Our best pals can’t help but leave a little part of them with us, in the form of their fur, wherever we go.
It’s inevitable, especially at certain times of the year. You get dressed for work or a party and find your favorite black slacks or dress have grown a coat. I even find that my pets come on holidays with me; they hide their fur in my suitcase.
Rather than take out an investment in a company producing lint rollers, find out why dogs shed their fur and how a dog shedding shampoo can help to stop it.
Bark 2 Basics Oatmeal Dog Shampoo
Our Top Recommendation forDog Shampoo For Shedding!
The biodegradable Bark2Basic shampoo is soap, paraben, cruelty-free, and enriched with the calming properties of colloidal oatmeal. It’s a 16:1 concentrated coconut-scented shampoo suitable for all dogs above eight weeks with itchy, dry, and irritated skin.
*We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Here is our guide to the best dog shampoo for shedding.
Best Dog Shampoo For Shedding
Of the many de-shedding shampoos available on the market, these are the ones we feel are best for the fight against furballs around your home.
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Bark 2 Basics Oatmeal Dog Shampoo | • Colloidal oatmeal eliminates skin problems • 16:1 concentration creates 16 gallons of shampoo | |
 | Furminator deShedding Ultra Premium Dog Shampoo To Reduce Shedding | • Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids • Vitamins and Plant Extracts | |
 | Nature’s Miracle Supreme Odor And Shed Control Shampoo | • Neutralizes odor • Cleans pet skin and coat | |
 | PetAg Fresh ‘n Clean Oatmeal ‘n Baking Soda Dog Shampoo | • Aloe Vera soothes discomfort on fur • Perfect for sensitive pooch skin | |
 | Wild Animal Liquid Deshedder 50:1 Shampoo | • Does not conatin any soap or detergent • Moisturizes skin and coat | |
 | Earthbath Shed Control Shampoo, Green Tea & Awapuhi | • Green tea leaf extract • Omega-6 fatty acids | |
 | TropiClean Lime & Coconut Shed Control Pet Shampoo | • Mild coconut cleanser • Purified water | |
 | Burt’s Bees for Dogs Natural Shed Control Shampoo | • Citric acid • Coco betaine |
1. Bark 2 Basics Oatmeal Dog Shampoo
Bark 2 Basics is a Sioux Falls, South Dakota based company that provides handcrafted pet care products in small batches to present the highest quality of dog bathing essentials.
The oatmeal dog shampoo is formulated with colloidal oatmeal to soothe dry, itchy, and irritated skin. Furthermore, it serves as a professional-grade conditioner that leaves your dog’s hair soft and bright after a proper bath.
A 1-gallon bottle of this shampoo contains the following ingredients:
• Purified water
• Naturally derived and renewable coconut-based cleanser
• Colloidal oatmeal
• Natural tree gum preservatives
• Organic color
• Natural fragrance
User Reviews: Reportedly, dog owners have observed a decrease in skin rashes and allergic reactions after using this shampoo. The majority of reviews suggest that this shampoo works on all kinds of coats, curly, straight, silky, and tight.
Customers find this shampoo effective in reducing shedding over time and are pleased with its calming scent. Some pet parents have also appreciated that it lasts longer than other shampoos within a similar price range.
Bottom Line: Bark 2 Basics Oatmeal dog shampoo is used globally by salon professionals. The all-natural ingredients help moisturize and calm your dog’s skin while ensuring their coat remains thick and shiny.
Moreover, it’s an economical product that brings the added perk of not interacting with tick and flea topical solutions. Provided your puppy is more than 8 weeks ago and a coconut fragrance does no harm, don’t hesitate to try this shampoo by Bark 2 Basics.
2. Furminator deShedding Ultra Premium Dog Shampoo To Reduce Shedding
The Furminator brand has become synonymous with products to help with shedding. It produces many grooming brushes and other products, including this de-shedding shampoo. Used in conjunction with some of the brand’s other tools, it is an effective antidote to excess shedding.
However, while perfectly safe, this is not an all-natural product. It does include mild surfactants, a chemical that helps soap bind with water for cleansing. This could be effective in releasing the stubborn undercoat on your dog. The manufacturer recommends using this with their de-shedding conditioner for best results.
