15 Best Natural Dog Shampoos for Sensitive Skin

If your dog has sensitive skin, selecting the right shampoo for regular bathing can condition sensitive skin and make it more resilient, rather than dry it out.

Indeed bathing your dog using shampoo for dogs with sensitive skin helps to wash allergens out of the coat and away from the surface of the skin where they cause irritation and inflammation.

15 Best Dog Shampoos for Sensitive Skin

Believe it or not, dog skin is more delicate than human skin and so using a sensitive skin shampoo for dogs is an absolute must if you want the beneficial effects, without causing irritation from chemicals, dyes, or perfumes.

The good news is there are lots of excellent products available to meet this need, so read on to discover which one is most suited to your dog’s sensitive skin.

1. Critter Concepts

Critter Concepts is formulated with natural ingredients so that it’s gentle on allergy-prone or easily inflamed skins.

The active ingredients also promote the healing of hot spots and add moisture to dry skin.

It does this using the essence of tea tree oil, an essential oil well known for its antiseptic and healing properties and it is included to soothe the angry redness of hot spots.

The shampoo also includes sunflower oil which is rich in the antioxidant vitamin E, which helps scars to heal by trapping moisture in the cells.

Other natural ingredients in the Critter Concepts include a natural extract from the skin of citrus fruit which has potent anti-inflammatory properties and shea nut butter which is moisturizing and aids healing.

2. Nootie

Nootie addresses an issue most other products do not tackle, and that is fungal infections.

All dogs have yeast-like fungus which is a natural inhabitant on the surface of the skin, but in some cases that fungus grows out of control which results in a marked itch (think athlete’s foot!)

This shampoo for sensitive skin dogs has been devised by pet skincare experts using Echinacea, witch hazel, and a blend of plant extracts.

It cleanses away that itch provoking yeasts to leave the skin clean but hydrated, whilst being suitable for sensitive skins.

Indeed, Nootie is gentle enough to be suitable for cats and dogs, and the manufacturer’s as so confident in their product that they offer a money-back guarantee if not completely satisfied.

3. Pro Pet Works

Pro Pet Works is made with natural ingredients by a company that believes that what they leave out (i.e. parabens, sulfates, MEAs and DEAs) are as important as what they include.

This has a five-fold action which includes a shampoo and conditioner, detangler, moisturizer, and deodorizer.

All this is achieved using the biodegradable formula from replenishable resources.

This product scores consistently well on reviews with users reporting that it rinses out cleanly and easily, leaving the coat soft, shiny, and smelling pleasant with no unwanted ‘doggy odor’.

If you’re looking for a shampoo that’s gentle enough to suit sensitive skin and is as kind to the planet as to your dog then consider Pro Pet Works.

4. 4-Legger

4-Legger is a top-quality product that contains natural ingredients.

It utilizes the moisturizing properties of oatmeal and the naturally occurring pesticide that is neem oil.

The latter is derived from the seeds of the neem tree and has been used for generations to control pests.

This product can help the dog irritated by insect bites while making them smell pleasantly clean and nourishing the coat to make it glossy and thicker.

4-Legger itself is biodegradable so it doesn’t harm the environment and the bottle is biodegradable.

5. Lillian Ruff

Lillian Ruff is soap-free and made with all-natural ingredients, avoiding the use of chemicals or synthetic agents that can irritate allergic dogs.

It is so moisturizing that it is said to reduce shedding and cut down on the need for the use of anti-dander sprays.

This is an environmentally friendly product and comes in a bio-degradable bottle.

6. Douxo Chlorhexidine PS

The main reason dogs may have sensitive skin is due to them having some allergies. Allergies can be triggered by something in the air, from seasonal changes, foods, and many more reasons.

If your dog has an allergic reaction, then their skin can break out in hives, or they may not be able to stop themselves from itching, thus giving themselves sensitive skin. If your dog falls under this category, then they may benefit from being bathed with Duoxo Sogeval Chlorhexidine.

Douxo Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic lathering solution with special moisturizing ingredients, such as chlorhexidine, climbazole, and phytosphingosine. Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic most commonly used to disinfect skin whether it be from an infection or a skin reaction. Chlorhexidine and climbazole also help control bacteria and fungi populations.

Another active ingredient in Douxo, Lipacid, helps restore the skin’s barrier by moisturizing and leaving a lipo-protidic file deposited that helps regulate seborrhea and inflammation. The deposits are rinse-resistant and provide long-lasting protection from irritations.

As well, Phytosphingosine-salicyloyl is included in this product, which possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-seborrheic properties that help eliminate pruritus and itching.

