Finding the best-medicated dog shampoo is a great way to treat and soothe your furry friend's skin. Whether it's dry, itchy, or irritated, there are specially formulated shampoos that can help relieve symptoms and keep your pet looking its best.
If you're wondering what brands might be worth trying out, look no further than our round-up of top-rated medicated dog shampoos. We've taken into account various factors including price range, scent, and ingredients to ensure you find just the right shampoo for your pet.
While some options may work better on certain types of coats such as thick or thin fur, others are suitable for most dogs. It's also important to know how often you should use these types of shampoo as they can sometimes strip color from coats so need to be used sparingly.
We hope you find your next favorite thing from the list below! Each product was independently selected by our editors. ConsistentReviews may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to buy something (that's how we stay in business). We hope you find your next favorite thing!
How We Choose
We've reviewed the best-medicated dog shampoos to help you find the right product for your pup. Our team has scoured the market for only those brands that offer a safe and effective way to treat common skin conditions, such as yeast infections and flea infestations. We've also taken into consideration customer feedback from owners of these products, so you can be assured that any choice you make will be a good one.
Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiseptic and Antifungal Medicated Shampoo for Dogs
Helps Relieve Fungal & Bacterial Skin Infections
Why We Love It
The Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiseptic and Antifungal Shampoo is a great option for those looking for an affordable shampoo that can help with scaly and red skin. This product is formulated with aloe vera and lanolin, which work to soothe the skin and bring back moisture to the coat.
What You Should Know
The shampoo also contains antifungal properties that help keep fungal skin infections at bay. It's important to note that this product is not intended for use on open lesions or wounds, so it may not be effective in treating existing skin conditions such as dermatitis. However, it can be used alongside other topical treatments such as flea dips or spot-on medications to provide additional support during treatment cycles.
This shampoo works best when applied twice weekly until skin conditions clear, then once a week after the initial clearing process has occurred to maintain healthy skin. It's worth noting that this product does contain parabens, but these are only present in trace amounts and have been found safe by the FDA in products like moisturizers and cosmetics.
TropiClean Medicated Dog Shampoo for Allergies and Itching
Tea Tree & Oatmeal Dog Shampoo for Sensitive Skin
Why We Love It
The Tropiclean Medicated Dog Shampoo is a great option for those looking for an itch-relief shampoo that also provides a deep clean. This Itch Relief Shampoo contains natural ingredients like oatmeal and tea tree oil, which help to soothe the skin and provide long-lasting relief from skin irritation.
What You Should Know
The formula is also fortified with beta hydroxy, an anti-inflammatory agent that helps to keep your pet's skin healthy and free of skin irritation. The 20 oz bottle is large enough to last you several washes, making this a great value choice when it comes to dog shampoos. It has received rave reviews from users who have found it effective at relieving their pet's skin allergies without causing any damage or rashes.
This product can be used on dogs 12 weeks or older, so you won't need to worry about whether your pooch will enjoy using it or not.
Pet MD - Benzoyl Peroxide Medicated Shampoo for Dogs
Effective for Skin Conditions, Dandruff, Itch Relief
Why We Love It
The Pet MD Benzoyl Peroxide Shampoo is a dermatologist-recommended shampoo that effectively removes scales and oils from your dog's coat. The pet md medicated shampoo also contains salicylic acid, peroxide, and sulfur to help remove dead skin cells and debris from the coat.
What You Should Know
The shampoo has a citrus scent that is not overpowering or unpleasant. The product comes in a large bottle with an easy-to-use flip-top lid, making it convenient to use on multiple occasions without having to purchase additional bottles. Additionally, the shampoo has medicated properties that can help relieve dry itchy skin and irritated skin due to scaling or infection.
Although this product is recommended by veterinarians, we recommend checking with your vet before using any new products on your pet. This will ensure you're getting accurate information about its effectiveness as well as any possible side effects.
RenuPlex Medicated Dog Mange Shampoo
Extra Strength Mange Shampoo for Dogs Eliminates Mange
Why We Love It
RenuPlex Dog Shampoo is a great option for those who want to treat their dog's mange, Severe Skin Problems with all-natural ingredients. This shampoo contains zinc pca and numerous essential oils, which will provide immediate soothing to your dog.
