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8 Best Deshedding Shampoo For Dogs

Written by Laura
Laura is passionate about all sorts of domesticated pets. They have written dozens of articles across the web.
Published on
Wednesday 25 May 2022
Last updated on
Tuesday 9 May 2023
deshedding shampoos best for dogs
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All dogs shed to some extent, but some can shed excessively. When they do, it can wreak havoc around your home and it can even be a symptom of poor skin and coat health. There are several ways to combat extreme shedding, from supplements to shampoos. To help you out, we’ve come up with a list of the best deshedding shampoos for dogs currently on the market.

Let’s take a look at what can cause excessive shedding and the 8 best deshedding dog shampoos, plus everything you need to know including answers to FAQ.

8 Best Deshedding Shampoos For Dogs

These are the top 8 best deshedding dog shampoos!

1. Shed-X Shed Control Shampoo for Dogs

Shed-Xs deshedding shampoo gently nourishes, cleans, and softens the coat and skin, exfoliating it to remove loose hair and reduce shedding. It contains essential amino acids, Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, Vitamins A, D, and E, and antioxidants from premium ingredients. It also locks in moisture and adds shine to coats, whilst the pleasant white ginger and nectarine fragrance will leave your dog smelling lovely for a long time after their bath.

It’s an Amazon’s Choice product and bestseller, and it’s also super affordable. It comes in 16 oz bottles and reviews are positive, with several buyers praising the effectiveness of the product, as well as the pleasant smell and how well it works with sensitive skin.

2. TropiClean Shed Control Shampoo for Pets

This shampoo by TropiClean is made from over 98% naturally derived ingredients and is free from soaps, dyes, and parabens. It’s also PH balanced and scented with lime and coconut. The shampoo exfoliates and moisturizes the coat, effectively reducing shedding according to reviews.

It is made in the USA and suitable for both dogs and cats that are 12 weeks or older. It is also an Amazon bestseller and comes in bottles of 20 oz, 128 oz, 1 gallon, and 2.5 gallons.

3. TropiClean PerfectFur Short Double Coat

This product by Tropiclean uses many of the same great, safe ingredients as the one above and is also made in the USA. It contains over 96% naturally derived ingredients that freshen the coat with a fruity vanilla fragrance. It provides a deep clean with its exfoliating texture and reduces shedding by nourishing the skin and strengthening hair follicles.

The shampoo is specially formulated to work for dogs with short double coats such as Beagles and Pugs over 12 weeks of age. It comes in 16 oz bottles and reviews highly recommend the product.

4. TropiClean PerfectFur Thick Double Coat

Another Tropiclean product, this one is made with thick/long double coats in mind. It’s specially formulated for dogs with thick undercoats and medium-long overcoats, like Siberian Huskies and Australian Shepherds over 12 weeks old. Like the product above, it also contains over 96% naturally derived ingredients and is free from soaps and chemicals.

It provides a thorough deep clean and promotes healthy shedding, but it also absorbs excess water and helps to break water surface tension for quick-drying, which is great for longer, thicker hair. It comes in 16 oz bottles and reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with many buyers saying that it smells great too.

5. FURminator Deshedding Ultra Premium Dog Shampoo

Furminator is a loved and trusted brand by pet owners worldwide. Their deshedding shampoo is enriched with Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, calendula extract, and papaya leaf extract for healthy skin and coat. Calendula has antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties which soothe sensitive and irritated skin, and papaya leaf extract is fantastic for hair and skin health.

It’s an Amazon bestseller and comes in 16 oz bottles. Reviews say it leaves fur looking shiny, feeling soft, and smelling lovely.

6. The Coat Handler Undercoat Control Deshedding Dog Shampoo

The Coat Handler‘s undercoat control deshedding shampoo solution dramatically reduces shedding when used on a regular basis. It contains all-natural ingredients including vitamin E and Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids that clean, deodorize, and moisturize the coat. It also soothes dry and irritated skin and is free from soaps and chemicals.

To use, dilute 32 parts water to 1 part shampoo solution, or use at full strength for troublesome fur if desired. When diluted, the solution makes 32 gallons of shampoo. It also doesn’t interfere with topical flea and tick treatments.

The product has a coconut scent, is 100% biodegradable, and is made in the USA. It’s also an Amazon’s Choice product and bestseller that has been used by professionals worldwide for over 30 years. It comes in 1-gallon tubs and reviews are overwhelmingly positive.

7. Burt’s Bees for Dogs Natural Shed Control Shampoo For Dogs

Burt’s Bees is another loved and trusted brand for both human and pet products alike. This 99% natural shed control shampoo contains Omega 3 and vitamin E from high-quality sources that nourish and strengthen the skin and coat. It’s also cruelty-free and free from fragrances, sulfates, colorants, and harsh chemicals.