Some of the highlights of this deshedding shampoo include omega-3 and 0mega-6 fatty acids, calendula extract, and papaya leaf extract.
A 16- or 32-ounce bottle of Furminator deShedding Ultra Premium Dog Shampoo includes ingredients like:
- Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids (from cranberry, safflower, and sunflower seed oils)
- Malva flower
- Calendula extract
- Papaya leaf extract
- Aloe vera
- Vegetable protein extract
- Vitamin E
- Hydrolyzed wheat and oat proteins
- Mild surfactants
User Reviews: Some people find they seem to have equivalent fur for another whole dog in the bath after using this product. It seems brushing and shampooing using Furminator removes a lot of shedding hair. However, for some, while they find it’s a great shampoo with a nice smell, it does not decrease shedding in the long term.
Bottom Line: The Furminator deShedding Ultra Premium Dog Shampoo contains mainly natural products, but, there are some chemicals in it. While these are not harmful to dogs, the product could be a bit harsh if your pet has sensitive skin or any skin conditions. It appears the regime of bathing with this shampoo and conditioner, then brushing, works the best.
3. Nature’s Miracle Supreme Odor And Shed Control Shampoo
The main ingredients in a 16 or 32-ounce bottle include:
- Plant-derived surfactant
- Aloe vera
- Omega 3
- Omega 6
- Vitamin
It also contains un-named rinsing and conditioning agents and an odor-control system.
User Reviews: Many find that this shampoo works to reduce the amount their fur babies shed. It lathers well and rinses easily, and the natural botanical smell is pleasant. However, some find it does not last beyond a few days, and the dogginess returns. It may also be a good idea to get a pump for the bottle as it appears to be difficult to hold, especially when managing a wet dog.
Bottom Line: This all-natural shampoo is a hit with many customers. Dogs’ coats are left soft and shiny, and they shed less of it. There are no parabens or dyes, making it a good, safe option for bathing your pets. The large bottle size means it will last a long time and is a good value.
4. PetAg Fresh ‘n Clean Oatmeal ‘n Baking Soda Dog Shampoo
The PetAg Fresh ‘n Clean Oatmeal ‘n Baking Soda dog shampoo is combined with protein to smoothly breach through, shield, and improve the strength and repairing capabilities of your dog’s hair fiber. Above all, this shampoo infuses the skin calming quality of colloidal oatmeal and the odor-controlling action of baking soda to reduce your dog’s odor and nourish their furry body.
A 64 oz. bottle of this shampoo contains the following ingredients:
- Purified water
- Naturally derived gentle cleansing agent
- Conditioner
- Soothing agents
- Oat flour
- Vitamin E
- Aloe Vera
- Deodorizer (sodium bicarbonate/baking soda)
User Reviews: Among dog owners, this shampoo is famous for its de-shedding properties. As claimed by several pet parents, dogs with rashes and allergic skin also experienced immense skin relief after using this shampoo.
It appears to lather well and removes debris easily from your dog’s fur, leaving behind a cushiony coat with a pacifying smell.
Bottom Line: This PetAg shampoo aids in combating rashes, poor odor, and a patchy coat. The presence of aloe vera aids in moisturizing your dog’s skin. To add on, vitamin E provides nutrients to the hair canals to promote the growth of a thick coat.
In a nutshell, it’s an affordable product with good longevity if used after diluting.
5. Wild Animal Liquid Deshedder 50:1 Shampoo
If you are looking for value for money in a de-shedding shampoo, this could be the one for you. This 1-gallon container has an ultra-high concentration of 50:1 and is all-natural. It is manufactured by Kim Laube and Co., a company that provides a number of grooming products to professional groomers and veterinarians.
The main ingredients in this huge bottle include:
- Aloe vera
- Panthenol
- Sage
- Vitamin E
- Nettle extract
- Comfrey extract
- Henna extract
It also contains other herbs and extracts, and natural oils. It is pH-balanced and biodegradable.