When using this shampoo, you want first to make sure that your dog does not have any mats or knots in their fur as it can get in the way of letting the shampoo be fully absorbed by your dog’s skin. Once your dog is knot free rinse them off to remove any debris and to loosen their fur and skin. It is vital that your dog be wet for proper soap lather.

Once wet, apply a generous amount of the shampoo onto your dog. Massage them as you rub the soap in the ensure proper absorption. You will then have to leave the shampoo on your dog for 5-10 minutes for full effect. Then rinse your pup off and dry them off.

You can wash your dog every two weeks with the Douxo Sogeval Chlorhexidine to help clean your dog’s skin and prevent any more skin irritations.

7. Bodhi

You could give your dog an oatmeal bath to help soothe their skin, but the oatmeal sold in stores are meant to be consumed, so they could have added flavors or other preservatives that could irritate your dog’s skin further. To be sure that you are only bathing your dog in pet-safe oatmeal use Bodhi.

Bodhi sources all of its ingredients from the USA. There are no traces of detergent, parabens, or alcohol in Bodhi’s shampoo making it 100% non-toxic. While there are no traces of harsh chemicals, this dog shampoo is still effective enough to clean your dog with a gentle, soothing touch.

What makes this dog shampoo a quality product for dogs with sensitive skin is the ingredients that go into it. The ingredients are all plant botanical based, which includes natural oat proteins, aloe vera, coconut, and fruit extracts. This combination of plant products provides instant cooling and calming relief to inflamed or damaged skin.

As well, the addition of vitamins A, D & E and baking soda helps to relieve itching and scratching while leaving your dog fresh and clean with moisturized skin and silky, conditioned fur. The baking soda also works as an antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory agent.

Of course, you want your dog to smell great after their bath. Bodhi’s shampoo has a light apple scent that will not irritate your dog’s nose. Baking soda fits in here too as it is a natural deodorizer that helps keep your pet smelling fresher longer after their bath.

This is one of the better dog shampoos you can turn to if your dog has sensitive skin, but if you feel like Bodhi Dog it comes with a 100% Satisfaction Money Back Guarantee.

8. Dr. Muller

Some dog shampoos do not work for every dog, especially for dogs who are prone to allergies or sensitive skin. Fruity smelling shampoos may irritate them rather than be a helpful cleaning tool. To keep your dog from having an allergic reaction to their shampoo, why not use Chlorhexidine 4% for Dogs instead.

Dr. Muller is no ordinary shampoo; It contains 4% Chlorhexidine, which is a dermatology solution ideal for sensitive skin. It provides deep cleansing of the skin and coat that removes allergens and relieves itchy or inflamed skin. Along with Chlorhexidine, oatmeal and aloe vera create a super-strong skin relief solution.

All three-ingredient fights against skin infections caused by bacteria, fungi, yeast, mold, viruses, and germs. Cucumber and melon are also included in the dog shampoo, which are natural ingredients that can soothe hot spots, help with acute moist dermatitis, helps reduce scratching and promote healthy fur regrowth.

No harmful chemicals or ingredients are used, such as parabens or soaps, so dogs of all sensitivity levels can safely have the shampoo used on their bodies. The non-drying formula deodorizes and acts quickly and persistently to remove a wide range of microorganisms from your dog’s skin and coat.

Your dog will feel fresh and smell nice with the gentle touch that Dr. Mullers Chlorhexidine 4% Shampoo for Dogs offers.

While this dog-shampoo will most likely help your dog’s sensitive skin issues, Dr. Mullers knows that every dog is different and may have a different reaction to their soaps. If your dog shows no improvement in their skin health you can contact the company to receive a full refund, no questions asked.

9. Buddy’s Best

Dogs who have sensitive skin may be having dry skin issues. Dry skin can be caused by some things, which makes it hard to pinpoint the exact cause. Instead of struggling to figure out what is causing your dog to have sensitive skin issues, keep their skin strong and healthy by using Buddy’s Best.

Buddy’s Best has incredible anti-itch ingredients. These ingredients include pet-safe ones like oatmeal, aloe vera, and shea butter. All these ingredients moisturize, soothes, and provides optimal itch relief solutions. Buddy’s Best doubles as a shampoo and conditioner so your dog gets the quality cleaning that they need along with the conditioning power to help their coats be soft and shiny.

No soaps or alcohol is used in Buddy’s Best, only purely vegan ingredients. Since no soaps or alcohol ingredients are used your dog’s skin should not dry out, but instead, be resistant to dander and drying out.

By being both vegan-friendly and cruelty-free, this dog shampoo is also considered to be hypoallergenic, meaning dogs with even the most sensitive skin should not have any harmful reactions to this dog shampoo.