The vet-recommended formula is 100% safe and PH balanced for all dogs, including puppies. It’s also made in the USA, super affordable, and comes in bottles of 16 ounces. It’s an Amazon bestseller and reviews love the product.

8. Arm & Hammer Shed Control Shampoo For Pets

Arm & Hammer‘s shed control shampoo contains baking soda, an effective cleanser, exfoliator, and odor neutralizer, which is perfect for smelly pets. It also contains Omega fatty acids and proteins for healthy skin and coat. It has refreshing citrus and sea mineral scent and is suitable for both dogs and cats. The shampoo is an Amazon’s Choice product and doesn’t have many bad reviews.

shedding in dogs
Sunlight and temperature influence dog shedding because day length triggers the growth of a new coat and the shedding of the old coat.

What Is Shedding In Dogs?

Shedding is when a dog’s coat releases loose fur. All dogs shed to some extent, even so-called hypoallergenic‘ dogs. They tend to shed the most during “shedding seasons”; a period of 2-4 weeks in the transition from spring to summer and autumn to winter, in which a dog sheds their thick winter coat to grow in a cooler summer one, and visa versa.

Some dogs are naturally heavier shedders than others, and some are even all-year-round shedders. Certain breeds are more prone to heavy and all-year-round shedding, such as Bernese Mountain Dogs. However, some dogs shed an excessive or abnormal amount, and this can point to a bigger issue. It’s important to note that excessive shedding is not the same as hair loss, in which hair falls out and leaves bald patches in the coat.

Causes Of Excess Shedding

Medical conditions that can cause excess shedding includes allergies, hormone disorders, immune diseases, cancer, parasites, and infections. If your dog’s coat changes suddenly and dramatically, you should look out for other symptoms such as a change in appetite and make an appointment with your vet for an examination as soon as possible.

Dogs tend to shed more as they get older, too. This is because their fur naturally becomes weaker and more brittle with age. Stress can also increase shedding because adrenaline can cause more hair than usual to release from the follicles. Other symptoms of stress in dogs include panting, pacing, and destructive behaviors. Common causes are illness, separation anxiety, boredom, phobias, trauma, big life changes, and illness or death in the family.

That said, if your dog has always been a heavy shedder, don’t sweat it! Unless there are any other symptoms, there’s probably nothing going on.

How to Prevent & Stop Excess Shedding

If your dog’s excess shedding has an underlying cause, such as illness, you should address that first. Once they get a diagnosis and have received treatment, you can focus on their coat. If your dog is experiencing stress and you can’t eliminate the cause, try to associate it with something positive or invest in some anti-anxiety products. A good routine, lots of love, walks, and play will help, as well.

Otherwise, a good diet and grooming routine should be enough to nourish your dog’s coat, promote self-cleaning, healthy growth, and normal shedding. Dogs should eat high-quality, nutritiously complete, and balanced dog food, natural, lean protein sources, fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, and healthy treats.

Dogs also need brushing and bathing regularly. You should brush a dog with short-medium-length coats and straight or smooth fur at least once a week. Heavy all-year-round shedders and dogs with long, thick, curly coats do well being brushed every 2-3 days. You should brush dogs of all coat types more often during shedding seasons, and the type of brush you need depends on your dog’s coat.

Pin brushes are good for medium-length fur, bristle brushes are good for short, thin, soft, or smooth coats. Rake and slicker brushes are better for long, thick, coarse, or curly coats. There are also deshedding tools for heavy shedders and shedding seasons.

Owners should bathe dogs with thin, smooth coats every 2-3 months – or whenever they get dirty, and dogs with thick, curly coats should have baths closer to once a month. Dogs with heavily textured coats, such as Poodles, may also need haircuts every 6-8 weeks to prevent tangling and matting.

If you feel like your dog needs some extra help with its shedding, you should try a deshedding shampoo. You don’t need to have a medical reason to use one, some owners just prefer to minimize shedding to keep their homes tidier and their dogs more comfortable.

What Are Deshedding Shampoos?

Deshedding shampoos for dogs are topical bathing shampoos that reduce the amount of fur a dog sheds. They exfoliate and cleanse to remove loose fur and dirt and contain ingredients that nourish the skin and coat, increase the strength of the hair follicles, and lessen hair breakage.

deshedding shampoos for dogs
Deshedding shampoos are specially formulated with ingredients like omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and vitamin E.

