humans can suffer from all sorts of allergies; they can be sensitive to household products, dust mites, pollen and some suffer from food allergies; most of these will result in your best friend having dry and sensitive skin which can lead to dandruff.
Not Grooming Enough
Grooming your pup regularly can prevent dandruff as it disperses natural oils through the coat and removes dead skin cells, which can become trapped beneath the fur; this is especially important with double coated breeds and dogs with longer, thicker coats.
Parasites
Fleas and external parasites can cause the skin to become inflamed, resulting in excessive scratching, which causes the skin to become flaky; even using the best dog shampoos will not solve this. You need to apply a topical flea treatment and use a gentle shampoo to soothe the sores.
Nutrition deficiencies
If Fido is not getting the correct nutrition, the first sign will be the condition of his coat. Essential fatty acids, like omega 3 and 6, are essential for your dog’s skin and coat and they need to be included in a healthy diet, as does vitamin A and E. Protein is also important; did you know your dog’s skin and coat uses up to 30% of their daily protein intake, so for a healthy pooch you need quality protein foods.
Immune system/Hormones
Underlying health conditions can affect your dog’s skin, especially ones related to the endocrine systems, such as Cushing’s Disease or Hypothyroidism which can cause dogs to present with flaky skin. Obviously, this isn’t going to be solved by using shampoo for dry skin and dandruff. It requires a visit to the vet.
The Seasons
Dry air equals dry skin and dandruff, so you may find your canine companion suffers more from dog dandruff in the winter months when the central heating is turned up. This can be solved by either using a humidifier or moisturising either by rubbing a little coconut oil or shea butter through the fur or using a nourishing shampoo developed for dog’s dandruff.
What is Walking Dandruff?
This dandruff is an infestation by the Cheyletiella mite; this is often seen in dogs that share their homes with rabbits and cats as these are the mites preferred hosts, but they can live on dogs and humans. The condition causes the skin to peel and flake and it gets its name due to the fact the scales seem to be moving due to the mites crawling beneath them.
What Ingredients to Look For in the Best Dog Dandruff Shampoo
Depending on what’s causing your dog’s dandruff problem, you may need to treat any underlying issues first! However, some ingredients soothe and nourish and can be found in most dog shampoos for dandruff.
Oatmeal
Some of the best dog dandruff shampoos have oatmeal in them because it contains vitamin B, which maintains a healthy coat and linoleic acid, a type of fatty acid great for Fido’s skin it also has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe itchiness and provides a barrier keeping the skin hydrated.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E deficiency will result in your dog’s coat being dull and dry, resulting in dandruff; it is an essential nutrient to keep your furry friend looking healthy and is often found in the best dog shampoo brands.
Aloe Vera
The healing qualities of this plant are well known and it is a common ingredient in dog shampoos for skin conditions. Not only does it soothe and heal itchy dogs its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties prevent infections from reoccurring.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil adds moisture to your dog’s skin and coat and is one of the most popular natural ingredients found in the best dog shampoos for dandruff; This moisturizing dog shampoo also repels parasites and smells great.
Salicylic Acid
This plant hormone derived from willow bark is often found in treatments for Psoriasis, Excema and other skin conditions. It exfoliates the skin, has antibacterial properties and unclogs pores. Salicylic acid is an extremely effective dandruff treatment and can often be found in human shampoos too.
4 Natural Remedies for Dandruff in Dogs
Below are some natural remedies for your dog’s skin:
Fenugreek Seeds
Just soak the seeds overnight and mix with water to make a paste, massage into your dog’s coat and leave for an hour before rinsing with cool water; you’ll be surprised at this effective dandruff treatment.
Baking Soda
Baking soda soothes irritated, itchy skin whilst also acting as a powerful deodoriser; it can often be found in homemade dog shampoo recipes due to its powerful healing qualities. Great for dog’s that don’t like being bathed, you can rub the powder onto the skin, being careful to avoid the face and then brush out.
Apple Cider Vinegar
With numerous benefits for your dog, a bottle of apple cider vinegar is always handy to have in the cupboard. Dilute with water when rinsing your pooch and it will not only treat dandruff but help prevent infections and soothe inflamed skin.
Lime Juice
Lime juice can be mixed with the rinsing water after using a dandruff shampoo; it will help repel pests, prevent flaky skin and leave Fido’s coat smelling clean and fresh. Do not use if there are wounds or the skin is sore.
FAQ’s
Can you use human anti-dandruff shampoo on dogs?
Human shampoos for dry skin and dandruff shouldn’t be used on dogs as although they usually contain salicylic acid, they have a much lower PH level, which can make the problem worse.
Why does my dog have dandruff?
It could be a number of reasons, dry air in the home, a poor diet or a health condition that is making their coat dull and lifeless. It is important to find out the underlying cause to address the issue and stop the problem from reoccurring.
What’s the best shampoo for dog dandruff?
The best dog shampoo for dandruff should contain natural ingredients like an oatmeal anti-itch shampoo or one with salicylic acid; we love the Tropiclean option and it’s popular with other pet parents.
Can I use Anti Fungal Shampoo?
Anti fungal shampoo is best suited for infections rather than dandruff. If your pet does start to develop an infection take a look at which antifungal shampoo for a dog would be the best option.
Conclusion and Top Pick
If your dog has Sebborheoa, then the good news is; there are plenty of options that will soon have your dog’s skin healthy and dandruff free.
We chose the TropiClean Shampoo for Pets as our top pick One of the best dog shampoos, it gets rid of dandruff, exfoliates and moisturises whilst cleansing deeply and leaving a gorgeous smell.
Whether you chose a medicated dog shampoo or one with natural ingredients like salicylic acid and aloe vera, your pup will soon be flake-fre