What You Should Know
It also includes colloidal oatmeal, aloe vera, silk proteins, jojoba oil, and a host of other proven ingredients that will help repair damaged skin caused by mange. The best part? It comes with an unconditional money-back guarantee so you can try it risk-free if you're not satisfied.
We recommend this shampoo to anyone looking for a natural option that won't harm your pet or the environment.
Why We Love It
The Bramton Company's Oatmeal Medicated Dog Shampoo is a great option for Soothes Dog Dry Skin, flaky skin, and skin allergies. The formula contains colloidal oatmeal, tea tree oil, and vitamin B5 to help moisturize and calm the skin. The shampoo also has salicylic acid to remove dandruff and flakes and works well with other treatments such as flea and tick control products.
What You Should Know
The product comes in a 500mL bottle that will last for several uses per bottle. It's important to note that this product does not contain any parabens or sulfates so you want to keep it away from your dog's eyes if possible. Additionally, the formula is gentle enough for use on sensitive skin so it can be used on puppies as young as eight weeks old without causing irritation.
Overall, we recommend this product if your dog suffers from dry, flaky skin due to allergies or other conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. It may take some time before your dog sees results but once they start showing signs of improvement you'll know why you chose this over other shampoos in the past!
Why We Love It
The Arava Oatmeal Shampoo is a great choice for anyone looking to take their dog on a natural pet shampoo journey. It's made with botanical oils and other ingredients that help fight against most of the skin issues that indoor and outdoor pets can pick up.
What You Should Know
The shampoo also contains 28 active ingredients, which means it has everything you need to keep your dog healthy and shiny. The oatmeal in this formula is designed to gently cleanse deep within your dog's undercoat, so you don't have to worry about any knots or tangles getting stuck in there.
Formulated with Dead Sea minerals, this shampoo will leave your pup smelling fresh all day long. And at just over $27 for 5 liters of product, it's pretty affordable too!
FoamCare Medicated Pet Shampoo by Vetericyn | Sensitive Skin Shampoo for Dogs
Supports Optimal Skin and Coat Health
Why We Love It
The FoamCare Medicated Shampoo is a great option for pet owners looking to treat their furry friends with a gentler shampoo. This hypoallergenic, Medicated Shampoo contains natural ingredients that help soothe irritated skin and promote healthy skin and coat.
What You Should Know
The formula is free of harsh chemicals, sulfate-free, paraben-free, and dyes. The instant foam action makes it easy to apply the product without wasting any extra drops on the floor. The 16-ounce bottle will last you through multiple washes which means less waste for every use.
This hypoallergenic shampoo also has healing ingredients that support optimal skin and coat health – helping your pet look their best from head to tail!
Why We Love It
The Farnam Pet Dog Shampoo is a great option for any dog that has flaky or scaly skin. This shampoo is formulated with aloe vera and helps to condition and leave your dog's coat lustrous. It also uses a medicated formula to provide temporary relief from flaking and scaling skin.
What You Should Know
The scent of this product is odor free, so you don't have to worry about your dog smelling bad while he's getting cleaned up after a long walk outside in the sun. The spray bottle design makes it easy to use, and it lathers well enough that you can get most of the shampoo on your hands instead of into his eyes or ears.
This product is designed for regular use, so you don't need to worry about having too much on hand when needed - just keep an extra bottle around in case he gets dirty again before next time!
Davis Benzoyl Peroxide Medicated Dog & Cat Shampoo
Aids in the Opening and Flushing of Hair Follicles
Why We Love It
The Davis Manufacturing DM-150 Shampoo is a great option for people looking for a product that can tackle both coat and skin issues. This shampoo has been designed to help remove excess oil from your dog's coat, as well as combat matting.
What You Should Know
The formula is also formulated with moisturizers to keep your dog's skin and coat hydrated, which will help prevent dryness and shedding problems in the long run. It also helps to open up hair follicles so that your pet's natural oils can flow more easily through their fur.
This product does not contain any noxious chemicals or perfumes, making it an excellent choice for anyone who wants to avoid potentially harmful ingredients in their grooming routine. The bottle design of this shampoo is also unique and convenient - it comes packaged in a plastic bottle with a flip lid that makes it easy to pour out just the right amount of product each time you use it.