Types

There are generic pet deshedding shampoos and dog-specific deshedding shampoos. Some are even made for dogs with different coat types.

Products that are suitable for different pets may be cost-effective for you if you have more than one pet and specific shampoos may be better for owners of one or two similar dogs. If you have a dog with a particularly troublesome coat, they may benefit from a product tailored to their coat type.

Key Ingredients

When buying shampoo for your dog, you should look for one with all-natural ingredients, especially if your dog has sensitive skin. The main ingredients to look out for in deshedding shampoos are Omega-3 & 6 oils and Vitamin E. Omega oils nourish the skin and coat and strengthen hair follicles, and they can also help to improve allergy symptoms. Vitamin E moisturizes the skin and fur, adds shine, and has anti-inflammatory properties which can help with dry or sensitive skin.

Ingredients to avoid:

  • Allergens
  • Artificial fragrances
  • Phthalates
  • Colorants
  • Soaps
  • Dyes
  • Parabens
  • Sulfates

Other things to you may also want to consider:

  • Trusted brands
  • Products approved by official bodies
  • Products formulated or approved by vets
  • High ratings and good reviews
  • Ethically sourced ingredients

How To Use

To use deshedding shampoo, get your dog in the bath, shower, or in a suitable spot in your yard if it’s not too cold outside. It’s easier to bathe them standing up, but if they’re more comfortable sitting, that will work for most of the bath. It will be easier if someone helps you keep your dog comfortable and holds them still while you bathe them.

First, wet their fur using some warm water. If you’re using the bath, run some water and use a plastic jug or cup to pour it over them. If you’re outside, fill a bucket with some water and do the same. Then, shake the bottle of shampoo and squeeze some into your hand.

Thoroughly lather up your dog’s coat from neck to tail, being careful to avoid their eyes, ears, nose, and mouth. Gently massage it into their skin and allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes. Finally, rinse their fur thoroughly with some more warm water and towel dry the excess from their coat. You can allow your dog to air dry if it is a warm day, or use a hairdryer in a cool setting if they are okay with it.

Be sure to give them lots of praise and treats after their bath to make it a positive experience, and if they do not like it at first, introduce the concept gradually. Show them some water, make it fun by splashing around, and then bathe a paw or two.

If you have a puppy, it’s best to start your grooming routine as early as possible to get them comfortable with it, and once you’ve got into a routine – stick to it! If you have a rescue dog that really hates baths, try building your trust first with some quality time, and if your dog needs extensive grooming or has a troublesome coat, leave it to a professional.

Dog Deshedding Shampoo: FAQ

We gathered the top frequently asked questions about the best deshedding shampoo for dogs, below are the best answers to your inquiries.

How often should I shampoo my dog?

How often you should shampoo your dog depends on its coat type. Owners of thin, smooth-coated dogs should bathe their dog’s coats every 2-3 months – or whenever they get dirty. Dogs with thicker, more textured coats should be bathed closer to once a month.

How to prevent my dog from shedding?

You can’t stop your dog from shedding altogether because it’s a natural and essential process. However, a good diet and grooming routine will nourish their coat and promote normal amounts of shedding.

Why is my dog shedding more?

Dogs can start to shed more with age as their fur becomes more brittle. That said if your dog is young or their shedding increases suddenly and dramatically, there could be an underlying cause. Stress, allergies, hormonal disorders, immune diseases, cancer, parasites, and infections can all cause significant changes in the coat, including heavier shedding. 

How to stop excess shedding?

If your dog is eating a good diet and being routinely groomed, try a shedding supplement or deshedding shampoo for dogs. Alternatively, if you feel there is an underlying cause for their excessive sheddings, such as stress or illness, watch out for other symptoms and make an appointment with your vet if you’re concerned.

What makes a dog’s hair grow?

Biotin, otherwise known as vitamin B is known for stimulating hair growth in both humans and dogs. Vitamin B can be found in several foods that are suitable for dogs, including beef liver, eggs, salmon, tuna, sunflower seeds, oatmeal, plain yogurt, apples, bananas, sweet potatoes, and spinach. Alternatively, you can give your dog a coat supplement containing vitamin B.

What dogs don’t shed?

There are no dogs, other than hairless ones, that don’t shed at all. However, there are some breeds that are classed as hypoallergenic because they shed a minimal amount, releasing fewer allergens into the home, causing little-to-no reactions in people with allergies. Poodles and Afghan Hounds are both known as hypoallergenic breeds.

Those are our favorite deshedding shampoos for dogs! If your dog is a heavy shedder, try out one of our recommendations. If you’re concerned about the health of your dog’s skin or coat, speak to your vet for advice.

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