To further help your dog’s overall body condition, this dog shampoo is infused with Biotin. Biotin helps speed up fur growth into strong, luscious locks, promotes healthy and hydrated skin, can help strengthen their nails, and can even help footpads from drying out and making them more resistant in everyday life.

If you are hesitant about using Buddy’s Best because of the scents, do not worry. Only natural ingredients are used, so the scents will not irritate your dog’s sensitive nose or trigger any allergic reactions; it will only keep your dog smelling fresh longer between their bath days.

10. Earth Vibes

Give your dog the deep and nourishing cleaning that they need at no harm to their already sensitive skin when using Earth Vibes.

Earth Vibes use only natural and organic ingredients in their shampoos and conditioners. By taking the extra step to ensure the quality of ingredients Earth Vibe’s dog shampoos are safe to use on dogs of all breeds, sizes, ages, and sensitivity levels.

Do not worry about the ingredients coming from outside sources as they are all sourced and proudly made in the USA; no ifs, and, or buts here, only high quality and pet safe ingredients that even vets recommend for dogs who are prone to having sensitive skin issues.

The ingredients are what help soothe your dog’s sensitive skin. Coconut and lime work together to alleviate dry, itchy, and sensitive skin. Aloe Vera and lavender oil provides a soothing sensation that helps your dog feel good, keeps them smelling fresh, and even deodorizes them for a more thorough clean.

Another reason that Earth Vibes’ Natural shampoo is an ideal choice for dogs with sensitive skin is due to its pH balanced. Having a pH-balanced dog shampoo is ideal since dogs have a slightly higher pH to their skin, and by not using a shampoo with a similar pH level it can dry out your dog’s skin, which causes dandruff and sensitive skin issues.

You do not have to limit Earth Vibes Natural Oatmeal Pet Shampoo and Conditioner to just your dogs since it is only made of pet-safe ingredients with no harmful chemicals, soaps, colors, or additives it can be used safely on cats all small furry animals.

Earth Vibes has your pet’s well-being always in mind, so you can always be sure that your dog is in good hands, especially when it comes to taking care of their sensitive skin.

11. Friends Forever

Do not let your dog’s skin sensitivity level hinder you or them in day to day life. To help your dog, turn to a shampoo made to help dogs with sensitive skin, like Friends Forever.

Friends Forever is an organic, all-natural dog shampoo that ensures your dog will not have an allergic reaction to their shampoo. It is hypoallergenic with antifungal and antibacterial properties to protect your dog’s skin from having an allergic reaction.

The hypoallergenic properties also protect your dog from itchy flea bites and from developing yeast infections due to allergies or other skin sensitivity issues.

Allergies are not the only thing Friends Forever protects your dog from; it also protects your dog from having dry and itchy skin. Organic coconut, aloe vera, and oatmeal work together to soothe itchy and dry skin as well as provide temporary relief from any discomfort that their skin may make them feel and can soothe hotspots.

It is gentle on your dog and is tearless, which means it can be used on dogs of all ages safely. The more you bathe your dog with Friends Forever the more you should see a difference in their overall skin health, like being smoother, moisturized, and dandruff-free.

A light, green apple scent with chamomile extract removes odors with long-lasting results that will not irritate your dog’s nose or trigger any allergic reactions.

The Friends Forever is made for pets and loving pet owners, so it is understandable if you feel like this dog shampoo is not doing the job you expected. If you ever feel this way, do not fret; the shampoo has a Four Paws Guarantee where, if you are not completely satisfied with the results of the shampoo, you can get your money back, no questions asked.

12. Mika Pets

Do not settle for less when it comes to picking a product to benefit and aid in your dog’s sensitive skin issues. To be sure that you are not putting and questionable ingredients on your dog, use the Mika Pets.

Some dog shampoos claim to use oatmeal in their lines as a way to soothe skin and help coats be fluffier, but not all oatmeal is the same. Most often, dog shampoos use a cheaper, less effective oatmeal extract that does not offer the same healing qualities proper, all-natural oatmeal offers.

Mika Pets uses more colloidal oatmeal in their shampoos, which is oatmeal that has been ground and then suspended in a liquid.

Colloidal oatmeal is a method that allows it to be more easily absorbed into the skin, which helps the skin become even more effective at protecting and soothing, especially skin that has sensitivity or allergy issues.

Dogs with dry and itchy skin will start to see major changes in their skin in only a few bathing sessions. The Colloidal oatmeal is mixed with aloe vera, which provides a calming, therapeutic sensation that will help your dog’s skin retain the moisture that it needs.