Paws & Pal's Dog Shampoo and Conditioner for Itchy Skin
Vet Formula Natural Medicated Best for De-Shedding
Why We Love It
The Paws & Pal's Oatmeal Shampoo is a great option for dog owners looking to tackle an itchy or smelly pet. This allergy itch relief shampoo uses oatmeal extract to help remove any dead skin cells or debris and leave your pup with smooth, healthy fur.
What You Should Know
The tear-free formula also helps eliminate the risk of eye and nose irritation, making this shampoo perfect for those with sensitive dogs. Aloe vera and vitamin E provide additional nourishment to keep your pooch looking their best between baths. The oatmeal extract in this product also helps control shedding, which makes it a great option for those who struggle with hair removal on their pet.
This shampoo can be used on both dogs and cats, making it an ideal choice for both species. It's important to note that this product does contain some alcohol so you may want to opt for a less sudsy version if you have particularly young children in the house who like getting involved in bath time (or if you just prefer not having any leftovers).
Best Medicated Dog Shampoo FAQs
You want your dog to be clean, but you don't know which of the best-medicated dog shampoos is right for them.
It can be tough to figure out what the best products are for your canine companion. You want to make sure that whatever you choose is going to have a positive impact on their health and leave them smelling great! It can also be hard to find some time in your busy schedule to do all of this research yourself. We've curated a list of the most Frequently Asked Questions about medicated dog shampoos so that you can make an informed decision when it's time to buy one for your pup.
What Medicated Shampoo Is Good For Dogs?
The best dog-medicated shampoos are designed to combat a range of issues, from fleas and ticks to skin conditions like hot spots, yeast infections, and more.
The best options will be approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which means they're safe for use on dogs with rare forms of alopecia (hair loss). These products also need to be non-toxic if your dog happens to ingest some while grooming himself or playing in the yard.
You'll want a product that kills fleas and their eggs within 12 hours. Look for shampoos that kill ticks too; these include permethrin and pyrethrins. Also, look out for formulations that soothe itchy skin without causing drowsiness or other behavioral changes in your dog.
What Is The Best Shampoo For A Dog With a Skin Infection?
It can be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of skin infections in dogs. The best way to combat this issue is by using a shampoo that contains antibacterial and antifungal properties, along with ingredients that will soothe your dog's irritated skin. Look for products containing tea tree oil, neem extract, oatmeal, aloe vera, and colloidal silver.
Considerations when choosing shampoos include product size (most brands come in large containers), scent (some pets may not like the smell of some ingredients), and price point. Once you find a suitable shampoo for your pet's needs, use it as directed and monitor their progress closely.
What Is the Best Medicated Shampoo For Dogs With Itchy Skin?
Certain shampoos, like those containing oatmeal for example, can be a great option to soothe itchy and irritated skin. The majority of medicated shampoos contain ingredients that help relieve symptoms of common skin conditions in dogs, such as yeast infections or bacterial infections. While there is no single best dog shampoo with medication to treat all types of itchy skin conditions, there are several options available that can provide relief from some symptoms.
Dogs who suffer from seasonal allergies can also benefit from medicated shampoos because these products usually contain antihistamines that help reduce itching and scratching. Dogs suffering from food allergies may not receive the same level of relief as those with inhalant allergies but any reduction in itchiness is still beneficial.
Many owners choose to use regular dog shampoo on their pets' coats alongside a pet conditioner or spray specifically designed for relieving itchiness and dryness. If your dog suffers from moderate to severe cases of itchy skin then you should always consult with your veterinarian first before using any type of topical medications on their coat or body.
What Dog Shampoo Is Good For Dogs With Dermatitis?
Dogs with sensitive skin or allergies tend to suffer from dermatitis, which is an itchy rash that typically affects the elbows and knees. This condition makes it hard for dogs to resist scratching so a shampoo formulated with oatmeal can be very helpful. Look for a dog shampoo containing colloidal oatmeal as this ingredient acts as a natural moisturizer, helping to relieve discomfort and itchiness.
If your dog has dermatitis on their paws, look for a medicated dog shampoo containing povidone-iodine or triclosan – these ingredients are antibacterial and will help kill any bacteria that may be causing irritation. Choosing a hypoallergenic dog food will also help reduce the chances of flare-ups so speak to your veterinarian about what diet would best suit your pet's needs.
