Best Puppy Shampoos: 8 Recommendations For A Gentle, Thorough Clean

When bringing a new puppy home, one supply you'll want to have on hand is puppy shampoo. It's also important for pet parents to regularly bathe their puppies to help them form positive associations with bath time later in life, at home, and at the groomer. Additionally, puppies get dirty, so you will want to have puppy-specific shampoo ready for when your puppy needs a bath. Different from the shampoo you would use on an adult dog, puppy shampoo is specifically made to be gentle on a puppy's skin and coat. It's important not to use adult dog shampoo or human shampoo on your puppy, as it can irritate a puppy's skin and dry out their fur. If your puppy's skin is flaky or irritated, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to check for skin conditions.

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‌Puppy's Age:‌ When purchasing a shampoo for your puppy, make sure to follow any manufacturer's instructions on the shampoo about how old puppies must be to have the shampoo safely used on them. If your puppy is too young for the shampoo, consult with your veterinarian for the best way to wash your very young puppy if they need a bath.

‌Sensitive Skin:‌ Puppies have very sensitive skin, so it's important to use a gentle shampoo that is formulated specifically for puppies. Puppy shampoo is formulated specifically to clean, moisturize, and protect a puppy's sensitive skin.

‌Parasites:‌ If you are cleaning a rescued puppy, or puppy who has been exposed to fleas, it's important to only use flea/tick shampoos and other products that are specifically designed to be safe for puppies. If you have a puppy who is struggling with parasites, it's important to consult with a veterinarian.

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Earthbath Ultra-Mild Wild Cherry

$15.99 at Chewy

This shampoo is tear-free, soap-free, and pH-balanced. The shampoo is safe to use on puppies over the age of six weeks. The shampoo is designed to be gentle on a puppy's sensitive skin and fur, and is paraben- and phosphate-free. The shampoo includes aloe vera with the gentle cleanser that can support sensitive skin and relieves itchy skin and hot spots. This shampoo has a cherry scent that remains on a puppy's fur after bath time, keeping them smelling fresh.

Nature's Aid True Natural Solid Chamomile and Clary Sage Puppy Shampoo Bar

$8.90 at Chewy

This vegan shampoo is a mild puppy shampoo that is easy to use and gentle on the puppy's skin and fur. The shampoo is a bar instead of a liquid. The bar lathers up with water and can last up to twice as long as liquid shampoos. The puppy shampoo is tear-free and hypoallergenic. The pH-balanced shampoo can support naturally repelling fleas and other insects. This shampoo brings together aloe vera, neem oil, clary sage, and chamomile to gently clean your puppy's delicate skin and fur.

Advantage Flea and Tick Treatment Shampoo for Dogs and Puppies

$12.98 at Chewy

If you have a puppy that is struggling with fleas, this shampoo is designed to kill fleas and ticks on contact. The shampoo is safe for puppies who are over 12 weeks of age but should not be used more than once every seven days. This shampoo lathers well to cover a puppy's entire body and remove fleas and other parasites that may be in your puppy's fur. This shampoo is scent-free to avoid irritating a puppy's sensitive skin.

Isle of Dogs Tearless Puppy Shampoo

$12.99 at Chewy

Made in the United States, this gentle puppy shampoo is designed to be used on any coat type. This puppy shampoo is sulfate- and paraben-free and designed for a sensitive puppy's skin and coat. The puppy shampoo is a tearless formula that allows you to wash your puppy's face during bath time without irritating their eyes. This puppy shampoo has a cotton and fresh orchid scent that helps keep puppies smelling fresh and clean long after their bath.

TropiClean Hypoallergenic Gentle Coconut Puppy and Kitten Shampoo

$14.99 at Chewy

This puppy shampoo is pH-balanced and is made without soap, parabens, or dyes. This shampoo lathers well to help clean all your puppy's fur. The gentle shampoo moisturizes your puppy's fur without stripping away essential oils. This can help prevent dry skin and keep a dog's coat soft. The shampoo is made specifically for a puppy's sensitive coat. The shampoo is made from natural ingredients and is hypoallergenic. This puppy shampoo has a coconut scent that leaves the puppy smelling fresh and clean. It's available in a 20-ounce bottle, a 1-gallon bottle, a 2 1/2-gallon bottle, or as a bundle.

Nature's Miracle Puppy Shampoo and Conditioner

$9.35 at Chewy

This four-in-one puppy shampoo and conditioner is developed specifically to neutralize odors. With a built-in conditioner, this puppy shampoo is developed to clean a puppy's skin and coat while leaving it soft, moisturized, and conditioned. This shampoo is made without dyes or perfumes or soap but is still deodorizing and reduces static electricity on the coat. The shampoo has a fresh spring water scent to leave puppies smelling cleaner for longer. This shampoo is also a tearless formula ideal for a sensitive dog's skin.

Burt's Bees 2-in-1 Puppy Shampoo

$7.20 at Chewy

This puppy shampoo is made with linseed oil to condition a puppy's skin and coat, and buttermilk to soothe and soften. The shampoo is pH-balanced for a puppy's specific skin needs and to prevent irritations. Made in the United States, this shampoo is also cruelty-free. The puppy shampoo is made with 97% natural ingredients and is made without sulfates or colorants. This puppy shampoo is a two-in-one formula that cleans, conditions, and detangles at the same time. This shampoo is also tearless, and the gentle formula is safe for use on your puppy's face.

Pets Are Kids Too Premium Oatmeal Pet Shampoo

$18.04 at Amazon

Made with oatmeal, this puppy shampoo is developed to support relief from itching. This puppy shampoo is made with all-natural ingredients and is made without harsh chemicals. The gentle shampoo formula includes organic oatmeal, baking soda, coconut oil, and aloe vera. This puppy shampoo is gentle and soothing on irritated skin, and it also helps make a puppy's coat soft and shiny. The shampoo has a light oatmeal cookie scent to keep your dog smelling clean after bath time.