Best Shampoo For German Shepherds
There is no shortage of doggy shampoos on the market, but theyre not all created equal.
In general, shampoos with all natural ingredients are the best, as theyre less likely to irritate your dogs skin. And you definitely want a soap-free shampoo thats gentle on your poochs eyes.
My German Shepherd, Allie, has sensitive, itchy skin, and Ive tried a lot of different shampoos with her over the years.
To make your life easier, I put together this list of my tried and true favorites. Here are my top four best shampoos for German Shepherds.
Is Human Shampoo Safe To Use On My German Shepherd
No, human shampoo isnt safe for a German Shepherd.
The human shampoos have a different pH balance that doesnt suit your GSDs skin. This wrong pH balance could destroy your dogs natural oils and strip their coats, making them dull, brittle, and dry .
The normal pH range that humans need is 5.2 to 6.2, which is considered acidic. A pH balance of 5.5 to 7.5 is the healthiest for a German Shepherds skin.
Shampoos meant for people will leave your dog vulnerable to skin irritations, viruses, bacteria, and parasites because the incorrect pH disrupts a healthy skin mantle.
Constant shampooing with a product meant for humans will dry out your dogs skin. This makes them scratch and itch and could injure them.
Arm & Hammer Super Deodorizing Shampoo For Dogs
The super deodorizing shampoo from Arm & Hammer is one of the best options on the market for eliminating odor. If your dog has a smelly problem, one or two washes with this shampoo ought to solve the problem.
The key component here is baking soda. Its been used as a smell repellent for ages, and its known for its high efficiency in absorbing bad smells.
Baking soda is the deodorizing agent in this shampoo, hence its efficiency in giving your pup a new fresh smell.
The rest of the ingredients are mostly plant extracts, with the main ingredient being a coconut-based surfactant. The shampoo is free of harsh chemical components, so you can rest assured it wont cause itchy or irritated skin.
The Arm & Hammer is one of the most affordable options on the market, and not only because the bottle is small. If you calculate the cost per fluid ounce, youll find it pretty budget-friendly.
Cons
- The herbal ingredients may cause allergic reactions.
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Allow Your Gsd More Access To Fresh Water
You might not even realize it, but allowing your German Shepherd to drink more water daily can greatly reduce the amount of shedding! Thats because dogs tend to shed a little bit more when theyre dehydrated.
If youre having trouble keeping up with your dogs water regimen, I recommend using an automatic dog water dispenser. This device allows you to fill up a big tub of water all at once, so you wont have to keep remembering to add more water to the bowl throughout the day.
Ive never had to use one of these however, Ive heard good things about them, and I think they can really do the trick. If I were choosing one from Amazon, I like the look of the Petsafe Drinkwell as its ideal for German Shepherds with its two-tiered design.
Tip! You can give your German Shepherd ice-cubes in the summer to keep him hydrated. You can also try frozen fruits such as raspberries or strawberries as an alternative healthy treat to help quench his thirst.
Frequent And Thorough Brushing
Brushing is a great German Shepherd shedding solution when you need to remove loose hair. It also helps distribute skin oil all over the coat. The excess hair is collected on the brush, but not on your belongings. You can use a rake brush for a better effect. It is a tool that is meant to remove undercoats. Use a rake brush with rounded tips to avoid scratching your pets skin.
There are some parts of the coat that need more thorough attention. They are around the neck, behind the ears, on the back of the legs, the tail, and the guard hairs on the underside. The fur is thicker there, so shedding is more intensive on these spots.
You need to often brush your doggy. If it is a German Shepherd shedding season, you will have to do it every day. At other times, twice a week is enough. You can do it more often if you have time, of course. Your dog needs to enjoy grooming, so the hair removal sessions should be short and positive not more than 10 minutes each time.
It is better if you brush your dog outside while on a walk. You can save the time needed for brushing the carpets and sofas afterward when you try to do it inside. Anyway, daily brushing is more effective, but it always depends on the amount of hair your dog loses.
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Buddy Wash Original Lavender & Mint Dog Shampoo Best Overall
Out of all the shampoos we tried out for this list, our favorite was the Buddy Wash original lavender and mint dog shampoo. Its made with cosmetic-grade ingredients, including essential oils and botanical extracts. Not only do these help to keep your dog smelling fresh, these ingredients are also completely safe for humans.
This is a soap-free formula, so you dont have to worry about unhealthy chemicals seeping into your dogs skin. It lathers easily though, making bath time a simple and quick process. Because it lathers so well, a little goes a long way and you wont have to use an excessive amount to get a good wash.
If youre only bathing your German Shepherd occasionally, they can get pretty smelly between baths. This shampoo does a good job of keeping the scent at bay and replacing it with a nice mint and lavender scent, though it doesnt seem to last. Wed prefer if it would stay for a week or longer, but the few shampoos that managed this all had overly-strong and often unpleasant odors.
