10 of the best dog shampoos for allergies

Updated 26/06/2024

Having a pup with sensitive skin can make bath time extra stressful, but adding a dog shampoo for allergies to your (dog’s) routine can help. Anti-allergy shampoo can be used to treat or relieve nasty symptoms caused by a number of skin issues, from food and seasonal allergies to fleas and parasitic infections. However, it’s always best to speak to the vet before using a new shampoo on your poorly pup, as they will want to get to the bottom of what’s causing the skin problem to start with. 

We have carefully chosen the following shampoos for dogs with allergies so that the only scratching they need is belly scratches! But while these dog allergy shampoos are free from the most common allergens, always check the ingredients before using them. We recommend testing any new products on a small area of your pup’s skin to make sure it’s not going to make them even more uncomfortable! Once you’ve done your test run, you can start your dog skin care routine by washing your pooch with an anti-allergy shampoo once or twice a week before gently grooming them. After a few weeks, your pup’s skin should appear less inflamed and itching should be under control, giving you more time to focus on important things like walkies, snuggles, and lots of games of fetch!

If you’re using a therapeutic shampoo, make sure to get it into all the right areas where itchiness can start, including the underneath and between toes!

Best dog shampoo for allergies - Burt's Bees Oatmeal Shampoo

98% of the ingredients in this anti-allergy dog shampoo are natural, including colloidal oat flour (used for eczema treatment), camellia sinensis (anti-inflammatory and antibacterial), and honey and beeswax (for a shiny coat). We’ve crowned this the best dog shampoo for sensitive skin because it is fragrance-free, sulphate-free, and pH-balanced for dogs (unlike human shampoo, which should never be used on our four-legged friends).

While some pet parents complain that the shampoo does not lather well, this is down to the natural ingredients which are far more important for your pup’s sensitive skin than rich, soapy suds! 

Runner up best dog shampoo for allergies - Vet’s Best Hypo-Allergenic Shampoo for Dogs

This gentle, soap-free shampoo is made from a mixture of natural, plant-based ingredients, including aloe vera to nourish and moisturise the skin and coat, vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant and natural preservative, and allantoin, which helps to protect and soothe the skin.

It is veterinarian formulated and fragrance-free - we know you might want to get rid of that wet dog smell, but perfumed ingredients can be extra-irritating for our sensitive doggies. Another popular contender from the same brand, Vet’s Best Allergy Itch Relief Shampoo for Dogs uses tea tree oils and oatmeal to calm and moisturise irritated skin. 

Best medicated dog shampoo for skin allergies - Curaseb Chlorhexidine 4% Shampoo for Dogs & Cats

Chlorhexidine is a disinfectant and antiseptic which helps to reduce inflammation and the risk of skin infections. This veterinary-strength medical shampoo has pet parents shouting from the rooftops - it starts healing sores and skin infections from the very first bath while getting rid of any unwanted visitors at the same time.

Lather this shampoo into your pooch’s fur and leave for five to ten minutes before rinsing, and your pooch will be smelling “berry fresh” by the end of it! As this is a maximum-strength medicated shampoo, it should be used two to three times a week for a maximum of four weeks, unless stated otherwise by your vet. 

Runner up for best medicated dog shampoo for skin allergies - DOUXO S3 PYO Antibacterial and Antifungal Dog and Cat Shampoo 

Another antiseptic shampoo containing chlorhexidine digluconate, this product is clinically proven to treat skin problems and allergies. “Tough on bugs, gentle on skin” is their motto - this shampoo also contains ophytrium, a natural extract which strengthens the skin barrier and preserves the microbial flora.

Best natural dog shampoo for allergies - Earthbath Oatmeal and Aloe Itch Relief Pet Shampoo

If you’ve got a pooch with sensitive skin, the last thing you want is a shampoo with harsh chemicals. This natural shampoo washes away allergens with soothing oatmeal and calming aloe vera, and the vanilla fragrance will leave your pup smelling super snuggable! Soap-free, pH-balanced, and suitable for pups over six weeks old - what’s not to love?