Since all the ingredients are natural with no sulfate, phosphate, or other harsh chemicals, this makes Mika Pets’ hypoallergenic. You can clean even sensitive pups safely without irritating their skin or triggering any allergies.

Moisturize, hydrate, and condition your dog all in one thanks to the cruelty-free, USA made Mika Pets.

13. Burt’s Bees

It does not take much to provide your dog with a shampoo that will help their sensitive skin. Burts Bees is one of the better dog shampoos to turn to aid in sensitive skin issues.

Honeydew is another oatmeal dog shampoo that uses colloidal oatmeal to get the best results possible. Oatmeal is great to nourish, moisturize, and soothe sensitive skin if it is a high-quality oatmeal product, not plain oatmeal that does not provide enough of the health benefits.

Aloe Vera is another vital ingredient in this shampoo as it promotes healthy skin, keeps the skin soft, nourishes the skin, and makes sure that your dog feels both comfortable and smooth even when exposed to objects that would normally trigger an allergic reaction or skin flare-up.

An addition of vanilla and lavender can ward off fleas and ticks naturally, which is great for dogs who cannot have the typical topical flea treatment put on due to sensitive skin issues. The mix can also help to protect irritated skin patches, heal bug bites, and remove odor from your dog faster and longer.

You will not have to worry about your dog’s safety being at risk with Burts Bees as it should be safe for dogs of all sizes, age, and sensitivity levels. But, if you are not satisfied with the quality or results, you can take advantage of the 100% Money-Back Guarantee to receive a full refund.

14. Vet’s Best

Not every dog shampoo is made to the quality specifications that vets look for. If you are looking for a shampoo that meets the standards of picky vets, then you will need to turn to Vet’s Best.

As the name states, it is made for dogs who have skin sensitivities or allergies that can cause their skin to break out in hives, rashes, bumps, or irritations. You cannot use just any product to take care of dogs with these issues as it can flare up and irritate their skin further.

Vets Best is gentle, soap-free, and free of any other harmful chemicals, colors, or ingredients. It will help relieve any itching, smooth out dry, brittle coats, and helps ensure that your dog’s coat is as soft and smooth as it can possible by.

It uses a natural remedy blend that is formulated with natural ingredients, like aloe vera and vitamin E, to provide further ideal comfort levels that will relieve your pet of any skin irritants or reactions they may have. The soothing effect has a long-lasting property, so your dog will feel refreshed longer between each bathing session.

You can even use Vet’s Best alongside with other skin treatments, like topical flea and tick protection. It will not interfere or cause any unwanted reactions due to cross topical treatments. Your dog will have complete and total care to control and maintain their skin, so it does not dry out or flake. It will keep their sensitive skin smooth and moisturized longer.

15. Fieldworks Supply

Fieldworks Supply knows how important your dog is to your family, so they only use the best and most natural ingredients in their shampoos to soothe your dog’s skin, not irritate it.

Quality natural ingredients such as coconut, pal, oatmeal, and aloe are used to alleviate dry, sensitive, and itchy skin. No sulfates, phosphates, parabens, alcohol, or other harsh chemicals are ever used in any Pupkiss dog shampoo. They are also soap, MEA, and DEA free. You can use this dog shampoo on dogs of all sensitivity levels safely.

It is specially made to calm and soothe sensitive or irritated skin. It is an ideal source of minerals that will strengthen your dog’s skin and help build up their resistance against common skin allergens, like grass, flea bites, and dust. Dogs with flaky skin will also benefit from this shampoo as it provides moisture that will keep their skin nice and smooth.

Not only is Fieldworks great for dogs with sensitive skin, but it is also an overall quality cleaning shampoo. With a pH matching your dog’s natural skin pH it will not dry out their skin and will help soften their fur. Its rich Emollients gently lifts dirt from your dog’s coat while moisturizing their coat and skin, so it stays hydrated and healthy.

It is also an all-in-one shampoo, deodorizer, moisturizer, conditioner, and detangler; you will not have to buy multiple shampoos to ensure your dog is getting the pampering that they need.

You can use this on dogs of all sizes, shapes, ages, and skin conditions! You will feel like your dog is truly being taken care of by Moosh. But, if you are not satisfied with the quality of Fieldworks Supply, it does come with a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. They will no ask any questions, even if your dog is still scratching after using their shampoo, and will do what they can to give you a full refund.

Bottom Line

Remember, when choosing the best dog shampoo for sensitive skin good pointers to look for are natural ingredients but also be alert for what’s not included such as sulfates and parabens.

Be prepared to pay more for a natural product but with the power of nature behind them, you can expect excellent results so there’s no need to compromise when selecting a shampoo for dogs with sensitive skin.