Burts Bees products are made with natural ingredients, offering a healthy and natural way to keep your best friend fresh and clean. This shampoo is made with 97% natural ingredients and contains no artificial ingredients of any kind. Despite the quality ingredients used to make this formula, its one of the most affordably-priced shampoos we tested, which is why we think its the best shampoo for German Shepherds for the money.
What To Do When You Cant Give Your German Shepherd A Bath
Sometimes its just not possible to take the time or effort to fully bathe your German Shepherd. I understand that life is so busy these days, so theres a quick solution for that.
Use a waterless deshedding spray to help release loose fur and remove dirt and odors.
The simple truth is a waterless bath isnt a replacement for a full-body bath, but it can get the job done in a pinch. Simply spray down your German Shepherd, massage the deshedding spray into their skin and fur, and use the gentle undercoat rake to remove the dead fur.
Spend about 20 minutes using short strokes to remove the shedding hair. If you come across clumps of fur, spray the deshedding spray and rub the solution into the tangle. This helps to remove the clumps and your brush should glide through more easily.
You can then wipe down your German Shepherd to help dry them off and remove any dirt with the microfiber towel. The towel is great for a quick paw wipe-down after a walk or even on rainy days to keep near the door for cleanup.
Read Also: Are German Shepherds A Good Family Dog
Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiseptic & Antifungal Shampoo
Through extensive research and development, Veterinary Formula Clinical Care has designed high-quality medicated products with veterinary-recommended ingredients. This paraben-free formula helps to relieve, heal and soothe many German Shepherd skin-and-coat conditions.
With potent, active medicines your dog is provided with fast, effective relief.
Aloe Vera helps to gently heal and soothe your pets red, itchy skin.
When used as directed, this antiseptic and antifungal shampoo can relieve skin infections such as dermatitis using effective Benzethonium Chloride to help eliminate bacteria that cause irritation and odor.
Healthy Dogs = Less Shedding
Finally, their diet can be a huge culprit when it comes to excessive shedding.
Do your homework and choose a high quality dog food which is best suited for your German Shepherd based on age, activity level, and any health concerns such as allergies. Talk to your vet about supplementing their food with omega fats or selecting the right dog food.
Besides food, German Shepherds are active dogs that require daily exercise and mental stimulation, along with a stress-free environment.
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Best Grooming Tools For German Shepherds: Only These Make The Cut
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If you have a German Shepherd, you will know just how much they shed! Year-round shedding is a natural process for your GSD due to his double coat. They will also blow their soft, dense undercoat in the Spring and Fall when they will shed even more as they prepare for the season ahead.
There is no way to prevent the constant shedding in your dog, but it can be managed and better controlled by regular grooming with the correct tools. So, what are the best grooming tools for German Shepherds?
The best grooming tools for German Shepherds are the FURminator range, as they are designed for German Shepherds and effectively reduce shedding. These include a brush for daily use, a de-mattingtool for removing matted hair, and an undercoat de-shedding tool.
You may have noticed that this article is somewhat different from other product reviews that you find online. These usually endorse various brands and will be headed something like 17 Best Grooming Brushes for German Shepherds or Top 21 Dog Grooming Tools!
Of course, Ive tried one or two other brands and different types of grooming tools and brushes over the years, but Ive never found anything as good as the FURminator range.
Vets Best Allergy Itch Relief Dog Shampoo Best Overall
The Allergy Itch Relief Dog Shampoo from Vets Best is veterinarian formulated with a blend of natural ingredients and essential oils to keep your pooch smelling great. It is our top pick of shampoo for your German Shepherd. The ingredients include oatmeal for a gentle, soothing scrub, d-limonene to clean and disinfect, and tea tree oil to soothe your dogs skin and make their coat smell great. The shampoo is specially designed to alleviate itchiness caused by allergies and soothe sensitive skin while leaving your pooch smelling and feeling great! If your pooch is suffering from any itchiness or other skin issues, we highly recommend this shampoo from Vets Best.
Although this shampoo is designed to alleviate allergic reactions, many users report that the itchiness returned straight after washing, sometimes accompanied by dandruff!
The best dog shampoo for Burts Bees Oatmeal Shampoo for the money is the Oatmeal Shampoo from Burts Bees. This shampoo is made with 97% natural ingredients, including colloidal oat flour, which helps to deeply condition your Shepherds skin honey, which helps regulate and maintain moisture in your dogs hair follicles and camelia sinensis extract, which helps strengthen their hair follicles. It has a specially balanced pH formula thats just for dogs and is free from harmful artificial fragrances, chemicals, parabens, phthalates, petrolatum, and sodium lauryl sulfate. On top of all that, the bottle is made from 80% recycled plastic!
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Mighty Mutt Deshedding Dog Shampoo
Active ingredients: Omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids and vitamin E
Scent: Fresh breeze
Price: $13.99 for 16-oz bottle
Feeling overrun by dog hair? Theres a product to help! Mighty Mutt Deshedding Dog Shampoo minimizes shedding for all dog breeds. From shaggy shepherds to tiny furballs, this shampoo is made with a formulation of all natural ingredients that provide professional grade results.