Runner up for best natural dog shampoo for allergies - Wahl Dirty Beastie Natural Shampoo

If you’ve got a doggy with sensitive skin and a passion for muddy puddles (or fox poo!), a scrub in the tub with this natural shampoo will get your furry friend looking good as new.

Gluten-free, alcohol-free and paraben-free, this allergy shampoo for dogs has peach, pear, passion flower and kiwi fruit extracts to make your pup’s coat smell fresh as a daisy (and almost good enough to eat!).

Best dog shampoo for fleas and ticks - WAHL Flea & Tick Repelling Dog Shampoo for Pets - Defense Formula

Plant-based ingredients including rosemary, mint and cedar oil fight off fleas and ticks for up to one week without the need for harsh chemicals. Specifically designed for the Wahl family dog, a Golden Doodle who suffered from severe allergies, you only need a little bit of this naturally concentrated shampoo to form a rich lather which is gentle on the skin.

Runner up for best dog shampoo for fleas and ticks - Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiparasitic & Antiseborrheic Medicated Dog Shampoo

This medicated, veterinary-grade shampoo has been formulated to treat uncomfortable conditions such as seborrhoea, mange, and parasitic infections. Coal tar, salicylic acid and micronised sulphur all work quickly to relieve symptoms like inflammation, bald spots, and itchy, flaky skin, while colloidal oatmeal and allantoin both hydrate the skin and promote healing.

Made for pups over 12 weeks of age, this pH-balanced shampoo does not remove topical flea and tick treatments, making it the perfect accompaniment to prescribed medication for these unwanted guests. 

Best dog shampoo for puppies - Bugalugs Baby Fresh Dog Shampoo

On your hunt for a dog shampoo for sensitive skin, have you ever thought about puppy products? Made by a family-owned factory based in the Lake District, UK, Bugalugs dog shampoo is gentle enough for puppies as young as eight weeks old (meaning it is good enough for older doggies with allergies too!).

Essential oils, natural ingredients, and water from the Lake District work to wash the day away while still being kind to your four-legged friend’s skin. The baby powder scent will replace even the stinkiest of wet-dog smells, making it a firm favourite in doggy salons and homes around the country.

Runner up for best dog shampoo for puppies - Groom Professional Baby Fresh Dog Shampoo

This dog shampoo is made for pups 12 weeks and over, and has the same nostalgic talcum powder smell you probably remember from your own childhood. Ingredients are gentle on young skin and work to reduce dandruff and dry, itchy skin (so much so, that pet parents have reported using it on their own hair!).

Best recipe for allergy-friendly dog shampoo 

The best way to know exactly what you’re putting on your pup’s sensitive skin is by making your own dog shampoo, plus, it’s much kinder on your wallet! The American Kennel Club has a great collection of dog shampoo recipes, and we have picked out the best ones for treating skin allergies. 

Aloe vera and glycerin shampoo

Ingredients:

• 4 cups of water
• 1 cup of baby shampoo or nontoxic dish soap
• 1 cup of white or apple cider vinegar
• 1/3 cup of glycerin
• 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel

Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle and shake to thoroughly combine. Work the mixture into your pup’s coat, then rinse. Repeat if necessary. 

Oatmeal dog shampoo for dry skin

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of oats
• 1/2 cup of baking soda
• 4 cups of warm water

Grind the oats until they’re the consistency of flour, then mix with baking soda. Stir in the warm water until fully combined. Work the shampoo into your pup’s wet coat, and leave on for a few minutes (if they’ll let you!) before rinsing.

Meet our veterinary expert, Greg

This article has been checked by veterinarian Dr Greg Steele MA VETMB MRCVS. A mixed vet working in the UK since qualifying from Cambridge University in 2015. Greg enjoys working with all species of animals in all settings, but equally takes pride in communication and education of clients too. He lives with his wife and their cat, and enjoys a variety of sports, gardening, and the great outdoors.

Are you lucky enough to have a four-legged friend at home? We know there are times when you can’t be with them all day long, especially when you’re in need of a holiday. But even dogs with the thickest of skins can get down in the dumps if they’re left for long periods of time, so consider inviting an adoring pet sitter to your home if you’re jetting off. Our community of animal lovers will ensure that your pooch gets all the care and attention they need, so that everyone can enjoy the vacation they deserve!