User Reviews: Customers find that this shampoo is effective in preventing their dogs from shedding too much. Some even use it on their own hair. The container is rather large and some find diluting can be a bit tiresome. Others love the fact that it will last them for a long time.
Bottom Line: The product is designed to combat dead skin, odors, and excessive oils. It also cleans, conditions and moisturizes, making it a good all-rounder. The size and concentration make it a good budget choice. It can be used with flea control products and on a number of animals, including dogs, cats, horses, and rabbits. It makes grooming easier and reduces shedding.
6. Earthbath Shed Control Shampoo, Green Tea & Awapuhi
Earthbath dog shampoos are as safe for the environment as they are for your dog. The company makes their shampoos in the USA and focuses on using biodegradable ingredients. The deshedding formula is sulfate- and paraben-free and features organic fair trade shea butter as a primary ingredient.
The main ingredients in this shed control shampoo include:
- Purified water
- Renewable plant-derived & coconut-based cleansers
- Organic shea butter
- Omega-6 fatty acids
- Green tea leaf extract
- Organic aloe vera
- Extracts of ginseng and awapuhi
Earthbath uses natural preservatives in this deshedding dog shampoo.
User Reviews: The scent is polarizing – most people love it, but some people hate it. Most people report that their dog itches and sheds much less after using this shampoo. Most of the (few) complaints are about shipping problems rather than anything wrong with the shampoo itself.
Bottom Line: There’s a chance you won’t like the smell of this shampoo, but it will still probably help give your dog shiny hair and reduced itching and shedding.
7. TropiClean Lime & Coconut Shed Control Pet Shampoo
This shampoo is 98.3% derived from natural ingredients, so you don’t need to worry about a bunch of weird chemicals in your dog’s shampoo. The soap-free formulation won’t wash off topical flea and tick treatments. Additionally, the bottle is made from 50% recycled plastic. Made in the USA, this shampoo is gentle enough for daily use.
The main ingredients include:
- Purified water
- Mild coconut cleanser
- Colloidal oatmeal
- Lime extract
- Pomegranate extract
- Chamomile extract
- Awapuhi extract
- Aloe extract
- Blueberry extract
Also, TropiClean shampoos are cruelty-free.
User Reviews: Mainly, the few complaints are about bottles arriving open and leaking. Pretty much everybody loves the lasting scent of this shampoo, it’s gentle on dogs with sensitive skin, and it helps reduce shedding.
Bottom Line: If you love the smell of limes, this deshedding shampoo is probably one of the best you can get.
8. Burt’s Bees for Dogs Natural Shed Control Shampoo
This pH-balanced shampoo is 99.7% natural and recommended by veterinarians. It helps to reduce shedding by strengthening hair and reducing breakage. It’s formulated without parabens, phthalates, petrolatum, sulfates, fragrances, or colorants and made in the USA. Ingredients include omega-3 and Vitamin E.
Some of the main ingredients of this shampoo are:
- Water
- Coco betaine
- Honey
- Beeswax
- Citric acid
User Reviews: The scent is very light, which could be a pro or a con depending on how much you want your dog to smell like the shampoo even after the bath. Many people commented on how much their dog’s shedding was reduced. Like other shampoos on this list, the shampoo bottles may tend to leak during shipping.
Bottom Line: If you like a long-lasting scent in your dog’s shampoo, then this one isn’t for you. Otherwise, however, it’s an excellent shed control shampoo.
Why Does My Dog Shed?
Dogs usually shed with the seasons, specifically in spring and fall. Longer days associated with spring stimulate their hair to grow and, therefore, more is shed. Similarly, as the days get shorter in the fall, not only will you find more leaves on the ground, but more fur on your floor.
Indoor dogs will shed consistently throughout the year. This is due to being kept in a controlled environment with less temperature and light changes. However, their shedding will tend to be lighter and less than their outdoor counterparts.
Dogs’ hormones are also affected by changes in daylight, especially when they spend a lot of time outdoors.
The amount of hair a dog sheds can vary from breed to breed. Dogs such as Collies, Siberian Huskies, or Australian Shepherds have double-layered coats. This is a soft undercoat which insulates and a coarse topcoat which repels water and helps keep off dirt. These dogs generally shed twice annually, sometimes losing the fur in tufts.