This deshedding shampoo reduces shedding while offering a deep, nourishing clean that leaves your pup smelling fresh. After each bath, your furry friend will have a soft, shiny coat and clean skin that is snuggle ready.
Mighty Mutt Deshedding Dog Shampoo is gentle, hypoallergenic, and doesn’t contain any harmful ingredients like parabens, phthalates, or dyes. It’s cruelty-free and is proudly made in the USA.
Active ingredients: Salt, pro-vitamin B5, aloe vera, keratin, and jojoba oil
Scent: Plum hibiscus
Price: $9.35 for 16-oz bottle
Want a shampoo that will leave your pup smelling great while also getting excessive shedding under control? Nature’s Miracle Shed Control Shampoo offers just that. This 4-in-1 shampoo and conditioner neutralizes odor, deodorizes, cleanses, and conditions. It also controls shedding before it happens.
Each bottle contains all natural, nourishing ingredients, including aloe vera, pro-vitamin B5, keratin, and jojoba oil. This combination will leave your pup’s skin and coat soft, silky, and clean. You’re sure to love the plum hibiscus scent!
Scent: Natural scent
What Is A Stress
Excessive hair loss can be a result of your dogs immense stress. Anxious German Shepherds may lose much more hair than relaxed ones. So, a stress-reducing massage is a great option to reduce stress in your pet.
Take your dog to a quiet place in your home and sit on the floor next to it. Stroke the animal lightly from head to tail. The procedure should not last more than 15 minutes every day. It is also a great chance to set close bonds with your pet. In addition, you will benefit from it too because massaging your dog can lower your blood pressure. You can also examine your German Shepherd for possible health concerns, such as bumps, sores, or unwanted odors.
You can use grooming gloves for massaging your dog too. They have rubber stripes on the fingers and palms to increase the effect of the massage. They also work as efficient de-shedders because the excess hair will stick to them and get removed.
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Tropiclean Luxury 2 In 1 Papaya & Coconut Pet Shampoo And Conditioner
This is a good choice if you need to save time. It is cruelty free, soap free and does a good job at moisturizing your GSDs furry coat.
It works great on a dirty dog whos been outdoors rolling around in the mud or swimming in the lake. They will smell fresh and their double coat will feel nice and soft. In addition, you can also use it on the family cat.
Features:
German Shepherd Shampoo Buying Guide
Keeping your German Shepherds coat clean is an ideal way to keep your pets skin healthy and control shedding. Brushing your pets coat is an excellent way to distribute oils throughout and keep the dander down. But, its nice to give your German Shepherd a bath to soothe the skin and keep it clean. German Shepherds tend to have healthy skin and are not as prone to skin allergies, however, as most dogs, they do have delicate skin. If youre looking at purchasing a shampoo for your German Shepherd, its important to consider a few factors.
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Vets Best Allergy Itch Relief Shampoo For Dogs
Vets Best Allergy Itch Relief Shampoo for Dogs helps keep your companion from itching with a veterinarian formulated key blend of natural ingredients and essential oils including oatmeal, d-limonene, and tea tree oil specially formulated for a German Shepherd with allergies.
This allergy relief shampoo is designed to soothe sensitive skin and alleviate itchiness from allergies by washing away allergens and soothing inflamed skin that causes itching.
It doesnt affect topical flea and tick treatments and leaves a fresh scent.
Veterinary Formula Clinical Care
This is a best seller medicated dog shampoo. If your German Shepherd has a parasitic infection, this shampoo gently treats and cares for the hair and undercoat. It acts fast to relieve your dog from rashes or itching that may have been caused by parasites. It is formulated to give care and can be used with probiotics for dog care.
The shampoo is recommended for a 12 week and above the old dog. It beats fungus and bacteria to give maximum care for your dog. It is a professionally balanced shampoo that nourishes the dogs undercoat, hence preventing de-shedding. It takes care of unhealthy shedding that might have been caused by parasites.
Pros
- Can be used as a regular shampoo
- It has a sweet coconut scent
Cons
- It is not good for small puppies
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Non Wheat Based Shampoos
German Shepherds have a slightly higher than normal risk of being allergic to wheat, which is a problem because its one of the most popular soap alternatives on the market today. The allergic reaction German Shepherds have to wheat isnt usually severe, but its certainly annoying for your pooch and can cause dry and itchy skin .
Whenever you look for a new shampoo, make sure you read the bottle to check that its not getting its cleaning power from a wheat-based compound. Its a lot of hassle, we know but its better than having your pooch suffer.
Pro Tip: If reading the ingredient lists on several bottles of doggy shampoo doesnt sound like your idea of fun youre not alone. Thats why weve done the hard work for you, and all of our recommended products at the end of this article are completely free from wheat-based ingredients.