How Often Should I Bathe My Dog With Medicated Shampoo?
Dogs with skin conditions may need regular medicated baths, so speak to your vet about how often they should be bathed. If you're bathing a dog who doesn't have an ongoing condition, then it's generally recommended that you bathe them no more than once every three weeks.
It's important to note that these shampoos can irritate some dogs' skin if used too frequently, so check with your veterinarian first if you plan on bathing your pooch more frequently than once every few weeks.
Can I Use Dawn To Wash My Dog?
While Dawn is safe for humans to use, it may not be the best choice when it comes to your dog's coat. Most dogs have very fine, thin coats that are prone to damage, and if you use a product like Dawn that contains harsh chemicals you could run the risk of drying out and compromising their coat. The same goes for human shampoo – which can be found at most pet stores – as this will strip your dog's coat of necessary oils and leave them feeling dry and itchy.
While we wouldn't recommend using Dawn on your dog unless absolutely necessary if you do find yourself in a situation where you need to wash your pooch with soap, opt for a product specifically designed for dogs such as Bio-Groom Dish Dog Shampoo or Four Paws Magic Coat Dog Shampoo.
Can You Give A Dog Benadryl To Stop Itching?
In some cases, yes. Benadryl is a brand name for the drug diphenhydramine and that's the only ingredient that has been approved by the FDA for use in dogs. However, it may be hard to find unless your vet prescribes it.
The reason dogs itch is that they have an allergic response to something and their bodies release histamine as part of that reaction. The histamine triggers itchiness, but Benadryl blocks it from being released so, theoretically at least, your dog should stop scratching.
There are some things to keep in mind though before you give your dog this type of medication: firstly, it only works on mild cases of itching; secondly, long-term use can lead to other health problems such as constipation or seizures; and thirdly, many vets aren't keen on giving dogs any kind of antihistamines because they can be very dangerous if overused or combined with other medications including painkillers. So check with yours first before trying this approach.
How Does Apple Cider Vinegar Help Dogs With Itchy Skin?
Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, a substance that can help soothe the irritated skin of dogs with itchy skin conditions. The acetic acid found in apple cider vinegar has anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve swelling and discomfort in dogs with allergies or itchy skin caused by bacterial infections.
Apple cider vinegar also contains alpha hydroxy acids, which have exfoliating properties that promote healthy cell turnover to reduce excessive dead skin buildup. This may reduce unpleasant odors commonly associated with underlying health issues such as digestive problems, infection, or allergies.
What Does Mange Look Like On A Dog?
Mange is a condition characterized by excessive itching and hair loss. It can present differently in different dogs depending on the type of mange they have. Some may only experience moderate shedding while others may lose large patches of hair.
Some breeds are more prone to getting mange, such as pit bulls and German shepherds, while others are resistant to it like Siberian huskies and Portuguese water dogs. There are three main types of mange: demodectic (which causes thinning but not complete baldness), sarcoptic (the most common variety which causes total alopecia), and canine African or tropical feline lyssavirus (which causes patchy hair loss).
Other symptoms associated with mange include intense itching that often leads to self-mutilation so keep an eye out for any injuries your dog might be causing themselves when scratching excessively. Redness may also appear around the ears, eyes, muzzle, and neck due to irritation caused by excessive scratching though this isn't always a symptom of all types of mange.
How Often Should I Bathe My Dog?
Generally speaking, dogs don't need to be bathed very often. Many breeds have naturally clean coats, and excessive bathing can strip their natural oils and create a host of other health problems. Plus, it's tough on your dog!
As such, we recommend bathing your dog no more than once or twice a month unless they get really dirty. And even then, use common sense when deciding whether or not it's necessary.
Choosing the best-medicated dog shampoo can be confusing at first. It's important to take into consideration your pet's skin type, coat condition, and any underlying health issues before selecting a product that will give them relief from their discomfort. Medicated shampoos typically contain ingredients such as salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide that help treat conditions such as dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, or bacterial and fungal infections without causing irritation to the skin. They come in many different formulations including regular, sensitive, oatmeal-based, and tear-free options so you can find one that suits your needs perfectly. Overall, there are plenty of great options out there for both dogs and cats looking for relief from their itchy skin woes!