Single-coated dogs, with little or no undercoat, such as Poodles, Dachshunds, Afghan Hounds, and some terriers, don’t shed as much. Irrespective of the breed of your dog, there are times when the tumbleweeds of fur will blow around your home.
Is Shedding Normal?
In most cases, it is normal for a dog to shed excess fur. However, it’s a good idea to get used to their shedding patterns. If your dog begins losing fur at a time of year when you don’t expect it, there may be an underlying problem.
Certain health conditions, like endocrine disorders or follicular dysplasia, a genetic disease, can cause shedding. Other factors that come into play are allergies or skin conditions. If your dog has skin irritation, bald spots or open sores, seek veterinary help.
Other indications that can contribute to shedding are excessive scratching or constant licking. Dry skin or a thin, dry, or dull coat can also shed more.
How Can I Help Prevent Dog Shedding?
A good daily brushing can help reduce the amount of fur you will experience around your home or on your clothes. Some brushes are designed to remove the undercoat, such as the DakPets de-shedding brush. It makes sense that the more fur you can remove by grooming your dog, the less will end up inhabiting your home—and clothes.
Bathing a dog in a shampoo designed to reduce shedding can also help. The frequency of the bath will depend entirely upon the breed, type of coat, the dog’s health and the amount of activity they do. After all, rolling around in a muddy field will mean more baths than lying asleep on the couch.
It also depends on how much dogginess you can deal with. An unwashed dog will develop an odor all of its own. Some dogs can be bathed as often as once a week, while others should only be given a bath every few months.
You should also make sure you’re doing what you can to prevent dry or itchy skin on your dog since those factors can contribute to shedding. Make sure your dog gets plenty of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in their diet since they help prevent dry skin.
READ MORE: The Best Dog Brushes and Deshedding Tools for Large Dogs
What Should I Look For In A Shampoo For Shedding?
Most de-shedding shampoos will have similar ingredients. These include:
- Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids: These fatty acids have an important role in the health of your dog’s hair and skin. They can help in the treatment of skin allergies such as eczema and other types of dermatitis. Dog foods containing these fatty acids are also beneficial for overall skin health.
- Vitamin E: This vitamin is prevalent in skincare products for humans, especially beauty products, like face creams. So if it’s good enough for us, is it good enough for man’s best friend? Definitely. Vitamin E can benefit dogs, both in their diet and when applied to their skin.
- Aloe vera: This natural moisturizer has been around for centuries. It can even promote the healing of wounds in dogs.
- Oatmeal: This anti-inflammatory, antioxidant ingredient in shampoo can help moisturize your dog’s skin, keeping it healthy.
- Vitamin B5: It helps promote healthy skin when ingested, and is used topically for some skin conditions.
- Coconut: Coconut oil is a multifunctional skin treatment. It has antimicrobial properties and helps moisturize and soothe skin. It is often included in the best smelling dog shampoos to help reduce doggie odor.
Summing Up the Best Dog Shedding Shampoo
Reviews from the customers of shampoos to reduce shedding are mixed. However, what we did find, is when combined with regular grooming, they seem to work quite well. Worst case scenario, they will help your dog’s skin health and make them smell good.
While all the shampoos we have featured can help reduce shedding and are safe for your pet, our top choice is Oster Oatmeal Essentials.
This reasonably-priced shampoo is made in the USA and is all-natural, containing no alcohol, phthalates, parabens, or dyes. Moisturizing, soothing oatmeal and cleansers will leave your dog’s coat soft and shiny.
The 18-ounce bottle is sufficient for quite a lot of bathing, and the cost won’t break the bank. Customers extol its de-shedding capabilities and comment that a little goes a long way.
Whichever shampoo you choose for your canine companion, you will reap the benefits of less hair in your home.
[wpdatatable id=73]
Forrest is a lover of dogs, the wild outdoors, deep mysterious conversations… and coffee. He is the owner of several websites, including Canine Weekly. He resides in Austin, Texas.